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S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today’s Market with Manny Manna

Cutting through the noise of real estate misinformation, Manny Manna—a successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development, private equity, and lending—delivers an eye-opening assessment of today’s housing market that both novice buyers and seasoned investors need to hear.

The conversation dives deep into how social media “experts” are spreading dangerous misinformation about real estate for clicks and views, while lacking the credentials and continuing education that would validate their advice. Manny shares his professional insights on why macroeconomic factors beyond interest rates—including tariffs on building materials, logistical challenges, and policy decisions—are shaping housing affordability in ways many commentators miss.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that 68% of properties in Hillsborough County are investor-owned, pushing Tampa into the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness and housing insecurity despite its economic growth. This stark contradiction between prosperity and social challenges raises profound questions about community development priorities.

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S2 E34 | Artistry Unleashed with Shi: From Songwriting at Five to Finding Her Voice

Enter the vibrant world of Artishi – a dynamic force in Tampa Bay’s creative scene who’s redefining what it means to be authentically yourself as an artist. In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a multi-talented creator who’s been crafting words and melodies since the tender age of five.

Artishy reveals the fascinating story behind her podcast “Shi Speaks” and her mission to create what she calls “safe spaces to fix your face” – environments where people can be vulnerable, grow, and transform without judgment. Her concept of “goal friends” – supportive circles that celebrate your wins rather than competing with them – provides a refreshing perspective on building meaningful relationships in creative industries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Artishi performs snippets of her songs “Soon” and “We Swinging,” demonstrating her versatile musical style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with contemporary sensibilities. Her track “We Swinging” carries a powerful message beneath its catchy exterior: “As long as you’re up to bat, they can never count you out” – a mantra for perseverance that resonates throughout her work.

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S2 E33 | Alex Delgado Beyond the Uniform: A Marine’s Journey Through Entrepreneurship

What separates those who dream from those who do? Alex Delgado’s remarkable journey from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur reveals that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from each experience to fuel your next venture.

The serial entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and author of “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances” takes us through his fascinating career trajectory, beginning with a doomed hip-hop clothing store in Miami. Rather than being discouraged when competing with vendors selling stolen merchandise from car trunks, Delgado extracted a valuable insight about advertising from the experience that led to his next business: marine advertising with inflatable billboards towed along Miami’s beaches. This venture flourished, attracting major clients including Miller Coors, Red Bull, and international DJs.

Throughout the conversation, Delgado reveals how military discipline shaped his approach to both business and life. While many might find balancing active Marine duty with entrepreneurship impossible, he simultaneously pursued multiple degrees—eventually earning his MBA—while launching businesses. This commitment to continuous growth reaches far beyond professional pursuits, as evidenced by his dedication to marathon running and community building through the newly-formed Oldsmar Running Club.
Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan’s athletic journey began with track and basketball before transitioning to boxing after wandering into a gym and being inspired by a young female fighter. Despite starting at the relatively late age of 28, her natural competitive fire quickly propelled her through the amateur ranks to become #3 in the country before turning professional.

Coach Moniette, her trainer and manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of boxing. He made Morgan study for a full year before her second amateur fight, ensuring she understood the sport’s dangers—including the approximately 13 fighters who die annually in the ring. This sobering perspective shapes their approach: “You’re not just training to win; you’re training to kill… and be willing to die.”

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Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E26 | Juggling Laughter and Leadership: Law Smith’s Multifaceted Journey from Stand-Up Comedy to Fractional CMO

Introduction:

In the latest episode of ‘Happy Hour Holidays’, we had the pleasure of hosting Law Smith, an entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, and tech enthusiast. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of business dynamics, personal development, and the power of humor in professional settings. Law Smith brings a unique perspective, combining his business acumen with his experience in stand-up comedy, to discuss various topics ranging from ego and empathy in business partnerships to the role of AI in today’s digital landscape.

Ego-Empathy Dynamics in Business:

Law Smith opened the conversation with an intriguing discussion about an ego-empathy chart, a tool he utilized to better understand business relationships. He shared his insights on how varying levels of ego and empathy can impact business dynamics, particularly in his partnership where the balance of these traits has contributed to their success. This segment is particularly enlightening for entrepreneurs looking to understand interpersonal dynamics in business.

The Intersection of Humor and Business:

As a stand-up comedian, Law Smith skillfully intertwines humor with serious business discussions. He emphasized how humor can be a powerful tool in business, not just as a means of entertainment but as a way to connect with clients and colleagues. Smith’s anecdotes and personal experiences provided valuable lessons on using humor to navigate the often-stressful world of business.

Embracing Technology and AI:

Law Smith delved into the role of technology in business, with a specific focus on the rise of AI. He highlighted how AI is revolutionizing marketing and customer engagement, sharing practical tips for businesses looking to integrate these technologies into their strategies. His expertise in this area provided listeners with a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of adopting new tech trends.

Personal Development and Life Lessons:

Throughout the episode, Law Smith shared personal stories that underscored the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. He spoke candidly about his journey, including the challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way. His reflections on personal development, especially his advice to his younger self, resonated deeply, offering listeners valuable insights into the importance of pursuing one’s passions and staying true to oneself.

The Power of Podcasting:

Law Smith and the hosts, Manny & Sean Febre, also explored the world of podcasting. They discussed the impact of podcasting on both hosts and guests, the importance of engaging content, and the growth of this medium as a tool for sharing knowledge and experiences. This segment is especially beneficial for aspiring podcasters or businesses considering podcasting as a medium for reaching their audience.

Conclusion:

This episode with Law Smith was a masterclass in blending humor with serious business and personal development discussions. His insights on ego-empathy dynamics, the use of humor in business, embracing AI and technology, and personal growth provided listeners with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. ‘Happy Hour Holidays’ continues to bring diverse and engaging content to its audience, and this episode with Law Smith is a testament to that commitment.

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