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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!

E29 | Unlocking Life Beyond the Golden Handcuffs: Darryl James' Quest from Corporate Chains to Insurance Industry Crusader

Introduction:

Welcome to a special edition of the “Happy Hour Holidaze” podcast, hosted by the charismatic duo Sean & Manny Febre, with the lively Christian Pena as our co-host. Today, we delve into an empowering narrative featuring our guest, Darryl James, a public adjuster with Hunter Claims. Known as the modern-day Robin Hood of the insurance world, Darryl shares his transformative journey from the corporate grind to championing the rights of individuals against giant insurance companies.

The Corporate Grind to Public Adjusting:

Darryl’s story is one of courage and determination. For over two decades, he thrived in the corporate realm, committed and comfortable, yet feeling unfulfilled. He describes the pivotal moment when Hurricane Irma hit, compelling him to reassess his life’s direction. Darryl candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster and the sacrifices made while transitioning into the world of public adjusting – a world where he found his true calling in fighting for the underdog.

Demystifying the World of Insurance Claims:

In an industry riddled with complexities and underhanded tactics, Darryl stands as a beacon of knowledge and justice. He walks us through the intricacies of insurance policies, the common ploys used by companies to deny rightful claims, and the emotional toll it takes on homeowners. Through his expertise, listeners gain an insider’s perspective on navigating these murky waters and the critical role of public adjusters in advocating for fair settlements.

The Power of Resilience and Determination:

Darryl’s journey is not just a career transition; it’s a testament to resilience. He recounts real-life stories of people who, left in distress post-disaster, find hope and justice through Hunter Claims. These narratives aren’t merely transactional tales; they are deeply personal, highlighting the emotional and financial battles individuals face when their homes, the very essence of their security, are compromised.

Empowerment Through Knowledge:

One of the episode’s most compelling aspects is Darryl’s commitment to empowering homeowners. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s insurance policy, being proactive, and not shying away from fighting for what’s rightfully yours. He encourages listeners to be informed, prepared, and never to underestimate the power of having a public adjuster in your corner.

Conclusion:

As the episode wraps up, Darryl doesn’t just leave us with stories; he leaves us with a call to action. For those battling with insurance claims or those who simply want to be better prepared, he extends an invitation to reach out. His message is clear: You are not alone in this fight.

This episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” is more than just a podcast; it’s a journey into the heart of resilience, a guide on navigating the complex world of insurance, and a beacon of hope for those feeling overwhelmed by the system. Join Sean, Manny, Christian, and Darryl for this unforgettable episode as they raise a glass to empowerment, justice, and the unwavering human spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Your Policy: Know the ins and outs of your insurance policy. It’s your first line of defense.
2. The Role of Public Adjusters: Learn how public adjusters can advocate for you and why they’re vital in ensuring fair settlements.
3. Resilience in Adversity: Hear real stories of individuals who fought back against the odds and won.
4. Empowerment through Knowledge: Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the claims process confidently.

Tune in, be inspired, and remember: when it comes to standing up against giants, knowledge, resilience, and the right support can make all the difference. Cheers to new learnings and a future where no one has to fight alone.

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