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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!

E34 | Leaping to Livelihood: Jonathan Ruiz's Odyssey from Reality TV Warrior to Tampa Bay Real Estate Guide

Introduction

In the latest episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Sean and Manny Febre invite us into the thrilling world of Jonathan Ruiz, a man whose adventures stretch from the challenging obstacle courses of “American Ninja Warrior” to the wild terrains of Fiji in “Fight to Survive.” This episode is not just a conversation; it’s an expedition through the life of an individual who embodies resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

From Backyard Challenges to National Television

Jonathan’s journey into the spotlight began with a simple yet profound declaration: “I could do this.” Watching “American Ninja Warrior” sparked not just interest but action, leading him to construct his obstacle course and train relentlessly. His dedication paid off, propelling him onto the show and subsequent others like “Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge” and “Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge.” Jonathan’s recounting of these experiences offers listeners a glimpse into the mindset required to not just participate but excel in these grueling competitions. It’s a testament to the power of determination and the physical and mental stamina needed to stand out among tens of thousands of applicants.

Survival in the Wilds of Fiji

However, Jonathan’s tale takes a turn from the man-made obstacles of television sets to the unpredictable challenges of nature in “Fight to Survive.” Stranded in Fiji, Jonathan faced not just physical but profound psychological battles. His story of survival—of starvation, strategic alliances, and the raw human will to persevere—is riveting. It’s a raw, unfiltered look into what it means to push oneself beyond limits, to confront the very essence of survival and resilience. This segment of the episode is not just storytelling; it’s an inspiring reflection on human strength and vulnerability.

A Love Letter to Tampa Bay

Transitioning from tales of extreme competition and survival, Jonathan shares his love for Tampa Bay, painting a vibrant picture of the city he calls home. His dual expertise as a survivor and a real estate sage offers listeners unique insights into the city’s hidden gems, from kayaking through mangrove tunnels to exploring the urban pulse of the Tampa Riverwalk. Jonathan’s passion for Tampa Bay transcends mere geography; it’s a celebration of community, a guide to the city’s best-kept secrets, and a testament to finding one’s place in the world.

The Essence of “Happy Hour Holidaze”

What sets this episode apart is how seamlessly it integrates the essence of “Happy Hour Holidaze.” Sean and Manny have crafted a platform that turns the traditional podcast experience on its head, blending humor, wisdom, and the art of storytelling into an unforgettable narrative. Jonathan’s journey from an obstacle course aficionado to a real estate expert and city enthusiast encapsulates the show’s mission: to share stories of innovation, struggle, and triumph.

A Toast to Resilience and Adventure

This episode is a reminder of the incredible capacity for resilience and the importance of embracing every chapter of one’s story. Jonathan Ruiz’s journey encourages us to face challenges head-on, whether scaling a warped wall, surviving in the wild, or navigating the complexities of real estate in a bustling city. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, a call to adventure, and a testament to the unpredictable, exhilarating journey of life.

So, raise your glass to “Happy Hour Holidaze” and the extraordinary story of Jonathan Ruiz. Here’s to the adventurers, the dreamers, and everyone in between who dares to leap, to strive, and to live fully. Cheers to new learnings, a ripple of laughter, and insightful evenings with Sean, Manny, and their inspiring guests.

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