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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!

E38 | Hector Sanchez's Odyssey: From Cuban Exodus to Healthcare Hero and Real Estate Visionary

Navigating Success: The Story of Hector Sanchez

In a world where the pursuit of the American Dream often collides with hard realities, Hector Sanchez stands out as a beacon of perseverance and adaptability. Born in Cuba and later moving to Miami, Hector’s journey is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the often turbulent waters of entrepreneurship in the United States.

Hector’s story, as detailed in a recent episode of the podcast hosted by Sean Febre and Manny Febre, unfolds a narrative that is both inspiring and instructive. With a background marked by challenges and opportunities alike, Hector moved from Cuba to Miami, where he delved into the intricacies of the American healthcare and real estate industries.

The Birth of a Mental Health Center

Hector’s entrepreneurial journey began in Miami, where, against the backdrop of a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and economic opportunities, he ventured into the healthcare sector. Identifying a gap in mental health services, Hector and his team set up a mental health center designed to offer support to those in need. However, the road was far from smooth. The center faced numerous hurdles, from bureaucratic red tape to the financial strains posed by Medicaid’s complex reimbursement processes. Yet, through sheer determination and strategic thinking, Hector navigated these challenges, establishing a center that served as a much-needed resource for the community.

A Test of Resilience: COVID-19 and Beyond

The advent of COVID-19 posed unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide, and Hector’s center was no exception. As the pandemic forced many enterprises to shut down, Hector’s center was deemed essential, allowing it to continue operations. This period highlighted the vital role of mental health services, especially during times of crisis. The center adapted quickly, leveraging telehealth to reach those confined to their homes, demonstrating the importance of flexibility and innovation in business.

Diversifying into Real Estate

Not one to rest on his laurels, Hector explored opportunities beyond healthcare, venturing into real estate. He shared insights into the world of real estate flipping, a venture that required a keen eye for potential and a willingness to take calculated risks. Through hard money loans and a network of reliable contractors, Hector undertook the arduous process of renovating properties, navigating the ups and downs of the real estate market with a strategic approach.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Hector’s story is more than just a narrative of personal success; it’s a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. It underscores the importance of resilience, the need for adaptability, and the value of hard work. His journey through the challenges of running a mental health center during a global pandemic, to flipping houses in a volatile real estate market, offers valuable lessons in navigating the complex landscape of American entrepreneurship.

The Road Ahead

As Hector looks to the future, his plans to franchise a physical therapy center speak to his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles and financial investments required, his unwavering resolve to bring his vision to fruition is evident.

Hector’s story, as shared on the podcast, is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often paved with challenges. Yet, with determination, flexibility, and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals, overcoming these obstacles is not just possible; it’s inevitable.

Final Thoughts

In the world of entrepreneurship, stories like Hector’s are both inspiring and educational. They provide a glimpse into the realities of starting and growing a business in today’s complex economic landscape. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hector’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.

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