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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!

E41 | Uncle Eddie Riverol's Saga: From Cuba's Revolution to Manufacturing Maverick, Politics and Prosperity

Unveiling the Layers of Success and Wisdom with Eddie Riverol on Happy Hour Holidays

Welcome back to the Happy Hour Holidays blog, where we dive deep into the stories that shape us, the wisdom that guides us, and the laughter that keeps us going. In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Eddie Riverol, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich tapestry of life experiences spanning from the vibrant streets of Cuba to the bustling business world of the United States.

Eddie’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and the enduring pursuit of the American Dream. Born in Cuba, Eddie navigated the complexities of immigrating to the U.S., adapting to a new culture while preserving his heritage. His stories, infused with the ethos of hard work and perseverance, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Navigating Business with Eddie Riverol

Eddie’s insight into the world of manufacturing and entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspirational. He walks us through the intricacies of creating a product, highlighting the critical importance of market understanding and inventory management. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is a treasure trove of wisdom, emphasizing persistence, direct customer engagement, and the necessity of innovation.

But Eddie’s narrative extends beyond the confines of business. He shares poignant reflections on life, relationships, and the essence of living with purpose. His philosophy is simple yet profound: keep God in your life, treat others with respect, and steer clear of ideologies that prioritize control over freedom.

A Journey Through Cultures, Politics, and Life Lessons

Our conversation with Eddie takes many turns, exploring his views on politics, the pitfalls of socialism and communism, and the value of learning from history. His firsthand experiences offer a unique perspective on current societal dynamics, serving as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for future generations.

Eddie also opens up about his favorite travel destinations, cultural nuances, and the simple joys of life that keep him grounded. From the serene beauty of the Cayman Islands to the modern marvels of Tokyo, Eddie’s travel stories are a reminder of the vast, beautiful world that awaits us beyond our immediate surroundings.

The Essence of Happy Hour Holidays: Connection, Reflection, and Inspiration

This episode of Happy Hour Holidays is more than just a conversation; it’s an exploration of what it means to live fully, to embrace our pasts while forging ahead with optimism and courage. Eddie Riverol’s story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone standing at the crossroads of life, entrepreneurship, or seeking a deeper understanding of the world.

As we shared laughs, delved into deep discussions, and uncovered the layers of Eddie’s extraordinary life, it became clear that this episode is a reflection of what Happy Hour Holidays stands for: connecting with one another through stories that inspire, challenge, and uplift us.

We invite you to join us in this journey. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let the wisdom, laughter, and stories of Eddie Riverol inspire you to chase your dreams, honor your heritage, and live life to its fullest potential. Because at the end of the day, it’s these moments of connection and reflection that make life truly worth living.

Dive into the episode, explore the nuances of entrepreneurship, the beauty of life’s journey, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Eddie’s story is a reminder that no matter where we come from, the dreams we chase, or the challenges we face, there’s always a way forward, guided by the lessons of our past and the hope for a brighter future.

Happy Hour Holidays is not just a podcast; it’s a community where every story matters, every lesson counts, and every laughter brings us closer. Join us on this journey, and let’s celebrate the holidays of life, one story at a time.

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