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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!

E45 | Cliff's Chronicle: Crafting Tampa's Digital Buzz, Foodie Fame, and the Pursuit of Social Media Mastery

Navigating Tampa’s Digital Currents: A Deep Dive with Cliff Carithers on Happy Hour Holidaze

Welcome to another enthralling episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, where hosts Sean and Manny Febre explore the fascinating world of digital entrepreneurship with Cliff Carithers, the visionary behind TampaLatest. Episode 45 offers a vibrant mix of insightful business strategies, personal growth tales, and an insider’s look at Tampa’s bustling digital scene. Join us as we decode the secrets behind building a successful online presence in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities.

From Humble Beginnings to Digital Maverick

Cliff Carithers didn’t start with a roadmap to digital success. His journey began as a fresh-faced high school graduate, whose curiosity and drive plunged him into the complex world of SEO and digital marketing. Early in the episode, Cliff shares how his initial experiences working for a local SEO firm laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a thriving personal venture.

As he navigated through the initial challenges, Cliff’s breakthrough came from recognizing a niche for TampaLatest—a platform dedicated not just to highlighting the glossy side of Tampa but to broadcasting a genuine narrative of the city through social media. This approach not only differentiated him from the crowd but also created a loyal community base eager for authentic content.

The Art and Science of Engagement

One of the episode’s highlights is Cliff’s detailed discussion on the art of engaging content creation. He delves into the mechanics of what makes content shareable and engaging, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and strategic planning. Whether it’s highlighting a local business, covering an event, or sharing a piece of city news, Cliff’s approach is meticulous and data-driven, aimed at maximizing reach and engagement on social media platforms.

Sean and Manny probe into the specifics of how Cliff manages to keep his content fresh and relevant. Cliff reveals his strategy of balancing educational and entertaining content, which has been crucial in building and maintaining his audience. He also touches on the tools and technologies that aid his content creation, from scheduling tools to analytics software that helps track performance and engagement metrics.

Navigating Brand Partnerships and Growth

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to exploring Cliff’s partnerships with major brands like Busch Gardens and Red Bull. Here, Cliff provides a playbook on how budding digital entrepreneurs can attract and maintain fruitful collaborations. He stresses the importance of alignment in brand values and audience demographics, which ensures that partnerships resonate well with existing followers while attracting new ones.

Cliff’s narrative is a testament to the power of strategic growth and networking. His ability to leverage relationships into opportunities has seen TampaLatest become a pivotal part of Tampa’s digital and real-life communities. This segment is particularly enlightening for listeners interested in understanding the dynamics of brand partnerships and influencer marketing.

Ethics and the Future of Digital Influence

In an increasingly digital world, the ethical considerations of influence and content creation are more relevant than ever. Cliff and the hosts discuss the responsibilities that come with a large online following, including the impact of their content on public opinion and individual behavior. This part of the episode shifts to a more reflective tone, where Cliff shares his philosophy on transparency and integrity in digital communications.

Looking ahead, Cliff expresses his ambitions for TampaLatest, revealing plans to expand into real estate and other sectors. His vision for the platform encompasses a broader service offering, aiming to match Tampa residents and newcomers with ideal living situations through engaging, informative content.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Glasses Raised

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the key lessons from their discussion with Cliff. For aspiring digital marketers and entrepreneurs, Cliff’s story is a blueprint for thoughtful growth, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of staying true to one’s values.

Listeners are left with a mix of actionable business insights and a dose of inspiration, all served up in the convivial, relaxed atmosphere that Happy Hour Holidaze is known for. So, raise your glass to new learnings, a ripple of laughter, and the endless possibilities that await in the digital world.

Don’t forget to tune in next week for another episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, and in the meantime, follow us on all platforms for more episodes that blend business savvy with life’s lighter moments.

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