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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!

E47 | Garrett Greco's Tampa Tales: From College Vibes to Real Estate Triumphs and the Quest for a Legacy

Garrett Greco’s Inspiring Journey: From Collegiate Fun to Real Estate Mastery

In the latest episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosts Sean and Manny Febre sit down with Tampa Bay’s own real estate virtuoso, Garrett Greco. Greco, known not just for his mastery in real estate but also for his deep familial ties to the city’s political scene, shares his journey from carefree college days to becoming a linchpin in the local real estate market.

Early Beginnings and Familial Influence

Garrett’s story is deeply woven with the fabric of Tampa itself. Born into a family renowned for their political involvement—his grandfather was a four-term mayor and his father a long-standing judge—Garrett’s narrative is punctuated with a profound sense of place and duty. During our conversation, he reminisces about his youth, highlighting how his familial legacy has bestowed upon him a unique perspective on business and community.

Garrett attended Florida State University, initially drawn by the vibrant college sports scene and the freedom college life offered. However, his direction shifted significantly after college, driven by a realization of the opportunities that real estate presented and a desire to do more than just participate in the family tradition of public service.

The Leap into Real Estate

Garrett candidly shares the pivotal moments that steered him toward real estate—a sector his mother had thrived in. His transition from employment to entrepreneurship is a tale of risk and reward, marked by his first nerve-wracking property flip and the strategic growth of his brokerage firm in Tampa and Sarasota. Garrett’s story is not just about financial gain but also about creating a community impact and building a sustainable business that contributes to the city’s development.

Strategic Insights and Building a Legacy

What sets this episode apart is Garrett’s detailed sharing of strategic business moves and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the challenges of starting a brokerage, the dynamics of building a client base, and the importance of understanding market trends to make informed investment decisions.

Garrett also delves into the concept of legacy—not just the financial legacy of his business ventures, but the social impact he hopes to achieve through his work. His aim to blend business success with genuine community enhancement is both inspiring and instructive for anyone looking to make a mark in their industry.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

No entrepreneurial journey is without its hurdles, and Garrett is open about the setbacks he faced. From economic downturns to navigating complex property deals, his resilience and ability to adapt have been tested time and again. Yet, his outlook remains overwhelmingly positive, focusing on future projects and opportunities for growth.

Looking ahead, Garrett discusses his plans to expand his real estate footprint, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s values and vision. His focus on not just building buildings, but also building lives and community spaces, is particularly poignant.

Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze offers more than just a look into the life of a successful real estate developer; it serves as a blueprint for anyone aspiring to make their mark in any competitive field. Garrett’s journey underscores the importance of grounding business ambitions in personal values and community needs.

Listeners will walk away with not only a deep appreciation for what it takes to succeed in real estate but also practical strategies and personal anecdotes that underscore the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and community engagement. Join Sean and Manny Febre as they toast to Garrett’s ongoing journey and the invaluable lessons shared in this not-to-be-missed episode.

Don’t forget to follow and tune in to Happy Hour Holidaze for more engaging stories that blend business acumen with real-life wisdom and fun. Cheers to your next adventure in learning and entrepreneurship!

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