Recent Post

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.”

Read More »

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!

E52 | Ben Stranzl's Bold Choices: Golf Triumphs, Non-Compete Confessions, and America's Economic Quandaries

Happy Hour Holidaze Episode 52: Priorities and Perspectives with Ben Stranzl

Welcome back to another riveting episode of Happy Hour Holidaze! In Episode 52, our dynamic hosts Sean and Manny Febre sit down with the insightful and entertaining Ben Stranzl. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through personal anecdotes, legal insights, health debates, and political discussions, all delivered with the trademark humor and camaraderie that Happy Hour Holidaze is known for. Whether you’re a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode promises to engage, inform, and entertain.

Golf Banter and Personal Mishaps

The episode kicks off with a lively introduction from Manny, who, despite being a bit under the weather from a recent car accident, brings his usual energy and humor to the table. The hosts dive right into some hilarious golf banter. Manny shares his frustration over a recent golf defeat at the hands of Sean and Ben, setting the stage for a conversation filled with friendly jabs and laughter. Ben recounts his latest golf triumph and the questionable decision that followed—buying a new putter over groceries. This light-hearted start perfectly sets the tone for the engaging discussions to follow.

Non-Compete Agreements and Small Businesses

Ben, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in small business law, delves into the Federal Trade Commission’s latest stance on non-compete agreements. He explains how this decision could impact small businesses, particularly in Florida, drawing fascinating comparisons between these regulations and the varying state and federal marijuana laws. Ben’s insights shed light on the complexities of these legal issues, providing listeners with valuable knowledge on how these changes might affect their own businesses.

Health and Financial Debates

The conversation then transitions to some of the most debated health and financial topics of our time. Ever wondered about the long-term effects of vaping or the intricacies behind COVID vaccines? The trio dives deep into these issues, discussing personal hesitations about vaccinating children and sharing their pandemic experiences. On the financial front, they explore creative solutions for the national debt, such as leveraging cryptocurrency and legalizing marijuana. The discussion on inflation and the rising cost of living is particularly poignant, as they question the true motives behind sending financial aid to countries like Ukraine.

Education System and Military Discipline

Reflecting on the societal implications of our current education system, Sean, Manny, and Ben explore whether the system is still effective in preparing students for real-life challenges. Ben, raised by two teachers, offers a unique perspective on the evolving needs of education and the potential benefits of military discipline for youth. They discuss the merits of military service compared to other career paths and the broader impact of these choices on society. This segment is especially relevant for parents and educators looking to understand the current educational landscape.

Political Landscape and Trump’s Potential Return

The hosts and Ben speculate on Trump’s potential return to office and what it could mean for the country. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having businessmen versus lifelong politicians in power, weighing the ability to get things done amidst political division. The episode also touches on the broader implications of political weaponization and the impact of lifetime terms in Congress. This discussion is timely and thought-provoking, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the current political climate.

US Open Golf Predictions

For the golf enthusiasts, the episode includes a spirited analysis of the upcoming US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Sean, Manny, and Ben share their top picks, including players like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and Rory McIlroy. They provide an in-depth discussion on the course and player strategies, adding an exciting sports angle to the episode. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the sport, this segment is sure to captivate your interest.

Trusts vs. Wills: Legal Insights

Ben shares his legal expertise on the often confusing topic of trusts versus wills. He explains the differences between the two, the benefits of each, and how to decide which might be best for your situation. This segment is invaluable for anyone looking to understand estate planning better and ensure their assets are managed according to their wishes.

Closing Thoughts and Life Lessons

As the episode winds down, Ben leaves the audience with some motivational words, emphasizing the importance of not taking life too seriously and making the most of every day. Sean and Manny remind listeners to spend wisely, enjoy the moments, and keep the laughter flowing. Their closing thoughts are a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt advice, encapsulating the spirit of Happy Hour Holidaze.

Subscribe and Follow

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Follow us on Instagram for Friday features and the best clips from our episodes. Tune in to Happy Hour Holidaze for more enlightening conversations, hilarious anecdotes, and insights that blend business acumen with spontaneous entertainment.

Join Sean and Manny for an episode that’s as enriching as it is delightfully unpredictable. Cheers to new learnings, a ripple of laughter, and insightful evenings!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email