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S2 E32 | The Mental Game of Boxing: Stevie Morgan’s Path to Championship

The path to boxing greatness requires a level of sacrifice most people can’t comprehend. Lightweight fighter Stevie Morgan (15-2, 13 KOs) pulls no punches discussing what it really takes to succeed in professional boxing’s unforgiving world.

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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S2 E31 | Rob Goetz’s Torpedo Bats and Tush Pushes: Sports Talk with a Florida Business Owner

From battling addiction to five different substances to building a thriving flooring business with nearly 200 five-star Google reviews, Rob Goetz’s journey embodies resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As the owner of Paradise Flooring in Palm Harbor, Florida, Rob shares how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for both personal and professional transformation. After getting sober nearly twelve years ago, he built a company culture around reliability and quality—his core team of four employees are all sober, creating consistency in an industry often plagued by unreliability.

The conversation delves into Florida’s recovery from recent devastating hurricanes, where seven months later, many coastal residents still live in campers outside their damaged homes. Rob offers a firsthand perspective on the construction challenges and insurance complications affecting homeowners, including the FEMA 50-50 rule that’s forcing difficult rebuilding decisions.

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S2 E30 | Healing Meets Momentum: Crystian Martinez’s Journey

What happens when life suddenly changes your entire trajectory? Crystian Martinez knows this reality intimately. On his birthday episode, Crystian shares the harrowing story of fracturing his back in three places in 2020, resulting in partial paralysis of his right foot and ending his cherished firefighting career.

Rather than surrendering to despair, Crystian transformed this devastating setback into purpose by founding Inertia Medical Center, a holistic rehabilitation clinic specializing in helping accident victims. His philosophy—”where healing meets momentum”—emerged directly from his own struggle to adapt and thrive with physical limitations.

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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!

E55 | Chris Ellis's Collectible Chronicles: From Funko Pops to High-Stakes Trading Cards and Million-Dollar Hits

Can Card Collecting Become More Than Just a Hobby? Featuring Chris Ellis

Welcome to another exciting episode of Happy Hour Holidaze! In this episode, hosts Sean and Manny Febre dive deep into the fascinating world of trading cards with special guest Chris Ellis, co-owner of Funko Chases. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the potential of this unique hobby, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and firsthand stories that will captivate you.

Introduction to Chris Ellis:

The episode kicks off with a warm welcome to Chris Ellis, a web developer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Funko Chases. Chris shares his journey from collecting Funko Pops to diving into the lucrative world of trading cards. Discover how his passion for sports memorabilia transformed into a profitable business venture.

The Basics of Card Collecting:

Sean and Manny explore the fundamentals of card collecting with Chris. They discuss the differences between PSA graded cards and raw cards, highlighting the importance of grading in determining a card’s value. Chris explains the various types of cards, from base cards to rookie inserts and the intriguing world of numbered and jersey-matched cards.

Navigating the Business Side:

Delve into the complexities of the trading card market. Chris shares his strategies for staying ahead in this competitive industry. Learn about the hustle involved in sourcing cards, from battling other collectors at retail giants like Walmart and Target to understanding the volatile pricing of blaster boxes. Chris offers a behind-the-scenes look at the effort required to turn a profit in this market.

The Thrill of the Chase:

Experience the excitement of cracking open card boxes and the potential high returns that come with savvy collecting. Chris recounts the thrill of finding rare hits like a one-of-one CJ Stroud card and the million-dollar bounty for a Wemba Nyama basketball card. This segment captures the essence of the chase that drives many collectors.

Understanding Card Value:

Chris breaks down the factors that influence a card’s value. From jersey matches and bookends to autograph certification and grading, he provides valuable insights into what makes certain cards more desirable. Learn about the role of grading companies like PSA in ensuring memorabilia authenticity and how this impacts resale value.

Case Hits and High-Stakes Investments:

Explore the concept of case hits and the significance of purchasing entire cases rather than individual boxes. Chris explains the guaranteed high-value cards in case hits and how they can significantly impact profitability. He shares real-life examples of valuable case hits and offers advice on navigating these high-stakes investments.

Challenges and Rewards:

Understand the risks and rewards associated with card collecting. Chris discusses the potential for hitting big with valuable cards as well as the possibility of ending up with less desirable pulls. This segment provides a balanced view of the hobby, emphasizing the importance of calculated risks and informed decisions.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Strategies:

Sean and Manny discuss different approaches to card collecting, comparing short-term flipping with long-term holding strategies. Chris offers his perspective on building a diverse collection and the potential benefits of holding onto cards for future value. This discussion highlights the various ways collectors can approach their investments.

Autographs and Certification:

Learn about the nuances of autograph certification and the impact on a card’s value. Chris explains the process of grading autographs separately from the cards themselves and the importance of ensuring authenticity. This segment provides valuable information for collectors looking to enhance their collections with signed memorabilia.

Audience Q&A:

Sean and Manny address questions from the audience, covering topics such as the most valuable cards in Chris’s collection, the challenges of maintaining a profitable card business, and advice for new collectors entering the market. This interactive segment adds a personal touch to the episode, connecting with listeners and providing tailored insights.

Closing Thoughts:

The episode wraps up with final thoughts from Sean, Manny, and Chris. They reflect on the excitement and challenges of card collecting, offering encouragement and advice for aspiring collectors. Chris shares his passion for the hobby and his hopes for the future of Funko Chases.

Conclusion:

Tune in to this episode of *Happy Hour Holidaze* for an in-depth look at the world of trading cards. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply curious about the hobby, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting episodes!

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting us by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram and all major social media channels for updates and behind-the-scenes content. And don’t forget to vote for us for Best of the Bay!

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