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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!

E57 | Amber Fields' Inspiring Journey: From Instagram Modeling to UFC Ring Girl, Real Estate Ventures, and Boxing for a Cause

From Small-Town Girl to Boxing Sensation: The Inspiring Journey of Amber Fields

Welcome to another episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, where hosts Sean and Manny Febre dive deep into the worlds of entrepreneurship, business insights, and unfiltered joy. Episode 57 features Amber Fields, a dynamic social influencer and rising star in the boxing world. In this episode, Amber shares her remarkable journey from Lakeland, Florida, to the sports industry’s limelight, offering insights into her multifaceted career and personal life.

The Early Years: Humble Beginnings in Lakeland

Amber opens up about her early life in Lakeland, Florida. Growing up in a small town, Amber always knew she was destined for greatness. From a young age, she aspired to be on TV and become a superstar. Despite facing small-town gossip and challenges, Amber’s determination never wavered. She began her career in Instagram modeling before it became mainstream, quickly gaining popularity. Amber’s initial foray into local ring girl gigs set the stage for her current success in the boxing world.

Real Estate Ventures: A Family Affair

Amber’s journey into real estate began at a young age, heavily influenced by her family’s deep roots in the industry. Her father, a commercial contractor and house flipper, introduced her to the world of real estate. At just 20 years old, Amber bought her first house for $20,000, marking the start of her real estate ventures. She shares her experiences with investing in condemned homes, Section 8 housing, mobile homes, and condos. Amber recounts the satisfaction of turning a profit on her first flip and discusses her ongoing projects, including building an apartment in her backyard and acquiring land in Webster for future development.

Event Planning: The Birth of AL Live Events

Amber’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore event planning. Her experience working at the Ritz in Tampa inspired her to start her own event company, AL Live Events. From country concerts to potentially hosting her own boxing events, Amber’s knack for organizing successful events is evident. She highlights her collaboration with Bartow Ford and the annual Concert on the Lot, showcasing her ability to bring creative ideas to life.

The Boxing Journey: From Ring Girl to Professional Boxer

Amber’s transition from a UFC ring girl to a professional boxer is nothing short of inspiring. She talks about her rigorous training regimen, the importance of mental coaching, and her experiences sparring with both men and women. Amber emphasizes the significance of her social media following in opening doors within the boxing community. She is set to compete in her first professional boxing match against Leah Gotti on August 10th, marking a significant milestone in her boxing career.

Charity and Motivation: Fighting for a Cause

Amber’s passion for boxing is fueled by a noble cause – her nephew’s battle with leukemia. She plans to donate 100% of her fight earnings to the Children’s Cancer Center, highlighting her commitment to making a difference. Amber’s dedication to her family and her nephew’s strength serve as her primary motivation, pushing her to excel in her training and in the ring.

Personal Interests: Beyond Boxing and Real Estate

Beyond her professional pursuits, Amber shares her love for free diving, car flipping, and spending time in nature. Her adventurous spirit and appreciation for the tranquility of the ocean reflect her well-rounded personality. Amber recounts her free diving experiences, including her ability to dive 60 feet without oxygen, showcasing her fearless and determined nature.

Social Media and Business Ventures: Leveraging Influence

Amber candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of leveraging her social media following for business opportunities. She touches on the importance of authenticity and aligning with brands that resonate with her values. Amber shares her aspirations for future business ventures, including commercial real estate and tech innovations. One notable idea involves using AI to streamline data entry in shipping logistics, highlighting her innovative thinking and business acumen.

Closing Thoughts: An Inspirational Message

As the episode concludes, Amber leaves the audience with a powerful message about the importance of kindness and leading with love. She emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with supportive people and the impact of helping others. Amber’s journey from a small-town girl to a multifaceted entrepreneur and boxer is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in herself.

Join the Conversation

Tune in to this exhilarating episode of Happy Hour Holidaze and join Sean and Manny Febre as they uncover the layers of Amber Fields’ incredible journey. Whether you’re a fan of boxing, real estate, or entrepreneurial stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and valuable insights.

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