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S2 E23 – From Real Estate Association Mergers and Diversity Initiatives to Affordable Housing Challenges, Legal Risks, and HOA Oversight in Vibrant Tampa Markets

Discover how the transformative merger of three Realtor associations has shaped the Greater Tampa Bay Realtors into the sixth largest local association in the nation. With insights from Quan of the Tampa Bay Realtors Association, we unravel the motivations behind this strategic move aimed at reducing redundancy and enhancing efficiency. Explore the significance of distinguishing between Realtors and real estate agents, and the advantages of collaborating under the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Our candid conversation shifts to pressing issues such as affordable housing and the evolving real estate market. We scrutinize the complexities of international trade, tariff impacts, and the domestic struggles faced by the middle class. Highlighting partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, we also tackle challenges in accessing Section 8 housing and analyze the influence of rising rents, foreclosure rates, and out-of-state buyers in vibrant markets like Tampa.

Celebrating diversity within real estate, we spotlight the Real Estate for All Alliance, a pioneering initiative of Greater Tampa Realtors. This collaboration with five diversity organizations aims to foster equitable homeownership and representation. We emphasize the importance of sticking to core expertise, with realtors advised to defer to specialists in legal, insurance, and mortgage matters. Dive into the ethical and legal intricacies of real estate transactions, the crucial role of inspections, and the need for experienced leadership to navigate the shifting landscape of associations and HOAs.

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S2 E22 | Amanda Brown’s Captivating Journey: From Theatre Roots and Balancing Creative Passions to Navigating Post-COVID Auditions, AI in Storytelling, and the Future of Acting and Representation

From munchkin to main stage, actress Amanda Brown shares her extraordinary journey through the world of acting. Growing up with a love for theater, Amanda opens up about how early performances boosted her self-confidence and helped her navigate her identity during her teenage years. Despite familial pressure to pursue a healthcare degree, she stayed true to her passion for acting, balancing the demands of practical work while feeding her artistic side with acting classes. Amanda dives into the dual nature of pursuing a creative career, where artistic talent must meet business savvy, providing a roadmap for aspiring actors who are looking to break into the industry through student and indie film projects.

As we navigate the shifting landscape of auditions post-COVID, Amanda provides insights into the pros and cons of self-taped auditions versus traditional in-person auditions. Auditions are not the only challenge; aspiring actors must grapple with typecasting and the rising influence of AI in storytelling. Amanda’s own experiences and aspirations, like becoming a series regular while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, serve as a beacon for those looking to carve out a career in the ever-evolving entertainment world. We also explore the intriguing dynamics of working with an agent, emphasizing the strategy behind aligning talent with the right roles to enhance marketability.

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S2 E21 | From Civil War Medical Realities and Surgeon General Hammond’s Reforms to Battlefield Amputations, Opium Tales, and Prosthetic Innovations

Discover the untold stories of Civil War medicine with filmmaker and veteran Steve Hollingshead, as he shatters the romanticized war narratives of yesteryear. Prepare to be transported to the brutal and unsanitary battlefields where disease claimed more lives than bullets, and hometown doctors were suddenly thrust into roles for which they were woefully unprepared. Through Steve’s lens, explore the impact of Surgeon General Hammond’s sanitation reforms and how these changes slowly transformed the grim reality of wartime medical care.

Our journey through history uncovers bizarre and fascinating aspects of the Civil War era: from the bittersweet tales of laudanum, an opium-based painkiller, to the surprising role of brothels in maintaining public health in Washington, D.C. We discuss the brutal realities of battlefield surgeries, often performed without modern anesthesia, and the emergence of prosthetics as a symbol of both suffering and innovation. Steve shares captivating anecdotes, including the gritty details of battlefield amputations and the unexpected assistance of maggots in wound care.

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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!

E61 | Julie Magill's Transformative Mission: Tackling Education Reform, Exposing School Board Corruption, and Pioneering Real Estate Success

Fighting for Educational Integrity: A Deep Dive with Hillsborough County School Board Candidate Julie Magill

In our latest episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Magill, a real estate broker, general contractor, and now, a determined candidate for the Hillsborough County School Board. Julie’s journey from the world of real estate and construction to the heated arena of education reform is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of children and her commitment to transparency and accountability in the education system make her a candidate to watch in the upcoming election.

Julie’s Unexpected Path to the School Board

Julie’s candidacy was not something she initially planned. As a successful broker and contractor, her professional life was already demanding. However, her commitment to her family, particularly her grandchildren, sparked a new passion—improving the quality of public education. It all began when her husband encouraged her to attend a school board meeting after seeing a news report about controversial books in school libraries. What Julie encountered at that meeting set her on a path she never expected to take.

During our conversation, Julie explained how her frustration with the current state of public education, coupled with her desire to protect the innocence of young children, drove her to run for the school board. She’s not just another candidate; she’s a grandmother on a mission to ensure that the education system serves the best interests of the students and the community.

The Controversy of Inappropriate Books in Schools

One of the most pressing issues Julie has taken on is the presence of inappropriate, often pornographic, books in school libraries. Julie shared her deep concerns about the content being made available to children in public schools. She described instances where parents attempting to read excerpts from these books during school board meetings were silenced because the material was deemed too graphic for the public forum. The irony, of course, is that these same books are accessible to children in school libraries.

Julie is quick to clarify that her stance is not about banning books or stifling free speech. Instead, she advocates for common-sense measures to ensure that the content available in schools is age-appropriate and aligns with the values of the families the schools serve. She believes that the role of schools should be to educate, not to push social agendas or expose children to material that parents find objectionable.

Exposing Corruption and Mismanagement in Education

Julie’s campaign goes beyond addressing the curriculum; she’s also shining a light on corruption and financial mismanagement within the school system. During our discussion, Julie exposed some of the shocking realities of how education funds are being misused. She brought up the case of Just Elementary School, a facility that was closed due to under-enrollment only to be slated for a costly $70 million rebuild—a decision that Julie, with her background in construction, finds highly questionable.

Even more alarming are the allegations of school board members receiving kickbacks from bus companies. Julie pointed out that these underhanded dealings are not just rumors but have been reported in the news, yet they seem to have flown under the radar of public scrutiny. Julie’s commitment to conducting a forensic audit of the school budget to root out waste and fraud is central to her campaign. She believes that by reallocating funds to where they are genuinely needed—such as teacher salaries and classroom resources—Hillsborough County schools can provide a better education for all students.

Julie’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Ownership of PresidentTrump.com

Julie’s entrepreneurial background adds another layer to her candidacy. During the episode, she shared the story of how she came to own the domain PresidentTrump.com—a move that has brought her both threats and offers. Julie purchased the domain back in 2013 after seeing Donald Trump hint at a possible presidential run. Over the years, she’s turned the site into a hub of information and updates, attracting attention from all corners.

This story is a testament to Julie’s foresight and her ability to navigate complex situations—qualities that will serve her well on the school board. Her experience in real estate and construction has taught her to think strategically and act decisively, skills she intends to bring to the education sector.

A Vision for the Future: Vocational Schools and Community Involvement

Julie’s vision for Hillsborough County schools is forward-thinking and practical. She advocates for the establishment of more vocational schools to provide alternative career paths for students who may not be college-bound. Julie believes that every child should have the opportunity to succeed, whether through traditional academic routes or vocational training that prepares them for the workforce.

She also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education. Julie plans to regularly visit schools, engage with teachers and principals, and listen to the concerns of parents. She understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in education and that each school and community has unique needs.

Giving Back: Julie’s Commitment to Charity

In a move that further underscores her commitment to the community, Julie has pledged to donate her first-year salary as a school board member to a children’s charity in Tampa. She’s established the Manny Land’s Foundation for Children and Families, named in honor of a dear friend who recently passed away. This foundation will ensure that her salary goes directly to helping those in need, rather than benefiting her personally.

Julie’s decision to donate her salary is a powerful statement about her motives for running. She’s not in this for personal gain—she’s in it to make a difference. This selfless act is a clear indication that she’s serious about putting the needs of children first.

Engaging with the Community: A Call to Action

As the episode comes to a close, Julie encourages the community to get involved and make their voices heard. She believes that the future of Hillsborough County schools depends on active participation from parents, educators, and concerned citizens. Julie’s passion and dedication are evident in every word she speaks, and she hopes to inspire others to join her in the fight for better education.

Julie Magill is not just a candidate—she’s a champion for the people. Her campaign is built on transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the community. As election day approaches, we encourage all our listeners to learn more about Julie and consider supporting her in her bid for the school board.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze offers a compelling look at the challenges facing our education system and the bold steps needed to address them. Julie Magill’s insights are both eye-opening and inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of staying engaged in the issues that affect our communities.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of our schools, this episode is a must-listen. Julie’s passion for education reform, her fight against corruption, and her dedication to making a difference are qualities that set her apart as a candidate. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from someone who is truly committed to making a positive impact.

Call to Action

If you’re in Hillsborough County, remember to vote for Julie Magill on August 20th. To learn more about her campaign, visit her website and consider making a donation to support her efforts. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and our community.

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