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S2 E38 | Behind the Lens: Trop’s Journey into Video Production

Step behind the camera with Trop, the 24-year-old founder of Cinewave Films who’s rapidly making his mark on Tampa’s creative scene. What began with a basic Canon camera at age 17 has evolved into a thriving videography business specializing in music videos and performance content that stands out through distinctive lighting and creative direction.

Trop walks us through his fascinating creative evolution—from his early “Wet Snap” Instagram photography days and stint as DJ Tropical to the moment he recognized his Sony A6400 could become more than just a personal creative outlet. His entrepreneurial journey contains valuable lessons about charging what you’re worth (after learning firsthand that “cheap customers are the worst”), developing a signature style, and the power of filling knowledge gaps through self-education.

The conversation takes entertaining detours through Tampa’s evolving nightlife scene, with Trop sharing his recommendations from Urban 1701 to McDitton’s, while reminiscing about how Ybor City has changed over the years. Music lovers will appreciate his breakdown of favorite artists—from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug to Future, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar—sparking a wider discussion about hip-hop’s evolution from NWA to today’s stars.

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S2 E37 | Beyond Beauty: How Marandan Renea Built Her Empire

When Marandan Renea picked up a brush at age six, little did she know she was taking her first steps toward a dazzling career creating iconic looks for WWE superstars, New York Fashion Week models, and brides across the country. From getting her cosmetology license in high school to establishing a thriving “concierge beauty” empire, Marandan’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive world of beauty.

On this episode, Marandan pulls back the curtain on her fascinating work with WWE wrestlers like Jade Cargill, where her distinctive makeup designs (including that jaw-dropping symmetrical line down the face) have become part of wrestling history. She shares the adrenaline rush of transforming a performer’s entire look in just nine minutes backstage at Wrestlemania, proving that grace under pressure might be her greatest superpower.

But Marandan’s wisdom extends far beyond technique. She delivers candid insights about the business side of beauty – why bridesmaid drama is more common than bridezilla moments, how collaboration trumps gatekeeping for real success, and why genuine service must remain at the heart of even the most glamorous beauty brand. Her “I Touch Myself” series takes makeup beyond the surface, creating space for women to explore self-love and confidence beyond cosmetics.

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S2 E36 | Colin Biedenkapp with the Versatile Mind: Software, Music and Entrepreneurship

What happens when you combine technical brilliance with creative passion? Meet Colin Biedenkapp, a software engineering CEO who moonlights as a pianist and DJ while running a successful flight simulation company. This episode takes you on an unexpected journey through seemingly disconnected worlds that Colin navigates with remarkable fluidity.

Colin’s story begins in the isolation of rural upstate New York, where a 12-year-old with too much time and a computer discovered flight simulation. What started as simple file edits to improve existing simulators evolved organically into Invernix, a company now known for creating sophisticated aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator and infrastructure for virtual aviation communities. The serendipitous nature of his career path challenges conventional wisdom about planning and specialization.

The conversation shifts between technical discussions of flight physics and heartfelt reflections on musical expression. Colin reveals how he taught himself piano after being inspired by Billy Joel, overcoming performance anxiety to eventually become DJ Catching Lightning. His approach to music—balancing technical proficiency with emotional authenticity—mirrors his philosophy toward software development, where he values human creativity alongside technological advancement.

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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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