From Marine Corps to Entrepreneurial Success: The Inspiring Journey of Alex Delgado on Happy Hour Holidaze
Are you ready for a dose of motivation, laughter, and game-changing insights? In this high-energy episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosts Manny Febre and Sean Febre welcome a special guest who has carved an extraordinary path from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author. Meet Alex Delgado, the powerhouse behind the transformative self-help book “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances,” a flourishing laser hair removal business, and a growing running club in Oldsmar, Florida.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into Alex’s riveting backstory, the lessons he learned while balancing active duty with new ventures, and how his unshakable faith propelled him forward—even in the face of personal tragedy. Pull up a chair, grab a beverage, and get ready for an in-depth ride through the captivating highlights of Happy Hour Holidaze Season 2, Episode 33!
Meet the Hosts: Manny and Sean Febre
Happy Hour Holidaze is the brainchild of brothers Manny Febre and Sean Febre—two dynamic hosts who blend humor and serious insight in every conversation. Their focus is on spotlighting entrepreneurship, cutting-edge business strategies, and personal triumphs. Guests from all walks of life grace the podcast, turning sober business talk into an upbeat, revelatory experience. Manny and Sean’s infectious energy, street-smart questions, and genuine curiosity set the stage for candid dialogues that uplift, educate, and entertain.
Introducing Alex Delgado
This episode’s guest, Alex Delgado, commands attention from the outset. Hailing from Miami, with Cuban roots, Alex chose a less-traveled road in life:
Alex’s resume is as varied as it is impressive. Over the years, he’s founded multiple businesses—some wildly successful and others less so but equally instructive. As he tells Manny and Sean, setbacks can become catalysts for growth. He encapsulates his philosophy in “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances,” guiding others to align core life pillars for optimal success.
A Glimpse into Alex’s Childhood and Military Ambitions
Alex’s story begins with a typical Cuban-American upbringing in Miami. Growing up, he was drawn to the Marine Corps from an early age, first encountering its culture through a youth program called “Young Marines.” Despite his parents’ initial apprehension—common in many Latino families—Alex enlisted at the age of 18. He viewed the Marine Corps as both a dream fulfilled and a stepping stone to further education and accomplishment.
Marine Corps training demands unparalleled discipline. This foundation would shape his future approach to business, family, and personal development. Stationed in Hawaii, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and eventually stationed stateside, Alex adapted to continuous change. Even as a young Marine, he had the foresight to plan his next steps, leveraging military benefits to fund his education.
From Marine Corps to Miami Entrepreneurship
Between deployments, Alex found himself stationed in Miami—his home turf. Juggling active duty with side hustles was no small feat. Yet he ventured into his very first business, a hip-hop clothing store located near a barbershop frequented by local celebrities. Though the store ultimately failed—due to stiff competition (some of which sold stolen goods out of car trunks)—Alex gleaned a crucial insight about advertising, planting the seed for his next, more innovative venture.
Facing Failure and Bouncing Back
For many, a failed business might be the end of their entrepreneurial dreams, but Alex saw it differently. The collapse of the hip-hop clothing store underscored the importance of leveraging smart, attention-grabbing advertising. Rather than lamenting the loss, he internalized the lesson and moved on.
According to Alex, “Every time I’ve had a wacky idea, if it didn’t work out, it opened the door to another opportunity.” This mindset reappears throughout his life story, proving that taking calculated risks—and even failing—is often essential for unlocking future success.
Finding Success in Advertising and Beyond
Inspired by the inefficiencies he witnessed in retail, Alex latched onto a new concept: Marine Advertising. He purchased inflatable billboards that could be towed along Miami’s sunny beaches, leveraging the city’s constant stream of tourists and partygoers. Major brands like Miller Coors, Red Bull, and top DJs from the Ultra Music Festival became his clients, eager for a share of Florida’s white-hot marketing spotlight.
For a time, the business soared. Alex’s father captained the boat, towing towering billboards up and down the coastline. Still on active duty, Alex supervised operations, proving that a full-time military commitment need not negate entrepreneurial endeavors.
Eventually, the rise of advanced digital billboards on boats and planes overshadowed his conventional inflatable versions, pushing Alex to pivot once again. Each transition sharpened his leadership, strategic thinking, and financial management.
The Profound Impact of Faith and Family
Family is a cornerstone in Alex’s journey. A reconnection with his high-school sweetheart, subsequent marriage, and fatherhood introduced new priorities. However, one of the most life-altering events came when Alex was stationed in Detroit after leaving active duty. There, he reconciled with his estranged brother—only to lose him a short time later.
This personal tragedy highlighted the fragility of life. Alex views the chain of events that led him to Detroit as divine intervention: “Everything is counted, every hair on our head is counted.” Despite the pain, the experience fortified his faith, reminding him of the deeper purpose behind each decision and urging others to prioritize meaningful relationships.
The Four Fs: A Blueprint for Self-Mastery
Alex’s book, “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances,” is more than a motivational monologue. It is a strategic framework for balanced living:
Faith – Prioritizing a spiritual foundation or a guiding principle. For Alex, daily prayer sets the tone each morning.
Family – Fostering healthy, authentic relationships with loved ones. Without family, success can feel hollow.
Fitness – Maintaining physical health via consistent exercise and nutrition. Alex runs marathons and advocates active lifestyles.
Finances – Building a stable financial future. Whether through investing, entrepreneurship, or prudent money management, resources support the other three pillars.
Alex created the book to inspire people to move beyond comfort zones. It also serves as a launchpad for his future as a motivational speaker, fueling the call to help individuals conquer personal and professional plateaus.
Transition into Health Care Leadership
After leaving active duty, Alex’s civilian career path steered him into healthcare management. He accepted a role as a general manager overseeing dialysis clinics and other medical facilities, applying leadership, strategic planning, and strong operational rigor—qualities he honed in the Marine Corps. Alex stresses that while his background was not in nursing or medicine, his core strengths lay in orchestrating teams to achieve high-level objectives.
Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal: Building a Business in Oldsmar
Entrepreneurial ventures continued after the billboard enterprise. Teaming up with his wife, Alex co-founded Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal in Oldsmar, Florida. The decision sprang from his wife’s passion for laser hair removal and experience with the top-of-the-line Alma Soprano laser. Recognizing a market opportunity, they opened the doors in a Salon Lofts suite, offering hair-removal services for men and women alike.
The success of Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal demonstrates the couple’s knack for targeted outreach and authentic networking. By partnering with Tampa Bay cheerleaders, local sports teams, and well-known community influencers, business soared. Alex credits his wife’s ability to step out of her comfort zone, form meaningful connections, and foster an environment of trust for their clientele.
Running, Fitness, and the Oldsmar Running Club
Running isn’t just a pastime for Alex; it’s a core component of his daily life. From half marathons in Nashville to full marathons including the Clearwater Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon, Alex cherishes running as a form of self-reflection and stress relief.
Building on this passion, he recently launched the Oldsmar Running Club. The vision is simple: bring people together for weekly runs, socializing, and community-building. Eventually, Alex aims to partner with local establishments—breweries, restaurants, and other businesses—to host group runs that culminate in casual networking sessions. Proceeds from specific events may support local charities, such as Oldsmar Cares. In Alex’s words, “We’re in a connected world but we’re so disconnected… Let’s get people out, get them active, and interacting in real life.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Throughout the conversation, Alex underscores critical takeaways for anyone forging their own path:
Embrace Failure as a Teacher
Failure isn’t final; it’s a lesson. Alex’s clothing store flop in Miami lit the spark for his thriving outdoor advertising venture.
Seek a Coach or Mentor
Whether in business or sports, a seasoned mentor can prevent common missteps and deliver personalized strategies for success.
Invest in Yourself
From boot camp to an MBA, Alex leverages every benefit available, underscoring that self-improvement opens doors at every stage.
Balance is Key
Faith, family, fitness, and finances—neglecting one can undermine success in others. Strive for harmony.
Network Authentically
Identify communities aligned with your interests—like running clubs or business meetups—and contribute genuine value.
Connect with Alex Delgado
Intrigued by Alex’s journey? Interested in laser hair removal, motivational speaking, or simply staying up-to-date with his next marathon training? Here’s where to find him:
Instagram (Personal): @AlexRDelgado
Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal:
Oldsmar Running Club: @OldsmarRunningClub
Book on Amazon: “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances” by Alex Delgado
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Episode 33 of Happy Hour Holidaze encapsulates why the podcast is so compelling: it delivers a hearty mix of personal narrative, humor, and actionable business insights. Listeners come for the entertainment but walk away inspired to pursue growth—whether that involves taking the first step toward launching a side hustle, seeking a mentor, or rediscovering personal faith.
Alex Delgado’s story reminds us that a nontraditional path often yields the most fulfilling results. From a Marine Corps career to health care leadership and multiple entrepreneurial endeavors, Alex consistently takes the lessons from each chapter of his life to propel the next. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, family bonds, physical fitness, and the sustaining power of faith.
If you’re someone looking to break free of complacency, challenge yourself, or simply learn how to balance core life pillars, take a page from Alex Delgado’s journey. Embrace The Four Fs—Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances—and consider how each area can elevate your own path. Failure, after all, is often the best teacher, and a supportive network or coach may be the catalyst you need to move from dreaming to doing.
Cheers to new learnings, heartfelt connections, and unstoppable growth! Be sure to tune in to future episodes of Happy Hour Holidaze for more stories that inspire, challenge, and remind us all of our potential to achieve greatness—one step, or one run, at a time.
Disclaimer: The details and quotes in this blog post are based on the content of Happy Hour Holidaze Season 2, Episode 33. For the full, unfiltered conversation, be sure to listen to the podcast episode.
