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S2 E25 | The Chris Walter’s Story. Coffee, Wine, and Chori-Pans: A Journey of Flavor and Friendship

Welcome to the latest episode of Happy Hour Holidays, where we explore the fascinating journey of Chris Walters, the visionary behind Tango Brew—a unique coffee and wine bar! This episode dives into Chris’s childhood, his passion for entrepreneurship, and the challenges he faced turning his dreams into a thriving business. We’re not just serving drinks; Tango Brew aims to create a vibrant community space that features artisanal coffees, Argentinian tapas, and a welcoming atmosphere where friends can gather and share experiences.
Join us as we discuss the real-world challenges of starting a business, including construction delays and the importance of effective communication with partners and contractors. Hear Chris’s insights on resilience, patience, and the power of teamwork in the entrepreneurial journey. With an exciting monthly events calendar in the pipeline, Tango Brew is poised to be the go-to destination for locals seeking quality, culture, and connection.
By the end of the episode, you’ll be inspired by the determination and passion that Chris embodies, making it clear that pursuing dreams often requires overcoming obstacles along the way. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for updates on the grand opening and more!

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S2 E24 | Cynthia Plunkett’s Inspiring Journey: From Solo Road Trip Adventures and Female Travel Safety to Mastering Digital Marketing, AI Innovations, and Entrepreneurial Success

Join us as we welcome the remarkable Cynthia Plunkett, a digital marketing powerhouse and fellow Sickles Grifner Class of ’07 alum, who recently embarked on a solo road trip that many only dream about. Cynthia spent four invigorating months traversing 25 states and dipping into Canada in her trusty Jeep Wrangler X. Her journey was not only about exploring breathtaking landscapes but also about embracing solitude and sparking personal growth. From avoiding the vastness of Texas to falling in love with California’s diverse natural beauty, her story inspires us to break from routine and discover what lies beyond the horizon.

We’ll share some practical travel wisdom gleaned from Cynthia’s experiences, from navigating the stunning Canadian Rockies to tackling the notorious “Jeep death wobble.” Whether it’s the cost of maintaining a lifted truck or the nuances of planning meals on the go, this episode covers all the essentials for a successful road trip. Cynthia addresses the unique challenges faced by solo female travelers, offering insights into safety precautions, cultural attitudes, and even the complexities of traveling unarmed due to varying state laws. Her courage and resourcefulness shine through as she navigates through the joys and hurdles of solo travel.

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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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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!

S2 E6 | Vince Serrano's Resilient Journey: From Hurricane Milton's Aftermath and Florida Struggles, to Road Trip Adventures and Content Creation Challenges

Navigating the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: A Journey Through Destruction, Resilience, and the Road to Recovery

The latest episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosted by Sean Febre, features returning guest Vince Serrano, as the two dive deep into the devastation left behind by Hurricane Milton. This episode takes listeners through personal stories of survival, a cross-country road trip, and reflections on content creation, real estate, and sports. In this blog, we explore the key takeaways from their conversation and unpack the emotional and logistical challenges faced by Florida residents in the storm’s aftermath.

The Impact of Hurricane Milton: A Personal Story of Loss

Hurricane Milton, which swept through Tampa and the surrounding areas, left behind a trail of destruction. What made this storm particularly harrowing for many, including Vince Serrano, was the fact that the devastation stretched inland, far beyond the typical coastal storm surge.

Vince shares the heartbreaking experience of his sister-in-law, a single mother who lost everything when her apartment was flooded with four feet of water. “She saw all her belongings outside, piled up and destroyed. It was a total loss,” Vince recounts emotionally. Her apartment complex, located near Citrus Park Mall, was one of the hardest-hit areas in Tampa, even though it sits miles away from the coast.

This story, unfortunately, is not unique. Many inland residents faced severe flooding, including areas like Wesley Chapel, which saw massive tree damage due to heavy rainfall and waterlogged soil. Sean recalls watching trees bend and uproot in his own backyard, emphasizing the widespread impact of the storm.

A Road Trip Through the Aftermath: Gas Shortages and Humorous Misadventures

As they recount their experiences, Sean and Vince delve into the challenges that followed the storm, including widespread gas shortages. With thousands of Floridians evacuating ahead of the storm, gas stations ran dry, leaving long lines and frustration in their wake.

Vince shares his experience of driving from Tampa to Georgia during the evacuation. With rest stops crowded and gas stations empty, the journey was anything but smooth. “We had to stop at a Wawa at 5 a.m. just to fill up. If we didn’t leave right then, we wouldn’t have made it out,” Vince recalls.

Adding to the chaos, Vince recounts a disappointing stop at a Zaxby’s in Valdosta, Georgia, where they had hoped for a decent meal. “We were so hyped for some southern fried chicken, but man, it was trash,” Vince laughs, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise intense situation.

The road trip, filled with detours through small towns like Lecanto and Brooksville, turned into an adventure of its own, highlighting how life’s unpredictable challenges can bring moments of both frustration and laughter.

The Ripple Effect: Corporate Interests and Real Estate in Disaster Zones

Beyond the immediate destruction, the conversation takes an intriguing turn as Sean and Vince discuss the broader implications of the hurricane on Florida’s real estate landscape. Sean brings up the potential influence of corporate interests in disaster-stricken areas, particularly major real estate companies swooping in to buy up properties at a fraction of their value.

“Imagine this—your house gets flooded, and suddenly these big companies are offering to buy it for cheap, only to knock it down and build new developments,” Sean speculates. This leads to a broader discussion about the long-term impacts of storms like Milton and Helene, and how Florida’s real estate market might be shaped by natural disasters and corporate takeovers.

The conversation even dips into conspiracy territory, with Sean mentioning cloud seeding planes and questioning whether such storms could be artificially influenced. While Vince remains skeptical, Sean raises thought-provoking questions about the future of Florida’s property landscape and the power dynamics at play in disaster recovery.

Resilience and Recovery: Cleaning Up After the Storm

One of the episode’s central themes is the resilience of Floridians in the face of disaster. Both Sean and Vince share the reality of post-hurricane life—once the winds die down and the rain stops, the real work begins.

Sean talks about the massive cleanup required after Milton passed through his neighborhood. “Once the hurricane passes, now the real work starts,” he says, describing how he had to cut down 25-foot trees that had fallen on his property. The physical toll of cleaning up after a hurricane is no small task, and it’s a reality that many Floridians face year after year.

Vince also discusses the community spirit that emerges after disasters like these. From neighbors helping each other turn off water mains to fixing damaged fences, these moments of solidarity provide a silver lining in the wake of destruction. “Thank God for good neighbors,” Vince says, recounting how one neighbor stepped in to help turn off his water after a trampoline damaged his water line.

Content Creation, Sports, and Building a Brand Post-Hurricane

Amid the discussion of destruction and recovery, Sean and Vince also reflect on their work as content creators. They share their personal experiences in the content creation industry, discussing the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and consistency.

Vince jokes about the misconceptions people have when he mentions he’s a content creator, with one person even assuming he had an OnlyFans account. This leads to a lighthearted discussion about the variety of content creators and the growing demand for digital presence, especially in the wake of an era dominated by social media.

As the conversation transitions to sports, Sean gives a shoutout to Baker Mayfield for his recent performance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and delves into the buzz surrounding the “Green Bay Jets” nickname, now circulating thanks to Aaron Rodgers. The duo’s passion for sports shines through, adding another layer of entertainment to the episode.

The Future of Saber Suites: Elevating Podcast and Content Creation in Tampa

To wrap up the episode, Sean and Vince dive into their exciting venture, Saber Suites, Tampa’s premier podcast and content creation studio. With top-tier 4K cameras, full-service podcast production, and editing options, Saber Suites is quickly becoming a hub for content creators in the area.

The studio’s high-quality equipment and services allow creators to focus solely on their content, while Sean and Vince handle everything from editing to managing podcasts. “We’re not cheaper, we’re less inexpensive,” Vince says, emphasizing the value Saber Suites provides compared to other local studios. With November set as the full launch for their second studio, Saber Suites is positioned to be a game-changer for creators in Tampa and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Resilience, Humor, and Hope

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze perfectly captures the essence of resilience—both in the face of natural disasters and in the world of content creation. Sean and Vince’s ability to blend serious topics with humor and lighthearted banter makes for a compelling and engaging conversation. Whether they’re recounting the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, road-tripping through gas shortages, or reflecting on their journey as creators, the duo brings authenticity and heart to every discussion.

Tune in to this episode to hear firsthand stories of survival, recovery, and the indomitable spirit of Florida’s residents. And if you’re a content creator in Tampa, be sure to check out Saber Suites, where your podcasting dreams can become a reality.

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