Recent Post

E65 | Davy Rolando’s Dynamic Dual Careers: From Radio Stardom to Tattoo Entrepreneurship, Nightclub Innovations, and Iconic Music Moments

Davy’s story begins with his unexpected entry into the world of radio—a world he never imagined himself in. A chance encounter with a girl he met at Prana led him to a pivotal decision: pursue an unpaid internship at 94.1 or stay in his comfort zone. Choosing the former, Davy’s dedication saw him rise from street team intern to a beloved on-air personality on the Freak Show, captivating Tampa Bay listeners with his authentic, unfiltered voice for over a decade. His journey in radio wasn’t without its challenges, though. Davy shares candidly about the struggles of being the “fill-in guy,” always waiting for a permanent spot, and the patience it took to finally land a full-time position after years of grinding.

The Transition to Entrepreneurship

But radio was never Davy’s endgame. He always saw it as a stepping stone to something he could truly call his own. This episode dives deep into his transition from the airwaves to the tattoo business, where he co-founded Emphasis Tattoo in Tampa. Davy shares the calculated risks he took, starting the business two years before leaving radio and navigating the challenges of opening just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. His foresight in having six months of operating costs saved up ensured that Emphasis Tattoo survived and eventually thrived, even expanding its operations thanks to the good graces of a landlord impressed by Davy’s business acumen.

Read More »

E64 | Christian Pena’s DJ Domination: From Teen Passion to Music Industry Icon, Radio Innovations, and Club DJing Challenges

The Birth of a DJ: Christian takes us back to where it all began—his love for music sparked at age 16 when he discovered the art of DJing. He recounts his relentless pursuit to land a spot on WTMP’s urban radio lineup, battling challenges like performing live without modern tech aids and overcoming age-related setbacks in the club scene. His journey from mixing tapes in his room to becoming a sought-after DJ is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Life on the Edge: Christian dives into the contrasting worlds of entrepreneurship and traditional jobs, exploring the leadership and sacrifices required to build a career from scratch. He shares his experiences of juggling the uncertainty of entrepreneurial life with the false security that often comes with a 9-to-5 job. Through his story, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to step out of the comfort zone and chase their dreams.

Read More »

E63 | CJ Holland’s Golfing Greatness: From Baseball Beginnings, Junior Tour Dominance, to College Aspirations

What does it take for a young athlete to transition seamlessly from one sport to another while becoming a dominant force in the world of junior golf? In this insightful and inspiring episode of *Happy Hour Holidaze*, hosts Sean and Manny Febre sit down with CJ Holland, a rising star who’s taking the junior golf scene by storm. At just 15 years old, CJ has already achieved remarkable success, ranking 31st on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and earning accolades as one of the top young golfers in his district.

CJ’s journey began at the age of two, when he first picked up a plastic club and started swinging away in his backyard. Supported by his family, particularly his father and grandfather, CJ’s passion for golf grew as he spent time on the putting greens and golf courses near his grandparents’ home. His story took a pivotal turn in eighth grade when he made the bold decision to leave baseball behind—despite excelling as a Little League All-Star—to focus entirely on golf. Since then, his game has evolved dramatically, earning him multiple top finishes in highly competitive tournaments.

Read More »

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!

E32 | Peering Behind the Pigskin: Brian Holloway's Playbook on NFL Evolution, Pro Bowl Chronicles, and the Quest for Super Bowl Glory

Introduction

In the latest episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Manny and Sean Febre, along with co-host Christian Pena, embark on an enlightening journey into the heart of American football with none other than Brian Holloway. Holloway, an illustrious former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots and a three-time Pro Bowler, shares a treasure trove of experiences that provide a rare glimpse into the NFL’s evolution, strategies, and the personal dedication required at the highest levels of the sport.

The Draft Day Experience: A Turn of Destiny

Holloway’s recollection of his NFL draft day in 1981 is nothing short of cinematic. Selected 19th overall by the New England Patriots, he narrates the tense moments and sudden shifts that are hallmarks of draft day. His story illustrates the unpredictability and high stakes of NFL recruitment, providing listeners with a front-row seat to the emotional rollercoaster that prospective players endure.

The Super Bowl: Beyond the Glitz and Glamour

Brian delves deep into the experience of playing in the Super Bowl, recounting the Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl XX. He doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, discussing the intense preparation, the psychological toll, and the immense pressure that comes with playing on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. His perspective sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of the game that fans seldom see.

Training, Tactics, and Team Dynamics

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is Holloway’s insights into the training and tactical nuances of professional football. From adapting training regimes for different climates and altitudes to discussing the strategy behind every play, Brian’s knowledge is a testament to his expertise and the intellectual depth of the sport. His anecdotes about specific games, like the strategic domination over the Miami Dolphins, are particularly intriguing.

The Evolution of NFL and Its Athletes

Brian also touches on how the NFL has evolved over the years, especially in terms of player welfare and the changing rules of the game. His comparison of the past and present NFL paints a vivid picture of how the sport has grown and adapted. Holloway’s reflections on the physical and mental toll of the sport are eye-opening, emphasizing the immense resilience and dedication required from NFL players.

Personal Stories and Reflections

What truly sets this episode apart are Brian’s personal stories. His account of crying uncontrollably after a crucial win because he realized the magnitude of what they had achieved, is both moving and inspiring. It humanizes a sport that is often seen in terms of statistics and scores, reminding us of the deep emotional investment of the players.

The Intersection of Sports, Business, and Technology

Holloway does not shy away from discussing the business side of football. From contract negotiations to the financial incentives that drive decisions within the sport, he provides an insider’s view of the NFL as a business. Additionally, his thoughts on the impact of technology in football, both in terms of player training and game strategy, are forward-thinking and enlightening.

A Concluding Message of Inspiration

Brian concludes with a powerful message about never giving up and the importance of seizing the moment. This resonates not just with aspiring athletes but with anyone striving to achieve their goals. His emphasis on self-belief and persistence is a fitting end to an episode replete with lessons in life and sports.

In conclusion, this episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” with Brian Holloway is a masterclass in the business and heart of football. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and beauties of the sport beyond the field. From heart-stopping moments of draft days to the psychological warfare on the Super Bowl field, this episode is a deep dive into the life, challenges, and triumphs of an NFL player.

Be sure to tune in to “Happy Hour Holidaze” for more inspiring stories and candid conversations with trailblazers from various fields. Let’s raise a glass to new learnings and insightful evenings with the legends of our time.

Cheers!

More Info and Socials:
https://brianholloway.com/
https://www.facebook.com/brian.d.holloway
https://www.instagram.com/brianhollowaynfl76/
https://www.youtube.com/@BrianHollowayNFLPA
https://www.tiktok.com/@brianhollowaynfl
https://twitter.com/BrianHolloway
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianholloway76/

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email