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Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast

15 Episodes
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From termites and city permits to a global pandemic that nearly shut everything down, Michael Tronn & Paul Brown spent more than six years building Timbr — now one of Fort Lauderdale’s most talked-about restaurants.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes journey into what it really takes to create a world-class hospitality venue. From their roots in South Florida nightlife to managing every detail of construction and design, Michael and Paul share how they turned setbacks into resilience and vision into reality.
✨They discuss:
👉 The near “quit moments” during Timbr’s 6-year build.
👉 How the pandemic forced a redesign and may have saved them.
👉 The obsessive design details (like Starfire glass & firefly trees) that set Timber apart.
👉 The emotional moment of opening night with city leaders, friends, and family.
👉 Why authenticity and atmosphere matter more than trends in hospitality.
👉 Lessons from decades in nightlife, from crobar to Pawn Shop.
👉 What hospitality needs more of — and less of — today.
👉 The future of restaurants, community, and human connection in a digital world.
🎯 Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:02 The 6-Year Journey of Building Timbr
04:15 Pandemic Delays & How They Adapted
07:48 Structural Issues & Termite Surprises
11:33 Why Every Design Detail Matters
15:20 Creating Authentic Atmosphere (Not Disneyfied)
19:44 Role of Partner Max & Staying the Course
23:18 Emotional Opening Night & Community Support
28:06 The “Why” Behind Timbr’s Vision
32:50 Defining Vineyard Cuisine & Food Philosophy
37:22 Finding the Right Chef After Many Failures
42:15 Lessons from South Florida Nightlife (Pawn Shop, crobar, Liquid)
48:40 Legendary Marketing Stunts & DJ Culture
54:12 Nightlife Then vs. Now – Creativity vs. Bottle Service
59:36 Mentors, Inspirations & Rivalries
1:05:08 Leadership Lessons: “We” Over “I”
1:09:44 What Hospitality Needs More & Less Of Today
1:14:03 The Future of Restaurants & Human Touch in the AI Era
1:19:25 Celebrity Stories: Madonna, Rihanna, Denzel Washington
1:24:57 Defining Success Beyond Money in Hospitality
1:29:30 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Michael Tronn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeltronn/
Connect with Paul Brown:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbrown370
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
He built his career from teenage parties to luxury cigar brands; Eddy Guerra shares how hospitality shaped his journey into one of the most exclusive industries in the world. From running 14-hour days in Southeast Asia’s top resorts, to opening whiskey & cigar bars in Bangkok, to reshaping iconic brands like Montecristo, Trinidad, and Davidoff; this is a masterclass in brand building, customer experience, and luxury marketing.
Eddy discusses:
His first gigs in hospitality and the lessons learned.
The life-changing experience of managing luxury resorts abroad.
How he broke into the cigar industry with no prior experience.
The challenges of importing premium cigars into Thailand.
Opening a successful whiskey & cigar bar in Bangkok.
Reshaping the Montecristo and Trinidad brands for a new era.
Joining Davidoff and navigating marketing during COVID.
Why atmosphere sells more cigars than blend.
The future of cigar lounges and luxury hospitality.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Early Days & First Hospitality Jobs
03:15 High School Parties & Event Organizing
05:08 Moving Abroad & Starting in Lifestyle Marketing
07:10 Opening Hotels in Southeast Asia
09:03 Lessons from Remote Luxury Resorts
11:12 Why He Left the Hotel & Restaurant Business
13:02 Entering the Cigar Industry Without Experience
15:18 Importing Cigars into Thailand & Market Challenges
17:29 Launching a Group Buy for Hotels & Resorts
19:15 Building a Whiskey & Cigar Bar in Bangkok
21:42 Life in Bangkok & Private Members Clubs
23:37 Why People Pay for Exclusive Memberships
25:16 Returning to the US & Consulting Work
27:03 Joining the Manufacturing Side of Cigars
28:45 Lessons in Packaging & Brand Presentation
30:11 Reshaping Montecristo & Trinidad for Modern Markets
32:06 Being Recruited by Davidoff
34:08 How COVID Changed Cigar Marketing & Events
36:27 Becoming VP at La Flor Dominicana
38:42 Working with Industry Mentors & Learning the Trade
41:15 What Hospitality Needs More & Less Of Today
43:02 Celebrity Cigar Moments & Brand Visibility
45:20 Lifestyle Marketing vs Mass Marketing
47:11 Unique Cigar Pairings & Product Launch Strategies
49:09 Biggest Failure & Lessons Learned in Business
51:28 Dream Collaborations in the Cigar World
53:05 Best Cigar Lounges in the US
55:14 The Future of Cigar Lounge Experiences
57:38 Why Atmosphere Sells More Cigars Than the Blend
59:50 Lessons from Family & Career Growth
1:01:32 Why “Human Made” Will Define the Future of Luxury
1:03:17 Advice for Young Marketers Entering the Cigar Industry
1:05:44 Knowing Your Audience & Building Brand Loyalty
1:07:26 Luxury Marketing in 2030 – Predictions
1:09:12 Eddy’s Favorite Burger & Final Thoughts
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Eddy Guerra:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddyguerra305/
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
He lost his first restaurant. He got burned by investors. And still — he built one of Miami’s most talked-about food brands.
In this exclusive interview, Mario Naar , founder of Chèvre Miami , tells the story of how he went from nightlife in Panama to launching a viral cheese and sandwich empire in Miami. From $20 sandwiches and foie gras
boards to being ranked #3 on Goldbelly and launching in Saint Barts — this is the story of grit, taste, and reinvention.
00:00 – Starting From Zero in Miami
02:51 – Building Chev: Boutique Food & Vision
05:42 – Pandemic Timing & Cheese Curation
08:33 – The Koji Wagyu Sandwich That Went Viral
11:24 – Cheesecakes, Goldbelly, and Premium Flavors
14:15 – Launching a Caviar Brand From Scratch
17:06 – The $65 Caviar Croissant Craze
19:57 – Losing Salvaje & Reinventing My Brand
22:48 – Becoming a Lifestyle Brand, Not Just Food
25:39 – Scaling to Saint Barts, Coconut Grove & More
28:30 – Why Restaurants Shouldn’t Pay for Buildouts
31:21 – Inside the Wine Room & Rare Cheese Pairings
34:12 – Catering, Foie Gras, and High-End Boards
37:03 – Lessons From My Most Expensive Mistake
39:54 – Local Partners & Artisans I Trust
42:45 – Miami Needs More Locals, Less Bullsh*t
45:36 – Oma Pie Concept & Elevating Pizza
48:27 – Cheese-Pull Marketing & Final Reflections
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Mario Naar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naarmiami
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨 The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨 The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨 PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨 JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨 Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨 Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨 Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latestepisodes. Cheers!
Description:
He turned empty clubs into legendary nights and built Miami’s nightlife from nothing. Oscar G tells the untold story of how he and his childhood friend Ralph created a movement that changed music forever.
Oscar G is a globally respected DJ, producer, and the architect of Miami’s underground house scene. From pressing records in high school to marathon sets at Space, to launching Made in Miami and The Grape Ape, Oscar’s journey is about family, community, and finding your voice.
In this conversation, he shares:
– How he started DJing at 12 and risked everything for music.
– Why the first night at Space Miami was a complete disaster.
– The secret to lasting in nightlife without burning out.
– The real story behind Made in Miami and what’s next for club culture.
– Why nightlife needs more culture and less division.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:20 Starting DJing at 12 years old
04:05 Pressing records with Ralph in high school
07:30 The first disastrous night at Space Miami
10:45 Building a scene when Miami had none
14:00 Playing marathon sets & creating a movement
18:12 The story behind Made in Miami
21:50 Why nightlife needs more culture, less division
25:03 Predictions on the next sound in electronic music
29:15 Overcoming failures and empty rooms
33:00 The secret to longevity in nightlife
36:22 Launching The Grape Ape with family
40:05 On working with chef Giorgio Rapicavoli
44:20 Oscar’s favorite dishes at The Grape Ape
47:00 The real reason he grew his beard
49:10 Advice for young DJs today
52:00 What’s next for Oscar G
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Oscar G:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djoscarg305
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
#OscarG #MiamiNightlife #HouseMusic #DJLife #MadeInMiami #MusicDocumentary #Nightlife #Podcast
They lost $150,000 in 3 days. Faced real estate disasters. Built iconic brands like Rosa Sky. And still believe hospitality is worth the chaos. Alan Roth and Tim Petrillo are titans in hospitality. From unexpected partnerships to rooftop miracles, this is the raw, untold story of nightlife, loss, reinvention — and what’s coming next for restaurants.
They reveal:
● Why one of their businesses collapsed in just 72 hours
● What it takes to make a hospitality partnership work
● How Rosa Sky was born out of a sunset (and a little weed)
● Why food ventures fail and real estate always wins
● How AI and robotics will change everything behind the scenes
🔔 Full video chapters below:
00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – Alan and Tim on growing up in Miami and Fort Lauderdale
01:14 – First hospitality jobs at ages 12 and 13
02:31 – Stories from the Delano and serving Madonna
04:10 – Tim’s first restaurant job and falling in love with the industry
06:25 – Working at Houston’s and lessons learned
08:36 – Getting hired from a bar conversation
10:00 – “Going out is the job”
11:44 – Alan and Tim first meet – no ego, just respect
13:31 – Rosa Sky's origin: rooftop sunsets and inspiration
15:15 – Naming Rosa Sky after wine and weed
16:59 – The $1.5M Rumi project and nightlife war stories
18:10 – The sandwich shop disaster – lost $150K in 3 days
20:21 – Why location and real estate trump talent
22:42 – Recovering from failure emotionally and financially
24:52 – Hospitality culture today: what changed
26:15 – Tim's biggest pet peeve: fake hospitality
27:41 – Social media vs actual guest experience
29:59 – Kitchen automation, robotics, and the tech future
32:42 – Why front-of-house can’t be replaced by AI
34:50 – Feeding people vs giving experiences
35:55 – Key mentors: Belhaj, Tommy Pooch, and more
38:45 – Emotional control in business decisions
40:32 – Picking the right location for a concept
42:54 – Company culture: buzzword or business priority?
44:59 – Alan on building loyalty and knowing when to leave
47:10 – Tim on growing teams without losing soul
49:20 – Running multiple venues and what it teaches you
50:58 – Red flags when picking partners
52:47 – Why instinct still matters over data
54:36 – Gut feeling vs spreadsheets in business decisions
56:21 – Burnout in the nightlife industry
58:06 – What they’d do differently if starting today
59:48 – Future-proofing hospitality businesses
1:01:58 – Legacy, humility, and showing up every day
1:03:04 – Final thoughts and wrap-up
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Alan Roth:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanroth.mia/
Connect with Tim Petrillo’s The Restaurant People: https://www.instagram.com/therestaurantpeople/
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨 The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨 The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨 PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨 JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨 Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨 Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨 Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest
episodes. Cheers!
#HospitalityPodcast #NightlifeIndustry #RestaurantBusiness #MiamiRooftop #EntrepreneurStories
#FoodAndBeverage #RosaSky #AlanRoth #TimPetrillo #BusinessLessons #PodcastIntervi
He didn’t just play the music — he built the room.
From handing out mixtapes on NYC sidewalks to headlining nights with over 5,000 people, DJ Boris built his name in the underground — not from fame, but from obsession, grit, and 22-hour sets that left clubs speechless.
In this intimate, never-before-heard conversation, Boris reveals the moment that changed his life at age 15, what it was like to beg for turntables, and how he eventually became the man they called to “save the club.”
We talk about:
The night he played from 3 AM to 3:30 PM
How the “Believe” movement started on a lighting ticker
Building legendary nights at crobar, Roxy, and Exit
Why New York’s golden age of nightlife can never be repeated
The real story behind “Baby, come save my club”
This is the story of a true underground icon — one who didn’t follow trends, but defined them.
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with pioneers who shaped their industries.
🔔 Full video chapters below:
00:00 – Intro
00:15 – “I was 15 when I walked into The Tunnel”
02:36 – The track that changed everything: Paid in Full
04:50 – “Mom, can I have turntables for my birthday?”
06:58 – Making mixtapes & begging promoters for a chance
08:15 – “You can’t even get in — you’re only 18”
10:04 – Becoming the DJ who played every genre
12:02 – Living at home, playing clubs, still in high school
14:10 – Getting discovered in NYC’s legendary club circuit
16:40 – “Baby, come save my club” – the call that changed everything
18:55 – Building a 5200-person night at Crobar NYC
21:22 – 22-hour DJ set — from night to the next afternoon
23:18 – Creating the “Believe in Boris” movement
25:09 – New York vs. Miami club culture
28:02 – Pool parties, WMC, and building “Get Wet”
30:35 – The early days of Ultra Music Festival
33:12 – Losing the club... but never losing the crowd
35:00 – Reflecting on legacy, sound, and staying true
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with DJ Boris:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boris.transmit/
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
#DJBoris
#BelieveInBoris
#NYCNightlife
#90sClubCulture
#HouseMusicLegend
#EDMLegends
#CrowbarNYC
#UndergroundHouse
#MixtapeEra
#MusicConference
#GetWetParty
#DJLife
#ElectronicMusicHistory
#DiaryOfADJ
#FromTheDecks
He lost his scholarship, hid it from his parents, and risked it all — DJ Irie shares the untold story of how a Jamaican kid with a vinyl addiction became one of the most influential figures in entertainment.
DJ Irie is a world-renowned DJ, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first official NBA DJ for the Miami Heat. But behind the spotlight was a path filled with hidden setbacks and defining moments.
He discusses:
How losing a scholarship changed his life.
Why he turned down the Miami Heat's first offer.
The truth behind deejaying in secret while still in school.
The mentors and celebrities who shaped his rise (Shaq, Jamie Foxx, Alonzo Mourning).
2014 World Cup Final performance in Brazil.
How Irie Weekend became a defining moment in sports culture.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
2:45 Discovering Vinyl & Skipping Lunch for Records
7:12 The High School Crush That Changed Everything
10:54 Lying to His Parents & Losing His Scholarship
16:20 How DJing Paid His Tuition
20:40 Becoming FIU’s VP & Student DJ Legend
24:11 First Break: Radio Station to On-Air DJ
29:30 Miami Club Scene & Mansion Residency
35:44 The Call from Miami Heat
38:55 Turning Down the Heat (At First)
41:20 Becoming the First NBA DJ
47:01 3 Championship Rings & Heat Culture
50:55 Building “Irie Weekend” & A Perfect Storm
56:40 Celebrity Support: Shaq, Jamie, Alonzo
1:02:15 From Club DJ to Brand Empire
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with DJ Irie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irie/
Listen to my podcasts on:
🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren't already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
#podcast #emigurerra #djirie #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitypodcast
Emi Guerra sits down with hospitality visionary Angel Febres to chart the past 25 years of Miami nightlife, tracing Angel’s rise from influential promoter to respected restaurateur. Hear his thoughtful reflections on industry evolution, personal growth, and the debut of Yaya—his elegant new waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay that marries elevated dining with a timeless coastal spirit.
Emi Guerra sits down with Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago to explore his path into politics, the pivotal role of hospitality in building strong connections, and how the city’s award-winning restaurants and hotels flourish by engaging with the community. Tune in for leadership insights and a behind-the-scenes look at local business success.
Emi Guerra chats with Javi Zayas, CEO of Swarm Inc., about his path into the event industry, Wynwood’s cultural rise, working with Kanye West, and partnering with Miami’s best promoters. Tune in for a forward-looking conversation on evolving event trends and what’s next for Swarm.
Emi Guerra and Frankie Ruiz dive into the Miami Marathon, health tourism, run clubs, and Miami Beach’s evolving identity as a fitness destination—while also highlighting the allure of the Everglades. Discover how hospitality and fitness naturally intersect in this inspiring conversation.
Emi Guerra sits down with Jimmy Piedrahita to explore his rollercoaster journey in the donut business—from opening acclaimed shops to unexpected closures, and ultimately selling to Hollywood Donut Factory. Join them for a candid chat on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the sweeter side of life.
Emi Guerra sits down with David Garcia to explore how La Camaronera earned a spot among America’s Top 100 restaurants, the transformative impact of Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and the journey of preserving a family legacy while expanding his seafood empire with Captain Jim’s. Tune in for personal stories, business insights, and plenty of laughs from two old friends.
Brothers Emi and Tony Guerra dive into Tony’s first job in nightlife, the mentors who shaped his path, and why having a “tight front door” was once the secret to a nightclub’s success. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights that defined Tony’s journey.
Emi, Tony, and Kiko talk about some history in Miami hospitality.