South Florida’s Top Business Podcast

Help During Coronavirus: 3 Industries Doing It Right

SHARE

Episode 572: 7.8.20

Part 1 – Annabelle DeGrazio

Part 2 – Manny Johnson

Part 3 – Tom Handler

Part 1

First, if your business strategy is strictly to appeal to the eyes or ears, you’re missing a few other senses! Annabelle DeGrazio of TAJA Collection (as seen on Good Morning America, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and more!). She talks about how their business came to be what sets TAJA apart. And she shares how they’re spreading joy and positivity in a time that so desperately needs it. (Plus a rave review from Jim’s beautiful wife, Vivian!)

Part 2

Next, Manny Johnson is back to further educate us on PPE regulations, which kinds of PPE are actually effective (and which are not), and how to obtain PPE through Viz Wellness Supply to continue protecting yourself & others. He discusses one of the key elements that sets Viz Wellness apart from their competitors, how to help reduce the odds of catching the virus, including important information about the use of cloth masks.

Part 3

This economic climate may look similar to other financial crises our country has faced, but should we approach it the same as we have in the past? Closing our show is Tom Handler, our family office expert, will share the best ways for family offices to operate wisely and weather this economic storm. He also discusses some of the outstanding ways his clients are working to protect their employees and serve their communities.

 

About our Guests

Annabelle DeGrazio

CEO & Co-Founder
Annabelle DeGrazio moved to Miami in 2010 from the northeast to pursue a career in law. While working as an associate at a premier Biglaw firm, Annabelle and fellow associate, Annie Jensen, were searching for the perfect holiday gift for their secretaries. They knew they wanted to get candles but wanted to add a more personal touch, but couldn’t find it! Soon after, TAJA Collection was born.
TAJA was created to redefine gift-giving (even if it’s for yourself!). Making it easy to find the perfect–and most thoughtful–gift with just a few clicks, TAJA offers the ability to fully customize our luxury, toxin-free candles. You can engrave an inspirational quote, your favorite song lyrics, company logo, or even a photo of your pet, the possibilities are endless! Each candle is 100% soy, free of toxins, and hand poured with love in Miami, FL by an amazing team of women. TAJA Collection also offers candle accessories, and customizable vases and diffusers. TAJA Collection has been celebrated by Lauryn Evarts Bosstick, Kim Zolciak Biermann, Devon Windsor, Kim Kardashian and many more!

Tom Handler

Partner
Mr. Handler is an advanced planning attorney that handles tax, business and estate planning for business owners, executives, professional athletes, celebrities and family offices. In a feature article, Private Wealth Magazine called him “one of the most respected Tax and Estate Attorneys in the world.” He has extensive experience in the analysis, design and implementation of domestic and international business planning, financial & estate planning, asset protection, family office compliance and advanced tax planning strategies. His experience includes estate contests, tax controversy, tax litigation, public accounting and corporate and foundation directorships. Mr. Handler has authored numerous professional articles and lectured extensively both nationally and internationally at wealth industry, professional and family office educational conferences.

Manny Johnson

VP Sales & Marketing
Manny Johnson is a third-generation farmer, Professional Florida Nurseryman for 30 years and Co-Founder of one of the largest specialties, floral nurseries in the U.S. with facilities in Florida, Germany and China. When medical cannabis became legal, his extensive plant cultivation experience coupled with his educational background in Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology made Mr. Johnson a Subject Matter Expert for medical cannabis in the U.S., Europe and South America. Now, Manny serves as VP of Sales and Marketing for QIZ Wellness Supply, Inc. – providing solutions that help you get back to what you do best.

 

Episode 572: 7.8.20

(To download, right-click and select “Save Link As”.)

Recent Posts

Follow Us

Watch Recent Episode

Tokenizing sports teams

#BDIC #FriedOnBusiness #digitalassets #RWA

Jim Fried 111 views 15 hours ago

As blockchain technology and digital assets continue to evolve, one challenge remains central to broader adoption: trust. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Jeffrey Glusman, CEO of the Blockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC), to discuss how insurance and risk management could help create a safer foundation for the future of crypto.

Jeffrey explains why many investors and institutions remain cautious about digital assets despite the growth of the industry. Volatility, security breaches, exchange failures, and regulatory uncertainty have created concerns around stability and protection. BDIC was created to address those concerns by exploring ways to provide insurance-oriented solutions tailored to blockchain environments.

The conversation dives into the role trust plays in financial systems. Traditional banking and investment structures rely heavily on confidence, transparency, and safeguards. Jeffrey discusses how blockchain technologies may require similar protective frameworks in order to achieve broader mainstream acceptance. Jim and Jeffrey explore how insurance concepts can potentially reduce perceived risk while improving confidence among investors and users.

Listeners will also hear about the challenges involved in building products for an emerging sector. Blockchain moves quickly, regulation continues to evolve, and innovation often outpaces traditional systems. Jeffrey shares his perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility and why collaboration between technology, finance, and risk management will be critical moving forward.

This episode offers a grounded discussion about the intersection of blockchain and financial protection—not hype, but practical infrastructure. Whether you’re active in crypto, curious about digital finance, or simply interested in how emerging industries mature, this conversation provides insight into the systems needed to support long-term growth.

If trust is the currency behind every financial system, this episode explores how blockchain may be building the tools to earn it.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

As blockchain technology and digital assets continue to evolve, one challenge remains central to broader adoption: trust. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Jeffrey Glusman, CEO of the Blockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC), to discuss how insurance and risk management could help create a safer foundation for the future of crypto.

Jeffrey explains why many investors and institutions remain cautious about digital assets despite the growth of the industry. Volatility, security breaches, exchange failures, and regulatory uncertainty have created concerns around stability and protection. BDIC was created to address those concerns by exploring ways to provide insurance-oriented solutions tailored to blockchain environments.

The conversation dives into the role trust plays in financial systems. Traditional banking and investment structures rely heavily on confidence, transparency, and safeguards. Jeffrey discusses how blockchain technologies may require similar protective frameworks in order to achieve broader mainstream acceptance. Jim and Jeffrey explore how insurance concepts can potentially reduce perceived risk while improving confidence among investors and users.

Listeners will also hear about the challenges involved in building products for an emerging sector. Blockchain moves quickly, regulation continues to evolve, and innovation often outpaces traditional systems. Jeffrey shares his perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility and why collaboration between technology, finance, and risk management will be critical moving forward.

This episode offers a grounded discussion about the intersection of blockchain and financial protection—not hype, but practical infrastructure. Whether you’re active in crypto, curious about digital finance, or simply interested in how emerging industries mature, this conversation provides insight into the systems needed to support long-term growth.

If trust is the currency behind every financial system, this episode explores how blockchain may be building the tools to earn it.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

3 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LnhqOVIxZnhNbFgw

Making Crypto Safer The Future of Blockchain Protection

Jim Fried 21 views May 13, 2026 4:24 pm

How you can build AI products without engineers

#AI #Inovation #Realestate #CRE #DeepBlocks

Jim Fried 43 views May 11, 2026 8:44 pm

Live Life to the Fullest
#flashbackfriday
tune in 4 the bottom line of my tribute to Jeff Berkowitz

Jim Fried 60 views May 8, 2026 2:50 pm

Great cities are shaped by people who see what others miss—and have the discipline to bring that vision to life. In this special episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried pays tribute to Jeff Berkowitz, a Miami urban innovator whose leadership and insight helped influence the city’s growth and transformation.

Jim reflects on Jeff’s approach to development, leadership, and long-term thinking. Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Jeff understood the importance of place—how real estate, community, and infrastructure come together to create lasting value. His work was not just about buildings, but about shaping environments where people live, work, and connect.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares personal experiences and professional observations that highlight Jeff’s impact. He discusses the qualities that set Jeff apart: clarity of vision, consistency in execution, and a commitment to doing things the right way. These traits allowed him to navigate complex projects while maintaining trust with partners, stakeholders, and the broader community.

The conversation also emphasizes the broader lessons Jeff’s career provides. Leadership in urban development requires more than technical expertise—it demands patience, resilience, and the ability to think beyond immediate results. Jeff’s legacy demonstrates how thoughtful decision-making and long-term perspective can influence a city for generations.

Listeners will hear how one individual’s contributions can ripple outward, affecting not only projects, but people and communities. Jim reminds us that behind every skyline are individuals whose ideas and actions helped shape it.

This episode is both a reflection and a reminder: the true measure of success is not just what you build, but the impact you leave behind.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

Great cities are shaped by people who see what others miss—and have the discipline to bring that vision to life. In this special episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried pays tribute to Jeff Berkowitz, a Miami urban innovator whose leadership and insight helped influence the city’s growth and transformation.

Jim reflects on Jeff’s approach to development, leadership, and long-term thinking. Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Jeff understood the importance of place—how real estate, community, and infrastructure come together to create lasting value. His work was not just about buildings, but about shaping environments where people live, work, and connect.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares personal experiences and professional observations that highlight Jeff’s impact. He discusses the qualities that set Jeff apart: clarity of vision, consistency in execution, and a commitment to doing things the right way. These traits allowed him to navigate complex projects while maintaining trust with partners, stakeholders, and the broader community.

The conversation also emphasizes the broader lessons Jeff’s career provides. Leadership in urban development requires more than technical expertise—it demands patience, resilience, and the ability to think beyond immediate results. Jeff’s legacy demonstrates how thoughtful decision-making and long-term perspective can influence a city for generations.

Listeners will hear how one individual’s contributions can ripple outward, affecting not only projects, but people and communities. Jim reminds us that behind every skyline are individuals whose ideas and actions helped shape it.

This episode is both a reflection and a reminder: the true measure of success is not just what you build, but the impact you leave behind.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

2 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LmlPSzVyOHNpRXhn

Honoring Jeff Berkowitz: The Impact of an Urban Visionary

Jim Fried 31 views May 6, 2026 4:21 pm

Bottom line: family office is family and business
keys to working with a #familyoffice

Jim Fried 34 views May 1, 2026 3:02 pm

Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital.

Jim explains that family offices think differently than institutional investors. While returns matter, they are rarely the only priority. Capital preservation, long-term stability, and alignment of interests often outweigh aggressive growth strategies. Family offices are typically investing generational wealth, which means their decisions are shaped by a broader perspective that includes legacy, reputation, and continuity.

Throughout the episode, Jim highlights the importance of trust. Relationships play a central role in family office investing. Sponsors who demonstrate transparency, consistency, and credibility over time are far more likely to earn capital than those who simply present strong numbers. Jim discusses how due diligence extends beyond financials to include character, communication style, and the ability to manage adversity.

The conversation also explores governance and control. Family offices often seek clarity on decision-making authority, downside protection, and how risks are shared among partners. Flexible structuring can be a key differentiator, but only when it aligns incentives rather than creating confusion or conflict.

Listeners will learn how to approach family offices more effectively by understanding their priorities. Jim emphasizes that successful capital raising in this space requires patience, preparation, and a relationship-first mindset. It is not about pitching deals—it is about building partnerships.

If you are raising capital, investing alongside family offices, or simply trying to understand how private wealth operates, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating one of the most important capital sources in today’s market.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital.

Jim explains that family offices think differently than institutional investors. While returns matter, they are rarely the only priority. Capital preservation, long-term stability, and alignment of interests often outweigh aggressive growth strategies. Family offices are typically investing generational wealth, which means their decisions are shaped by a broader perspective that includes legacy, reputation, and continuity.

Throughout the episode, Jim highlights the importance of trust. Relationships play a central role in family office investing. Sponsors who demonstrate transparency, consistency, and credibility over time are far more likely to earn capital than those who simply present strong numbers. Jim discusses how due diligence extends beyond financials to include character, communication style, and the ability to manage adversity.

The conversation also explores governance and control. Family offices often seek clarity on decision-making authority, downside protection, and how risks are shared among partners. Flexible structuring can be a key differentiator, but only when it aligns incentives rather than creating confusion or conflict.

Listeners will learn how to approach family offices more effectively by understanding their priorities. Jim emphasizes that successful capital raising in this space requires patience, preparation, and a relationship-first mindset. It is not about pitching deals—it is about building partnerships.

If you are raising capital, investing alongside family offices, or simply trying to understand how private wealth operates, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating one of the most important capital sources in today’s market.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

0 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LnRxNEJNcF9yalVz

The Family Office Playbook: Capital, Control, and Trust

Jim Fried 24 views April 29, 2026 4:29 pm

Zoning has always been one of the most powerful—and most underutilized—tools in real estate investing. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Olivia Ramos, founder of DeepBlocks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way investors understand and leverage zoning data.

Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks

Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was built to solve a fundamental problem: zoning information is complex, fragmented, and often difficult to interpret at scale. Traditionally, investors relied on manual research, local expertise, and time-consuming analysis to uncover development potential. DeepBlocks changes that by using AI to process large amounts of zoning data quickly, identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The conversation highlights how technology is shifting the competitive landscape. Investors who can analyze zoning faster and more accurately gain a significant advantage in sourcing deals, evaluating sites, and optimizing land use. Olivia shares how the platform helps users understand what can be built, where density can be increased, and how regulatory constraints impact value.

Jim and Olivia also discuss the broader implications of AI in commercial real estate. As tools like DeepBlocks become more sophisticated, they are not replacing human judgment—they are enhancing it. By providing better information, faster insights, and clearer scenarios, AI allows developers, investors, and planners to make more informed decisions.

Listeners will learn how zoning intelligence can uncover hidden value, reduce risk, and improve deal execution. Olivia also shares her perspective on where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt to a more data-driven environment.

If you want to understand how technology is reshaping real estate from the ground up—literally—this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of AI, zoning, and investment strategy.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

Zoning has always been one of the most powerful—and most underutilized—tools in real estate investing. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Olivia Ramos, founder of DeepBlocks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way investors understand and leverage zoning data.

Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks

Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was built to solve a fundamental problem: zoning information is complex, fragmented, and often difficult to interpret at scale. Traditionally, investors relied on manual research, local expertise, and time-consuming analysis to uncover development potential. DeepBlocks changes that by using AI to process large amounts of zoning data quickly, identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The conversation highlights how technology is shifting the competitive landscape. Investors who can analyze zoning faster and more accurately gain a significant advantage in sourcing deals, evaluating sites, and optimizing land use. Olivia shares how the platform helps users understand what can be built, where density can be increased, and how regulatory constraints impact value.

Jim and Olivia also discuss the broader implications of AI in commercial real estate. As tools like DeepBlocks become more sophisticated, they are not replacing human judgment—they are enhancing it. By providing better information, faster insights, and clearer scenarios, AI allows developers, investors, and planners to make more informed decisions.

Listeners will learn how zoning intelligence can uncover hidden value, reduce risk, and improve deal execution. Olivia also shares her perspective on where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt to a more data-driven environment.

If you want to understand how technology is reshaping real estate from the ground up—literally—this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of AI, zoning, and investment strategy.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

0 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3Lk1LbzNUbjhlX2ZB

From Data to Deals: How AI Is Changing Real Estate Development

Jim Fried 9 views April 22, 2026 4:25 pm

Jim Fried - Why Florida's retail market is outperforming the U.S.

Jim Fried 91 views April 21, 2026 3:14 pm