Before and After the Storm: Preparing for Disaster and Navigating the FEMA Recovery Process

Before and After the Storm: Preparing for Disaster and Navigating the FEMA Recovery Process

Hurricane season is upon us! In this episode of The Intersection, hosts and partners Roger C. Pou and Justin D. Luger sit down with Evan Fancher, Regional Manager of South Florida at DRC Emergency Services, to walk through what it really takes to protect your community's ability to recover after a disaster strikes. Evan, Roger, and Justin discuss what governments can do before a storm even hits; how to get your documentation, contracts, and processes in order ahead of time; and why preparation is the single biggest factor in avoiding a denied FEMA claim. From there, the conversation covers the Public Assistance process itself — what to expect, where claims break down, and how to navigate the appeals process if your municipality finds itself fighting for funding it deserves. Whether your community is preparing for hurricane season or recovering from a major event, this episode offers a look at the challenges, strategies, and lessons that shape successful disaster recovery efforts. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LJdVU3qoUUo [https://youtu.be/LJdVU3qoUUo] HOSTS: Roger C. Pou, WSHC+B Partner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcpou [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcpou] Justin D. Luger, WSHC+B Partner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-luger-09622036 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-luger-09622036] Website: https://www.wsh-law.com [https://www.wsh-law.com] GUEST: Evan Fancher South Florida Regional Manager at DRC Emergency Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-fancher-55940b36 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-fancher-55940b36] EPISODE BREAKDOWN: [00:00:01] - [00:04:35] Welcome & Episode Overview. Roger and Justin introduce the episode's focus. Hosts and guest share their backgrounds and experience. [00:04:35] - [00:09:55] Pre-Storm Prep. Contracts & Procurement. Evan outlines what cities must do before hurricane season and discuss Scope of Work & Contractor Selection Tailoring your RFP to your community's specific geography matters. [00:09:55] - [00:16:10] The Role of Documentation & Debris Monitors. Hosts and Guest discuss as thorough, real-time documentation is the foundation of any successful FEMA claim and how Debris Monitors Are Non-Negotiable. [00:16:10] - [00:21:50] Legal Review & RFP Compliance. Discussion on reviewing RFPs going out and verifying that contracts comply with both local procurement ordinances and federal FEMA requirements. [00:21:50] - [00:28:00] When FEMA Denies Your Claim. Justin and Evan walk through the most common reasons claims fail and why denials can arrive years after the disaster and discuss the appeals process. [00:28:00] - [00:30:13] Final thoughts and final words on appeal process. Roger and Justin have successfully overturned zero-dollar FEMA awards to multi-million dollar recoveries. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/] SPONSOR: A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's "Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami." Visit their Instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami Subscribe to The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates [http://wsh-law.com/news-updates]

Built Together, Sold Together: Lessons from a Co-Founder Couple

What does it take to build a company, scale it, and sell it — all while doing it alongside your spouse? In this episode of The Intersection, WSHC+B partner Jessika A. Graham sits down with Johanna and Juha Mikkola, the husband-and-wife team behind Wyncode Academy — one of South Florida's leading tech education platforms — which they successfully exited in 2021. They now advise other co-founders through their firm, Mestari, on how to scale both their businesses and their partnerships. From dividing roles in the early days to evaluating buyers beyond valuation and closing a deal without an investment banker, Johanna and Juha share what they wish they had known earlier — and what founders need to understand long before a buyer shows up. Whether you're building with a partner or planning a future exit, this episode offers a candid, practical look at what it takes to do it well. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/QNHEzoLZh4k [https://youtu.be/QNHEzoLZh4k] HOST: Jessika Graham, Esq. Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/team/partner/jessika-arce-graham/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/team/partner/jessika-arce-graham/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessika-arce-graham-22b731a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessika-arce-graham-22b731a6/] GUESTS: Juha Mikkola and Johanna Mikkola Juha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhamikkola/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhamikkola/] Johanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-mikkola/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-mikkola/] Mestari: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mestarimakeschampions/about/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mestarimakeschampions/about/] Wyncode: https://brainstation.io/ [https://brainstation.io/] EPISODE BREAKDOWN: [00:00:15] - [00:04:02] Welcome & Introduction. Host and guests frame conversation around what it truly takes to build and exit a company as a couple and discuss the Wyncode Origin Story. [00:04:02] - [00:14:07] Building Miami's Tech Ecosystem. The Mikkolas recount connecting with early Miami tech champions and becoming the first DOE-licensed coding bootcamp in the Southeast and developing the Proof of Concept. [00:14:07] - [00:22:45] When Exit Became Real. Juha shares her pivot point and steps taken to sell it. Shares her experience with expansive growth and sale of their business. [00:22:45] - [00:31:20] Choosing the Right Buyer. Johanna how writing equity checks to employees became her most meaningful memory. Juha shares his membership-based automotive community. [00:31:20] - [00:33:55] Closing Thoughts. Host [http://Thoughts.Host] Jessika Graham closes with the episode's throughline. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/] SPONSOR: A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's "Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami." Visit their Instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami Subscribe to The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates [http://wsh-law.com/news-updates]

Estrangeiros Devem Estruturar Investimentos Imobiliários nos EUA

Investir no mercado imobiliário dos Estados Unidos como estrangeiro traz oportunidades — e complexidades. Neste episódio, são abordadas as principais considerações jurídicas e tributárias que devem orientar a estruturação de um investimento desde o primeiro dia. Junte-se aos sócios da WSHC+B Nelson Slosbergas e Fabio Giallanza enquanto exploram os diferentes veículos de propriedade disponíveis — incluindo empresas individuais, sociedades e estruturas corporativas — e comparam como cada um impacta a responsabilidade, o controle e o tratamento tributário. A conversa também aborda o uso estratégico de dívida em investimentos imobiliários e como as decisões de financiamento podem afetar a exposição fiscal geral. Em seguida, o episódio examina considerações críticas sobre imposto de renda e imposto sobre herança exclusivas para investidores estrangeiros, incluindo como o tratamento tributário difere entre imóveis geradores de renda e imóveis mantidos principalmente para valorização e ganhos de capital. O episódio também detalha a Isenção de Juros sobre Portfólio e como ela pode ser utilizada para reduzir as consequências fiscais sobre determinados investimentos imobiliários. Seja você um profissional que assessora clientes internacionais ou um investidor que atua além das fronteiras, este episódio oferece um guia prático para estruturar investimentos imobiliários nos EUA de forma eficiente e estratégica. Youtube: https://youtu.be/kctgGL-rx1A [https://youtu.be/kctgGL-rx1A] APRESENTADORES Nelson Slosbergas, Esq. – Sócio da WSHC+B e Fabio Giallanza, Esq. – Sócio da WSHC+B RESUMO DO EPISÓDIO [00:00:15] - [00:02:16] Introdução: O Sul da Flórida e o Cenário do Investidor Estrangeiro. Nelson e Fabio preparam o cenário, observando o aumento do capital internacional no Sul da Flórida. [00:02:16] - [00:04:01] Histórico e Tendências em Mudança. Nelson e Fabio compartilham suas origens e trazem suas perspectivas. Nelson discute a mudança entre investidores brasileiros, impulsionada em parte pela variação na taxa de câmbio BRL/USD. [00:04:01] - [00:05:01] Tipo de Investidor, País de Origem e Tratados Tributários. Os advogados discutem por que o país de origem do investidor — com ou sem tratado — pode alterar as taxas de retenção na fonte. [00:05:01] - [00:11:30] La amenaza del impuesto sobre sucesiones (Estate Tax), alternativas de planificación y normas FIRPTA: Exención de 60.000 USD vs. 15 millones USD. [00:11:30] - [00:19:57] LLCs e Demonstrativos de Fechamento. Uma LLC de membro único é considerada, enquanto LLCs com múltiplos membros são, por padrão, tratadas como parcerias. Os apresentadores encerram incentivando os investidores a contratar assessoria jurídica antes do negócio. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/] PATROCÍNIO: A Crafty Chick Miami! A empresa que está "Dando vida a sonhos florais no coração de Miami". Visite a página deles no Instagram em: @acraftychickmiami Inscreva-se no The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates [http://wsh-law.com/news-updates] Siga Nelson Slosbergas, Esq. em: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-slosbergas-713244a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-slosbergas-713244a] Siga Fabio Giallanza, Esq. em: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiogiallanza [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiogiallanza]

How Foreign Nationals Should Structure U.S. Real Estate Investments

Investing in U.S. real estate as a foreign national comes with opportunity — and complexity. In this episode, this episode breaks down the key legal and tax considerations that should shape how an investment is structured from day one. Join WSHC+B partners Nelson Slosbergas and Fabio Giallanza as they explore the different ownership vehicles available — including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporate structures — and compare how each impacts liability, control, and tax treatment. The conversation also covers the strategic use of debt in real estate investments, and how financing decisions can affect overall tax exposure. From there, the episode examines critical income and estate tax considerations unique to foreign investors, including how tax treatment differs between income-producing properties and properties held primarily for appreciation and capital gains. We also unpack the Portfolio Interest Exemption and how it can be used to reduce income tax consequences tied to certain real estate investments. Whether you’re advising international clients or investing across borders yourself, this episode provides a practical framework for structuring U.S. real estate investments efficiently and strategically. Youtube: https://youtu.be/PKjRuOb0GiE [https://youtu.be/PKjRuOb0GiE] HOSTS: Nelson Slosbergas, Esq. - Partner at WSHC+B & Fabio Giallanza, Esq. - Partners at WSHC+B EPISODE BREAKDOWN [00:00:15] - [00:01:44] Introduction: South Florida & the Foreign Investor Landscape. Nelson and Fabio discuss South Florida's surge of international capital and discussing factors for foreign nationals entering the U.S. market. [00:01:44] - [00:06:45] Meet the Hosts: Background & Shifting Trends. Nelson and Fabio shares their roots and bring their perspective. Nelson discusses shift among Brazilian investors driven in part by the dramatic swing in the BRL/USD exchange rate. [00:06:45] - [00:09:41] Investor Type, Country of Origin & Tax Treaties. The attorneys discuss why the investor's country of origin — treaty vs. non-treaty — can dramatically alter withholding rates. [00:09:41] - [00:17:19] The Estate Tax Threat, Planning Alternatives: $60K Exemption vs. $15M+ Foreign non-domiciliaries face a stark reality: only a $60,000 estate tax exemption on U.S. situs assets, compared to up to $15M+ for U.S. domiciliaries. Hosts discuss mitigation strategies as a fallback tool to manage the estate tax exposure is discussed. [00:17:19] - [00:26:00] LLCs & Closing Statements. LLCs are versatile but misunderstood — a single-member LLC is a "tax nothing," while multi-member LLCs default to partnership treatment. The hosts close by urging investors to engage counsel before the deal, not after. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/] SPONSOR: A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's "Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami." Visit their Instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami Subscribe to The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates [http://wsh-law.com/news-updates] Follow Nelson Slosbergas, Esq. on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-slosbergas-713244a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-slosbergas-713244a] Follow Fabio Giallanza, Esq. on https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiogiallanza [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiogiallanza]

Miami in Motion: Roads, Rails, and Regulation

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/i4MjFn8lOF0 [https://youtu.be/i4MjFn8lOF0] Ever wonder how new laws could change your Miami commute? In this episode, we dive into pending legislation that could reshape housing and transportation in Miami-Dade County. From high-density developments near transit hubs to possible extensions of the 836 and a commuter rail along the CSX corridor, these shifts could make getting around the city easier and more sustainable. Join WSHC+B partners Peter Waldman and Ed Martos, with transportation leader Javier Rodriguez, President of Metric Engineering, as they explore what’s ahead for Miami’s roads, rails, and communities. HOSTS: Peter Waldman, WSHC+B Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-waldman-00044438/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-waldman-00044438/] Edward Martos, WSHC+B Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-martos-a9ba266 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-martos-a9ba266] GUEST: Javier Rodriguez serves as the President (previously Chief Strategy Officer) of Metric Engineering, Inc.. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/javier-rodriguez-06010986 [http://linkedin.com/in/javier-rodriguez-06010986] Company Website: metriceng.com [http://metriceng.com] Bio: Javier Rodriguez is the President of Metric Engineering, a leading full-service consulting engineering firm, is a respected leader in the transportation industry and previously served as the Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). EPISODE 7 BREAKDOWN [00:00:15] - [00:04:03] Welcome & Introductions. Peter Waldman opens Episode 7 and introduces Ed Martos. [00:04:04] - [00:14:00] The UDB Explained and the CSX Corridor Opportunity. Ed explains how the Urban Development Boundary protects farmland and the Everglades and debate Miami-Dade’s car-centric growth to Broward’s infrastructure approach. [00:14:01] - [00:17:14] Transit is the Missing Link. Javier makes the case for commuter rail as the logical connector for West Dade residents, cutting the downtown commute and opening access to jobs in Broward and Palm Beach. [00:17:15] - [00:27:00] Affordability = Housing + Transit. The group discusses how the Live Local Act and TOD zoning link housing density to true affordability and reduced commute times. Javier highlights the SMART Plan. [00:27:31] - [00:34:33] The Preemption Debate & Closing. Peter discusses Tallahassee's growing role in overriding local transportation and zoning decisions. The three Miami natives close with a closing message. WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/ [https://www.wsh-law.com/] SPONSOR: A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's "Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami." Visit their Instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami Subscribe to The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates [http://wsh-law.com/news-updates] Follow Peter Walden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-waldman-00044438/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-waldman-00044438/] Follow Edward Martos, WSHC+B Partner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-martos-a9ba266 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-martos-a9ba266]