EP 11 - My Breakfast with TJ
Released on August 13, 2025

In Episode 11 of Cocaine Air, titled "My Breakfast with TJ," host Jonathan Walton engages in a revealing and heartfelt conversation with TJ Dominguez. This episode delves deep into TJ's tumultuous past, his family's incredible journey, his experiences with the law, and his endeavors to rebuild his life post-incarceration. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of TJ's transformation and resilience.

1. Unveiling Hidden Fortunes ([01:46] - [02:37])

The episode kicks off with an unexpected revelation from TJ about a hidden stash of wealth.

• TJ Dominguez: "I have $5 million in a house buried over there." ([01:46])

This disclosure sets the tone for a series of revelations about TJ's past dealings and the lengths he went to secure his assets.

2. Exploring Family Legacy ([02:37] - [07:36])

Jonathan Walton delves into the profound history of TJ's family, highlighting the significant influences that shaped TJ's character and life choices.

• TJ Dominguez discusses his mother’s artistic talents and her diverse skills:
  • TJ Dominguez: "My mom was a born artist... she did lacquer too." ([02:37] - [03:24])

He then shifts focus to his father, a Cuban immigrant whose life story epitomizes the classic rags-to-riches narrative.

• Jonathan Walton narrates:

  • "TJ's father grew up dirt poor in Cuba, chopping sugar cane from the age of 10, eventually becoming a titan in the sugar industry." ([04:06] - [05:04])

• TJ Dominguez: "Sugar was the petroleum of its time and Cuba was the oil field everyone wanted to tap." ([05:04])

3. Tragedy and Escape from Cuba ([07:36] - [08:20])

The conversation takes a somber turn as TJ recounts the dangers his family faced during Fidel Castro's revolution.

• TJ Dominguez shares a poignant story of his father's kindness saving the family:
  • TJ Dominguez: "He gave the beggar his suit and helped us leave the country, saving our lives." ([07:36] - [08:04])

This act of compassion inadvertently protected TJ's family from the brutal reprisals that Castro's regime would soon unleash.

4. Rebuilding Life and Crafting a Legacy ([09:16] - [11:00])

Post-incarceration, TJ discusses his efforts to establish a legitimate business and leave a positive legacy.

• TJ Dominguez emphasizes the importance of legitimacy:
  • TJ Dominguez: "It's my legacy... they can sit there and say, 'Yeah, but look what else he did. Donated for children, blah, blah, blah...'" ([10:26] - [10:52])

He reflects on his ambition to grow his new venture into a billion-dollar company, distancing himself from his past illicit activities.

5. Navigating Investor Relationships ([11:00] - [12:19])

The dialogue shifts to TJ's interactions with potential investors and his determination to maintain control over his burgeoning business.

• TJ Dominguez asserts control:
  • TJ Dominguez: "I'm not giving up control of the company. I've been down that road and I'm not going to work out really well for me." ([11:14])

He recounts turning down offers from investors seeking influence, showcasing his commitment to building a transparent and ethical enterprise.

6. Confronting Corruption: An Extortion Attempt ([22:08] - [24:35])

Returning to TJ's home, the conversation intensifies as TJ narrates an encounter with a corrupt Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) detective.

• TJ Dominguez describes the extortion attempt:
  • TJ Dominguez: "He said, 'If you give me a million dollars, all these papers go away.' And I told him, 'Get off my effing property.'" ([22:08] - [23:48])

TJ exposes the detective's lavish lifestyle, highlighting the rampant corruption within the local law enforcement.

• TJ Dominguez: "He's wearing a Submariner... how is it that you serve... you're living in a million-dollar house..." ([24:02] - [24:35])

This segment underscores the systemic challenges TJ faced, adding depth to his narrative of resilience.

7. The Art of Luxury Dealerships ([24:35] - [26:30])

The discussion shifts to TJ's unique approach to running his Lamborghini dealership, emphasizing exclusivity and the artistry of high-end automobiles.

• TJ Dominguez: "We don't allow anybody seeing cars... We don't do test drives. You want to drive one of our cars, buy it." ([25:15] - [25:27])

He compares high-end cars to art pieces, illustrating his passion for both craftsmanship and aesthetics.

• TJ Dominguez: "How could I spend so much money on a car? How could somebody pay $150 million for a piece of canvas with oil on it? There's a lot more work that went into this car." ([26:09] - [26:22])

8. High-Speed Thrills and Near-Accidents ([26:30] - [28:37])

In a gripping anecdote, TJ recounts a perilous high-speed drive that nearly results in disaster.

• TJ Dominguez narrates:
  • "I was hitting right at 200 miles per hour... kaboom." ([27:27] - [28:37])

This story not only showcases TJ's daredevil spirit but also serves as a metaphor for the precarious balance he's maintained throughout his life.

Notable Quotes

• TJ Dominguez: "Sugar was the petroleum of its time and Cuba was the oil field everyone wanted to tap." ([05:04])

• TJ Dominguez: "Legalize the damn thing. Put guys like me out of business." ([17:34])

• TJ Dominguez: "It's my legacy... but look what else he did... donated for children, this, that and that." ([10:26])

Conclusion

EP 11 of Cocaine Air offers a profound exploration of TJ Dominguez's life, blending personal history with broader socio-political commentary. From his family's immigrant struggles and acts of kindness to his battles against corruption and pursuit of a legitimate legacy, TJ's story is one of complexity and redemption. This episode not only sheds light on the man behind the headlines but also challenges listeners to contemplate the intricate dynamics of legality, morality, and personal transformation.

For more insights and untold stories from TJ Dominguez, stay tuned to Cocaine Air and follow along on cocaineair.com.