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Michael Franzese
Former Member of Colombo Organized Crime Family. Current Speaker, author, TV and Film personality.
Michael is more than a former Mafia member; he is a testament to the power of transformation. His unique perspective on life, business, and resilience inspires countless individuals around the world, demonstrating that no matter the past, the future holds endless possibilities for those willing to pursue a different path.
Bio
In 1986, mafia boss, Michael Franzese was named one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, by Vanity Fair. At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses”, just 5 behind John Gotti. Avoiding traditional mob domains, Michael masterminded brilliant scams on the edge of the legitimate business world. From auto dealerships and union kickbacks, to financial services and the sports and entertainment industries, to a multi-billion dollar gasoline tax scheme, he earned millions in cash every week at his peak. Not surprisingly, Michael quickly became the target of Manhattan’s famed federal prosecutor, Rudy Guiliani. After promising Michael 100 years behind bars after indicting him on racketeering charges, Rudy only came up empty handed. Escaping four more indictments, it seemed Michael Franzese truly was invincible.
While producing Knights of the City, a break dance movie filmed in Florida, Michael met a beautiful dancer from Anaheim, California, named Camille Garcia, whose innocent beauty and faith turned his world upside down. After falling in love and eventually marrying Cammy, Michael took the rap on racketeering charges.Michael pled guilty, accepted a 10 year prison sentence and vowed to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob. Nobody of his rank had ever just walked away – and lived. Until now.
Michael Franzese is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive.
Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of corporate executives, professional and student athletes, at-risk youth, church audiences, and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives, he has become a highly regarded motivator and a source of invaluable information. Franzese candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, 5 major racketeering indictments, 5 criminal trials, 7 years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. He tells how he engaged bankers, corporate executives, union officials and professional and student athletes in a wide variety of financial scams. His open and honest presentations are fresh and unique. Audiences are captivated by stories of his personal experiences in organized crime and genuinely affected by his powerful anti-crime messages and eye opening revelations.
His autobiography, Blood Covenant, Michael reveals answers to many mysteries surrounding his incredible journey. Walk the streets with him to find out how he has done what no one else has managed to do.
His latest book, I’ll Make You An Offer You Can’t Refuse, was recently released by Thomas Nelson, and contains insider business tips from the former mob boss.
Keynotes
Featured Keynote
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TOPIC 1: THE MICHAEL FRANZESE STORY
When Franzese is asked to share his life story, he provides an entertaining, insightful look at his entry into the “life” in La Cosa Nostra. From the intrigue and mystique of the initiation ceremony, to his success, making more money for the mob than anyone since Al Capone – and being the youngest on Fortune’s “50 Most Wealthy and Powerful Mob Bosses” list, at #18 (just five behind John Gotti), Franzese delivers what he calls “Mob 101.” He describes how the love of a young woman – his wife of more than 20 years – did what five law enforcement agencies could not – end his life in organized crime. The essence of the Michael Franzese story is that if someone like him, a former Capo in the Mob, can change, becoming not only a model citizen, but an accomplished author and speaker, his transformation offers hope and encouragement for anyone. How did he leave? Why is he still alive? All this and more is answered through the presentation, as well as the Q&A session he offers.
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