The Infamous Rise and Redemption Story of Michael Franzese: From Mafia Boss to Motivational Speaker
Introduction:
Michael Franzese, once a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family, reached the peak of his power by the age of 35, becoming a millionaire involved in gambling, loan sharking, and racketeering. However, he was caught and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, and his life completely changed. Instead of pursuing his mafia lifestyle, he became a motivational speaker, author, and media personality. In this blog post, we will share the incredible story of Michael Franzese’s rise in the mafia and his journey to redemption.
Section 1: The beginning of Michael Franzese’s criminal life
Michael Franzese was born in 1951 in New York City into a family with a history of Mafia involvement. His father, John Franzese, was a prominent Colombo crime family underboss. Michael Franzese began his criminal career in 1975 by participating in small-scale criminal activities. He rose through the ranks and became a made member of the Colombo crime family in 1979, making him a part of the most powerful Italian-American Mafia group in the country.
Section 2: Michael Franzese’s quick rise in the Mafia
Michael Franzese’s quick rise within the mafia was due to his first-class mind and leadership abilities. By 1980, he was overseeing protection rackets, extortion, and other racketeering activities. By 1984, at the age of 33, he had become a multimillionaire and claimed to be making more money legally than illegally. He became an important and respected figure in the Mafia.
Section 3: Michael Franzese’s criminal activities
As a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family, Michael Franzese was involved in a variety of criminal activities. He was responsible for running several illegal businesses, including gambling, loan-sharking, racketeering, and arson. He also engaged in the production and distribution of a counterfeit video game.
Section 4: Michael Franzese’s downfall and redemption
In 1986, after a long-running investigation, Michael Franzese was indicted on numerous counts of racketeering, extortion, and other illegal activities. He was sentenced to ten years in federal prison and was forced to pay hefty fines of about $14 million. During his time in prison, Michael Franzese found redemption, becoming a motivational speaker, author, and media personality.
Section 5: Michael Franzese’s transformation from a mafia boss to a motivational speaker
While in prison, Michael Franzese found that he had a talent for speaking and used his gift to help other inmates. He began speaking to other inmates and offering them advice and encouragement, and his speeches soon gained popularity. After his release from prison in 1994, Michael Franzese began speaking publicly, sharing his story and inspiring others to avoid a life of crime.
Section 6: Michael Franzese’s outlook on life after redemption
After his release from prison, Michael Franzese embraced his second chance and turned his life around. He authored several books, including his autobiography “Blood Covenant,” which details his criminal history and redemption. Franzese’s motivational speeches and media appearances have now reached millions of people worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their dreams without resorting to illegal activities.
Section 7: FAQs about Michael Franzese’s story
1. What was Michael Franzese’s role in the Mafia?
Michael Franzese was a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family and was involved in various illegal activities such as extortion, gambling, loan sharking, and arson.
2. What led to Michael Franzese’s downfall?
After a long investigation, Michael Franzese was indicted on numerous counts of racketeering, extortion, and other illegal activities, and he was eventually caught and sentenced to ten years in prison.
3. What inspired Michael Franzese to become a motivational speaker?
During his time in prison, Michael Franzese discovered his talent for speaking and began using it to help other inmates. After his release, he continued his speaking career and shared his story, offering advice and encouragement to others.
4. Are Michael Franzese’s speeches only about his criminal history?
No, Michael Franzese’s speeches are not only about his criminal history; they also focus on personal development and achieving success through ethical means.
5. What is Michael Franzese’s perspective on life after redemption?
Michael Franzese has embraced his second chance at life and aims to inspire others to make the most of theirs.
6. What is Michael Franzese’s latest project?
Michael Franzese’s latest book is “I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss.”
7. How has Michael Franzese’s story impacted the world?
Michael Franzese inspires people worldwide to turn their lives around and pursue their dreams without resorting to illegal activities.
Conclusion:
Michael Franzese is a prime example of how someone can turn their life around completely. From his early days as a member of the Colombo crime family to becoming a renowned motivational speaker, Michael Franzese’s journey has been an incredible one. His story serves as an inspiration to many and emphasizes the importance of second chances. We hope that his story inspires you to pursue your dreams with passion and without compromising your ethics.