Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. At his most affluent, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. He masterminded brilliant scams on the edge of the legitimate business world and quickly became the target of Manhattan’s famed federal prosecutor, Rudy Guiliani who promised Michael 100 years behind bars after indicting him on racketeering charges. Michael Franzese truly seemed invincible, escaping Guiliani and four more idictments.
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 turned his world upside down. He fell in love, married Cammy and at her urging pled guilty to racketeering charges. Michael accepted a 10 year prison sentence and vowed to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob. He is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive.
He is now a man on a mission. 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. He has written 3 books about his life: Blood Covenant; The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven; and I’ll Make You An Offer You Can’t Refuse.
Michael’s compelling story has been featured on high profile media outlets including Fox News, Fortune magazine, GQ, The Today Show, Nightline, NBC Nightly News, ESPN and more.