In this episode of To The Point Home Services, a Rhino Experience Podcast, Chris Yano sits down with Michael Franzese, a former mobster turned entrepreneur, to discuss his fascinating life and experiences. Michael shares his incredible journey from the streets of New York as a member of the Colombo crime family to becoming a successful businessman after leaving that life behind. He talks about how his involvement in the mob, particularly his role in the gas tax scheme, brought in millions of dollars and led to his eventual time in prison. Despite his criminal past, Michael reformed and now uses his story to educate others, working with schools, prisons, and churches to share his redemption journey.

Michael opens up about his time in the mob, the infamous figures he worked with, and his perspective on leadership, business, and how things have changed over the years. He also discusses the importance of personal growth and transformation, explaining how he shifted from a life of crime to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This episode offers a unique look into the world of organized crime, the business side of the mob, and Michael’s second chance at life.

Key Takeaways:

• Life in the Mob – Michael shares his experiences as part of the Colombo crime family, his role in creating the gas tax scheme, and his rise in the mafia ranks.
• The Transition from Crime to Redemption – Michael talks about how he left the criminal world behind and found redemption, including the key moments that helped change his life.
• Leadership in the Mob – Michael reflects on how he led people in high-stress, dangerous environments and how those leadership lessons translated into his business ventures.
• Business in the Mafia vs. Legitimate Business – He draws parallels between running a business in the mob and managing a legitimate company today.
• The Impact of Reformation – After spending time in solitary confinement, Michael found faith and used his past experiences to help others turn their lives around.
• The Future of Mob Stories – Michael reflects on how mob culture and stories still capture the public’s imagination, while offering his personal insights into the media's portrayal of mob life.

Noteworthy Quotes:

• "I wasn't looking to be a gangster, but I had to help my father. That's how I got involved." – Michael Franzese
• "Business is business, whether you do it legally or illegally. There are certain principles that make you successful." – Michael Franzese
• "The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can always change, no matter where you come from." – Michael Franzese
• "You can't be a high profile figure in that life. You can't thumb your nose at the law and expect to get away with it." – Michael Franzese

Follow Our Guest Michael Franzese on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfranzese/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelfranzese_
• Website: https://michaelfranzese.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelFranzese/

Follow Our Hosts on:

• Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/
• Chad’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman
• Chad’s Website: https://petermanhvac.com/
• Chris Yano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyano

Follow To The Point Podcast here:

• Website: https://rynoss.com/to-the-point-home-services-podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to_the_point_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToThePointHomeServicesPodcast/