Michael Franzese

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, Franzese was generating an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. In 1986, Vanity Fair named him "one of the biggest money earners the Mob had seen since Al Capone." At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses," just five places behind John Gotti.

All that changed when Franzese met a beautiful dancer from California named Camille Garcia. Her beauty and faith profoundly impacted him, leading Franzese to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob. No one of his rank had ever just walked away – and lived. Until now. His notable conversion story marks a turn from his previous life to one influenced by his faith.

This former Mob Captain of the Colombo Crime Family is now a man on a mission, determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of others seeking redemption and forgiveness. He is now a keynote speaker, bringing record attendance to events across the country. His speaking topics include "The Michael Franzese Story," "Don’t Bet On It - The Dangers of Gambling," "Business and Insurance Fraud," and "Criminal Justice and The Legal System." Franzese continues to utilize his past experiences to educate and inspire audiences nationwide.