Unveiling The Odyssey Of Mike The Barber: Redemption And Revelations

Mike the Barber is the sobriquet of Michael Franzese, a former mobster and caporegime in the Colombo crime family. Franzese was known for his skill as a boxer and his work as a barber, which gave him his nickname. He left the mob in the late 1980s and became a motivational speaker and author.

Franzese's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime. He spent 10 years in prison for racketeering and other crimes, and he has said that he regrets his involvement in the mob. However, he has also used his experience to help others avoid the same mistakes he made. Franzese's story is an important reminder that it is never too late to change one's life.

In addition to his work as a motivational speaker and author, Franzese has also been involved in several charitable endeavors. He is the founder of the Breaking Out Foundation, which provides support to ex-offenders and their families. He is also a board member of the American Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Mike the Barber

Mike the Barber is the nickname of Michael Franzese, a former mobster and caporegime in the Colombo crime family. Franzese was known for his skill as a boxer and his work as a barber, which gave him his nickname. He left the mob in the late 1980s and became a motivational speaker and author.

  • Former mobster
  • Caporegime
  • Colombo crime family
  • Boxer
  • Barber
  • Motivational speaker
  • Author
  • Breaking Out Foundation
  • American Red Cross

These key aspects of Mike the Barber's life and career highlight his transformation from a violent criminal to a respected businessman and philanthropist. His story is a reminder that it is never too late to change one's life, and that even those who have made serious mistakes can find redemption.

Former mobster

Michael Franzese, known as "Mike the Barber," was a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family before leaving the mob in the late 1980s. His experiences as a mobster have shaped his life and career in several ways:

  • Understanding of organized crime: Franzese has a deep understanding of the inner workings of organized crime, which he has used to inform his work as a motivational speaker and author. He has written several books about his experiences in the mob, including "Quitting the Mob" and "Blood Covenant."
  • Street smarts and business acumen: Franzese's time in the mob taught him valuable street smarts and business acumen, which he has used to succeed in legitimate businesses. He is a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and he has also worked as a consultant to businesses and law enforcement agencies.
  • Regret and redemption: Franzese has expressed regret for his involvement in organized crime, and he has dedicated his life to helping others avoid the same mistakes he made. He is a motivational speaker and author, and he also works with ex-offenders and their families through his Breaking Out Foundation.

Franzese's experiences as a former mobster have given him a unique perspective on life and crime. He has used his knowledge and experience to help others, and he is a powerful advocate for change.

Caporegime

Caporegime is a rank within the Mafia, typically held by a high-ranking member of a crime family. Caporegines are responsible for overseeing a crew of soldiers and carrying out the orders of the family's boss. They are often involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking.

Mike the Barber was a caporegime in the Colombo crime family. He was responsible for overseeing a crew of soldiers and carrying out the orders of the family's boss, Carmine Persico. Franzese was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. He was also known for his violent temper and his willingness to use violence to get what he wanted.

The connection between caporegime and Mike the Barber is significant because it shows the importance of this rank within the Mafia. Caporegines are responsible for carrying out the orders of the family's boss and overseeing a crew of soldiers. They are often involved in a wide range of criminal activities and are often violent and ruthless individuals.

Colombo crime family

The Colombo crime family is one of the "Five Families" that control organized crime in New York City. It is named after its founder, Joe Colombo Sr., and has been in operation since the early 20th century. The Colombo crime family is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking.

  • Leadership: The Colombo crime family is led by a boss, who is assisted by a consigliere (advisor) and an underboss. The boss is responsible for making all major decisions for the family, while the consigliere provides advice and the underboss oversees the day-to-day operations of the family.
  • Membership: The Colombo crime family is made up of soldiers, who are responsible for carrying out the orders of the family's leadership. Soldiers are often recruited from the ranks of the family's associates, who are individuals who have not yet been made full members of the family.
  • Activities: The Colombo crime family is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. The family also has a significant presence in the construction industry and the garment industry.
  • History: The Colombo crime family has a long and violent history. The family has been involved in several high-profile murders, including the assassination of Joe Colombo Sr. in 1971.

Michael Franzese, known as "Mike the Barber," was a caporegime in the Colombo crime family. He was responsible for overseeing a crew of soldiers and carrying out the orders of the family's boss, Carmine Persico. Franzese was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. He was also known for his violent temper and his willingness to use violence to get what he wanted.

The Colombo crime family is a powerful and dangerous organization. It has been involved in organized crime for over a century, and it continues to be a major force in New York City's underworld.

Boxer

Michael Franzese, known as "Mike the Barber," was a skilled boxer before he became a mobster. His boxing career had a significant impact on his life and career in several ways:

  • Discipline and physical fitness: Boxing requires a high level of discipline and physical fitness, which Franzese developed during his boxing career. This discipline and fitness helped him to succeed in the mob, where he was known for his toughness and ability to handle himself in a fight.
  • Confidence and self-assurance: Boxing also helped Franzese to develop confidence and self-assurance. He was a successful boxer, and this gave him a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This confidence and self-assurance helped him to succeed in the mob, where he was known for his ability to negotiate and get what he wanted.
  • Connections and relationships: Boxing also helped Franzese to develop connections and relationships with other boxers and trainers. These connections and relationships were valuable to him in the mob, where he was able to use them to build a network of informants and associates.

Franzese's boxing career was a significant factor in his success as a mobster. The discipline, fitness, confidence, and connections he developed as a boxer all helped him to rise through the ranks of the Colombo crime family.

Barber

The nickname "Mike the Barber" is a reference to Michael Franzese's former profession as a barber. Franzese worked as a barber in his father's barbershop in Brooklyn, New York, before he became involved in organized crime. The nickname "Mike the Barber" stuck with Franzese throughout his life, even after he left the mob and became a motivational speaker and author.

There are several reasons why the nickname "Mike the Barber" is significant. First, it is a reminder of Franzese's humble beginnings. Franzese grew up in a working-class family, and he worked as a barber to help support his family. Second, the nickname "Mike the Barber" is a symbol of Franzese's transformation from a violent criminal to a respected businessman and philanthropist. Franzese left the mob in the late 1980s, and he has since become a successful businessman and author. He is also a board member of several charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The nickname "Mike the Barber" is a reminder that it is never too late to change one's life. Franzese made many mistakes in his life, but he was able to turn his life around and become a successful and respected member of society. His story is an inspiration to others who are struggling with addiction or crime.

Motivational speaker

Michael Franzese, known as "Mike the Barber," is a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a motivational speaker and author. Franzese's transformation from a violent criminal to a respected businessman and philanthropist is a powerful story that has inspired many people.

As a motivational speaker, Franzese shares his story of redemption and recovery with audiences around the world. He speaks about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of making positive choices in life. Franzese's message is particularly powerful because he has firsthand experience of the consequences of crime. He has spent time in prison and has seen the effects of crime on individuals, families, and communities.

Franzese's work as a motivational speaker is an important part of his life and career. He is passionate about helping others to avoid the mistakes he made. Franzese's story is a reminder that it is never too late to change one's life. No matter what mistakes you have made in the past, you can always turn your life around and become a successful and respected member of society.

Author

Michael Franzese, known as "Mike the Barber," is a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a successful author. Franzese has written several books about his experiences in the mob, including "Quitting the Mob" and "Blood Covenant." His books have been praised for their honesty and insights into the world of organized crime.

Franzese's decision to become an author was a natural extension of his work as a motivational speaker. He has a powerful story to tell, and he is passionate about helping others to avoid the mistakes he made. His books are full of practical advice and insights into the dangers of organized crime. Franzese also uses his books to promote his message of redemption and recovery.

Franzese's work as an author is an important part of his life and career. He is a gifted storyteller and his books have helped to raise awareness of the dangers of organized crime. Franzese is a powerful advocate for change, and his work as an author is an important part of his mission to help others.

Breaking Out Foundation

The Breaking Out Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Michael Franzese, also known as "Mike the Barber," a former mobster and caporegime in the Colombo crime family. Franzese left the mob in the late 1980s and dedicated his life to helping others avoid the mistakes he made. The Breaking Out Foundation provides support to ex-offenders and their families, offering a variety of programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society.

The Breaking Out Foundation's programs and services include job training, housing assistance, counseling, and mentoring. The foundation also works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by ex-offenders and their families, and advocates for policies that support successful reintegration.

The Breaking Out Foundation is an important resource for ex-offenders and their families. The foundation's programs and services help to reduce recidivism and improve the quality of life for ex-offenders and their families. The foundation's work is also important for society as a whole, as it helps to create safer communities and reduce the costs of crime.

American Red Cross

Michael Franzese, also known as "Mike the Barber," is a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Franzese is a board member of several charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross.

  • Mission and Values: The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and other services to people in need. Franzese's involvement with the Red Cross is consistent with his commitment to helping others and giving back to the community.
  • Disaster Relief: The Red Cross is well-known for its disaster relief efforts, providing food, shelter, and other assistance to victims of natural disasters and other emergencies. Franzese's experience as a mobster gave him a unique perspective on the importance of disaster relief, and he is passionate about helping others in times of need.
  • Community Outreach: The Red Cross also provides a variety of community outreach programs, including blood drives, health screenings, and CPR training. Franzese is a strong supporter of these programs, and he often participates in Red Cross events in his community.
  • Advocacy: The Red Cross also advocates for policies that help people in need. Franzese uses his platform as a board member to speak out on issues such as disaster preparedness and poverty.

Franzese's involvement with the American Red Cross is a reflection of his commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in the world. He is a valuable member of the Red Cross board, and his experience and insights help the organization to better serve people in need.

FAQs on "Mike the Barber"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Michael Franzese, also known as "Mike the Barber," a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist.

Question 1: What was Michael Franzese's nickname and why?

Michael Franzese was nicknamed "Mike the Barber" because he worked as a barber in his father's barbershop before he became involved in organized crime.

Question 2: Why did Michael Franzese leave the mob?

Michael Franzese left the mob in the late 1980s because he was tired of the violence and the negative impact it was having on his family. He also had a religious experience that led him to believe that he needed to change his life.

Question 3: What does Michael Franzese do now?

Michael Franzese is now a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist. He speaks to audiences around the world about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of making positive choices in life. He has also written several books about his experiences in the mob, including "Quitting the Mob" and "Blood Covenant.

Question 4: What is the Breaking Out Foundation?

The Breaking Out Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Michael Franzese that provides support to ex-offenders and their families. The foundation offers a variety of programs and services to help ex-offenders successfully reintegrate into society.

Question 5: Why is Michael Franzese involved with the American Red Cross?

Michael Franzese is involved with the American Red Cross because he is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. He is a board member of the Red Cross and often participates in Red Cross events in his community.

Question 6: What are some of the key takeaways from Michael Franzese's story?

Some of the key takeaways from Michael Franzese's story are that it is never too late to change one's life, that everyone deserves a second chance, and that it is important to help others.

Michael Franzese's story is a powerful reminder that even those who have made serious mistakes can find redemption and make a positive contribution to society.

Proceed to the next section of this article to learn more about Michael Franzese and his work.

Tips from Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese, also known as "Mike the Barber," is a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Franzese has written several books about his experiences in the mob, and he is a sought-after speaker on topics such as leadership, ethics, and redemption.

Here are some tips from Michael Franzese:

Tip 1: Be honest with yourself.
Franzese says that one of the most important things in life is to be honest with yourself. This means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and your fears. Once you are honest with yourself, you can start to make positive changes in your life.Tip 2: Set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Franzese believes that it is important to set goals and work hard to achieve them. He says that when you have a goal, you have something to strive for and something to motivate you. Franzese also believes that it is important to be persistent and never give up on your goals.Tip 3: Surround yourself with positive people.
Franzese says that the people you surround yourself with have a big impact on your life. He recommends surrounding yourself with positive people who will support you and encourage you to reach your goals. Franzese also says that it is important to avoid negative people who will bring you down.Tip 4: Never give up on your dreams.
Franzese says that it is important to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. He says that if you have a dream, you should never let anyone tell you that you can't achieve it. Franzese also says that it is important to be patient and never give up on your dreams.Tip 5: Be grateful for what you have.
Franzese says that it is important to be grateful for what you have, no matter how little it may seem. He says that there are always people who have less than you, and that it is important to be thankful for what you have. Franzese also says that it is important to be grateful for the people in your life who love and support you.

These are just a few of the tips that Michael Franzese has shared over the years. Franzese's story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to change your life and achieve your dreams.

Proceed to the next section of this article to learn more about Michael Franzese and his work.

Conclusion

Michael Franzese, also known as "Mike the Barber," is a former mobster and caporegime who left the mob in the late 1980s and became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Franzese's story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to change one's life and achieve one's dreams.

Franzese's story also highlights the importance of making positive choices, surrounding oneself with positive people, and never giving up on one's dreams. Franzese's tips can help anyone achieve success in life, no matter what their background or circumstances may be.

Franzese's work as a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist is an inspiration to many. He is a powerful advocate for change, and his story is a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance.

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