Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. Intelligent, handsome and ambitious, he quickly rose within the ranks of organized crime. It was a life filled with power, luxury...and deadly violence.Then an innocent young woman walked into Michael's life. Her exotic beauty captivated him...Her faith in God saved him. It's a story with a powerful lesson: Nothing is too bad that it can't be forgiven - life can begin again.
Michael Franzese was "one of the biggest money earners the Mob had seen since Al Capone" and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's list of The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses, ranking #18, just five behind John Gotti. Today, Michael is a follower of Jesus Christ, dubbed "The Born Again Don" and a man on a mission. The story of his conversion is a testament of God's willingness to reach into the heart of any man, regardless of their past or the present condition of their lives.
Michael's testimony describes his very own Damascus Road experience, from his early days in the Mob and rise to power to God's leading him to do the unthinkable: quit the Mob and follow Jesus. Determined to use the experiences of his former life for the benefit of others, Michael's compelling testimony explodes from a deep passion to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives against intimidating odds. Michael's amazing story and engaging delivery have brought record attendance to events all over the country. He candidly explains how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. His unique perspective and direct approach captivates all kinds of audiences, from teens to athletes to business execs to the average seeker trying to make it on his/her own in the world. Michael's theme always hits home: "You can't escape the long arm of the law--and you sure can't escape the longer arm of the Lord."
Franzese is the author of the autobiographical Quitting the Mob and Blood Covenant. His most recent release is I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse, which features insider business tips that helped Michael make millions (minus the illegal part)!
Michael's compelling story of transformation has been featured through both Christian and general high profile media. Most recently, he was featured on The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street, Billy Graham's Decision Today Radio, Family Network "Open House", Daystar Network, LeSea Broadcasting "Harvest", TBN Praise the Lord & Damascus Road, Life Today with James Roberson. He has also been featured in Life Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, GQ, L.A Times, 48 Hours, The Today Show, Nightline, ABC Primetime, NBC Nightly News, ESPN, HBO Real Sports, Jim Rome Show, PBS "All Things Considered", the prestigious "The Eleventh Hour" for PBS, with guests Dennis Weaver and Jeb Magruder and was featured in the March 2003 issue of Cigar Aficionado.
