Ori Spado, an Italian-American who grew up in upstate New York spent years building up a highly successful insurance career. He was an innovator, pioneer and hustler.
In this episode of Chatter That Matters, Spado chats about how and why he lost his business and how his career collapse led him to Los Angeles. He describes how he established himself as a fixer in Hollywood, becoming “the guy” who could take care of problems, collect debts, settle arguments … and more. He rubbed shoulders with mob bosses such as Meyer Lansky, Frank Costello, John Gotti and Sonny Franzese.
Spado shares tales about his celebrity connections like Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan and explains what ultimately drew the attention of the FBI as well as what led to his arrest on RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges.
After spending five years in federal prison, Spado changed course. He wrote his book The Accidental Gangster: From Insurance Salesman to Mob Boss of Hollywood and spends his time today encouraging others not to follow the same path he did. His advice to young people considering a life of crime: “It’s only a matter of time — they will find you.”
Tony Chapman created the Chatter That Matters podcast to counter the storm of negativity and impossibility with true stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. He chats with Olympians, Advocates, Celebrities, Leaders, and people who battled what seemed like insurmountable odds.
In doing, listeners hear life lessons that inspire all of us to do more and to be more, to help us get to where we need, want and deserve to go. RBC is the presenting sponsor.
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This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.