Mafia boss. How to gain power, money and influence

Eventually, Lucas moved to New York. The thing is, he was illiterate: he couldn’t work as a paperboy – he couldn’t do anything! The only way to survive was to get into something illegal – they would definitely take him in. That’s how Frank Lucas started selling drugs.

Fact 2: Mentorship. Lucas had a powerful mentor – Ellsworth Raymond «Bumpy» Johnson, an African American gangster and crime boss who ruled Harlem in the 20th century. The nickname «Bumpy» came from a bump on the back of his head. Bumpy was the coolest Black gangster in the city, and to Frank, he became like a father. Lucas worked with Bumpy for many years – specifically, thirty years, eight months, and thirty days. He was grateful to him for every cent and always made that clear. When Bumpy died, Frank got into the drug business. He did it because he believed that’s where the most money could be made.

Fact 3: A Family Business. Frank’s business was a family affair. He was the eldest of seven sons. If he asked his brothers to do something, they did it! Lucas managed to keep control of his growing business thanks to his brothers, whom he trusted and made rich. Frank used to say, «Always stay with family» – he drilled that into his own head. He had a promising career and a loyal inner circle that helped him build the business. But that didn’t mean everyone respected his authority. When you’re starting out, how do you prove to everyone that you’ve got what it takes?

LESSON 7. EARN A REPUTATION

For a mafia boss, the only way to ensure business success is to immediately show what happens to those who stand in his way. You need to establish yourself as a ruthless leader. Drugs are a tough business, where reputation and street credibility are everything. If you show weakness as a boss, you won’t last long. These guys knew how to show strength right from the start. Soon after taking over the Boston gang, Whitey Bulger allegedly decided to send a message to the rest by killing Louis Litif – a longtime associate who refused to follow Whitey’s orders. His mutilated body was found in the trunk of a car.

Albert Anastasia, boss of the Gambino family (1951—1957), one of the five powerful mafia families that «controlled» New York, had the nickname «The Mad Hatter.» He was a member of the criminal organization Murder Inc., also known as «The Brownsville Boys,» which carried out contract killings. Albert began his reign by allegedly ordering the murder of salesman Arnold Schuster, who made the list after helping police track down a notorious fugitive. When Griselda Blanco started dealing cocaine in Miami, she came up with a terrifying tactic to keep her rivals in check: she hired motorcycle hitmen who carried out executions right on the streets, usually during the day.

Soon after Frank Lucas took over the heroin business in Harlem, he too was put to the test. When you’re at the top, there will always be someone nearby thinking: «You know, I’m better than this guy – maybe I should be the boss?» Never leave such defiance unanswered. In the 1960s, the most dangerous man in Harlem was Tango – a two-meter-tall brute feared by the locals. Tango was an independent heroin dealer and known for cheating his suppliers. The new boss, Frank Lucas, couldn’t let that slide. He saw a chance to show who was in charge and bring the giant down. When he learned that Tango was looking for more product, he gave him a kilo of heroin, knowing that Tango would eventually try to cheat him too. Two weeks later, when Frank came to collect, Tango didn’t disappoint – he refused to pay. Worse, he lunged at Frank, insulting both him and his mother. A crowd gathered – just as Frank had hoped. He pulled out a gun. Bullet to the head – body in a coffin. Message received loud and clear.

Frank knew: he had to show people that he was a boss who didn’t just put his finger on the trigger – he pulled it. That’s the kind of reputation you need for success. And yes, your strength as a mafia boss might open doors, but only your mind will bring in the money. Start with the rule every wise businessman must follow: never pay the middleman.

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