Like many immigrants of the early 1900s, Michael Pellegrino's family arrived on Ellis Island in search of the American dream. Through hard work and humble beginnings, he watched his parents struggle to make a life for themselves in their new surroundings-but it wasn't long before tragedy forced young Michael to find his own way.
With plenty of determination and charm, Michael works his way from grocery clerk to business owner, and he even manages to find the love of his life. But when prohibition hits the United States, he sees an even more lucrative business opportunity, quickly amassing power and wealth through the bootlegging trade.
Now sitting on the throne of a thriving criminal empire, Michael will do anything to protect what's his-lying, cheating, and destroying any obstacle in the way. Even the White House isn't safe from the Pellegrino family influence, which has grown to include real estate, loan sharking, and a wine import business.
But when it comes time for Michael's son Charlie to take up the torch, will he be able to rise to the occasion and protect the family name? Or will the Pell empire finally come crumbling to the ground?
About the Author: fred berri was born in the Bronx, New York, and moved to Yonkers graduating high school-before settling back into a section of the Bronx known as Little Italy.
Early in his career, he worked a wide variety of jobs, from grocery stock clerk, to janitor, to Woolworth's retail manager, each one teaching him something new. Eventually he started and sold his own business, which grew to employ more than a hundred people.
Over the years, berri has written a number of articles for trade publications and Web-based sites, and he has given several newspaper interviews about his business.
A seasoned public speaker, he has done television voice-over work and held live seminars to help others achieve their biggest goals. He is also the website creator and founder of http: //www.RetirementUSA.com
Currently retired, ending a long career as a Finacial Specialist with one of the largest banking institutions in the U.S., berri lives in South Florida, which he has called home for more than a quarter of a century.
