Marios Conviction - Inspireside (2009)

The speaker grew up in a different environment than many, with his father focusing on finances from a young age.
- Example: His father would ask him how much money he was going to make that day.
He disliked school and was more interested in making money and hustling.

At a young age, decided to quit school.
His father allowed him to quit but set three rules if he was going to be a thief:
- No drinking: "You drink, you talk, you go to jail."
- No chasing women: "You chase the women, you get friendly…you're going to jail."
- No standing around doing nothing: "You stand around and do nothing, guess what? You make friends and you're going to go to jail because you're going to talk."
- No friends

Did not return to school after the 9th grade. The school teacher was being paid off to mark the speaker present.
Made money by separating bottles in bars and sweeping floors to gather information from conversations.
He followed his father's rule: "You do not hurt anybody because no attention can be drawn to the family or you."

His father was the president of the Italian Association, formed to combat discrimination.
His uncle Dan was a teamster enforcer, providing connections and assistance.
In return, his father ensured that the Italian community voted as directed.

Started a trucking business with one truck, eventually expanding to six.
Engaged in both legal and illegal activities within the trucking business.
Exploited the lack of tracking numbers on heavy equipment to steal and resell machinery.
- The business model involved buying stolen equipment, selling it to contractors, and then reacquiring it for continued resale.
- Example: Pay $50,000$ for a machine with worth of $300,000$ , sell it for $175,000$ .

As times changed and law enforcement increased, transitioned to legitimate business.
Invested in a fire log product, marking a shift towards legitimate ventures.

Went to Salt Lake City to invest in a fire log business.
Experienced a culture shock and was moved by the happiness and cleanliness of the city.
Had a dream that influenced his decision to change his life.
- "Time to do the right thing. Follow me."

Met two elders who taught him about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Was impressed by their example and the knowledge they shared.
He was touched by the film about the Washington D.C. Temple dedication, especially the statue of Moroni
The speaker's ex-wife gave the elders the phone number that was specifically used for booking football illegally.
He got baptized after learning what was necessary to enter the House of the Lord.
Had a nephew who was a bishop and police chief. His nephew brought him through the temple for the first time.
Elder Staples opened up his journal, and showed where he journaled about he wanted to go thought the temple with The speaker for the first time.

The Bishop told The speaker: "…you can't serve two masters…"
Stopped his illegal activities after a prompting from his bishop and the influence of two 10-year-old boys in his Blazer Scouts class.
Sold his cabin in northern Michigan, one of his hiding places, after deciding to live righteously.

Faced financial difficulties and his wife left him due to his changed lifestyle and interactions with the Church.
Maintained his faith and continued serving in the Church.
The wife ended up leaving the speaker after ward members saw her sunbathing in the back yard in a bikini.

Shared the story of Governor George Romney, who refused a bribe, illustrating the importance of integrity and setting a good example.

The speaker shared a list from Brother Goliere, and it said:
- Noah was a drunk
- Abraham was too old
- Joseph was abused
- Moses couldn't talk
- David was afraid and was a murderer
- John the Baptist, the guy ate bugs.
- No more excuses now. God's waiting to use your full potential.
Emphasized the importance of personal example and the impact it can have on others.
Left his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the importance of serving God.
Received a Book of Mormon from his son and there a note that stated. "Dad, since mom's been making some home improvement, I thought you could use a new Book of Mormon to put on a toilet."
Shared a story that President Haight took a piece of paper out of his pocket that stated:
- A man was out walking in the desert when a voice said to him, pick up some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both sorry and glad.
- The man obeyed. He stooped down, picked up a handful of pebbles, and put them in his pocket.
- The next morning he reached into his pocket and found diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
- And he was both glad and sorry glad that he had taken some, sorry that he hadn't taken more.
- The scriptures are the same way. We're sitting on a gold mine.