Montreal has always been a family in their own right, with their own organizational structure. While Cotroni was caporegime, he had several "top" made members who were considered to be his lieutenants. Technically speaking Cotroni was the "boss" of Montreal, because he was officially the highest ranking member. All the other made members officially had equal status, but unofficially some were ranked higher than others. Cotroni saw Violi as his protégé and potential successor, so Violi was unofficially the second highest ranking member in Montreal. When the Rizzutos took over in Montreal they also had their own organizational structure with several "top" members who oversaw their own crews. They were certainly not an ordinary crew like the ones in New York, because they had more priviliges and autonomy to handle their own affairs.