My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era. From Gagliano to Lucchese, they were both cut from the same cloth.

Tommy also surrounded himself with great guys. Knowledgeable and respected (and very capable as far as brains). From Vincey Rao who was a dear friend of my family, to Steve LaSalle, Paulie Ham, Mac, and a few other guys, they ran a tight and cohesive crew who mostly all got along (and earned together). Far from what many other crews did and promoted.

And T. Brown didn't have all gunsels around him. He assessed a guys capabilities and utilized him accordingly, allowing him to flourish in his natural habitat, as well as help the borgata.

Killers were used for killing, thinkers were used for thinking, gambling wizards were kept in their bailiwick, labor racket guys were used up front, etc., etc.,.......and most earned!

In twenty years time the only few guys who got clipped were mostly rats; otherwise, Tommy worked it all out amongst themselves.........smart, smart, man.