The Beet Street Blog

“Infamous con shares advice on life, security and family”– The Collegian, March 11, 2009

” Out of the shadows: Speaker divulges security secrets learned during life of crime” – The Coloradoan March 11, 2009.

Infamous Con. Life of Crime. Are we talking about the same Frank Abagnale, FBI educator, family man, security genius and all round authentic, humble, extraordinary man with an extraordinary American story? These headlines do not do justice to the extraordinary thought leader that graced the stage of the Lincoln Center last night, telling tales of his 5 year life of crime and his 35 year life of repaying every penny he stole and quest to keep people safe from those that would steal their identities and lives. They do not do justice to a man who credits his wife with saving his life, who didn’t tell his children of his life until he felt they were ready to read his book entirely, a man who commutes from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Washington DC every week to go to work. Nor do they do justice to a man who in one night, gave his audience invaluable advice on keeping themselves safe financially, told kids in the audience to think about what they do and the consequences of their actions, not just when they are 20 but when they come back to haunt them when they are 40, and who states that ‘life is not short; life is long and we live with the consequences of our decisions all the days of our lives’.

We thought we knew who Frank Abagnale was before he stepped on the stage. We had done our homework, we had seen the movie. But the Frank Abagnale at the Lincoln Center last night surprised many people with his humility, honesty, story telling, and his willingness to stay until the last audience member left, signing autographs and posters, answering questions and dispensing advice. His story is a family story, of a boy told to choose between his divorcing parents at age 16 and who runs away to avoid this hurtful decision. Of a boy forced to live by his wits until he faces his inevitable capture and imprisonment. Of a man who lives for his family and his country and believes that every child deserves a mother and a father. A man far more interesting in the flesh than any tale of his life.

And, what’s more, he could have been your neighbor! Little known fact - 28 years ago, Frank Abagnale and his wife put a bid in on a house that was being held by the Feds after a major embezzlement rocked Fort Collins. The Feds never responded to their bid and so the Abagnales went to live in Tulsa, where they have been since. So close!

With advice from using only your credit cards to purchasing micro-cut shredders, Frank Abagnale, thought leader extraordinaire, shared many a gem of wisdom with the 700 odd members of the audience last night. But perhaps his most enduring message is about how your family can really save your life and how a life dedicated to the safety of others is perhaps one of the most rewarding. Fort Collins thanks you, Frank, for your generosity of spirit and time last night! (Remember you can come back here, any time!)

In April, Beet Street will host two more outstanding thought leaders focusing on immigration — Frank Sharry and Edward James Olmos - we hope to see you there!
Kirsten Broadfoot