I would say that every person who is successful in the mortgage and title business, Mel had an influence on.

Way before it was popular, he said that I could go far in this business. He kept saying I'd be president and then I said I'd be state president. He encouraged me, and I never thought that I, a little boy from Brooklyn, New York, could do those things. Mel was always ahead of the curve.

He's a legend and will always be a legend, and I for one have him to thank.

He had that insight way before it came about.

We need a variety of input and influence and voices. You cannot get all the answers to life and business from one person or from one source.

We want the public to know if money is spent to influence executive action.