User talk:Anetteblane1

Some people wonder; who is the man behind the name Michael R. Mastro? I believe it is time for such individuals to have an answer. It is far easier to believe the negative information one reads and hears in the media than the actual truth. That is because the negative is often more interesting and scandalous. Many times people choose to believe only some of what they hear instead of establishing facts and striving to understand a person’s true character before forming a judgment. It is my hope that many people who read this message will view Mike Mastro as I do…a singular man and a great inspiration.

The first time I met Michael R. Mastro I was nervous…I believed he would be aloof and important sitting behind an intimidating executive desk in a luxurious office. Instead I found myself conversing easily with a distinguished, down-to-earth, kind and patient man, sitting in an ordinary office with modest, even plain décor. Who was I that he would take the time to ask me how my day was going? I was merely the messenger…sent occasionally to deliver and collect necessary paperwork for everyday business dealings. Yet as the weeks, months, and eventually years passed by of visiting Mike in his office I came to respect and admire him more and more. This was not simply the mysterious individual so many presently refer to as a “real estate magnate.” Underneath all the disheartening media hype he is a man with a kind, sincere heart who cares about the people who walk through his office door, and yes, he cares about his creditors and investors as well. He always set aside time in his hectic schedule to talk with me when I visited his office. I was never sent away without first speaking to him face to face. I know for a fact if anyone, and I mean anyone, ever calls Mike’s office and requests to speak with him personally he will make himself readily available. That is just the kind of man Mike Mastro is.

In addition to caring about those he has dealings with, Mike also makes considerable contributions to good causes. Just a few of the contributions I managed to locate articles about include consistent donations to the Ronald McDonald House, Treehouse (which strives to help kids learn), and Alliance for Education. In addition, Mike made contributions to Art for Seniors (a non-profit corporation which contracts professional artists to teach seniors in retirement homes, nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, etc), and a $1,000,000 donation to the UW to assist in stem cell and regenerative research. Again, these are just a few of the charitable donations Mike has made over the years. These donations are rarely mentioned in today’s negative media and something many people who have known Mike for years never knew about, including myself. That is because Mike does not brag about helping and caring for the wellbeing of others. On the contrary, Mike is a humble, generous individual with a benevolent heart who believes the most important things in life are not things at all, but health, faith, and spending time with those who matter most to you. That is just the kind of man Mike Mastro is.

Mike Mastro is a man about relationships. I believe that is why Mike has been so successful for over 50 years (how many businesses survive for over 50 years anyway)? It is why so many individuals conducted business with Mike on a mere handshake…because Mike Mastro is a man of his word, not was, but is and he values the relationships he forms. It is why he makes himself readily available to take phone calls, no matter who is on the other end of the line. It is also why he makes time to converse with ordinary individuals, like myself, who come into his office.

It is unjust to attempt to taint an individual of Mike Mastro’s character before understanding what kind of person he truly is. It is unfair to undermine and question his ethics, morality, and motives without taking into consideration the efforts he makes daily to right the “wrongs” others believe he committed.

I believe the following quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Junior sums up the man behind the name Mike Mastro most accurately; "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy…" Indeed, the way Mike Mastro faces moments of challenge and controversy in today’s present circumstances reveal more about his admirable character than anything else. Despite immense pressure and persecution from those who wish to see him fall, Mike Mastro remains focused on pressing forward. This perseverance in itself should be an inspiration and encouragement to those facing difficult times in the devastating downturn of today’s economy.

Go and spread rumors if you like. Believe what you want to believe when reading and listening to published negativity. Choose to be one of the cruel, unforgiving, judgmental hypocrites of society. You will not be alone. Or accept my challenge to take the higher road by understanding that an individual’s character is not what is printed by the media. You decide…but whatever you decide just remember that despite what is said or printed about Michael R. Mastro, no human being, regardless of their position of “authority,” will be able to take away his good name.

That is just the kind of man Mike Mastro is…

Anetteblane1 (talk) 06:10, 15 April 2010 (UTC)Anette Lane