Snap Judgment The Christmas Tree Mafia - Snap Classic
Dec 25, 2025
Scott Lechner, known as the "Pontiff of Soho," shares his wild experiences running a luxury Christmas tree business in Manhattan, where turf wars and mob dealings threaten his success. He recalls turning down a dangerous offer from mafia figures to control tree sales. Meanwhile, Mike Ramsdell, a covert operative, recounts a botched extraction mission in Soviet Russia, filled with near-death escapes and unexpected moments of hope. Their intertwining stories illuminate the dark and humorous sides of holiday hustle.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Building A Premium Holiday Business
- Scott Lechner built a luxe Soho Christmas tree stand that sold trees to celebrities and charged premium prices.
- He cultivated a theatrical storefront and staff to create a Manhattan holiday experience that justified high fees.
Street-Level Turf Wars And Sabotage
- Scott and his crew started selling street trees in Brooklyn and faced theft, arson, and sabotage from rivals.
- They defended their lots with night shifts, a hatchet, and quick physical responses to protect revenue during a short season.
Paying For Protection Turned Into Partnership
- As Scott expanded, he paid mafia 'taxes' for protection while also sometimes doing business with connected customers.
- That relationship deepened when he worked as a pit boss and underwent loyalty interviews by mob figures.