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connection with the corporation’s public image. Petitioner was
able to pick up a limited amount of business information from her
participation on the boards of some of the related corporations,
but she was generally not involved in or knowledgeable about the
day-to-day operations or the details of the business of
Financial.
Mr. Martin’s success in the insurance business permitted the
Martins, during 1975, to build a palatial home in the Sweetwater
Estates subdivision. From 1975 through 1986, the success and the
quality of the Martins’ lifestyle continued unabated, including
the purchase of Rolls Royce and Lamborghini automobiles, a 60-
foot yacht, several other luxury automobiles, 2 airplanes, 5-
carat and 12-carat diamond rings given to petitioner as gifts by
Mr. Martin, and 4 Rolex watches. Although the Martins reported
some net Federal income tax losses during the period 1981 through
1986, it was not uncommon for Mr. Martin to receive Forms W-2 for
amounts in excess of $1 million. The Martins employed several
household staff members and a full-time gardener. Petitioner was
involved in high profile charitable and political fund raisers
and threw lavish parties at the Martins’ home. Although
petitioner was a member of several of the corporate boards and
was involved in the publication of Central Florida Magazine,
during the period 1973 through 1987, she was primarily a
housewife and mother.
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