The Apprentice TV Show

Celebrity Apprentice TV Show Renewed

2008-01-30T14:52:00.001-06:00

NBC has announced it renewed its U.S. reality competition show "The Celebrity Apprentice" for a second season.Based in New York, the new season is set to debut in January 2009. The first season finale is scheduled to air March 27."The Celebrity Apprentice" is a spin-off of "The Apprentice," which ran for six seasons."This revved-up installment of 'The Apprentice' has been a game-changer for the series. As the rest of this season unfolds, you just keep watching; these episodes have been more thrilling than any season before," NBC Entertainment's Craig Plestis said in a statement. "We are blown away by the cast's drive, energy and passion to not only play the game, but also to raise a lot of money and awareness for important causes. There's no other show like it to prove your business brain and we are already getting calls from high-profile celebrities who want to challenge themselves in Season 2."Businessman Donald Trump, the show's star and executive producer, said he is "thrilled" to continue the "amazingly successful franchise."

Apprentice TV Show Contestant Offers Britney Spears Advice

2008-01-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

Britney Spears has been offered free legal representation by divorce lawyer and one-time The Apprentice contestant Stacy Schneider. Schneider - who appeared on season five of Donald Trump's reality show - has stepped in after Spears' last law firm Trope & Trope asked to sever ties with the troubled star.
The 38-year-old has even offered to move into Spears' home as she helps her with her custody fight for her two sons Sean Preston, two, and one-year-old Jayden James.
Schneider tells the New York Post, "I hope my offer to represent her at no charge is communicated to her."
And she discloses some of the advice she'd give the singer: "Number one, I would tell Britney to hibernate. She'll no longer be airing her personal business in public. She needs to stay inside and stop the Starbucks runs so that no more bad-behavior stories leak out. She has to stop mouthing off to the judge, she has to learn to control her emotions. She has to practice her testimony.
"She only has one shot to win back her kids and she's not able to lip-synch her way through her testimony. What Britney's doing now is showing everyone that she's irresponsible or just doesn't care."

Apprentice TV Show Pushed Back One Week

2007-12-19T18:04:00.000-06:00

NBC has decided to hold off on the show's premiere a week, pushing it back from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10. Its timeslot -- 9 p.m. ET Thursdays -- and everything else about the show remains the same.The move will protect the show from a couple of other likely big ratings draws on Jan. 3. FOX broadcasts college football's Orange Bowl that night, and ABC is slated to air the last original "Grey's Anatomy" completed before the writers' strike.It also extends the "Apprentice" run one more week into the spring, when -- barring a strike settlement -- supplies of original programming will be getting pretty thin.

Apprentice TV Show winner switches jobs

2007-11-29T19:13:00.000-06:00

Rising attorney and trial lawyer Stefanie Schaeffer changed careers when she won this year’s Apprentice TV reality series.

Real-estate mogul Donald Trump hired the 33-year-old to oversee construction and development for his new Dominican Republic project, Cap Cana. Named a Super Lawyers Young Rising Star in both 2006 and 2007 in Los Angeles, Stefanie is all brains and beauty. She graduated from UC Riverside with a double major in English and Psychology in 1996 and earned her doctorate at Southwestern University School of Law. Working for a California law office, she defended employers against workers’ compensation claims and defended real-estate developers in construction defect litigation. No wonder “The Donald” told me she’s “an amazing woman!”

But now she’s bringing that style and business savvy to Vegas. Donald has agreed to her request to move her from the Caribbean to Vegas as VP of marketing for his Trump International Hotel and Tower which opens fully in April opposite Fashion Show Mall on the Strip. Ironically, Stefanie, who is getting married next Spring, had to create a marketing program for Donald’s Vegas dream on the TV show—and now she’s getting the opportunity to execute it for real.

“I could not be more excited to be putting that plan into action. I just had to be a part of it,” she said. “We’re bringing a new level of luxury and sophistication to the Strip and I’m looking forward to getting to know Vegas better and becoming a true member of the community.”

The talented tycoon-to-be herself will oversee Trump’s residents and signature restaurants, his Spa and Salon, a business center and meeting facilities. Stefanie will ensure that the 24-hour concierge is always on duty for guests and residents, and the doormen and valet parking all keep their white gloves spotless at all times! Her Apprentice gig ends in April and it will be up to The Donald and The Stefanie to negotiate any longer stays in town!.

Apprentice TV Show winner gets married

2007-09-01T20:15:00.000-05:00

Apprentice TV Show winner Bil Rancic and "E! News" host Giuliana DePandi got hitched on the Italian island of Capri today.

Apprentice TV Show reveals partial cast

2007-08-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

The Apprentice TV Show has signed Joan Rivers, Carmen Electra, Jim Cramer of CNBC, Naomi Judd, George Foreman, Pete Rose, Tony Hawk, Danica Patrick, and Jeff Gordon for the new
season

Apprentice TV Show star to appear as banker on Deal or No Deal

2007-08-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

NBC's hit game show "Deal or No Deal," starring Howie Mandel, kicks off its third season Monday, Sept. 17, with special guest Donald Trump and an unprecedented 1 million dollar "Play At Home Lucky Case Game," where one lucky viewer at home is guaranteed to win one million dollars.

Free teleseminar with Apprentice TV Show winner

2007-07-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

Kendra Todd, the first woman hired by Donald Trump as the winner of the NBC television show, The Apprentice, and a nationally recognized real estate agent and investor, will be the guest speaker Friday, July 27th at a free teleseminar presented as part of National Retirement Planning Month.
According to Bill Losey, creator of National Retirement Planning Month, and host of the teleseminar, Kendra's background in real estate investment makes her the perfect person to talk to baby boomers about real estate investing as part of their retirement fund asset allocation.
Kendra, who is host of HGTV's television show, My House Is Worth What?, is also an expert on risk, which she discusses in her best selling book, Risk & Grow Rich. "Kendra has made it her mission to help others reach financial freedom, which is a subject my listeners are enthusiastic about.
"Real estate is another option available to diversify a retirement investment portfolio. However, many people are afraid of the risks they perceive is part of real estate investing. Because of Kendra's expertise, she's able to provide our baby boomer listeners with information about the importance of taking risks. At the same time, she knows what steps to take to minimize risk when evaluating real estate as part of a retirement portfolio," continues Losey.
"I was prompted to start National Retirement Planning Month in July because it is the month we celebrate the freedom we enjoy as a result of the risks our forefathers took in July 1776," states Losey. "Yet many of us don't have financial freedom. Real estate is an option to explore when considering portfolio diversity."
Asset allocation is one of the subjects Losey covers in his upcoming book, Retire in A Weekend! The Baby Boomers Guide to Making Work Optional, being released in November 2007.
Friday's teleseminar with Kendra Todd is the third in a series of educational calls in July hosted by Bill Losey as part of a campaign to educate and encourage baby boomers to start thinking about their retirement from a financial and lifestyle point of view.
For additional information about the teleseminar, including the phone number, visit National Retirement Planning Month. Find out more about Kendra Todd at http://www.kendratodd.com/.

The Apprentice TV Show celebrity version

2007-07-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

Confirming the word that spread last week, NBC announced today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour that they have indeed renewed the Donald Trump reality series The Apprentice. There is however a twist, which is that Season 7 -- which will launch mid-season -- will be a celebrity version of the series. No casting announcements have been made yet, but when NBC's Ben Silverman was asked who he'd like to see on the show, he replied "I'd love to see Rosie [O'Donnell]" - O'Donnell of course had a very public feud with Trump this past year. When some of the journalists in attendance laughed, Silverman said, "I'm serious. Donald Trump told me to extend an invitation to her and it's something we'd really like to see."

Apprentice TV Show star teams up with Staples again

2007-07-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump has partnered up again with Staples (the office supply company previously did a tie-in with "The Apprentice"). The Trump Office for Staples line of chairs includes five executive chairs that use stain resistant, heavy duty rated fabrics and leathers and have an 11-step scuff resistant wood finish. The names, Bedminster, Bedford, Briarcliff, Varick and Westchester seem to evoke some form of faux luxury. The range starts at Bedminster for $349.99 and goes up to Westchester for $549.99.

Former Apprentice TV Show contestant files for divorce

2007-07-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

Celebrity dentist DR. BILL DORFMAN has split from his wife, U.S. reality TV star JENNIFER MURPHY. Dorfman, the star of TV show Extreme Makeover, wed The Apprentice wannabe last year (06), but now Murphy has filed for divorce in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences. The dentist, who briefly dated Teri Hatcher, started romancing the former Miss Oregon in 2005 after he hired her to star in a teeth whitening commercial for his Beverly Hills practice.

Winner of Apprentice TV Show looking to hire his own Apprentice

2007-07-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

The second season winner of NBC’s hit show “The Apprentice” and former U.S. Army officer, Kelly Perdew (kellyperdew.proelite.com), is looking to hire an apprentice. As President of ProElite.com™, the comprehensive and inclusive online community for MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters, fans and organizations, Kelly is partnering with Hire A Hero™ to find the right person.
The successful candidate will work under Kelly at ProElite.com, which is a subsidiary of ProElite Inc. that delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of MMA with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet.
“I recognize and often speak about the value of military service in the civilian workforce,” said Kelly Perdew, President of ProElite.com. “I am looking for a candidate who can execute on what I call the ten essential leadership principles: Duty, Impeccability, Passion, Perseverance, Planning, Teamwork, Loyalty, Flexibility, Selfless Service and Integrity. My time at West Point and in the Army reinforced those principles and I’m looking forward to Hire A Hero helping me connect with someone who shares those values.”
After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Kelly served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, while also successfully completing both Airborne and Ranger training. Before working for Donald Trump after winning “The Apprentice,” Kelly led many highly successfully businesses including MotorPride.com and Eteamz.com.
“Kelly Perdew is a quality employer, entrepreneur, and a patriot, who is truly helping to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have served. He is setting an example for all other employers to follow,” said Dan Caulfield, Executive Director of Hire A Hero. “Those who have served in the armed forces have benefited from our country’s significant investment in their training. They protected the American dream for all of us and deserve to fully participate in its rewards.”
All interested job candidates who are current or former military personnel must register at Hire A Hero (www.hireahero.org). The application process includes submitting a resume and written answers to questions, video interviews and online voting from peers.
About the Armed Forces Support Foundation – Hire A Hero Program:
The Armed Forces Support Foundation (AFSF) was established in 1998 and is organized as a non-profit entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Through the foundation’s Hire A Hero™ program, active and transitioning military personnel, Veterans, National Guard members, Reservists and their spouses have access to a unique online community that helps them network into quality job opportunities and training. The Hire A Hero online community is powered by volunteers who have connections to jobs and training in their hometowns. Although AFSF was made a legislative priority by NGAUS and was officially noticed in Senate Bill S3833, the foundation relies on the generosity of the American people to support it. For more information visit www.hireahero.com.
About ProElite
ProElite Inc. (Pink Sheets:PELE) delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community™

Apprentice TV Show is back

2007-07-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - NBC and producers of "The Apprentice" will bring Donald Trump's reality TV show back from the brink of cancellation for at least one more season, industry sources said on Friday.
The sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity that NBC plans to announce a renewal at an annual summer presentation to television critics on July 16, about two months after the show had appeared on the verge of prime-time extinction.
There was no official word on a deal from NBC, the Trump organization or executive producer Mark Burnett, but all three parties have acknowledged in recent weeks that negotiations on a possible return of the show were continuing.
One person familiar with the negotiations said "The Apprentice" would be renewed for two more years. Another said NBC and producers were close to a deal to bring the show back for a seventh season with an option to renew it for an eighth installment.
"The Apprentice," which turned Trump into a television star and popularized his catch-phrase "You're fired," was sliding in the ratings and appeared headed for oblivion when it was omitted from the 2007-8 prime-time programming schedule NBC unveiled in mid-May.
Network executives refused then to rule out a possible reprieve for Trump. But the self-styled real estate tycoon seemed to seal the show's fate when he issued a statement days later saying he was "moving on" to other TV ventures.
Prospects for the show rebounded again in late May when NBC, under newly installed chief programmer Ben Silverman, asked Trump and Burnett to extend the network's option to renew the series, and they agreed to talks.
"The Apprentice" debuted in 2004 as a hit show featuring young, aggressive entrepreneurs competing in a weekly game of elimination for a real-life job in Trump's business empire.
But the series steadily declined in the ratings in successive years, losing nearly two-thirds of its original audience by the time it wrapped up its sixth installment in April

Former Apprentice TV Show star gives lesson in self respect

2007-07-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

Carolyn Kepcher
Take the high road - a path to self respect
Monday, July 2nd 2007, 4:00 AM

Sooner or later, we all get burned by someone we work with. How we handle it says everything about us.
It could be a confidence betrayed, an idea stolen or someone stepping on you to make themselves look good. The reality is there are people who are motivated by an opportunity to get ahead in the game no matter who gets in their way, including you.
Recently, I had to deal with this scenario.
I attended an event where I fully expected to cross paths with a certain someone who burned me quite badly a while back.
I didn't look forward to it, but I wasn't going to let his mistake keep me from doing what I had to do.
When I saw him, there were a dozen things I felt like saying, none of them kind. But when he approached me, I kept myself in check.
I shook the hand he extended, looked him in the eye and acknowledged his greeting. And then I turned my attention elsewhere.
I could have said something to embarrass him, or taken a jab to relieve a fraction of the anger brewing inside of me at the mere sound of his voice. Fortunately, I was better than that.
Judy Garland once said, "Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else."
When you choose to take the high road in any difficult situation, you are granting to yourself the security of keeping the first-rate version of yourself in check.
On the other hand, when you forego dignity and self-restraint and take an opportunity to exact revenge on any level, you're stepping into a second-rate version of somebody else. You're being just like the person who offended you in the first place.
Revenge will provide those watching with plenty of gossip - and possibly even a sliver of respect for your chutzpah. But it will be short-lived.
By taking the high road, you show others that you are above all that has happened, that your time is too valuable to engage in it any further. You keep your eyes and your goals on the positive, on what new opportunities you can pursue. And, over time, you let people see for themselves who is the true professional.
No, taking the high road doesn't provide short-term satisfaction. But it does accomplish something much more important: keeping the first-class version of yourself intact.
The high road can be a long and difficult one - especially if you have been burned by someone you once considered a friend. But it's the road you should always take. Trust me, after a period of time, you will be able to sleep at night - and be glad about your choice.

Apprentice TV Show winner & HGTV star teams with Cable Movers Hotline

2007-06-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

HGTV star of "My House is Worth What?" and winner of "The Apprentice," Kendra Todd has teamed-up with the Cable Movers Hotline to help movers take the right steps once they decide on their next address. The Cable Movers Hotline is a free service offered by cable companies to help movers change their cable, phone and internet services to their new address in one easy step.
"Working in real estate over the years, and now with my HGTV program, I've seen the stress that is involved with the decision of buying and selling a home, and in signing the stacks of paperwork," said Todd. "Now, along with the Cable Movers Hotline, I'm able to help movers avoid some of the stress that naturally comes after the paperwork is signed and it's time to prepare for the move."
Todd offers easy, common sense tips to relieve some of the pre-moving and moving day stress: -- Two-In-One: Use household items to protect breakable objects. For
example, put placemats between dishes and wrap crystal in dishcloths. Not
only do you secure your items, you cut down on the number of boxes to move
and you save money on packing materials.
-- Just In Case: Pack an emergency overnight bag with a change of clothes
and any emergency numbers you might need.
-- Load-last Carton: Place difficult to locate items such as furniture
hardware or the remote control in a plastic sealable bag. Add a label and
put it in your "load-last" carton.
-- Clear the Clutter: Clear things out before moving them to a new
location. If you don't need it, get rid of it.
-- Get Connected: Remember to call your utility and service providers
(cable, gas, electric, etc.) ahead of time to disconnect services at your
current home and connect them at your new address. To transfer your cable,
phone and Internet services, simply visit cablemover.com or call the toll-
free Cable Movers Hotline ® (877-9TV-MOVE).
-- Mark it: Be sure to mark each box clearly, indicating its contents and
the room that it belongs in. Use a dark, thick pen or marker that is easy
to read.

Donald Trump still thinking about doing another season of the Apprentice TV Show

2007-05-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump appeared on Larry King last night and had this to say As to his future plans, Trump said, “I’m looking at something else and other networks really want me to do something. But as you know, I’m one of the largest real estate developers in the world and that really is something that I love. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Donald Trump quits The Apprentice TV Show

2007-05-18T23:28:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump, whose low-rated reality show "The Apprentice" was left off the new prime-time schedule unveiled this week by NBC, says the network can't fire him -- he quits.
The real estate mogul issued a statement on Friday saying he has informed the U.S. television network he is "moving on from 'The Apprentice' to a major new TV venture," though he declined to elaborate.
There was no immediate comment from NBC.
But his announcement appeared to end any lingering doubt that "The Apprentice," which turned the self-styled tycoon into a television star and popularized the catch phrase, "You're fired," would be banished from NBC's airwaves next season.
The corporate-themed reality show, which aired in dozens of countries around the world, featured young, aggressive entrepreneurs in a weekly game of elimination as they competed for a real-life job in Trump's business empire.
"The Apprentice" debuted as a hit in 2004, averaging nearly 21 million viewers and ranking as the top-rated new U.S. TV show its first season. But the series dropped steadily in the ratings in successive years, losing nearly two-thirds of its original audience by the time it wrapped up its sixth installment last month.
The show's future was cast into further doubt on Monday when the network announced a 2007-08 programming lineup that made no mention of Trump. But NBC executives refused then to absolutely rule out a reprieve once rival networks ABC, CBS and Fox had laid out their schedules for next season.
The statement from Trump's organization seemed to spell a definitive end to the series

Former Apprentice TV Show contestant inspires young professionals

2007-05-05T01:10:00.000-05:00

A former reality show contestant inspired more than 500 young professionals from throughout the New North to follow their passion on Thursday evening in Oshkosh.Andy Litinsky, 25, said he was fired during the second season of "The Apprentice" and rehired following the show’s season finale. He currently leads day-to-day business operations of Trump Productions in Los Angeles.Sponsored by the Affinity Health System, Litinsky spoke at the first networking night for the seven young professional groups in the New North in the Eagle Hangar at the EAA AirVenture Museum. Propel Oshkosh and other young professional groups of the New North organized the event, Propel President Megan Hoopman said.Litinsky talked about his experiences on the show and now working for Trump. He said he felt lucky to be part of such an incredible event at an incredible venue."The key is networking … and when everyone is brought in the same room, it creates so many opportunities for all the people in the area," he said.

The winner of The Apprentice TV Show LA is Stefani Schaeffer

2007-04-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

Stefani Schaeffer is Donald Trump's newest Apprentice.
Trump chose Schaeffer, a California-born attorney, over James Sun, 29, an Internet entrepreneur from Seattle. The season finale of "The Apprentice: Los Angeles" aired live Sunday from the Hollywood Bowl. "James, you're fired. Stefani, you're hired," Trump said.
Schaeffer, 32, was cool under pressure as she made her final pitch to the real-estate mogul.
"I was never under fire in the boardroom," she said. "Not once did you ever see me brought back by any team members, nor did you ever hear a negative word spoken about me from day one of this process."
"That's largely true," Trump replied.
Schaeffer had the choice of working on Trump's new resort development in the Caribbean or a condo project in Atlanta. She chose the Caribbean.
The previous five seasons of "The Apprentice" were set in Manhattan.
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Apprentice TV Show contestant to appear in Playboy

2007-04-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

Kristine Lefebvre, who failed to win a job with Donald Trump on "The Apprentice," is shedding her business suit for Playboy. Lefebvre will appear on the cover of the June issue of the magazine and is featured in nude photographs inside, her publicist, Howard Bragman, said Friday.
An attorney, Lefebvre had previously negotiated Playboy appearance deals for clients including Pamela Anderson and Deborah Gibson, Bragman said.
Lefebvre, 37, is a cancer survivor who wanted to use the magazine opportunity to send a message of support to others with the disease, he said. She's married to prominent Los Angeles chef Ludovic Lefebvre.

The Apprentice TV Show Los Angeles game available May1

2007-04-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

Legacy Interactive®, a leader in TV games, today announced the release of their television reality game -- The Apprentice Los Angeles. The game's release coincides with the finale of the hit television show's sixth season and is available at Legacy's popular game portal, www.legacygames.com. The Apprentice Los Angeles will be distributed by ValuSoft, a division of THQ Inc., and ship on May 1 to all major retailers for $19.95. It will also be sold via all major downloadable game portals, including Yahoo! Games, Big Fish Games and RealArcade.
The Apprentice Los Angeles showcases a twist on time and resource management games, with multiple environments requiring unique game strategies. Players learn to master skills, manage their time efficiently, make sure they have sufficient inventory, work with others and act quickly and confidently in the boardroom. Depending on how players perform in the main tasks, they may end up in the boardroom, where they must combine memory and strategy in order to avoid that infamous phrase: "You're Fired!" The opponents' performance is directly related to how well the player has performed in the rest of the game. Players "strut their stuff" in such iconic Los Angeles venues as an upscale hotel in Hollywood, a sushi bar downtown, a fancy Beverly Hills boutique and beach-front property in Santa Monica. The Apprentice Los Angeles stars the famous members of the Trump family -- Donald, Ivanka and Don Jr. -- as well as 12 of the most memorable contestants from the hit show.
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.legacygames.com/" alt="Link to website">We believe that Legacy has created yet another innovative game that adds unique gameplay to a proven genre, one that will appeal to casual gamers and TV fans alike. Additionally, Legacy Interactive worked closely with Intel Corporation to optimize The Apprentice Los Angeles for mobile gamers, adding new features into the game such as battery life and wireless connection monitoring and capping the frame rate in order to conserve battery life.
"Mobile gaming is a rapidly growing trend and together, Intel and Legacy Interactive are working to enhance the mobile game experience," said Erik Reid, Mobile Marketing Director for Intel's Mobile Products Group. "Gamers using laptops featuring Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology will now be able to monitor battery power and their wireless connection while playing so they no longer have to guess at how much time they have left or if they are still connected."
"We are very proud of our association with The Apprentice TV show and its incredibly talented creator, Mark Burnett, our new retail distributor, ValuSoft, and our technology 'enabler,' Intel Corporation," said Ariella Lehrer, President of Legacy Interactive. "We believe that Legacy has created yet another innovative game that adds unique gameplay to a proven genre, one that will appeal to casual gamers and TV fans alike."
About the Show"The Apprentice" premiered Jan. 8, 2004, and immediately became a cultural phenomenon, scoring the highest ratings for any new series introduced throughout the 2003-04 season. "The Apprentice" resumed its hot streak in the fall, delivering the strongest 18-49 ratings of any unscripted series through the first half of the 2004-05 television season and the #3 18-49 average among all series. The hit show also continues to deliver the strongest concentration on primetime network television of upscale viewers in such key categories as adults 18-49 living in homes with incomes of $75,000 and more.
"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions with Trump Productions. Mark Burnett, Donald J. Trump and Jay Bienstock are executive producers.
About Legacy Interactive®Legacy Interactive is a dynamic leader and seasoned innovator in the world of casual gaming. Entertaining customers since 1998, the company has built a reputation for developing intelligent, realistic and entertaining games for a broad audience. Located in Los Angeles, Legacy is well-known for its TV branded games such as Law & Order and The Apprentice, as well as for its popular simulation games such as Pet Pals: Animal Doctor, Emergency Room, and Zoo Vet. In June, 2006, Legacy launched a downloadable game portal at www.legacygames.com, from which customers can "try before they buy" more than 500 different casual games. Featuring innovative community tools, Legacy's members can read and write reviews and share "Playlists" of their favorite games while perusing the popular site. Legacy has ongoing distribution, marketing and content strategic partnerships with a number of companies, including Mark Burnett Productions, Universal Consumer Products, Ubisoft, Mindscape, Scholastic and Prentice Hall, as well as all the major downloadable game portals, such as Yahoo, RealArcade, Big Fish Games and others.
Legacy Interactive can be found on the Web at www.legacyinteractive.com.
For More Information:Press Contact: Charlie Duldulao+ 1 (213) 895-7600 x123

Apprentice TV Show contestant at home in Jamaica

2007-04-16T20:24:00.000-05:00

Attorney-at-law Muna Heaven strengthened national pride with her selection for the current season of NBC Television's The Apprentice. Residents of Mandeville, Manchester, the Belair High School family and all of Jamaica tuned in on Sunday nights to watch her progress and collectively rooted for her success. But last month, the dreaded "You're fired" came from Donald Trump, series creator, and she made her exit.
Home to visit her family, Muna spoke with Flair on a number of issues.
Muna is a warm-hearted and adventurous 29-year-old. Her inner strength shines through and her undaunted spirit is bolstered by very strong Christian beliefs. She tackles each challenge with a prayer, and no doubt, prayer will play a large part in her upcoming marriage to fianc Bertram Hill, brother of actor Dul Hill.
Now residing in New Jersey, Muna has been back and forth between Jamaica and overseas since age 15. She was a part of the student exchange programme in Belgium fresh out of high school. She did a year at the University of the West Indies followed by Princeton and McGill universities. She sojourned in France for a year then won an academic scholarship to Penn State University. After failing the bar twice, she went to Spain but returned to take it the third time when she passed it.
She recalls negative comments from detractors and doubtful utterances from some friends. Having never failed anything before, she went to rock bottom, but a change of attitude, approach and technique led to success.
What Muna knows for sure is that had things gone right way, she would not have heard about The Apprentice.
The former show jumper and athlete is also multilingual. One famous schoolmate is Sean Paul Henriques from whom she drew strength when she had down periods in her life. But her greatest source of confidence comes from her parents. Though divorced, they unite in their children's interests including planning her wedding set for next year.
The process
BE: When did you know you would get the part? Take us through the process that led to your participation in 'The Apprentice'.
MH: It came at a low point in my career. Things did not work out and I was temping, I had had trouble passing my bar exams, the job market was stiff. I was doing a bilingual translation for a firm for what should have been one week. But it lasted four. A Latino friend told me they were hosting an open call for The Apprentice soon.
I decided to try out and be done with it before going to work that morning. I also decided to dress in things I like rather than a conventional suit. I filled out my application on the side of the wall
Muna Heaven's competitive spirit began in high school where she excelled at sports.
while I waited. At the door, Mr. Trump appeared. He is huge, tall, wide, towering over everyone.
Having arrived early, I was in the second group of eight to be questioned. I called my mother and told her where I was and why. After a brief silence, she asked what time was work and would I make it on time. I promised to call when it was over. I began to feel nervous, the line snaked around the block. Egos, fashion - everything clashed.
Excitement mounted, news and camera crews arrived, and I decided to represent my true Jamaican pride and speak up when my turn came. We were asked by the recruiter to introduce ourselves. I was so excited, I said: 'Good morning, I'm Muna Heaven, and I'm very happy to be here. I'm from the little island of Jamaica, home of Bob Marley and many others and I wish you all a very good time.'
I had put Jamaica out there and felt proud of who I was and where I was from.
They threw topics at us, discussions got controversial and intense. I looked up at one point and saw sun rays. In that moment I said a prayer. I was as aggressive as the rest but did not want to lose focus so I prayed for peace. Mr. Trump came down to our table and asked me my name and where I went to school. When he learnt I was an attorney he said, 'very good', and moved on. I was the only one asked another question after that.
Did you make it back to work on time?
Yes, I was 10 minutes early and I called Mommy and told her what happened. The strange thing was I did not care whether I was chosen because I felt proud that I had stood up to both the recruiter and Mr. Trump and answered them with the pride of a black woman.
How long did you have to wait for the call?
The same day; the recruiter said I'd made it through to the next round. I thanked him and the following week I was in Los Angeles. Mommy continued to be my number one supporter. At first she was hesitant because it was unknown and unconventional but she was happy.
Tell me about the contract and how they kept the secret so long; what are some of the things you are not allowed to do?
I still cannot say, my parents and everyone who knew about it had to sign non-disclosure papers.
Who provided your wardrobe?
No one, we got neither wardrobe nor make-up. My parents flew up and replenished my wardrobe, it's not as glamorous as you think.
And what about accommodation?
That was provided - if you can call a tent accommodation. We ate ketchup and bread for breakfast, and I lost about seven pounds on The Apprentice. It was like the haves and the have-nots. In the mansion, we got whatever money could buy but in the tent, you had so much and no more. It was cold at nights and water seeped into our sleeping bags when it rained. It's not what you see. Mark Burnett made it very challenging.
Would you do it again?
Definitely. But rather with the knowledge I have now.
During the first few episodes of The Apprentice, many of us watching felt it a bit anticlimactic not seeing or hearing much of you, why was that so?
For every episode we filmed, I said and did the same as you saw on the night I was fired but it all ended up on the editing floor. Most of the shows were edited. I was strongly opinionated throughout. I had a lot to say from day one; I never changed. You have to be smart to play that game.
We learnt very quickly that less is more when dealing with Mr. Trump; he's a shrewd businessman.
Did any of you get a chance to develop a relationship with 'The Donald'?
He came with us on a few of the rewards, he golfed with us; he loves it; his stroke is magnificent and his swing unbelievable.
Many people want to know about his much-discussed 'comb-over'; I saw them ruffle it on Larry King Live one night but you know how make-up can achieve anything. Did you see his hair at close range?
I did not get that close but I do get that question a lot. I can tell you that his favourite colour is pink. Every now and then he wears a pink tie. But he wore yellow when he fired me.
How did you feel about that?
That entire episode was charged with emotion. I knew my team and when they started to be evasive I knew they were plotting for me; it was my time and I was going down. They are smart people but I helped save us a lot. Ironically, they always used my strength in public speaking so it was funny that they said I could not be understood in the video we made. We had to speak very fast on tape to get the storyline done in the required time and the tape was edited to fit the time frame. I still have the same accent I went into the show with. I was still proud of how I handled myself in the boardroom with Mr. Trump . There were aspects of both my parents' personalities that came out in me.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt?
That you should try to stay true to your purpose. I was upset at the end but it did not show. I vowed going in not to embarrass my parents and not do anything that would prevent me from speaking to students in Jamaica.
And the best memory?
The realisation that if I stepped out on faith, I could beat the odds. Who would think that a little country girl from Mandeville would dine with Mr. and Mrs. Donald Trump and world- famous chef Wolfgang Puck? It's all humbling.
Who else did you meet?
Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion. He's an astute businessman; Kareem Abdul Jabar, Phil Jackson, Regis Philbin, James Worthy, and Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth who has since called me to say she thought I did a good job and was proud of me.
Were you made to feel like a so-called minority?
No. First of all, the word implies that you are less than - and I don't go into anything feeling that way. Yes, I am another competitor, yes I am the only black woman and yes, I am the only Jamaican in The Apprentice - full stop.
How do you think it will advance your career?
I hope employers have seen me as a solid candidate, flexible, open to different job offers.
Do you have an agent and have you received any calls from other interests?
Yes, I have a publicist who is working on a few things. I had an offer from the founder of the international hospital for children based in Richmond, Virginia. They are a non-profit organisation that lends surgical talents to developing countries. I was offered a CFO position but I will not take it. I cannot uproot my family. I love living in South Jersey and I work in New York. It's a two and a half hour commute daily (each way) but I love the city.
Where do you work?
I work for the Government as a litigator in child-neglect cases; we file petitions and I am in court everyday. I get to hone my public-speaking skills because you have to be quick on the draw; judges are tough.
But, had I passed the bar exam the first time, I would not have been in the temp job next to the Trump Tower to get the opportunity. Nothing happens by chance. That temporary job was just for week and it lasted longer and led a co-worker to tell me about the television show.
And what does your fianc do?
He's a banker - the assistant vice-president at Credit Swiss in Boston, he also has a long commute - an hour and a half.
When do you get quality time to connect, you speak of a family.
Yes, Julian has sole custody of his seven-year old son, so I'm now a mom too; he's my little munchkin and I love him. He called me mommy for the first time the other day and that felt good. We have been together just over 18 months. It's good to be able to come back to the tranquility of New Jersey. We get together on weekends and Julian is looking forward to being a big brother.
What if an offer comes along that requires you uprooting the family?
The good thing is that it will be nothing new to the Hill family. My fianc's mother was a ballerina; she started the boys in show business early. They have been in plays and Dul Hill (West Wing and Psych) is now on location away from home so it's not as difficult as it could be.
How much were you paid to be on The Apprentice?
I have not yet received any money, I hear rumours but to date no money.
Made any friends from the show?
I speak with Heidi and when she's in New York we go for coffee. She has forgiven herself now and Derrick has been a good friend.
BEAUTY
Muna drinks plenty of water daily and keeps a bottle wherever she is. She cooks healthy meals for the family and gets some exercise by walking on the job. She just uses a little powder on her face. Her major priority is to do her hair weekly. Hadiya Barbel who is a celebrity stylist uses great products but her secret is a great cut that will fall back no matter what element it encounters.
She is also not caught up with designer labels nor does she make several trips to the mall, preferring instead to buy good quality. For suits she likes Mexx as well as Donna Karan and she likes BCBG, Franco Sarto, and Bandolino shoes.

Muna's parents are Fay Heaven, a former Air Jamaica purser and currently a businesswoman, and her father is the former head of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers' Association, Trevor Heaven. Fay told Flair she was at first hesitant about Muna being on The Apprentice but gave her the necessary support having never doubted her before.
"I watched the first episode seeing her but not believing it was real. I have received many touching comments about her role and I am proud and overwhelmed," she said.Like other mothers, she loves her children but Mrs. Heaven also likes them for their discipline, love and respect and even if things go wrong, the children love each other all the time. She describes the bond with their father as very strong also. He has always been an excellent dad.

Apprentice TV Show comming down to the wire

2007-04-08T00:55:00.000-05:00

The final six candidates from NBC’s “The Apprentice: Los Angeles” head to Las Vegas to help promote the newest Trump project, and a shocking boardroom ending leaves two people fired on Sunday, April 8 (10-11 p.m. ET).
Only six candidates remain in the competition to be Donald Trump’s next “Apprentice” Frank, Heidi, James, Kristine, Nicole and Stefanie. Their task this week is to create a new advertising and promotional campaign for the second tower of the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas. In a twist, there will no longer be teams “Arrow” and “Kinetic.” Instead, the final six candidates split into three teams and head to Vegas on Trump’s private jet to learn more about the new building they’ll be promoting.
Later, back in Los Angeles, the teams present their campaigns to Trump and his son, Don Jr. In the heated boardroom sequence that follows, two candidates hear those two dreaded words “You’re Fired!”

Apprentice TV Show contestants still a couple

2007-04-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

One never knows about those reality show romances, but a high-profile one -- with a local connection -- apparently is still on track.Tim Urban, who heard Donald Trump's immortal words, ''You're fired!'' on Sunday's show, tells TVGuide.com he and Naperville real-estate broker Nicole D'Ambrosio are still very much a couple, long after taping ended.''Ten months later, we're still together, if you can believe that. [On TV] you're looking at the rockiest time we ever had, but we had kind of made up by the time I got fired. [As of this week, Nicole's still in the running.] ''We said, 'Let's not let this be a huge thing,' because after all those months together, we were really quite tight.''When a TVGuide.com wag joked about publicity-obsessed Trump ''salivating'' at the possibility of ''The Apprentice Wedding'' between D'Ambrosio and Urban, the potential groom wasn't too enthusiastic about adding to The Donald's PR cavalcade of promotion.''Yeah, but I don't think I like Trump nowadays, so I don't know.''

Apprentice TV Show contestant preparing for World Hockey Championship

2007-03-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

Angela Ruggiero of Harper Woods successfully kept her big secret for nine months.
The world wanted to know how she fared on NBC's hit reality show, "The Apprentice," but Ruggiero couldn't reveal a thing.
The mystery was solved Sunday, as Ruggiero became the 10th contestant fired this season by Donald Trump.
"I think (the firing) was tough for him, and tough for me," said Ruggiero, who also is a three-time Olympic ice hockey medalist.
Ruggiero spoke publicly about her "Apprentice" experience for the first time Tuesday. She was under a pretty serious gag order by NBC, facing a $5 million penalty if she prematurely revealed anything. The show was taped in June and July in Los Angeles.
She was the project manager for the losing Kinetic team, which was tasked to sell theme park tickets for Universal Studios. The Arrow team vastly outsold Kinetic, and Ruggiero ended up taking the fall for the marketing miscues.
She termed her time on the show as "intense," both from the pace of filming and the hyper-aggressiveness of fellow contestants. Ruggiero walked away with a positive experience, as Trump told her to contact him for future job opportunities.
Ruggiero is training for the World Championships, which will be played in Winnipeg from April 3-10. She watched the episode with U.S. teammates, crammed into a hotel room in Grand Forks, N.D.
But she couldn't even tell them what was about to happen.
"When they heard the sound that Trump was about to fire me, they got all upset, saying 'No! No!'" Ruggiero said, laughing. "People threw pillows at the TV. If anything, it was nerve wracking. But I got a lot of hugs."

Free Trump University Teleseminars Featuring Former Apprentice TV Show Winners

2007-03-14T18:28:00.000-05:00

Free Trump University Teleseminars Featuring Former Apprentice Winners:
Sean Yazbeck
Kendra Todd
Randal Pinkett
Tenacity. Boldness. Business Smarts. Drive and Enthusiasm. Think you've got what it takes to win The Apprentice? These former contestants do, and have the privilege of reporting to Donald Trump to prove it! While on The Apprentice, just like in the real business world, these former contestants faced unprecedented challenges, not to mention the judgmental eye of business icon, Donald J. Trump. But all four prevailed, not only on the show, but in their professional lives. So what are their secrets to business success? Now you can discover their hard-earned lessons and apply them to your own career today!
Trump University proudly presents The Apprentice Winner Speaker Series...
Sharing insights informed from their professional lives and The Apprentice, these featured speakers represent a wide range of opinion and professional experience. Listen in and experience lively discussions on real estate investing, entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, and what it takes to work for Donald Trump.
We invite you to dial in to hear more about Sean, Randal's, and Kendra's fascinating journey to ultimate success; where you are sure to pick up a few tactical pointers along the way.

1 vs 100 to feature Apprentice TV Show alumni

2007-03-12T18:15:00.000-05:00

IT'S 'GAME NIGHT' FRIDAY ON MARCH 16 WHEN NBC'S HIT GAME SHOW '1 VS 100' SIGNS OFF FOR THE SEASON FOLLOWED BY THE RETURN OF NETWORK'S POPULAR NEW GAME SHOW 'IDENTITY'
IT'S 'GAME NIGHT' FRIDAY ON MARCH 16 WHEN NBC'S HIT GAME SHOW '1 VS 100' SIGNS OFF FOR THE SEASON FOLLOWED BY THE RETURN OF NETWORK'S POPULAR NEW GAME SHOW 'IDENTITY'
"1 vs 100" Contestant Battles Wits with "The Apprentice" Alumni and Original "Grease" Feature Film Cast for a Chance at $2 Million
"Identity" -- the Ultimate Game of Who's Who -- Returns with the Most Perception-savvy Contestant to Date
BURBANK - March 12, 2007 It's Friday night "game night" when NBC airs the season finale of its hit game show "1 vs 100" and returns its newest game show sensation "Identity" to the schedule with back-to-back episodes on Friday, March 16.
"1 vs 100" signs off the season at 8-9 p.m. (ET) with a contestant facing a special mob that includes NBC's "The Apprentice" alumni and original cast members from the 1978 hit feature film "Grease." Following from 9-10 p.m. (ET) is the next installment of "Identity," where one contestant faces 12 strangers and a list of 12 traits to identify them for a chance to win $500,000, before moving to its regular time slot (Fridays, 8-9 p.m. ET) the following week on March 23.
During the "1 vs 100" finale, Shannon a morning show radio host of Louisville, Kentucky will play for a top prize of $2 million, by trying to outsmart the mob, which includes original "Grease" cast members Jeff Conaway (Kenickie) and Susan Buckner (Patty Simcox), members of the rock 'n' roll band Sha Na Na (Reggie, Donny York, Jocko and Screamin' Scott), as well as "The Apprentice" alumni - - Omarosa, Kelly Perdew and Sean Yazbeck. The series is hosted by Bob Saget ("America's Funniest Home Videos").
The fun-filled night of play continues when NBC brings back "Identity," the ultimate game of who's who where keen perception and instincts can lead to a top prize of $500,000. In the premiere episode, the game's most intuitive contestant yet, Christina, who leads a non-profit Shakespeare program in the LA school district and is from Sacramento, California, faces 12 strangers and a list of 12 traits to identify them. She will pick from traits -- ranging anywhere from a National Scrabble Champion to a Prison Correction Officer -- and try to match them with one of the 12 strangers. The amount of money that she accumulates will increase with each correctly identified stranger. If all 12 are matched up correctly, this perceptive contestant may be rewarded with the grand prize of $500,000.
The series is hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian/magician Penn Jillette ("Penn & Teller").
"1 vs 100" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. Scott St. John ("Deal or No Deal") is the executive producer.
"Identity" is a production of Reveille. Ben Silverman ("Ugly Betty," "The Office") and H.T. Owens ("Nashville Star," "Date My Mom") serve as executive producers along with Andrew Golder ("Win Ben Stein's Money," "Solitary") and Tim Puntillo ("Friend or Foe," "Fight for Fame"). Mark Koops and Chris Grant of Reveille serve as co-executive producers.

Two Apprentice TV Show winners are now faculty members of Trump University

2007-02-26T19:37:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK, February 26, 2007 - Randal Pinkett, Winner of NBC’s “The Apprentice” Season 4 and Sean Yazbeck, winner of Season 5, have extended their duties at Trump University by becoming faculty members of the booming online institution. Pinkett and Yazbeck will lead courses in sales and entrepreneurship as faculty members at the university. Founded by Donald J. Trump in 2005, Trump University offers instruction in entrepreneurship, marketing, management, real estate, investing and wealth building. Its faculty - Mr. Trump himself, joined by professors from major universities and successful entrepreneurs from many business sectors - delivers courses in formats that include instructor-led online classes, teleseminars, as well as self-guided e-learning courses on CD and DVD. For more information anyone can access http://www.TrumpUniversity.com
“Having both Randal Pinkett and Sean Yazbeck, two of our most accomplished Apprentice winners, joining Trump University is a win-win for everyone,” said Mr. Trump. “What they have to offer is a lot--and everyone will benefit from their experience and knowledge. We are pleased to have them join our stellar faculty!”
Pinkett and Yazbeck are developing audio courses for the university, to be released in Q2. Each audio course will be focused on their areas of expertise; Pinkett will be teaching entrepreneurship and leadership and Yazbeck will be teaching sales and business management. These courses will help aspiring entrepreneurs learn, first hand, how to handle and manage their business endeavors. As current employees of the Trump Organization and survivors of the boardroom on “The Apprentice” Pinkett and Yazbeck will offer a wealth of information and insight to students.
Trump University
An exceptional perspective on building success, a hands-on approach, a world-class faculty, and Ivy League quality curriculums are what make’s Trump University unlike any other online education Institution in the world. Since 2005, Trump University has been teaching its thriving community of members everything from real estate investing, to marketing, to entrepreneurship skills, to business planning, to management, to wealth creation, and to many other subject matters that appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. To learn more about Trump University log onto www.TrumpUniversity.com.Randal Pinkett
Currently the national TV and Radio spokesperson for Trump Institute - which offers wealth-building seminars that teach the real estate and business strategies - Pinkett will continue to inspire students through his new audio-course. Pinkett made history by becoming the first African-American to win “The Apprentice (2005).” He is a nationally recognized expert in business and technology as well as a sought-after motivational speaker on the subjects of entrepreneurship, management, career planning and the value of a college education.
An academic superstar with five advanced degrees as well as the CEO of his own multimillion dollar business, Pinkett has also teamed up with Kaplan Publishing to launch his book, Campus CEO out February, 2007 (www.campusceo.com). He is currently the Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. He has received a myriad of awards and was identified by Ebony Magazine as one of the top“30 Leaders Under 30.” Pinkett can also be seen assisting Trump in the in the boardroom this season on “The Apprentice,” March 4, on NBC.
Sean Yazbeck
As winner of The Apprentice (2006), Sean Yazbeck, was selected by Donald Trump to oversee development of the 5 star hotel Trump SoHo condominium, in New York City's trendy SoHo district. Since the summer, Mr.Trump has been utilizing Sean’s extensive sales expertise to negotiate everything from Trump Soho’s acquisition of haute couture designed furniture, to the provision of the hotel’s computer system network. Additionally, since acquiring his New York real estate license, Sean is now the Director of Sales for this $500 million project.Born and raised in London, England, Sean was awarded the EB1 Green Card for "persons of extraordinary ability" in 2005 for his 11-years sales experience brokering multimillion-dollar deals with Fortune 500 companies in over 20 countries. He has experienced similar academic success, graduating top of his year with a First Class Honors from Southampton Solent University.Sean is currently appearing as a Boardroom Advisor to Mr. Trump on “The Apprentice” in addition to serving as the national TV and Radio spokesperson for Trump Institute. As someone who is learning first hand from Mr. Trump, Sean believes he is in a unique position to help inspire others to learn about real estate, entrepreneurship and most of all successful sales strategy. In his spare time, Sean continues to spend much of his time raising awareness for the Voices for Children foundation (www.voices4.org), which raises funds for abused and neglected children in his hometown of Miami.
###

Apprentice TV Show star to kick off business seminar

2007-02-23T10:31:00.000-06:00

Amy Henry, best known as “The Last Woman Standing” during the inaugural season of NBC’s hit business reality show, “The Apprentice,” will kick off business seminar promoter Move Ahead 1’s 2007 Success Seminar Series on March 22 at the Holiday Inn in Edison, NJ. Ms. Henry, an international author and business consultant to some of America’s largest corporations, will impart in-your-face advice for success in the modern workplace, as well as recount her business and life lessons learned from billionaire real estate tycoon, Donald Trump, while competing on The Apprentice.Henry, a born and bred Texan and formidable businesswoman, is the author of the highly praised book, “What It Takes: Speak Up, Step Up, Move Up.” She has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Larry King Live, The View, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC and numerous other television and radio outlets across the United States and Canada. She has also developed her own consulting company and is a highly sought-after public speaker, workshop leader and business consultant. Other scheduled Move Ahead 1 seminars this year include Hall of Fame football player and coach, Mike Ditka, on June 19; originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, Jack Canfield, on September 26; and bestselling business and marketing author, Brian Tracy, on November 6. Move Ahead 1, the exclusive agent for Brian Tracy seminars in New Jersey, is bringing Tracy back by popular demand as a follow up to his standing room only seminar in November of 2006. For details on registering for Amy Henry and all other upcoming seminars and events, or to inquire about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, call Move Ahead 1 at 732-202-3599 or visit their website at www.moveahead1.com.

You can win with The Apprentice TV Show and GNC

2007-02-22T21:09:00.000-06:00

GNC announced today it will appear as a featured sponsor on Donald Trump's prime time television show, "The Apprentice," scheduled to air at 10/9c p.m. March 11 on NBC.
The show follows aspiring business leaders as they compete for the coveted title of "The Apprentice" and a one-year, six-figure salary job offer. GNC will present the candidates with marketing challenges and assist in the final judging.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for GNC to showcase our strong brand and benefit from the broad consumer exposure," said Steven Nelson, senior vice president of marketing at GNC's headquarters in Pittsburgh, who will appear in the March 11 episode. "We're pleased to work with Mr. Trump and the cast of his top-rated show."
To activate the partnership, GNC also announced it will host a $10,000 "The Apprentice" sweepstakes through March 31. During this time, GNC customers can enter to win a $10,000 cash prize by visiting a GNC store or by logging on to www.gnc.com.
During and immediately following the broadcast, customers can also visit the GNC Web site to download a certificate for a free 28-count bottle of men's or women's multivitamins, redeemable in any of GNC's 4,800 retail stores. The company estimates it will distribute a retail value of one million dollars' worth of free multivitamins nationwide.
About GNC:
GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products; including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. GNC has more than 4,800 retail locations throughout the United States (including more than 1,000 franchise and 1,200 Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 46 international markets. The company -- which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well -- also offers products and product information online at www.gnc.com.
For more information on "The Apprentice," visit http://www.nbc.com/The_Apprentice_6.

Update on former Apprentice TV Show runner

2007-02-18T15:32:00.000-06:00

Forget "The Apprentice." Tana Goertz has moved on to "The Secret." A couple of years ago, if you'll recall, she was the pride of Des Moines on Donald Trump's TV show. She had a strong start but viewers weren't impressed with her finish. Still, millions watched her for weeks on the big stage.So how do you follow that?Last summer, Goertz appeared on another "reality" show, "Fear Factor." She has published a children's book, "I'm Bigger Than This." But most of her money comes from her public speaking career, and she says that has been "fantastic."Her Web site, www.heytana.com, suggests that she is staying fairly busy, if not always in a red-carpet, designer-gown way. Among other gigs, last October she spoke at the Central Iowa American Payroll Association's statewide conference; in November, it was the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society's annual Insurance Industry Day; and in December, she addressed the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives annual meeting."It doesn't matter to me how big they are," she says. "They're telling me I'm changing their life. I've realized I have a gift of encouragement."Now she hopes to hit the encouragement circuit hard as a teacher of The Secret. This is a concept that attracted attention with an Internet-circulated movie about a year ago and has been featured by TV heavyweights Larry King, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey. And as we all know, when Oprah gives her stamp of approval to a thing, that thing is golden. According to various Web sites, The Secret is a key to life that has been passed down through the ages. It seems to boil down to: "Think good thoughts, and good things will happen to you." Now you know."It's the way I've lived my life," says Goertz, and she certainly talks in positives. "I'm still hot and popular and ever in demand," she says. She's the national spokeswoman for a gizmo called the Bedazzler, and claims "it has done over $3 million in sales, and the owners say it's for one reason only - you."She reports that admirers still stop her on the street. People seek out her personal fitness trainer to get that Tana look. And they tell her they like her teeth."People stop me every day to ask about my teeth," she says. "I've been approached by a cosmetic dentist who wants to say he's responsible for my smile, and some dentists ask if they can say they bleached my teeth." Haven't been bleached, she tells them. OK, they reply, can we bleach them? As you can see, the weather forecast always calls for sunshine over Tana Goertz's head. Testimonials adorn her Web site, although the first two people quoted, radio host Round Guy and TV personality Steve Pilchen, are, technically speaking, the same person.There was a moment when the critics turned on her. She helped their cause by saying on TV that her Apprentice experience was "all B.S.," and she didn't say it in the shorthand form. But life goes on. She says she's too busy to worry about the past, anyway. "I'm entertaining offers that come to me daily," Goertz says. For one thing, "I'm going to do some filming for a Web site; they want me to be their spokesman."And, although she's not at liberty to reveal details, Goertz lets it be known that she's in the running to become a radio talk-show host. She thinks that would be great, but even better would be hosting a show on television. And if those things don't happen? If the celebrity status someday goes away, will she miss it? "Oh, God, not at all," Goertz says. "I do not need to be recognized to be happy. I'm a happy person. I'm filled with peace. "

Apprentice TV Show to moved one hour later

2007-02-16T22:06:00.000-06:00

NBC will adjust its late-winter primetime schedule by moving Deal or No Deal to Sundays (9-10 p.m. ET) followed by The Apprentice: Los Angeles (10-11 p.m. ET) beginning Sunday, March 4.

New book by Apprentice TV Show winner

2007-02-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

Google. Yahoo! YouTube. Student Advantage. Facebook. The list of successful businesses started by college students continues to grow. However, while nearly two-thirds of college students say they intend to become entrepreneurs at some point in their careers*, 75% of educators say their students have no idea where to start.** A new book entitled Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide To Launching A Multimillion Dollar Business (Kaplan Publishing, February 2007), by Dr. Randal Pinkett, the winner of NBC's The Apprentice, season four, an academic superstar with five advanced degrees, and the CEO of a multimillion dollar business, aims to give these students the tools and advice they need to get their ventures started and to grow them successfully.
Campus CEO is rooted in Pinkett's experiences as a student entrepreneur at Rutgers, a Rhodes scholar, a MBA/Ph.D. student at MIT, a winner of the Apprentice, and currently as the CEO of BCT Partners, a thriving consulting services firm. In the book, he shows students how to take the entrepreneurial leap, why it's worthwhile, and how achievable starting and running a profitable campus-based business can be. Pinkett shares his insights and profiles other successful Campus CEOs, including current students and legendary leaders, like Bill Gates, Russell Simmons and Michael Dell, who established their companies while in school.
In an era of rising tuitions and escalating student loans, Campus CEO uses first-hand accounts to demonstrate that students can form businesses that not only defray the costs of their education, but also flourish long after graduation. Pinkett's own profitable campus-based business helped him to graduate from college completely debt-free.
"I firmly believe the entrepreneur's mindset -- of creativity, resourcefulness, courage, vision and perseverance -- is empowering and I hope to help foster that outlook in talented young leaders," said Pinkett.
Pinkett will return to "the boardroom" in March when he will appear as a guest judge on The Apprentice.
Campus CEO, which is in bookstores now, is already winning advance praise:
"Randal is a business-savvy scholar. He knows how to make the most of his time, which is a crucial lesion for all aspiring entrepreneurs. Randal's book is based on experience, and I would recommend it to anyone in or out of school."
- Donald J. Trump
"Our education system produces employees -- that's why Campus CEO will create more millionaires!"
- Robert Kiyosaki, entrepreneur, investor, educator, and author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad
"It's imperative that the student entrepreneur uses all resources available to him or her. Not only does Randal Pinkett's Campus CEO identify such resources, but it also gives you key information to maintain a healthy educational and financial future."
- Earl G. Graves Sr., Founder, Chairman and Publisher, Black Enterprise Magazine
Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching A Multi-Million Dollar Business, (Kaplan Publishing; February, 2007; $16.95; Paperback; 288 pages; ISBN-13: 978-1-4195-9371-0) is available now at neighborhood and online booksellers, or by calling 800-245-BOOK.
To help support student entrepreneurs and give them an opportunity to showcase their talents, Pinkett is holding the Most Promising Campus CEO contest. The contest winners will be revealed during a Web based event at the end of February. The first place winner will receive a grand prize worth more than $20,000. For more information about the book and the contest, please visit http://www.campusceo.com/.
About Randal Pinkett
Randal Pinkett made history by becoming the first African-American to win The Apprentice. He is a nationally recognized expert in business and technology and a sought-after motivational speaker on the subjects of management, career planning and the value of a college education. Pinkett holds five degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Oxford University in England; a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering; and MBA and Ph.D. degrees from MIT. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. He has received numerous awards and was identified by Ebony Magazine as one of their "30 Leaders Under 30."
About Kaplan Publishing
Kaplan Publishing is one of the nation's leading education, career and business publishers. Kaplan Publishing, with offices in New York and Chicago, produces more than 150 books a year on test preparation, admissions, academic and professional development, general business, management, sales, marketing, real estate, finance and investing. Kaplan Publishing is a unit of Kaplan, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) . For more information, please visit http://www.kaplanpublishing.com/. Website: http://www.kaplanpublishing.com/

Former Apprentice TV Show star, Carolyn Kepcher doing just fine on her own

2007-01-26T13:56:00.000-06:00

When it comes to "The Apprentice," Carolyn Kepcher doesn't harbor any - actually make that "many" - ill feelings. The corporate executive who was "fired" from the Trump Organization and the NBC reality show last year says she still watches it and has nothing but kudos for Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, who has replaced her in the boardroom. "She's doing a great job," she told Newsday yesterday.

But that's because Kepcher, who has made a career maneuvering through obstacles instead of being stopped by them, has moved on. Right now, she writes a business column for the Daily News, is judging the "Ultimate Challenge," a Microsoft-sponsored small business contest (see ideawins.com) and plans to launch her own business, Carolyn & Co., in May. She also has done some work with Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc., which focuses on fundraising and nonprofit management. "It was time to move on," said Kepcher about her abrupt departure from the show, which many insiders say she was fired from. She has implied she left of her own accord.Carolyn & Co., will be an interactive Web site (carolynkepcher.com) geared to working women. The author also sees more books in her future. And if a new reality show comes calling, she will consider that, too.

Apprentice TV Show winner Bill Rancic to be interviewed on Sunday

2007-01-20T23:08:00.000-06:00

Bill Rancic knows a lot about entrepreneurship. At age 23, he started his own company, cigarsaroundtheworld.com. Winner of the first season of Donald' Trump's The Apprentice and now a judge on the show, Rancic will be interviewed Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 2-3 PM (EST) on the Profit by Imagination Radio Show, http://blogtalkradio.com/profitbyimagination on BlogTalk Radio (http://blogtalkradio.com). Hosts Michael Brooks and Cheryl McLaughlin will interview Rancic about what it was like to be on the Apprentice, first as a candidate and now as a judge, his thoughts on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Ownership, what Bill Rancic is doing these days and why he is traveling the country in a 45 foot bus called the "Dream Ace Machines." Listeners will also have an opportunity to talk to Bill Rancic and get their questions answered. The show can be accessed live at 2:00 PM EST on Sunday January 21, 2007 by going to the following link http://blogtalkradio.com/profitbyimagination. Rancic will appear on the show to promote a contest that will give one entrepreneur the chance to fulfill his or her dream of owning and managing their own Ace Hardware business worth over $1 Million Dollars. (www.dreamacehardware.com). "I am thrilled to have Bill Rancic on the show," said Profit by Imagination Co-Host Michael Brooks. Bill built his business with nothing more than will power and imagination, went on to win The Apprentice and work for Donald Trump. Bill Rancic's insights on entrepreneurs and hearing about the amazing Dream AceSM contest will be a real treat for our listeners," concluded Brooks. “Because I started my own company and grew it from the ground up, I understand the challenges and excitement of being an entrepreneur,” said Rancic. "I look forward to being on The Profit by Imagination Radio Show this Sunday to share my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and talk about how one entrepreneur will have a chance to fulfill his or her dream of owning and managing their own business." For more information on the Profit by Imagination Radio Show contact marketsparkmedia@aol.com. For more information on the Ace Hardware Dream AceSM visit www.dreamacehardware.com. About: Profit by Imagination Radio Show Hosts Michael Brooks and Cheryl McLaughlin interview and talk about inspiring entrepreneurs from around the world making a living with amazing, creative or unusual ideas. The Profit by Imagination Radio Show inspires individuals to develop their own business ideas, tweak, copy, borrow or pilfer an idea you hear about on the show, and most importantly take action. Live and on demand shows can be found at http://blogtalkradio.com/profitbyimagination.

Watch The Apprentice TV Show and win a trip from Loews

2007-01-18T19:32:00.000-06:00

Loews Hotels has launched the website ‘Loews Apprentice’, giving viewers the chance to win one of five luxury long weekends at any Loews Hotel.

Winner of The Apprentice TV Show continues on with The Trump Organization

2007-01-10T09:55:00.000-06:00

Donald Trump re-hired Dr. Randal Pinkett to work with the Trump Organization for another year, as a consultant on several projects. Although he has ended his role overseeing the Taj Mahal renovation project in Atlantic City, Pinkett will continue his working relationship with Donald Trump leading the Youth Apprentice Program in Philadelphia, Pa., and will also serve as spokesperson for the Trump Institute.

Low ratings for new season of The Apprentice TV Show

2007-01-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

Real estate tycoon Donald Trump's relocation to the West Coast for his latest edition of "The Apprentice" did little to bolster sagging viewer interest in the corporate-themed reality show. Debuting a new season, Trump -- who has recently attracted publicity for a public feud with talk show host Rosie O'Donnell -- averaged a lackluster 9.1 million viewers for Sunday night's premiere of the sixth installment of "The Apprentice."

Apprentice TV Show contestant causess waves during tryouts

2007-01-07T15:23:00.000-06:00

Kelly Wilson, Get Out
January 7, 2007
When Jenn Hoffman auditioned for the sixth season of “The Apprentice,” the 27-year-old Phoenix publicist made waves before she sat down with NBC casting directors by cutting to the front of the line.
“It caused a lot of anger,” says Hoffman, a publicist with Orca Communications, adding that one woman was especially irate during the April tryouts at Fort McDowell Casino. “I was like, this is the ‘Apprentice,’ lady. We’re all here to get ahead.’ ” Hoffman is a blonde who has worked as a freelance reporter for KTVK-TV (Channel 3) since August and studied sociology and communications at Arizona State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2001. She says that she’s been watching the show since it debuted in 2004. “I thought, ‘I could do that,’ ” she says. Hoffman says that it takes a certain kind of person to be on a reality show. “When you get there and the cameras go on you really start examining like, ‘Oh my God, what type of person am I to want to be here?’ ” she says. “I had reservations about being on a reality show in the first place. I think I’m one of the first people on the show who really was self-aware and aware of the fact that this is a reality show. I feel like other people really didn’t grasp that.” This round of “The Apprentice,” which was filmed from late May through July, moved to Los Angeles for its sixth season. “The L.A. thing makes it different because you don’t have that New York City kind of big business, corporate atmosphere,” says Hoffman. “It’s a little more laid-back.” Like previous seasons, 18 contestants will vie for a chance to work for Trump. But in a new move, the winning team will live in a swanky mansion while the losing team has to sleep outside the house in tents. Although Hoffman can’t talk too much about her experience because of secrecy agreements, she says the rewards stood out this season. “We did meet some celebrities, and that was definitely really cool,” she says. “And the Playboy Mansion was involved in a reward, but I can’t say if I was a part of that.” Hoffman, who is originally from New York, says that meeting Trump was a reward in itself. “He’s fantastic,” says Hoffman, who will begin working as an entertainment reporter for FREE (101.5 FM) on Monday. “He’s everything. He doesn’t disappoint. He is exactly who he says he is and he doesn’t mince words. It was really exciting to meet him. ... He’s always been an icon to me.” Hoffman, who will host a viewing party tonight at Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Tempe, says she’s looking forward to watching how she’s depicted on the show. “I hope that I’m well-received, and if I’m not then I hope I’m not ignored,” she says. Viewing party Jenn Hoffman will host a viewing party for the sixth season of “The Apprentice” at 8 p.m. today at Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 660 W. Warner Road, Tempe, (480) 592-0102. There is no cover.

The Apprentice TV Show season 6 kicks off tomorrow night

2007-01-06T19:19:00.000-06:00

The new season of The Apprentice kicks off on NBC tomorrow at 9:30pm, but if you want a sneak peek at the first episode, you can watch the first twenty-four minutes here, courtesy of Yahoo

Star of Apprentice TV Show turns her attention to nonprofit world

2007-01-03T20:38:00.000-06:00

Carolyn Kepcher, former top executive in the Trump Organization and star of NBC’s popular reality program The Apprentice, is turning her attention and highly-regarded management skills to the nonprofit world through an affiliation with Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc., (www.grahampelton.com), a national leader in fundraising and nonprofit management.
“I am delighted to be affiliated with Graham-Pelton Consulting,” Ms. Kepcher said. “Nonprofit organizations are an enormous part of our economy. Whether for education, social service, environmental protection, the arts or health care, nonprofits provide core services that for-profit America does not. Graham-Pelton works with these vital organizations to make them stronger – to advance their missions through innovative and strategic approaches. Graham-Pelton shares my commitment to management excellence, and I believe that my skills and experience can benefit many of the firm’s clients.”
A key member of Donald Trump’s staff beginning in 1994, Ms. Kepcher most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager for Trump National Golf Clubs in New York and New Jersey. In 2004, Ms. Kepcher joined Mr. Trump as a judge on Trump’s reality television series The Apprentice. The success of that show inspired Kepcher to pen Carolyn 101: Business Lessons from “The Apprentice’s” Straight Shooter. Reviewers called the book “smart, direct, and precise.” Kepcher now offers that brand of counsel to corporate clients through her firm, Kepcher, Inc. (www.carolynkepcher.com). Since her departure from the Trump organization in July 2006, Kepcher also recently began a project with Microsoft, Inc. serving as part of an executive team evaluating the best small business idea in America.
“Carolyn Kepcher shares our passion and our clients’ passion for effective leadership,” Graham-Pelton’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Leach, said. “Our clients are managing billions of philanthropic dollars in their operational budgets and endowments. To thrive today, non-profit leaders must be encouraged to adopt the best practices of the best-run businesses. Carolyn Kepcher’s tremendous performance as a leader in highly-competitive industries shows that she embraces these best practices and can inspire others to do the same. We see our affiliation with Carolyn as yet another opportunity to provide our clients with state-of-the-art counsel so they may properly steward their donors and advance their missions with confidence.”
Headquartered in Summit, New Jersey and with offices throughout the United States, Graham-Pelton Consulting works in all sectors of fundraising and nonprofit management. Offering clients strategic approaches and integrated services, the firm has assisted clients worldwide in garnering billions of dollars in philanthropic gifts.

Apprentice TV Show winner helping with Ace Hardware Contest

2007-01-02T21:47:00.000-06:00

Ace Hardware will make dreams come true this year with the launch of its Dream Ace(SM) contest. The unique contest will give aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to compete for one of them to win his or her very own Ace Hardware store valued at $1 million.
Entries for the Dream Ace contest will be accepted throughout the month of January at www.dreamacehardware.com. Successful contestants will demonstrate a combination of business and sales expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and home improvement knowledge, as well as a true commitment to helpfulness.
"Two qualities are at the heart of Ace Hardware and our store owners -- entrepreneurialism and helpfulness," said Paula Erickson, director of advertising and brand development at Ace Hardware Corp. "Through the Dream Ace contest, one qualified and talented contestant will be judged the winner and will have the opportunity to join our Ace family of entrepreneurs, and, with our help, build a successful future."
Ace Hardware is introducing the Dream Ace contest during National Business Resolutions Month, as people across the country continue to make their 2007 New Year's resolutions. According to a recent national survey* fielded for Ace Hardware, 76.8 percent of the individuals polled would like to be their own boss.
However, more than seven out of 10 respondents (71.4%) said that they would need financial support in order to start their dream career, and 42.7 percent said they would need mentoring from people with experience. The survey also revealed that most Americans (70.4%) are not currently working in their dream job.
What's in Store for Your Future?
The selection process for the Dream Ace contest begins with an online entry form, including an entrepreneurial-suitability test and three essay questions, which will be reviewed by third-party judges to identify the top contestant from each state. Contest entries will be accepted from January 1 through January 31 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Throughout February, the 50 state finalist contestants will be narrowed down through a series of contest-related interviews, presentations and other skill-based tests taking place in New York City and Chicago. All contest activities will be judged by qualified Ace retailers or independent third parties and the Dream Ace Grand Prize Winner will be selected by a vote by all Ace retailers present at the Ace Hardware convention in Las Vegas on March 15.
The culmination of the Dream Ace contest is the grand opening, on June 30 and July 1, of the winner's store, which will be located in Houston or an alternate location at Ace's discretion. The store prize is valued at approximately $1 million, and includes opening stock inventory, fixtures, décor and technology. Additionally, the winner and his/her staff will receive extensive training and support from Ace similar to the assistance the cooperative provides its new investors.
On the Road to Success
Beginning on January 4, a team of Dream Ace ambassadors will travel across the country promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of Ace Hardware and the Dream Ace contest. Bill Rancic, celebrity entrepreneur and season one winner of "The Apprentice," and Lou Manfredini, national home improvement expert, Ace's "Helpful Hardware Man" and an Ace store owner, will cross the country in two 45-foot buses dubbed the "Dream Ace Machines." The Dream Ace Tour will make stops at Ace Hardware stores in 40 cities, offering customers giveaways and a chance to meet Rancic and Manfredini.
"Because I started my own company and grew it from the ground up, I understand the challenges and excitement of being an entrepreneur," said Rancic. "I'm excited to be part of a contest that will give one entrepreneur the chance to fulfill his or her dream of owning and managing their own business."
For more information on the Dream Ace contest, official contest rules (including winner's significant ongoing store ownership, management and other financial obligations) or to enter the contest, visit www.dreamacehardware.com.
About Ace Hardware
Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $13 billion, Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and 70 countries. More information about Ace can be found at www.acehardware.com.
*This research project was conducted by Impulse Research and funded by Ace Hardware to assess the entrepreneurial spirit of U.S. professionals. The survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1,059 men and women -- all members of the CyberPulse™ Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel has been carefully selected to closely match U.S. population demographics. Research was conducted in December 2006. The overall sampling error for this survey is +/- 3% at the 95% level of confidence.

Apprentice TV Show to feature Jamaican contestant

2007-01-01T11:54:00.000-06:00

Twenty-eight year old Jamaican, Muna Haven, will appear on season six of the popular NBC reality show, 'The Apprentice,' which will premier on January 7.
During the show, which is hosted by billionaire real estate tycoon, Donald Trump, Muna, along with 17 other professionals, will compete for a chance to be hired by the Tump organization, earning a six-figure salary.
Born in Mandeville, Muna is the daughter of businessman Trevor Haven. She earned an academic scholarship to Pennsylvania State University, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in French and a bachelor of science in biology, with a minor in international studies.
She later attended McGill University where she studied international trade law, earning degrees in both common and civil law. Muna has also studied in France, Spain and Belgium and speaks Spanish and French fluently.
The young attorney, who practices family law in New York, told JIS News that she wanted to be on the show, "to challenge myself in a way I haven't before; I want to push myself beyond my personal limit."She noted further that she would be a good fit for the Trump organization, "because my background in international trade and foreign languages run in tandem with Trump's organization increasingly global integration".
The show will be aired on Sundays from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Former Michigan State University student to appear on Apprentice TV Show?

2006-12-19T11:15:00.000-06:00

A former Michigan State University student may soon make a big impact on "The Apprentice."
The new round of the NBC show doesn't start until Jan. 7, but an advance sampling makes one thing clear: Early on, the strongest figures are Frank, from the Bronx, and Heidi, from MSU.
"Heidi is extremely smart," Donald Trump, the show's sole arbiter, said by phone today. "Heidi has a lot of finesse; Frank has less finesse, but he has great passion."

Early on, Frank is seen battling with some of his teammates. Heidi is seen praising all of hers.
"Don't underestimate Heidi," said Ivanka Trump, who is her dad's top aide on the show. "She's a very strong person."
Early information on the show is sparse and doesn't include last names. It says Heidi grew up in Unionville (a Thumb town that now has 605 people) and began modelling at 13. She studied at the University of Michigan branch in Flint and at MSU.
She went into the aerospace industry and is now an international sales manager, living in Santa Monica, Calif. Now she's 26 and - with Frank - a key part of the early episodes.
"They're both extremely strong people," Donald Trump said, "but in different ways."
There was an MSU alumnus in the original "Apprentice." That was Jason Curis, who was the second person ousted.

Apprentice TV Show winner is getting married

2006-12-17T14:43:00.000-06:00

Forget that Trump character—original Apprentice champ Bill Rancic's found somebody he'd rather partner with: E! News' Giuliana DePandi.
Rancic proposed to DePandi Friday night during a cozy helicopter ride over his hometown of Chicago. He sealed the deal with some deep-dish pizza, champagne, chocolate cake and a generous sprinkling of rose petals.
The couple, who have been dating for nearly a year, are planning a late 2007 wedding in DePandi's native Italy, she says.
It will be the first marriage for both.
Although DePandi and Rancic first met when she interviewed him following his Apprentice hiring in April 2004, they didn't get romantic until earlier this year. During an interview for a Boys & Girls Club charity event, DePandi asked Rancic onair if he was dating anyone. He said no and, when the cameras stopped rolling, asked her out.
Rancic, 35, has worked in various capacities for the Trump Organization since his reality show win, and will again appear as one of Donald Trump's sidekicks during the upcoming season of The Apprentice, which kicks off Jan. 7.
DePandi, 31, anchors E! News opposite Ryan Seacrest

New Apprentice TV Show MasterCard Gift Card

2006-12-13T14:14:00.000-06:00

Legend Credit, Inc. (OTCBB: LGMB) today announced that its latest debit card, "The Apprentice with Donald Trump" MasterCard® Gift Card, is now on sale (www.apprenticecard.com).
The Apprentice MasterCard® Gift Card features an image of billionaire and host of the show, Donald Trump, as well as the famous logo on the front of the card.
(Click here for details)The Apprentice MasterCard Gift Card
The Apprentice card is available in denominations of $25.00, $50.00 and $100.00. The MasterCard® Gift Card is a Prepaid MasterCard® Debit Card that is honored at millions of locations. There are currently no known merchants within the U.S. or Canada where the card cannot be used.
Developed in conjunction with Mark Burnett Productions and Brand Central Group, The Apprentice MasterCard® Gift Card features the same benefits as all MasterCard® cardholders.
Safer than cash, easy to use and more flexible than single merchant gift cards or paper gift certificates; you can never be fired for giving the Apprentice card this holiday season.

News from The Apprentice TV Show

2006-12-07T20:31:00.000-06:00

Will Cincinnati’s Surya Yalamanchili be hired or fired on “The Apprentice” next year?
The 24-year-old Procter & Gamble brand manager is one of 18 members on the sixth season of Donald Trump’s reality competition. The series premieres Jan. 7 (9:30-11 p.m., Channels 5, 2).
Yalamanchili, former class president and commencement speaker at Rutgers University, is a media stratetgist for the company.

Born in Norristown, Pa., and raised in Old Bridge, N.J., he started a successful e-commerce strategy company at age 15 and worked full-time at a Web company while attending college, according to NBC.
Yalamanchili wants to be the next “Apprentice” because he “can operate with the passion and energy of an entrepreneur and bring along the discipline and savvy of a corporate executive,” he tells NBC.To boost interest in “The Apprentice,” which dropped to No. 53 last season, the winning team each week will live in a mansion, while the losers sleep in tents and use portable bathrooms in the back yard. The winning project manager will remain in that position until he or she loses, and will sit in on boardroom discussions with Trump, Invanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

Apprentice TV Show winner will be keynote speaker at Equities Conference

2006-12-06T10:15:00.000-06:00

Bill Rancic, one of the worlds' youngest and most successful entrepreneurs will be the lunch keynote speaker at Friedland Investment Events' Undervalued Equities Conference, which will be held in Boca Raton, Florida on Thursday, December 7th. Award winning TV personality, financial correspondent and best selling author, Bill Rancic regularly lends advice to everyone from Donald Trump to the local professional with a dream and an idea. And he does it with style and sophistication. In addition to regularly appearing in The Board Room on the popular NBC prime time show "The Apprentice," Bill has been a premier guest on NBC's Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CNBC and quoted in virtually every major national and daily newspaper outlet. Most recently, Bill completed his second book, titled "Beyond the Lemonade Stand" which was written to help educate and motivate young people around the world about the value of money and how to leverage their skills, talents, and abilities at an early age. "Beyond the Lemonade Stand" is the follow up to his New York Times bestselling book in 2003, titled "You're Hired: How To Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of The Apprentice," which chronicled Bill's successful life, experience and proven advice. Bill Rancic founded the successful company, www.cigarsaroundtheworld.com eight years ago in a 400 square foot studio apartment. Today, it is a thriving multi-million dollar national operation. The son of educators, he is a true entrepreneur, who earned his way through college by starting a boat wash and wax business in the Chicago area. Presenting at this event will be senior management of a select group of publicly-traded companies listed on NASDAQ, the AMEX, foreign exchanges, and small cap companies. These companies will introduce their company's business, outline current operations, and define prospects for the future. The companies' objectives in presenting at this event will be obtaining interest and sponsorship, financing, or a combination. If you would like to request an invitation please visit http://www.friedlandevents.com/attend.htm. The Conference is also being sponsored by the Imperiali Organization (www.imperiali.org), a global business development company, that assists companies in entering international markets. Other sponsors of the conference include: Richardson Patel, Spencer Clarke, Laurus, Vintage Filings LLC, and Stock IM. About Friedland Investment Events Friedland Investment Events is the world's largest sponsor of financial and investment events, sponsoring hundreds of events annually, in 18 US cities and 3 European cities. These events include all-day conferences, breakfasts, luncheons and cocktail receptions. These events include: • Events featuring presentations by management of publicly-traded companies for buy-side and sell-side members of the financial community. • Events featuring presentations by sponsors of investment programs for financial planners, brokers, accountants and investment advisors. Friedland Investment Events LLC, is also an affiliate of Friedland Corporate Investor Services LLC and Friedland Global Capital Markets LLC. Friedland Global Capital Markets LLC is a US based merchant bank and advisory firm with offices in the United States in New York, Dallas and Denver, and in China in Beijing and Xi'an. Among its activities, Friedland Global Capital Markets provides corporate finance advisory services to enable publicly-traded and privately-held emerging growth companies, as well as sponsors of investment programs worldwide to achieve their short-term capital goals, and to realize their long-term business objectives. ( www.friedlandcapital.com) Friedland Corporate Investor Services provides financial marketing and investor awareness programs to privately-held and publicly-held companies, as well as sponsors of investment programs and products. For Media Inquiries Please Contact: Imperiali Organization i1connect Tel: 561-805-9494 www.i1connect.com www.imperiali.org

Former Apprentice TV Show star to judge competition

2006-11-29T20:35:00.000-06:00

Want $100,000 from Microsoft to jump-start your brilliant idea for a consumer-focused small business?
Microsoft on Tuesday kicked off its IdeaWins competition, a reality TV-influenced contest to find the best new small-business idea in America, as judged by a panel that includes former "Apprentice" arbitrator Carolyn Kepcher.
Open to U.S. residents "of good moral character," the competition invites wannabe entrepreneurs to pitch an innovative consumer product that can be sold online and through a retail storefront. Entries will be judged on originality, marketing plans, feasibility and public appeal.
Submissions are due by Jan. 31, after which Microsoft's judges will select four finalists. Winners will receive $100,000 in startup capital, a year's lease for a New York City storefront and a package of Microsoft software and services support.
Intended to publicize Microsoft's Office Accounting 2007 software and new Office Live hosted SMB services, the IdeaWins contest is sprinkled with Hollywood glitz. In addition to Kepcher -- a former Trump Organization employee who gained famed helping Donald Trump fire "Apprentice" aspirants, before getting the axe herself a few months ago -- the judging panel will include maternity clothes designer Liz Lange and Microsoft executive Chris Capossela, who heads Microsoft's Office business.
Finalists will be asked to submit short videos touting their fantasy products, which Microsoft plans to post online. Viewers will be asked to cast votes for their favorite of the finalists, "American Idol"-style, but Microsoft is going more for the veneer of democracy than the reality: Public votes will account for just four of the 104 points that finalists can earn.
Microsoft launched its contest in Times Square in New York. Over the next two months, it will tour the country to accept entries live at events in Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago and Atlanta. Competitors also can enter online at Microsoft's IdeaWins.com Web site

Apprentice TV Show season 6 on Jan. 7

2006-11-29T20:10:00.000-06:00

Emmy Award-nominated "The Apprentice TV Show" (9-10 p.m. ET) returns Jan. 7 for a sixth season.

Apprentice TV Show winner Kendra Todd gives free tele-seminar

2006-11-13T10:38:00.000-06:00

Registered members of financial resource, InvestorTeams.com, will get a chance to hear real estate investor and Donald Trump's Apprentice winner, Kendra Todd, share her strategies for successful real estate investing on November 15, 2006, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm (EST). Membership is free and all that is needed is a valid name and email address. Before winning Donald Trump's prestigious 'Apprentice- title, Todd was the founder of her own award winning lifestyle magazine and a real estate marketing company specializing in pre-construction and condo conversion. While Kendra is not busy maintaining her status as one of the nation's top real estate producers, she dedicates her time to spreading her wealth of real estate knowledge to the public. She recently authored a new book, 'Risk and Grow Rich,- in which she outlines her unique equity building formula and inspires others to follow their financial dreams. 'We had one of our biggest turnouts ever when Kendra came to speak at our National Real Estate Network event. Our guests left well informed and with clear actions on how to get started in Real Estate. We'd bring Kendra Todd back anytime.- Urvi Mehta, Co-Founder, National Real Estate Network During this one time Teleseminar, Kendra will discuss the next 'hot- markets in the US and around the globe, the insight she received from her experience as Donald Trump's season three 'Apprentice- and the steps serious investors need to take when building their own real estate portfolio. This conference call is FREE to InvestorTeams.com members and lines are limited. If you are interested in joining this free Teleseminar, just follow these simple instructions. • Go to http://www.investorteams.com/ • Click on the 'Free Teleseminar with Kendra Todd- logo on the homepage. • Fill out our the registration form to become a member of InvestorTeams.com • Once you finish your application, click on the 'sign up,- button and you'll be provided with the call-in number and password to join the call. Cost: FREE Date: 11/15/06 Time: 8:00pm (EST) Contact: info@investorteams.com This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com. For more information on press release distribution, go to http://www.emailwire.com/

Apprentice TV Show contestant hits the ice

2006-11-09T19:37:00.000-06:00

Angela Ruggiero can't say, on pain of litigation, if Donald Trump fired her.
Ruggiero, a veteran defenceman on the U.S. women's hockey team, is one of the candidates on Season 6 of The Apprentice that starts airing in January.
The Apprentice is an NBC reality television show in which ambitious entrepreneurs showcase their business skills and try to one-up each other, in hopes that business-guru Donald Trump will hire them.
Candidates are eliminated when Trump tells them: "You're fired."
Ruggiero is currently playing for the U.S. team at the Four Nations Cup in Kitchener, Ont., and her lips are contractually sealed as to whether she avoided Trump's axe and became the next Apprentice. That will be revealed in the final episode in May.
"I won't even tell my mother," Ruggiero said. "I don't want their lawyers mad at me. I signed a big, fat agreement."
The three-time Olympian and gold medallist at the 1998 Olympics is arguably the best female defenceman in the world. Ruggiero was named top defenceman at the world championships in 2004 and 2005.
But did her hockey skills translate to the boardroom?
"I will say, I'm a huge advocate for girls playing sports, or anyone for that matter, because you learn so many skills that translate into the business world: team skills, having confidence, working with individuals under pressure," Ruggiero said, choosing her words carefully.
"There's all these things as an athlete I'm hopefully going to take that into my next career. It definitely helped."
But Ruggiero (ruh-JEER-oh) also has a degree in government from Harvard. She and Canadian forward Jennifer Botterill were Harvard teammates.
All teams had Thursday off at the Four Nations Cup. The round-robin concludes Friday with Canada (2-0) meeting Finland (0-2) and a game between the U.S. and Sweden (1-1).
The most recent edition of The Apprentice was taped in June and July in Los Angeles so, Ruggiero, born in Panorama City, Calif., felt right at home.
"I'm a valley girl," she laughed. "I went to Valleyview Junior High. I said 'like' all the time and 'dude.'
"I can tell you this is a totally new Apprentice. The tasks are totally new. It's L.A. style completely. They threw all these new twists in."
Ruggiero was voted onto The Apprentice in an NBC online poll during the Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. She received more votes than 11 other athletes put forward.
She and her brother Bill, a goaltender, became the first brother and sister tandem to play together in a professional hockey game in North America on Jan. 28, 2005, when they both played for the Central Hockey League's Tulsa Oilers.
The 26-year-old Ruggiero is coming to the end of her hockey career and she saw the opportunity to be on The Apprentice as a way to make the transition out of the sport.
"I'm trying to figure out my life right now, if I'm going to keep playing or not," she said. "Having this, maybe I'll win and maybe I won't."
Ruggiero has also been hired by New York Islanders owner Charles Wang to oversee Project Hope.
Wang, a Chinese-American, wants to develop hockey in China by building rinks, providing coaching and bringing Chinese players and teams to North America for development.
Ruggiero says Hockey Canada has helped with the project by providing its coaching manual for translation into Chinese.
The Chinese women's team has shown promise in the past, but hasn't been able to sustain it. Ruggiero says one goal of Project Hope is to develop youth hockey to strengthen China's national teams.
"If we can get it in place, five or 10 years from now they will have a great men's and women's program," she said.

New show for Apprentice TV Show winner

2006-11-09T11:38:00.000-06:00

Honolulu, HI (PRWeb) November 9, 2006 -- Kendra Todd, last year's winner of season three of Donald Trump's very popular television show "The Apprentice" is returning to television with her very own show "My House is Worth What?" It's a brand new series, developed by Pie Town Productions, (http://www.pietown.tv) began airing on Home and Garden Television in August 2006. Every show features a particular region of the country and selected homeowners in that area are advised what their home is worth in relation to current market trends and comparative home values in their area. Suggestions are also given to homeowner participants how they can increase the value of their home through renovations, decoration and/or repairs. Local real estate expert and agents are also featured in each segment. Filming on location in Honolulu Hawaii in January of 2007, Kendra and crew will visit a number of Oahu real estate properties. "One of the homes that will be featured is a brand new North shore beachfront home in front of all the big world famous surf," explains Hawaiian Real Estate specialist Tony Kawaguchi of Remax 808 Realty (http://www.alohatony.com) who is the show's featured local real estate expert and listing agent of this spectacular property. Kawaguchi goes on to say, "We won't disclose the value until after the show, since that's the whole reason for the show – to find out the value." Tony Kawaguchi and a couple of his lucky clients with homes for sale in Oahu, Hawaii were selected to participate in a few segments of the show. Kendra Todd really is the perfect candidate for hosting a real estate show like "My House is Worth What?" Kendra is a very ambitious women and an extremely successful real estate entrepreneur. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Linguistics from the University of Florida, and upon graduation became the Editor-in -Chief of an award-winning lifestyle magazine in South Florida. Kendra went on to obtain her real estate license and, combined her media expertise, developed My House Real Estate Inc., an innovative real estate marketing company specializing in condominium conversions and land acquisitions. Kendra is currently one of the highest producing real estate agents in the marketplace. Additionally, she is "Special Agent 53" on the Florida real estate investment radio show My House.Since her win on "The Apprentice", Kendra has written a new book on real estate investment entitled, "Risk & Grow Rich". In the book Kendra addresses real estate risk from all sides, shows how to spot a potential good investment, and lays out the steps for turning risk into opportunityKendra Todd certainly doesn't seem content to rest after the phenomenal publicity and success she has received due to her win on "The Apprentice". With a new book in print and a new television show of her own in the making, the sky is the limit for this ambitious entrepreneur.Tony Kawaguchi of Remax 808 Realty has been helping individuals and families with their real estate needs since 1999. By focusing on people's needs and not just a commission check, he has become the highest office producer for multiple years. For more information Honolulu and Oahu homes, or if you are in need of selling Hawaii real estate, please visit http://www.alohatony.com or call (808) 395-5776.

Apprentice TV Show hopeful does not here "You're Elected"

2006-11-08T11:06:00.000-06:00

PHILADELPHIA - The good thing about losing an election is voters won't get a chance to say, "You're fired."Raj Peter Bhakta, a former hopeful on Donald Trump's television show "The Apprentice," lost his long-shot bid Tuesday for a job as a GOP congressman.Bhakta had sought to oust first-term Democratic Rep. Allyson Schwartz, two years after he occupied the posh Manhattan boardrooms of Trump's show in which eager young men and women competed for a job with the real-estate mogul. He was fired from the program after a home renovation project went awry.Bhakta, a Republican, was not given much of a chance in the solidly Democratic Philadelphia-area district.

Apprentice TV Show star Trump earns some extra spending money

2006-10-31T21:44:00.000-06:00

The Learning Annex has upped the ante once again and announces a 30 million dollar deal with its #1 star instructor Donald Trump. "The Donald" has been teaching Learning Annex students since 2004 at its Wealth Expos nationwide. The coming 2007 tour will be no exception. Beginning in February, Trump embarks on a 20-city tour across the United States, teaching the masses of entrepreneurs, business owners and Apprentice fans his techniques for success. Bill Zanker, President and Founder of The Learning Annex says, "Donald has been such a hit at our Wealth Expos that it was natural for us to grow the tour to 20 cities nationwide. No one inspires and teaches big business to my students like Trump. I will gladly pay him 30 million in 2007, it's a small price to pay for the wealth of information our students receive. He is one of the greatest speakers I have ever heard in 27 years of business."

Trump still has several cities in 2006, Anaheim (November 4 & 5), New York (November 18 & 19), and Boston (December 2 & 3) but the 2007 tour kicks off in Atlanta in February and will hit major markets across the country. Donald Trump claims, "I believe in what the Learning Annex is doing, it's a great organization and I have a lot of fun. Besides, it's good money for 20 hours of work."
This is the largest speaking fee in the

Apprentice TV Show winner to appear on Corporate Strategies

2006-10-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump's Apprentice Sean Yazbeck to appear Sunday, October 29, 2006 on "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly". Mr. Yazbeck will discuss his current projects with Mr. Trump, his role as Trump's apprentice, and his upcoming role in the next season of The Apprentice. Emerge Capital Corp. is the lead sponsor of The Corporate Strategies Business Talk Radio Show which may be heard on KSEV AM 700 in Houston, Texas, WGCH AM 1490 in Greenwich, Connecticut, WSBR AM 740 in Boca Raton, Florida, WSMN AM 1590 in Nashua, New Hampshire, and on over 400 affiliate stations nationwide listed at CRN1 www.cableradionetwork.com, or on the Internet at www.businesstalkradio.net. Listeners may call in live and toll free at 1-866-606-TALK (8255) to speak with Sean and Tim. Previous guests of the show have included ChangeWave Research's Bryan Perry, US Senator John McCain, Enterprise Products CEO Dan Duncan, Celgene's CEO John Jackson, Landry's CEO Tilman Fertitta, Mario Gabelli, former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt, former Compaq CEO Eckard Pfeiffer, Money Manager Louis Navellier, and many others. This hour of "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" is hosted by Tim Connolly of Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers (www.corporate-strategies.net). Noted Economist Mike King of Princeton Research provides live technical analysis for the show.About Sean Yazbeck -- Born and raised in London, England, Sean moved to the United States in 1999 where he lived for the past six years in Miami, FL. Selected by Donald Trump as his new Apprentice, Sean began work with the Trump Organization this summer. He will oversee development of the latest Trump property in New York City's trendy SOHO district. As director of business development for a recruitment consultancy registered on the London Stock Exchange, he boasts the title of the top-ranking sales person globally at his firm. He also devotes much of his time to the Voices for Children Foundation. Its mission is to ensure every abused and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem volunteer. The foundation also provides financial assistance and other resources for their accompanying health, education and social needs. At 34 Sean is a devoted soccer fan, both on and off the field. He divides his time between Miami and New York City.About Emerge Capital Corp and Corporate Strategies, Inc. -- Emerge Capital Corp. (OTCBB: EMGC) provides business growth, organizational restructuring, and turnaround execution services for emerging and re-emerging public companies through our wholly owned subsidiary, Corporate Strategies, Inc. (www.corporate-strategies.net). Emerge Capital is unique because we accept payment for our services in the common stock of the companies we serve, aligning our interests with those of the client's shareholders and preserving their corporate cash reserves for working capital and growth. As Emerge Capital succeeds, the shareholders of our valued clients succeed. Emerge Capital believes our approach provides Emerge shareholders with an opportunity to realize greater gains than merely receiving cash payments for our services. We consider Emerge Capital to be the ultimate business resource for emerging and re-emerging public companies.About "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" - "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" is live talk radio...with the Titans of Business who move financial markets! The show is hosted by Tim Connolly, CEO of Merchant Banker Corporate Strategies, Inc. The Executive Producer of the show is broadcast news veteran Jan Carson, an award winning journalist with more than 20 years experience as a top rated television news anchor and reporter for NBC, ABC and CBS network affiliates. "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly" features financial experts from across the nation providing the latest intelligence on equities, income investments, and a variety of risk, equity and option strategies.

Apprentice TV Show star Donald Trump teams up with archrival

2006-10-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Casino mogul Steve Wynn wants to bring Las Vegas-style glitz and glamour to Atlantic City by teaming up with his former archrival Donald Trump for a $3 billion megaresort that could dominate the heart of the Boardwalk.
“Steve and I are talking about something very exciting and very interesting,” Trump said in an interview Wednesday. “It would be great for the state of New Jersey and Atlantic City, but it's very preliminary.”
Trump declined to disclose details, but people familiar with the plans said the aging Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino would be demolished to make way for a gigantic development project. It would encompass as many as four blocks of Boardwalk property from Missouri to Texas avenues and stretch out to Atlantic Avenue on the land side, at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway.
One controversial aspect is the possibility that historic Boardwalk Hall would be demolished or incorporated into the new casino hotel. A new entertainment and sports complex might be built on Atlantic Avenue to replace the 77-year-old hall, the former site of the Miss America Pageant and now the city's premier concert venue.
Boardwalk Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places, giving it some protection from demolition but hardly an ironclad guarantee that it will survive. There was talk of razing the hall years ago before a $90 million renovation, completed in 2001, converted the crumbling building into a 14,000-seat sports and entertainment arena.

Apprentice TV Show winner Randal Pinkett addresses students

2006-10-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

Randal Pinkett, winner of NBC's reality TV show "The Apprentice," visited Mississippi State's campus Thursday to host a business plan competition and share with students his experiences as an entrepreneur.
The competition was held in McCool Hall's Rogers Auditorium at 2 p.m. In the event, students had the chance to team up and present their business plans to Pinkett, the sole judge. Three teams were given eight minutes to present their ideas with an additional two minutes for questioning. As Donald Trump did on "The Apprentice," Pinkett either hired or fired each team. A traffic light symbol was used to keep time and signify another group's turn.
Sponsored by the Thad Cochran Endowment for Entrepreneurship, a cash award of $500 was given to the winner.
"Randal is a great representative and role model to students, as well as African-Americans," said Gerald Nelson, director of the College of Engineering entrepreneurship program. "Tommy Stevenson came in my office with the idea for him to come, and we actually booked him in March of last year."
Pinkett's speech began at 7 p.m. in the Humphrey Coliseum with approximately 500 students present. He addressed the crowd by introducing himself, listing his credentials, giving insight to his past and the lessons he learned along the way to become the president and CEO of BCT Partners, a multi-million-dollar management, technology and policy consulting services firm.
Pinkett was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and raised in East Windsor, N.J. He graduated from Hightstown High School in New Brunswick and continued his education to receive five academic degrees: a Bachelor of
Science in electrical engineering from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in computer science from Oxford University in England, a Master of Science in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the MIT Sloan School and a doctorate from the MIT Media Laboratory.
Pinkett was the first African-American to receive a Rhodes scholarship at Rutgers University.
"Do you remember your first day on campus, your first football game, your first time to oversleep or the first time you couldn't read a professor's handwriting?" Pinkett asked the audience. "Your experiences at MSU are like walking down a path with obstacles and speedlights."
Business is an adventure. You never know what will happen next, he said.
Pinkett's wife came up with the idea for him to apply for "The Apprentice." Although he repeatedly said he was too busy, she downloaded the application from the NBC Web site, and he filled it out. Soon after, Pinkett received a phone call from the producer and was selected as one of the 18 contestants out of the millions that applied for season four of the show.
During his speech, he asked the audience what their dreams would be if all the restraints were taken away, like a child's imagination. It's a powerful exercise, he said. Pinkett encouraged everyone to be daring and dream big. Disliking the word 'or,' he favors the conjunction, 'and.'
"The power of 'and' is the power of possibilities," Pinkett said.
After being on "The Apprentice," he gained more of the ability to get things done. So much is asked of you in such a short period of time, he said. He walked away from the show with an entirely different perspective. He made reference to managing his time and balancing out everything in his life.
"It's not rocket science," Pinkett said. "You just have to figure out what your priorities are and align your life accordingly."
In addition to his numerous degrees, Pinkett has contributed to four books and published more than 20 scholarly papers. He is writing two books: "Campus CEO," a book targeted at students who want to own their own business, and "Black Faces in White Places: 10 Steps for African-Americans to Redefine the Game."
Students can find more information about being an entrepreneur at www.tcee.msstate.edu.

Apprentice TV Show star Donald Trump to teach live class

2006-10-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

The Learning Annex RealEstate and Wealth Expo hosts its second annual money fest this Saturday andSunday October 21st and 22nd and it will have more attendees than 2005.Donald Trump is teaching a private live class for Learning Annex studentson how to get rich and he will take questions from the audience afterwardson any topic. Suze Orman delivers her feisty and candid advice on how youcan get on the road to wealth. Tony Robbins will give a 3 hour peakperformance training session that is guaranteed to rock the Donald E.Stephens Convention Center and Robert Kiyosaki, best-selling author of"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" shares his message on making money. The upcoming weekend event captures the latest information and moneymaking opportunities all in one place for one weekend only. Attendees willlearn from over 72 wealth building experts that have updated informationfor todays marketplace. Bill Zanker, Founder and President of The Learning Annex says, "Ourattendance is up over 35% from last year. It's just amazing -- this tellsme that people in Chicago are still interested in making money. Real estatebubble -- what bubble? There is money to be made right now in this market." Just in case you missed the million dollar advertising campaign thathas recently blitzed the Chicagoland area, limited tickets are stillavailable by calling The Learning Annex at 1-800-US-ANNEX or on the web atLearningAnnex.com. The Learning Annex is the largest producer of consumer Wealth BuildingExpos in the country. In addition to Chicago, The Learning Annex isfinishing up its 2006 tour in Anaheim, New York and Boston and gearing upfor a 14 city tour in 2007. Media participation is welcome. For interviews with Donald Trump, RichDad Robert Kiyosaki, Tony Robbins and Suze Orman please contact HeatherMoore -- 917-312-1077SOURCE The Learning Annex

Apprentice TV Show winner to appear at the San Diego Marriott-Del Mar

2006-10-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

Sean Yazbeck, a winner of the TV show "The Apprentice," will participate in Trump Institute, a series of free, live educational seminars for people who want to learn how to achieve wealth and success "the (Donald) Trump way." Seminars will be held at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday at the San Diego Marriott-Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley.

Apprentice TV Show star has brief romance with Lance Armstrong

2006-10-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

So much for Lance Armstrong's Tour de Trump. The cycling champ and Ivanka Trump went on "several dates," sources tells PEOPLE, but the relationship never got out of first gear. Trump, 24, is vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization. She and Armstrong, 35, met at a charity event in Los Angeles a few months ago when she was in town filming dad Donald's NBC reality show The Apprentice, according to a source. Armstrong's rep says there was no romance, and a pal says Trump hasn't seen the seven-time Tour de France winner in a month. Trump herself told PEOPLE on Monday, "I have tremendous respect for Lance and all he has accomplished. That said, we are just friends." Armstrong has three children from his first marriage. He was also engaged to singer Sheryl Crow, although the couple split in February after two years of dating

Apprentice TV Show runner up shares his wisdom

2006-09-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

“His hair is real!” joked Lee Bienstock ’05, The Apprentice runner up, when he visited Cornell last Friday. As a recent Cornell graduate, Bienstock was the youngest contestant to ever make it to the finals of Donald Trump’s show.
So what actually landed him on the hit show?
“People had always been telling me that I’d be great for it,” Bienstock said. So one day, after hearing that auditions were being held in the city — he thought he’d give it a shot. The casting process took three months, complete with background checks and phone calls to family, teachers, even old girlfriends. In the end — less than six months after graduating college, Bienstock took his first steps into Trump Tower.
Once the cameras started rolling, Bienstock said, “I didn’t realize I was on a TV show.” According to him, the atmospheres on the show and at Cornell are very similar. His group projects in PAM familiarized him with working in a group setting. Sitting on the board of Hillel taught him how to budget his finances and produce events.
“I was used to dealing with Type A personalities — ambitious, and very opinionated people,” he said. Bienstock claimed that his Cornell education held “a lot of weight with Trump!”
Cornell’s influence didn’t stop there, however.
“I’m a very competitive person,” Bienstock said, “I go in there knowing I’m going to win.” He added that he treated the show like a marathon — a technique which propelled him to the top two. “I didn’t take on a goal that was too big. I took it day by day. I credit that to Cornell.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a smooth ride to the top. First — Bienstock’s religion created some problems. Before taping began, he informed producers that he would not be able to work on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, or Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. Producers ignored him, and scheduled tasks on these two days anyway. Yet, Bienstock stuck to his beliefs, and did not work. This was one of many instances when the young contestant was put in a position to choose between his values and business. Every time — Bienstock chose his values.
“I think that’s why I did so well,” he said “Trump could see I was a principled person and he liked that.”
On the season finale, Trump claimed that he could only take one of the contestants, and chose Sean — Bienstock’s competitor. Apparently Trump is not a man of his word — within a few months he hired Bienstock as associate vice president of corporate development for his recently formed company, Trump Mortgage.
“People are expecting the same stuff, the big ideas I had on the show,” Bienstock said of his new job. “Now it’s the real deal — he’ll fire me again!”
What of the Don himself? Bienstock described him as being “a funny guy. He’s eerily normal — you know, eats hamburgers. And very caring.” Bienstock continued, “Once we were all golfing and I remember it was really cold. Trump took us to his personal closet and gave us all jackets. He just has a way of relating to all different types of people. It’s an amazing business and human quality.”
Bienstock definitely impressed the audience.
Elizabeth Rapoport ’08 said, “It was inspiring to see that someone could make it so far, so quickly.”
Yet, he remained humble, and encouraging: “If you believe in yourself, if you’re talented — you can make it,” he added.

Apprentice TV Show star shares her success story with students

2006-09-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Roxanne Wilson said students should "dream big," but few Baylor students ever end up as national television stars.
Maybe she took her own advice to heart.
The Hankamer School of Business and the newly formed Baylor Business Women's League welcomed the reality-show star and Baylor alumna Thursday to share her experiences both at Baylor and on NBC's The Apprentice.
Wilson's visit marked the debut of Baylor Business Women, which was established to "empower Baylor business women beyond the school," said Dr. Blaine McCormick, associate dean for undergraduate programs.
After graduating from Baylor in 2000, Wilson returned Thursday to discuss three major principals she said she learned from Baylor and has applied to her life since graduating.
"Baylor is the best incubator for leadership," Wilson said.
As a student at Baylor, Wilson took up her first leadership role, serving as President of the Baylor University Chamber of Commerce. Even her initiation into the organization took leadership -- she was the first female to become a member of the Chamber.
"If you don't walk though every door opened for you, you will not succeed," she said.
After her graduation, Wilson continued her studies at the University of Michigan Law School and began her career working as a lawyer in Austin. Wilson then learned a major lesson: "True leaders are those who are wiling to serve."
Last year, the Baylor Alumni Association contacted Wilson asking her to apply for The Apprentice.
Wilson said she chose to apply because she would never know the outcome if she didn't try.
Once on the show, Wilson managed to stay long enough to become one of the final four contestants.
Wilson said she attributes her success to a strong reliance on faith.
"I could not be where I am today if I didn't know who I was," said Wilson.
She said students should be careful to maintain their faith as they enter the work force.
Wilson said she wanted every student to leave with one idea: "Dream big and take every opportunity you're given," she said.
Though she's also working on a motivational book based on her prayers during her stay on the reality show, Wilson will continue touring colleges, speaking to students about her successes.

Apprentice TV Show sidekicks feuding?

2006-09-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump aide George Ross says he does not feel sorry for Carolyn Kepcher, who was recently fired by Trump himself.
'Do I think her becoming a major national star went to her head? Was she affected by it? Yes,' Ross told 'Good Morning America.'
But it seems that the 78-year-old Ross has been out building hype for his book 'Trump-Style Negotiation,' and has often been spotted leaving the office to do paid speaking engagements.
One of Ross`s assistants said the man who sits on Trump`s right during 'The Apprentice' only has eyes for serving Trump as best he can, and that he`s 'an ace at what he does,' TMZ.com reported.
In reaction to Ross`s comments, Kepcher said on MSBNC, 'I`m shocked. I find it very ironic, to say the least. But again, good for George.'

Former Apprentice TV Show star says she was not fired by Donald Trump

2006-09-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

Former "Apprentice" co-star Carolyn Kepcher says she was not fired by Donald Trump, despite last week's reports, and insists that their parting was mutual.
After working for Trump for 11 years, Kepcher said it was time to take her life in a different direction.
"It's time for me to move on," Kepcher said to "Good Morning America."
Kepcher served as an executive vice president of The Trump Organization and managing partner of Trump Golf Management LLC, the umbrella unit for all six current golf properties, and was responsible for both their marketing and operations.
"We had a wonderful time," Kepcher said of her time on the show. "We remain friends."
However, "Apprentice" co-star George Ross publicly criticized her, saying that her obsession with fame had interfered with her work.
"Did she bask in the glory of the limelight? Probably," Ross said.
"I love George. I respect George," Kepcher said in response to his comments. "I disagree with everything he just said."
Keeping It in the Family
Trump's daughter Ivanka, who Kepcher called "incredibly brilliant," will replace Kepcher on the show.
"I wish her a lot of luck," she said.
The New York Post broke the story of Kepcher's alleged firing on Friday. A personnel issue has become fodder for comedians.
"Hey, Donald Trump fired Carolyn. Did you hear about this? You know, the blonde one on 'The Apprentice'? Replaced her with his daughter," Jay Leno said on "The Tonight Show."
"That's good business sense. Nepotism, always smart. Fire the competent people. Replace them with your children. Hey, it worked for Saddam."
Kepcher plans on spending more time with her children before pursuing any new opportunities, she said.
She holds no bad feelings toward her now-former boss.
"He's a great success story in business," Kepcher said. "Eleven years is a long time."

Donald Trump fires Apprentice TV Show star Carolyn Kepcher?

2006-08-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

By Sharon Cotliar
Donald Trump has told his Apprentice sidekick Carolyn Kepcher: "You’re fired," a source close to Trump has confirmed to PEOPLE. Although Kepcher was relieved of her duties as general manager of Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff just this week, a source close to The Donald says he has been unhappy with her for months. "This has been brewing for over a year," says the source. "He has tried to get her on the phone, and she was either off giving a speech or was hard to reach." Of the firing, which was first reported in the New York Post on Thursday, Trump's rep, Jim Dowd, would only say, "Mr. Trump wishes her the best." But, according to the source, Trump felt Kepcher wasn't doing her job properly, and instead was more focused on building her own brand. "She was supposed to be managing the golf course. She was supposed to be selling memberships. That's her job to sell memberships, and she just wasn't doing it," says the source. "With the book, the speaking engagements and these endorsement deals, he's looking at that and thinking, 'She is supposed to be working for me. Yet, she is off creating her own empire.' " Calls to Kepcher for comment have not been returned. Trump's daughter, Ivanka, who has appeared on the show before, will continue to be on The Apprentice – but the source says Kepcher's ouster has nothing to do with the younger Trump. "Ivanka will definitely be back in an advisory role on The Apprentice in season six for several episodes, but to say that she has replaced Carolyn isn't really accurate. You won't see the same people (each week) sitting next to Donald. Donald Jr. will be seen in at least one episode and Ivanka will be in several."

Apprentice TV Show winner still with Donald Trump

2006-08-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

Bill Rancic knew his life really had changed when his cell phone rang and Donald Trump was on the other end.

"He said he wanted me to fly with him to Quito, Ecuador, to judge the Miss Universe pageant."
Rancic accepted the assignment. "Hey, I'm a company man."
Just a couple of weeks before, Trump had hired Rancic on live national television during the final episode of the first season of "The Apprentice."
More than two years later, Rancic is still a Trump employee, working in marketing and making frequent appearances on the show as a judge. He's the only winner who's made that jump.
What kind of boss is Trump? "He's been good to me. He's very upfront. You know where you stand with him all the time."
Rancic, who lives in Chicago, was in town yesterday to shoot a commercial for SnagAJob, a Richmond online employment service. He waves off any suggestions that he's a show-biz celebrity.
"I've been an entrepreneur my whole life," said the founder of Cigars Around the World, an online, high-grade stogie business that also has a shop near Miami.
The Trump organization has helped Rancic upgrade his game: "They've taught me how to fish -- for the big one."
Rancic has stayed with Trump longer than any of the five Apprentice winners. Some left after a one-year stint.
"It's lasted a lot longer than I expected. It's opened up a lot of doors for me."
So what's his final episode?
"A great ending for the story would be a partnership with Trump. That would be a storybook ending." -- Bob Rayner

Donald Trump hires former Apprentice TV Show contestant to run new production company

2006-07-05T20:20:00.000-05:00

Real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump is adding a Hollywood production company to his business empire and named a "fired" contestant from "The Apprentice" to run it, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
The entertainment trade paper Daily Variety reported that one of the company's first projects is likely to be a TV version of the classic board game "Monopoly," although the Trump representative could not confirm this.
Andy Litinsky, who was "fired" from the second season of Trump's NBC reality show "The Apprentice," will oversee the new company, which does not yet have a name.
Trump, 60, already has had a hand in producing "The Apprentice," as well as the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, but he wanted an outlet for developing new programs.
"There so many things being thrown at me, a lot of them based in L.A., I just thought it would be appropriate," he told Variety. "It's a business I like."
Litinsky, a champion debater and Harvard graduate from Florida, was 23 when he appeared on "The Apprentice 2" as one of 18 corporate wannabes competing for a top job in the Trump organization.
Trump gave him his trademark dismissal "You're fired!" after Litinsky made it to the final six but Trump later hired him as project manager on his business development team.
"He's a very capable guy," Trump said of Litinsky.

Apprentice TV Show gets vote of confidence

2006-06-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump knows a thing or two about diversifying. So, after shifting the sixth edition of "The Apprentice" from his home base in New York City to Los Angeles, the Donald is scouting locales for the next installment, E! Online reports. Mr. Trump tells Daily Variety that despite flagging ratings, the seventh go-round of his reality series has been greenlighted. "NBC called me and said they are picking up number seven," Mr. Trump told the trade publication. "We may do it in Las Vegas or Miami. We'll make that decision in the next two months." NBC declined comment on the report. Mr. Trump is in Los Angeles working on the sixth cycle of the show, which is slated to run in January. The network's decision to move forward with production on a seventh season would be a vote of confidence for the "Apprentice" franchise, considering the sharp ratings slide the once mighty show has suffered -- losing about 5 million viewers over the past four cycles -- and the fact that NBC hasn't yet aired the sixth season. The future of the show also appeared to be tainted when its touted spinoff, "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," didn't fly. "It wasn't very good, and she wasn't very good," Mr. Trump, 59, told Variety. "This is a very important franchise. [NBC] learned their lesson. They'll never use anyone but Trump." He also says the brand has been tainted by NBC airing multiple cycles during the TV season, which, he says, "is too much to do and it's too much to watch." "Just keep it special," Mr. Trump says. If NBC follows through with the once-per-season broadcast, "The Apprentice 7" might not air until 2008. In any case, the ever humble Mr. Trump is optimistic about the show's future, noting that the fifth season's June 5 finale -- in which he hired Britain's Sean Yazbeck -- ranked No. 2 in the weekly Nielsens.

Apprentice TV Show winner invests in Montana

2006-06-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

A winner of "The Apprentice" television show is making an investment in Montana.Kelly Perdew, his brother and father are developing a ranch and subdivision along the Sun River, west of Great Falls.
The Cascade County Commission approved preliminary building plans today.
Prior to the project's approval, concerns about nearby historical sites prompted a historical and archaeological inventory. County planner John Nerud says the concerns were related to a small buffalo jump and an irrigation canal that was built during the turn of the century.
A private consultant was hired, and the developers agreed to put an easement on the areas in question.
Nerud says one of the main draws of the subdivision is its access to nearby hunting and fishing areas.
Perdew won "The Apprentice" during its second season on N-B-C.

NBC picks up seventh season of Apprentice TV Show

2006-06-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

'Apprentice' rolls a 7
NBC has picked up a seventh season of "The Apprentice," said show star Donald Trump.
The network had previously picked up a sixth season, which will be set in Los Angeles and is being filmed now. The seventh, Trump said, could be done in Miami or Las Vegas.
"Six is really great," Trump said. "It's really been good. The cast has been great. And it's really been exciting."
The sixth season gets underway on NBC in January

Apprentice TV Show star to give away $1 million worth of cars

2006-06-19T14:56:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump, or "The Donald" as he used to be called by ex-wife Ivana, has announced that his three casinos will be giving away $1 million USD worth of high-end automobiles over July 7th, 8th and 9th. 30 Jaguars, Hummers, BMWs, Mercedes’ and Lexus’ as well as a few others will be up for grabs over the three day span at three hour intervals.
Basically a huge version of the standard "play the slots, win a car" sweepstake, the aptly-named "$1,000,000 MEGA CAR GIVEAWAY!" event is entered by casino customers using Trump’s signature "Wild Card" slot machine system. Every time a patron gets 100 Wild Card points, an entry is automatically made into the sweepstakes. There is obviously more than one entry per person allowed; meaning the longer a person plays the slots the more chances to walk away with a high-end car. Hopefully. Those looking to rack up the entries quickly would do best at the tables, for each hour of table play will reward the player with 100 entries.
Taking place at all three Trump resorts; Trump Plaza, Trump Marina, and the horribly named Trump Taj Mahal, the giveaway will kick off at 6 pm on July 7th with a Jaguar X-Type. Three hours later a lucky patron will walk away with a Mercedes Benz C-Class, followed by a Nissan 350Z at midnight on the contest’s opening day. Saturday’s giveaways begin at 3 pm, and will feature a Cadillac CTS, Hummer H3, Chrysler 300C, and a Lexus IS 250. The final day of the sweepstakes, Sunday, opens at 12 pm with a Mazda RX-8, followed up by a BMW 325i and Z4 closing the contest. Obviously each of the three casinos will be giving away the same vehicles at the same time on the same day; hence the 30 vehicles in total.
Known best for his bizarre and undistinguishable hairline, "The Donald" is currently valued at $2.7 billion USD. A second-generation real estate tycoon, Trump began building his empire by renovating the old New York Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt. After the mid-nineties recession left him in somewhat dire straights, yet he managed to recover, and has since constructed numerous buildings and developments, most (if not all) bearing his name in some form or another.
Trump has since brought his business even more mainstream, with recent product releases like "Trump Ice" water, "Trump Magazine," and the soon-to-be-available "Trump Vodka," capping it off with his most famous product, the previously popular reality TV show "The Apprentice." First shown in 2004, "The Apprentice" pits numerous contestants against each other for an executive position at one of Trump’s companies with an opening salary in excess of $250,000 per annum. Paid a mere $50,000 per episode during the first season, Trump now reportedly earns $3 million per episode for a total of $48 million USD per season. While his net value is anyone’s business, where his hairline begins we’ll never know.

Apprentice TV Show star to build new resort

2006-06-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Donald Trump's casino company and a Mississippi company announced Monday they intend to form a partnership to build a gambling resort on land recently zoned for casinos in Diamondhead, Miss.
The joint venture envisions construction on at least 40 acres of the 404-acre tract owned by a subsidiary of Diamondhead Casino Corp.

Casinos, once only allowed on water in Mississippi, can now be built on land within 800 feet of certain bodies of water under a law signed in October by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. The change came after the state's casino industry was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
The 404-acre tract has two miles along Interstate Highway 10 and also two miles along the Bay of St. Louis, the companies said.
The location for the development has not yet been determined, said Deborah A. Vitale, president, CEO and chairwoman of Diamondhead,
"We want to place this casino such that it maximizes the gross revenues," Vitale said.
James B. Perry, president and CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc., of Atlantic City, said, "We are excited about the prospect of bringing the Trump brand to the Gulf Coast, and we hope to join private and public entities in redeveloping the region."
Trump Entertainment operates three casino hotels in Atlantic City. Donald Trump is the chairman and largest stockholder.
___

The winer of The Apprentice TV Show season five is..

2006-06-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

MIAMI (AP) -- He's hired. A South Beach resident last night won the Donald Trump TV show The Apprentice. Sean Yazbeck landed a six-figure salary, a Pontiac Go and a job with The Trump Organization.To win, Yazbeck beat out 22-year-old Lee Bienstock. For his final project on the show the 33-year-old Yazbeck set up a concert to benefit the World Wildlife Fund. The show is in it's fifth season.

Apprentice TV Show to feature U. S. women's hockey player

2006-05-30T14:51:00.000-05:00

US Women's Ice Hockey Olympian Angelea Ruggiero will be competing on the sixth season of the show. She was selected by viewers in The Apprentice's first-ever online casting competition. Ruggiero graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in government in 2004.

Former Apprentice TV Show contestant is now doing the hiring

2006-05-29T10:13:00.000-05:00

Real estate broker Jennifer Wallen was fired by Donald Trump, but she's in hiring mode now.
Wallen, a contestant on The Apprentice reality show last year, is expanding Hot Realty, her agency based in Anthem.Wallen is 45 days away from opening an office in Scottsdale, and she just launched a new division of Hot Realty called Elite Estates, for multimillion-dollar homes.One of the division's listings is a $7.85 million mansion called Casa di Pietra in Desert Mountain.She's busy recruiting agents, but still makes time to see some old friends: her Apprentice castmates. Wallen will join Felicia, Alla, Josh and others in Los Angeles on June 5 for the finale of this season's Apprentice.Wallen has caught all but a few episodes of Trump's show this season and said she watches with empathy for the contestants."You know what they're going through. You know they're not eating, not sleeping," Wallen said. "And we're watching in the comfort of our homes."

Apprentice TV Show winner Kendra Todd pens new book on real estate

2006-05-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

If you think Kendra Todd is just a pretty winner's face you saw on Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" television show, her new book "Risk and Grow Rich" will change your thinking. This 27-year-old tycoon is a very savvy real estate investor who shares her strategies for building wealth by accepting risk.
The book's emphasis is on accepting risk, planning for it, and using risk to your advantage. Todd is obviously wise beyond her years. No wonder "The Donald" selected her as his apprentice to supervise development of his Palm Beach, Fla., property. However, the book is remarkably silent about the apprenticeship and the TV show, although Trump says on the book jacket, "Kendra Todd has done a great job as an Apprentice, so I'm not surprised that she has also written a terrific book."
Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.
Todd understands the challenge and importance of taking risks to create wealth. Her specialty, along with co-author Charles Andrews, is helping investors acquire properties that are likely to appreciate in market value. The book includes several examples. Her concentration is on pre-construction condominiums, a high-risk investment.
Although Todd is a real estate investor, the book is mostly about how realty investors should tolerate risk. She explains there are smart risks that can produce positive results. "Think like a poker player," she advises for evaluating risks and rewards.
"If you want to grow, you must risk" is a great summary of this book's message. However, Todd shares how to carefully investigate real estate risk before proceeding. She suggests having plans and contingencies in place to anticipate unexpected problems.
Calculate, initiate and mitigate summarize Todd's advice. By that, she means calculate the specific opportunity, take action, but be prepared to look for ways to benefit even if the realty investment doesn't pay off as expected. Although Todd is a very positive person, she never forgets to create a "fall back" position to cut losses if all does not go well.
Throughout the book are "Kendra's Rules of Risk," such as, "risk is the father of reward" and, "if you wait until you feel 100 percent ready to move, you will never take the first steps." Her other rules are equally profound, especially for a highly focused 27-year-old.
Particularly enjoyable are Todd's bits of wisdom, such as, "The self-employed shall inherit the earth," and "the more control you have over your financial destiny and the growth of your income, the better your odds of becoming wealthy."
Although Todd is just at the start of her real estate investment career, her book focuses her thinking and shows readers how they can also benefit from her sage advice for what she calls "risk diving."
Chapter topics include: "How Risk Became a Four-Letter Word"; "The 10 Biggest Myths About Risk"; "Risk and Reward"; "Mars, Venus, and Risk"; "'Entrepreneur' is Just Risk Misspelled"; "How to Become a Risk Diver"; "10 Steps for Turning Risk into Opportunity"; "Setting Yourself Up for Success"; and "Formula for Making Your First Million."
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced real estate investor, this book offers sound advice from which every reader can benefit. The author can't point to dozens of years of real estate success, but she organizes her techniques into a format from which every reader can improve their lives by taking reasonable risks. On my scale of one to 10, this excellent book rates a solid 10.
"Risk and Grow Rich," by Kendra Todd with Charles Andrews (Harper Collins-Regan Books, New York), 2006, $24.95, 244 pages; available in stock or by special order at local bookstores, public libraries, and www.Amazon.com.

Apprentice TV Show star ups his stake in Casino

2006-05-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Real estate tycoon Donald Trump, chairman of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. (TRMP.O: Quote, Profile, Research), has exercised his right to purchase 1.2 million shares of the casino operator's common stock at $14.60 a share.
Proceeds from the exercise of the warrants will be distributed to former holders of mortgage notes due 2006 on the company's Atlantic City, New Jersey properties, Trump Entertainment said in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Shares of the company, which emerged from bankruptcy protection a year ago, closed at $21.56 Tuesday on Nasdaq.
Separately, Trump Entertainment said former shareholders will be paid by Friday $1.25 for each share they held in the pre-bankruptcy company as compensation for its $25.15 million sale in September of the former World's Fair casino site in Atlantic City.
Donald Trump will not receive proceeds from the sale of the site, the filing said.
In the company's March proxy statement, Trump was listed as owning more than 12 million shares for a 30-percent stake in Trump Entertainment.

NBC to air only one Apprentice TV Show edition next season

2006-05-16T10:15:00.000-05:00

There will only be one cycle of "The Apprentice" on NBC's airwaves next season, and that's cool with star Donald Trump.
"It was always going to be one event, like 'American Idol,'" Trump said yesterday, after NBC programmers revealed the reality show won't be back until January. "But because it became so successful, we had it on twice."
Now, after seeing ratings for the show decline this season, NBC will air just one version, shot in Los Angeles. It will start in January and play out until the spring.
"If you think about it," Trump said, "including the Martha [Stewart] fiasco, we had three seasons of 'The Apprentice' this year."
Cutting back to just one is the same strategy ABC used to try to revive "The Bachelor" this season, after viewers grew weary of multiple editions each year. NBC officials and Trump agree that adding the Stewart version earlier this season diluted the franchise and confused viewers.
"'The Apprentice' is one of the most successful shows on our air," said NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly yesterday. "It just settled in from being a phenomenon to being a success."
It also remains a big show with upscale viewers.
For next season, Trump and the show's executive producer, Mark Burnett, plan to shake up the format a bit. Trump, his wife, Melania, and new son Barron will soon move to Los Angeles for the five-week production schedule of cycle No. 6 of "The Apprentice."
To accommodate the Los Angeles production, the June 5 finale of the current New York-shot "Apprentice" will emanate from the West Coast, Trump said yesterday.
For cycle No. 7, Trump said yesterday that they're considering Miami, Las Vegas and Chicago.
The billionaire is signed up to appear on the show through its seventh run. He said yesterday that it was too early to begin talking beyond that, but Reilly said it was unlikely the show would continue without him.
"At this point, it's really clear they're inseparable," Reilly said. "He does have a special brand of credibility and color to be able to do it."

Apprentice TV Show winner to give free Real Estate Seminar

2006-04-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

Kendra Todd Winner of Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" will be conducting a free Real Estate Seminar on "How to make Millions $$ in Real Estate just like she did. She will also be showcasing the same developments that she invests in. Investors are encouraged to bring their checkbooks to take advantage of this unique opportunity & invest side by side with her.Larry Loik, President & Founder of The Real Estate Investor Network, www.REINclub.com annouced his excitement at Kendra's arrival.Loik stated "We are excited to have Kendra share her investing secrets at our events. This is a rare opportunity for Real Investors to be mentored by a celebrity & a doer"Harper Collins,her publisher, will have her book "Risk & Grow Rich" available at the event to attendees.Kendra Todd won Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" 3, beating out approxiamtely 1 million applicants. Kendra was the first female to win the popular TV reality show.Ms. Todd owns a large Real Estate Marketing Company in South Florida.She won the position with Mr Trump's firm to manage & sell a USA record $125 million oceanfront mansion in Florida.About the Author:Kendra Todd (Palm Beach, FL) is one of the top producing Real Estate agents in America.Ms Todd also co-hosts a radio show on Saturday mornings in South Florida where she owns and operates a large Real Estate Marketing Co.She has been featured on CBS’s “The Early Show,” Regis ,Jay Leno,CNN,CNBC, USA Today(front-page story), The Wall Street Journal to name a few. She is also the author of the bestselling book (Regan Books)Risk Grow Rich:ISBN: 0060899727For more information or to RSVP for these FREE events, please contact The Real Estate Investor Network, ( REINCLUB )visit www.Reinclub.com for detailsor call 805-267-1173. Ms Todd's interview with Mr Larry Loik can be heard on a podcast on Apple's ITUNES www.itunes.com

Double header Apprentice TV Show tonight

2006-04-10T08:07:00.000-05:00

Doubleheader for the Donald. NBC rolls out back-to-back episodes of The Apprentice TV Show
tonight.

Apprentice TV Show winner to promote Casino

2006-03-31T23:05:00.000-06:00

Randal Pinkett, winner of last season's "The Apprentice", was in the midst of renovating the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City when the Donald, aka Donald Trump, gave him an important new assignment: Go to Philadelphia, and pick up trash.
Actually, Pinkett couldn't make it to Philadelphia last Saturday when Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. staffers participated in a "community cleanup day" in the Nicetown section, where Trump wants to build a casino called TrumpStreet, but the event marked the start of a community-relations campaign in which Pinkett will play a starring role.
"It's part strategy, part public relations, part marketing and part community relations," Pinkett said.
Pinkett will be in Philadelphia Tuesday at an open public forum to hear residents' concerns about the proposed casino. The forum will be at Mercy Vocational High School, 2900 W. Hunting Park Ave., at 6 p.m.
"I'll attend and kind of hear firsthand what some of the issues are," said Pinkett, who was born in Philadelphia and has family in the city. "I want to be part of the conversation that's taking place between Trump Entertainment Resorts and the community."
The following Tuesday, April 11, he will meet in the city with local gaming officials and other decision makers, with more hearings possible.
The Trump organization has faced mounting opposition from residents wary of the casino's potential impact on traffic and safety. Based on community feedback, a movie theater was added to plans for the new complex, said Pinkett, and the organization has reportedly proposed to relocate a high school adjacent to the proposed casino. The company has also pledged to provide a $2 million charitable grant to the neighborhood, Pinkett said.
Pinkett, who as an entrepreneur always has aimed to create socially responsible companies with a "double bottom line," will also educate residents about the economic benefits of the casino. "We're talking about more than 1,000 jobs and $31 million of payroll with an average salary of $31,000 a year," he said. "We're looking to make a significant effort to partner with local minority businesses and women-owned businesses to diversify the supplier base for the TrumpStreet development and look locally to pull from those resources."

Apprentice TV Show gives fans a chance to decide

2006-03-30T13:29:00.000-06:00

Apprentice TV Show fans will have the opportunity to advise Trump on who he should select to be the next "Apprentice."
"I'm very anxious to see who the fans choose for their favorite finalist -- their decision could have a big effect on my ultimate decision," said Trump.
NBC just announced that in the penultimate week viewers will be able to vote for one of the final two candidates via phone and on-line at www.NBC.com. The results of America's favorite candidate will be presented to Trump during the live finale before he makes his final decision.

Apprentice TV Show winner headlines Real Estate Investment Expo

2006-03-28T08:06:00.000-06:00

National Wealth Builders(NWBU) has put together a unique Real Estate Investment Expo in collaborationwith the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and Prolific Concepts. The Expo startsat 10 a.m. on Friday, May 5th with a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the evening.The event will continue through Saturday, May 6th until 7 p.m. The expo includes a trade show with over 70 booths showcasing manyproperties from across the U.S. and hot international real estate markets likeFrance and Panama that are becoming popular with US real estate investors.According to the April 2006 issue of Business 2.0, "Global cross-borderinvestment hit a record $455 billion in 2005. What's driving the growth?Investors in many countries are scouring the globe for better returns." The keynote speaker is Kendra Todd, an innovative real estate entrepreneurand the winner of Donald Trump's hit TV show "The Apprentice." Other topnational speakers include Louis Brown, aka "King of Cash Flow," asophisticated real estate investor who has been quoted by "The Wall StreetJournal" and "SmartMoney" magazine, and Tom Phelan, a good speaker on self-directed IRAs and best-selling author whose book "Rich Realtor Poor Realtor"is dedicated to turning Real Estate agents into successful real estateinvestors. Among the learning opportunities and workshops the conference willprovide real estate professionals the opportunity to earn CE Credits byattending some of the workshops that are being offered. A panel of national and international real estate investment experts willshare their knowledge about real estate investing with moderator Mike Sarwari,NWBU's COO. "Real Estate is a great vehicle for building wealth and achievingfinancial independence," says Sarwari. "We at National Wealth Builders arededicated to providing real estate education and investment opportunitiesthrough events such as our upcoming expo and at our chapter meetings." Withfour chapters in the San Francisco bay area, and the fifth one slated to openin Sacramento on April 6th, NWBU is making education and real estateinvestment opportunities available to more and more people. Information on theMay 5th and 6th event is listed on our websites at http://www.nwbu.com andhttp://www.nwbuexpo.com.

Apprentice TV Show star has new addition to the family

2006-03-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

It's a boy for DONALD TRUMP and wife MELANIA, who gave birth to a healthy baby early Monday morning.
Trump confirmed the good news to MSNBC, reporting in that Melania was doing "great" and that everyone was just "perfect." The real estate mogul also revealed to the "Insider"'s PAT O'BRIEN that they've named the baby BARRON WILLIAM.

Apprentice TV Show star to share moneymaking secrets

2006-03-14T14:43:00.000-06:00

By Jon Ann Steinmetz
Mercury News
Billionaire investor/TV personality/multitasker Donald Trump and other noted rich people will share their moneymaking secrets at a mammoth two-day real estate conference later this month in San Francisco.
A staggering 61,000 people are expected at the Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo at Moscone Center on March 25 and 26.
``For whatever reason, I attract a lot of people,'' Trump mused in a brief (brief meaning seven-minute) chat last week. ``We talk about entrepreneurship, we talk about money, we talk about making money, we talk about lots of other things, and the response has been phenomenal,'' he said. ``Every time I do it, it just gets bigger.''
The San Francisco weekend, with 72 seminars over 24 total hours, also will feature Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, authors of ``Rich Dad, Poor Dad: The Secrets of Wealth;'' personal finance expert Suze Orman and motivational speaker Anthony Robbins. Registration information is available at www.learning annex.com.
Not surprisingly, Trump the real estate mogul has a rosy view of his chosen field, in both the residential and commercial arenas.
``As long as interest rates stay where they are now, or relatively where they are now, I think that real estate is going to be a great investment,'' he said.
Some edited excerpts of Trump's other observations:
• On Silicon Valley's many obsolete office buildings: ``You'll have conversions to residential like they did in New York, I'm sure. For those that don't do that, it creates a much better market for the commercial. So I'm sure that many of your buildings will be converted to residential, because it's a great area, but they built too much.''
• On Sobrato Development's strategy to let its 380,000-square-foot downtown San Jose tower remain vacant until it finds a single tenant: ``I think its fine. They're a smart firm and they know what they're doing, and I think that's a way to go. You could also do individual floors, you could do individual sections, but I'm sure that's a very respected firm and they'll figure it out.''
• On the Silicon Valley Market overall: ``It'll be back. Like everything else it had a very big hit. For a period of time it was Fantasyland, and now it's doing better than it was awhile ago, and it'll get better yet.''
• On high-rise residential development: ``It's always more practical to go up high, up to a certain point. I'm doing a 92-story building in Chicago -- that gets expensive. But if you do up to 28 stories it's very practical. It's always great in terms of your land costs if you can go up high.''
• On whether he has a project brewing in San Francisco: ``I'm considering a building there. I can't tell you. I'd love to, but I can't.''

Apprentice TV Show star to add 45 story addition to Trump Casino

2006-03-09T14:21:00.000-06:00

As reported by the Press of Atlantic City: "Rising 485 feet above Atlantic City, it will give Donald Trump's gaming empire some much-needed upward mobility.
"Plans were submitted Tues-day for a 45-story addition to the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort that will serve as the centerpiece of the company's post-bankruptcy turnaround.
"Besides the financial benefits, the new 800-room hotel tower will allow Trump to reclaim bragging rights for Atlantic City's tallest building. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which tops out at 479 feet, eclipsed the Taj Mahal's existing 42-story tower by 64 feet when it opened in 2003. Now Trump will take back the title by a mere 6 feet.
"…Architectural renderings show the Trump name emblazoned on the top of the tower in gigantic letters. Pending regulatory approvals, construction of the estimated $250 million project is expected to begin in June, with completion by summer 2008.
"…Since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last May, the company has slashed its debt, reduced interest payments by $102 million annually and secured a $500 million line of credit to spruce up and expand its three aging casinos.
"The new tower is the next phase of a capital plan that started last year with $110 million in renovations to the Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and Trump Marina Hotel Casino…"

Apprentice TV Show contestant to run for Congress

2006-03-09T13:44:00.000-06:00

Raj Bhakta, the aspiring "Apprentice" turned aspiring politician, is running for Congress. Bhakta, who was fired by Donald Trump during the second season of the NBC reality show "The Apprentice," is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz for the state's 13th District seat representing suburban Philadelphia.

Bhakta received the county GOP's endorsement days before making his announcement Monday. "We offer voters legitimate change," Bhakta said. "I am not a politician. I am someone from a business background who wants to make a change." If elected in November, Bhakta said he would serve a maximum of three terms and called on Schwartz to agree to the same term limits. Schwartz's press secretary, Rachel Magnuson, sidestepped the term-limit challenge, calling the freshman congresswoman someone who has worked hard for the people of her district. Bhakta, 30, is best remembered for his flashy bow ties, being turned away by tennis star Anna Kournikova for a coffee date, and flirting with Trump's secretary after being booted from the show. He manages a real estate development firm in Fort Washington. Schwartz raised $1.4 million in 2005 and has more than $1 million in the bank as she fights to retain the seat, according to her most recent campaign finance report. For the same reporting period, Bhakta reported roughly $100,000 cash on hand. He said Monday that he has raised about $250,000.

Apprentice TV Show runner-up joining CNBC

2006-03-07T17:23:00.000-06:00

Rebecca Jarvis, a runner-up in season four of Donald Trump's Apprentice, is joining NBC's financial news network CNBC as an "associate reporter.""Rebecca has shown herself to be an intelligent, poised, inquisitive individual with a keen interest in business reporting," said CNBC's senior vice president of business news David Friend. "She achieved a great deal at a young age and impressed everyone here. Her background as an investment banker and currency trader has provided her with the insights that will give her depth as a business reporter."Jarvis will be based at CNBC headquarters in New Jersey. There, she will "work with every department at CNBC, including the assignment desk, video editing and graphic art, as well as accompany CNBC reporters in the field, and develop and report her own stories," according to a CNBC press release.

Apprentice TV Show to feature Ivanka Trump

2006-03-04T00:14:00.000-06:00

Ivanka Trump has boardroom duty in next week's "Apprentice."

The 24-year-old former model, now vice president of real estate development at the Trump Organization

She is to appear in five episodes of the popular reality show's fifth cycle, filling in when judge Carolyn Kepcher is out of town, said an NBC representative.

"

Apprentice TV show numbers down

2006-03-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

The fifth season of "The Apprentice" got off to a rather rocky start on its new night Monday (Feb. 27), drawing fewer than 10 million

New casino for Apprentice TV Show star?

2006-02-22T19:28:00.000-06:00

Real estate mogul and television star Donald Trump is actively pursuing a plan to build a casino in Johnston, Rhode Island.Trump Entertainment Resorts have partnered with local developer David Nunes and they've reached a deal to buy 100 acres of land in the town.Nunes says the land is near the intersection of Routes 6 and 295, and it would allow easy access to the casino he wants to build.Johnston Town Councilman Ernest Pitochelli has told the Providence Journal the casino would entail a $750-million to $1-billion investment, generate $800-900 million in annual revenues and have 30,000 square feet of retail space. Trump also reportedly wants to build a hotel and a 5,000 square-foot entertainment center.Johnston is a small town of about 28,000 that is currently home to the state's largest landfill.For several years Harrah's has unsuccessfully tried to build a $650-million hotel and casino in an industrial park, alongside Route 95, in West Warwick.

Union City to be featured on first episode of The Apprentice TV Show

2006-02-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

Union City Mirror and Table company along with Union City Imports announced that their Baroque style home furnishings will be featured on "The Apprentice" premiering on Monday, February 27th at 9:00/8c on NBC.
T. Chopper Russo V.P. reported that he and his brother, Geno V.P. worked closely with members of Mark Burnett Productions to bring this project together in a short period of time.
A wide variety of items including French Provincial pedestals, consoles, etageres, benches, mirrors, dining room chairs and loveseats were furnished by Union City. Union City is no stranger to Donald Trump endeavors having assisted in furnishing Mr. Trump's Plaza Hotel and Taj Mahal casino.
The premier of "The Apprentice" will kick off the beginning of Union City's 85 year anniversary celebration.

Apprentice TV Show runner-up returns home

2006-02-18T10:21:00.000-06:00

Minneapolis native Rebecca Jarvis made waves in December when she became the runner-up on Donald Trump's reality show "The Apprentice." She'll be back in the Twin Cities on Feb. 27 at the University of St. Thomas College of Business speaking on "Losing Your Way to Success." The event will be held at the University's downtown Minneapolis campus and is free to the public with prospective and current business students receiving priority seating.

Apprentice TV Show PC Version

2006-02-15T20:39:00.000-06:00

The Apprentice TV Show PC game is due to hit stores Feb. 21

Apprentice TV Show to feature Trump's kids

2006-02-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

This season The Apprentice TV Show will feature Trump's kids Ivanka and Don Jr. they will guest star, filling in for Trump's right- and left-hand people, Carolyn Kepcher and George Ross.

Apprentice TV Show to feature Olympic athlete

2006-02-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

NBC announced today that viewers will have the chance to pick an Olympic athlete to join the sixth season's cast of The Apprentice, the Donald Trump reality show where teams compete in the cutthroat world of business.
NBC Olympics and Mark Burnett Productions have joined forces for this ambitious exercise in corporate synergy. Voters will choose from 2006 US Olympic athletes Allison Baver, Travis Cabral, Casey FitzRandolph, Todd Hays, Chad Hedrick, Danny Kass, Joe Pack, Speedy Peterson, Angela Ruggiero, Katie Uhlaender, Seth Wescott, and Chris Witty. The winner of the online vote will appear as a contestant on season six of the series. Voting begins Friday, February 10 and concludes Sunday, February 26, at NBCOlympics.com.
"One does not reach the Olympic Games without enormous drive, perseverance, ambition, and a willingness to take a risk; [these are] traits required of business leaders," said Gary Zenkel, President of NBC Olympics, in a statement.
In the past, The Apprentice candidates have had to sell lemonade on New York city streets, pose for fashion shoots with models, envision and cook new pizza flavors, and design exciting new soda bottle concepts for major soft drink companies. The winner is hired for a job in the Donald Trump organization.
The Apprentice has popularized the previously loathed phrase "you're fired!" The show suffered a precipitous decline in the ratings last season, and when it returns this month, it is being moved from Thursdays to Mondays. The new season will also be filmed in Los Angeles rather than New York.
"We're thrilled to have an Olympian in our midst," said Trump. "And while we've let the viewers do a hiring...I'm still doing the firing. So we'll let the games begin this fall."
The Apprentice season six premieres February 27, on NBC.

Apprentice TV Show winner part of free teleconference

2006-02-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

-- Kendra Todd was a successful real estate developer before she won the right become Donald Trump’s Apprentice during the successful TV show’s third season. And on Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. Pacific time, she’ll be part of a free teleconference for people looking to make their own fortunes in real estate.Also part of this free teleconference will be Peter Conti, who many years ago was an auto-mechanic just trying to scratch out a living. The “American Dream” seemed to be about as far away as his next raise. After years of struggle, Conti became a successful real estate investor and a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author. Conti’s specialty is showing people how to buy real estate with little or none of their own money; in addition they don’t need a spotless credit history either. He said, “Real estate is a business that just about anyone can participate in. They don’t need college degree and they don’t need years of experience. They just need the desire to get ahead and this teleconference will give them many of the insights successful real estate investors use all across the United States every day.” Adds Conti, “Kendra Todd has some remarkable insights herself. Remember she’s gained the knowledge from one of if not the top real estate developer this country has ever seen in Donald Trump.”To register for this free teleconference please call 1-800-952-9585, ext. 696 right now. As an extra bonus you’ll receive the free book, “How to Create Multiple Streams of Income Buying Homes in Nice Areas” which was co-authored by Mr. Conti.

New day for Apprentice TV Show

2006-01-23T10:58:00.000-06:00

The Apprentice returns Mondays at 9 on Feb. 27 on NBC

Apprentice TV Show star "luck" turning

2006-01-17T09:25:00.000-06:00

Monday, January 16, 2006
Trump’s casino company sees its luck improving
By John CurranAssociated Press

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- For want of a vacuum cleaner, the guest room carpets at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino stayed dirty.For want of a dollar, Trump Taj Mahal couldn't add a hotel tower like its competitors did.For want of a little novelty, slot players at Trump Marina took their coin cups next door to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.But luck is turning for Donald Trump's casino company, which emerged from bankruptcy last spring and is aggressively trying to regain lost ground.With new management in place and money to spend, Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. is getting its houses in order -- renovating rooms, adding restaurants and spending money on employee cafeterias and new uniforms.Most importantly, it's making money: In its first full quarter since the Chapter 11 reorganization, Trump Entertainment earned $3.2 million, a paltry sum by casino industry standards but an indication that the company's fortunes are finally looking up."We're thrilled to death. This is a long time coming," said Trump Plaza cocktail server Marie Sheehan, a 22-year employee who says she's getting bigger tips lately because of the improvements.The company, which owns three Atlantic City casinos, struggled for years under the weight of $1.8 billion in junk-bond debt, with interest payments eating up most of the cash generated at the slot machines and blackjack tables. After going public in 1996, it never turned a profit.Skimping on upkeep and unable to pay for upgrades, the Trump casinos scraped by at a time when other Atlantic City casinos were building new hotel towers, opening new restaurants and sprucing up their entertainment to woo customers.At the Plaza, the red ink made for dirty carpets. Housekeepers had to make do with 45 vacuum cleaners for the 904-room casino hotel and vacuumed rooms every other day instead of daily because there weren't enough, company officials said.The Chapter 11 reorganization slashed the company's debt, reduced interest payments on it by $102 million a year and provided for a $500 million line of credit. It also provided for changes at the top. Trump, the New York real estate mogul and star of television's "The Apprentice," ceded majority control to bondholders and relinquished his job as CEO.Trump remains chairman of the board, earning $2 million a year under a contract that calls for him to make at least six appearances a year promoting his Atlantic City properties.His replacement as chief executive is James B. Perry, 55, a veteran casino executive known for his ability to turn around struggling properties.Since emerging from bankruptcy court protection eight months ago, Trump Entertainment has spent $32 million to renovate rooms at all three casinos, revamp the casino floor at Trump Plaza and build a glitzy new Boardwalk-fronting bar there.It also jettisoned Trump Indiana, a Gary, Ind., riverboat, hoping to focus instead on the big job of updating the Atlantic City casinos."The fact that they showed that profit is a reflection that good management is paying off," said Dennis Gomes, a former Trump executive and Tropicana Casino & Resort president. "But it takes about five years to turn a company around."Besides renovated rooms, the company's flagship casino -- the 1,250-room Trump Taj Mahal -- plans to build an 800-room hotel tower beginning in June. That's a key element of the turnaround, since overnight guests typically spend more in casinos than day trippers.A $25 million upgrade of the Taj Mahal's main concourse is also planned, along with renovations to the employee cafeterias at all three casinos, new uniforms for workers and the use of live music on the Taj's casino floor."Lounge bands and decor items were lost (before the bankruptcy), when those are the things that make it a fun and exciting place to be," said Perry. "There was no lounge to sit in, no fun places to go."'At the Plaza, the renovation of the casino floor and changes in the casino's marketing program have brought in more high rollers, according to Sheehan.Gambler Henry Rosato, of Staten Island, N.Y., said he's noticed a difference."It's much better," said Rosato, 81, a slot player. "You can see they're putting money into the casino."Vacuuming is on the rise, too. Thirty new vacuum cleaners have been bought at the Plaza, so every room gets vacuumed daily."It's going really well," Trump said. "Business has been very good. People love the buildings. And the stock price is up. The numbers are good now, and they'll get better and better."