We love working with successful companies and always feel a sense of pride knowing that our business and accounting skills play an important part in their success. So it’s not unusual for us to enjoy reading about the success of others—in this case, a few former Apprentice contestants.
- Optimism: Andy Litinsky (Season 2)
Just 22 years old, Andy was consistently singled out by his teammates as being too young, too inexperienced, and too uncertain. But his verbal sparring defending himself in the boardroom kept him in the game longer than expected. The “optimistic” Andy Litinsky went on to run Trump’s TV production company after his appearance on season two. - Creativity: Tana Goertz (Season 3)
Tana didn’t win The Apprentice, but her creativity innovating a CD-like pamphlet for an advertising assignment for Pontiac was so good, Pontiac decided to use it in its actual sales campaign. Today, Tana lives in her beloved Iowa and owns several small businesses. She spends most of her time on stage as an international keynote speaker, executive coach, author and business consultant. - Resilience: Sam Solovey (Season 1)
Sam lasted 3 episodes and alienated most of his teammates in the process. In his last boardroom appearance, Sam stared bug-eyed across the table at Trump before letting out a loud roar and leaving the room. His resilience (and quirkiness) won him spots on The Today Show (where he proposed to his girlfriend), Howard Stern, and Oprah. Today, he’s an amazing salesperson, auctioneer and fundraiser. - Self-Control: Bill Rancic (Season 1)
While most kids his age were watching Saturday morning cartoons, Bill was busy making pancakes for his grandmother’s friends who would slip him $5 bills under the plate. His consistent focus on business won him a contract with Trump to oversee his Trump Tower in Chicago. He’s since written a book, married a celebrity, and run a restaurant. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he’s a popular keynote speaker at business events. - Emotional Awareness: Troy McClain (Season 1)
With only a high-school education, Troy still made it into the Final Four. Trump was impressed with Troy’s ability to read a situation and remain calm and poised under stressful conditions. Today, Troy runs his own speaking and consulting business and can boast clientele the likes of Micron, Microsoft, Special Olympics and even The Trump Organization. - Sociability: Kwame Jackson (Season 1)
Even though Kwame was on the losing team 10 out of 12 times on The Apprentice, he still ended up a finalist on season one. Since then he’s used his charm and good nature to co-found several internet start-ups, and become an investment manager on Wall Street. He was also part of a group of 6 former contestants that won the label of “failing wannabes” by Trump after denouncing Trump as a candidate in 2016.
This blog was adapted from Suite Success: The Psychologist from “The Apprentice” Reveals What it Really Takes to Excel in the Boardroom and in Life, by Liza Siegel, Ph.D. with updates provided by us, thanks to Google search and the American Management Association (AMA).
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