I have to tell you guys, that show is pure entertainment and nothing more. They look for good looking people who have some basic level of intelligence. They want to find people whose personalities will conflict for good entertainment value. I'd love to tell you that they asked me all of these in-depth business questions and that my answers were stellar...but that would be the farthest thing from the truth. I honestly think one of the main reasons I didn't get on the show is because I didn't have an advanced degree of any kind, other than my B.A.

I went to an open call in San Francisco in 2003 (I think) and waited in a line of 2,700 people. I was towards the end of the line and after about 3 hours in line, I decided I was going to leave. I made friends with the guys next to me and we decided to try and go to the front of the line and talk our way in the door. As we were leaving the line, a casting director who was nearby announced they were cutting off the line about 50 people in front of us. Everyone was dejected and packed up to leave. As we were walking away, the casting director approached me and the other 2 guys I was with. She took us around a corner and said, "Here are passes that will get you in the door. Come back at 1pm and we'll see that the 3 of you get an audition." We were stunned but excited! This was the first time I thought, "Wow, I might actually have a chance here."

As background info, I was an aspiring actor and model for 3 years prior to moving to SF in 2003 so I knew a little bit about how auditions worked and what casting directors looked for. And my girlfriend LOVED reality TV so I'd also seen a few episodes of the first Apprentice, as well as a few other shows.

1pm rolled around and we made our way back to the audition site. I had already formulated a game plan as to how I would get noticed. I knew they were bringing us in in groups of 10 to meet the casting director. I had gotten to know the other 2 guys I was waiting with well enough to know one was a real loud-mouth and the other guy was really quiet and shy and a real pleaser. I knew he'd go along with anything the other guy said. My plan was to let the loud-mouth open his mouth and talk, talk, talk and then bait him into an argument! I decided to let everyone get a few minutes to give their points and I guessed they would all agree on whatever was asked because no one would want to risk offending anyone else in the group. I knew better.

The question posed to our group was, "If you get selected for this show, will you be able to remain true to yourself and your personality?" I strategically positioned myself to be the last person in the circle so I would get to speak last. Everyone went around the circle and said essentially, "Of course I would remain true to myself. I would NEVER be represented differently, etc."

They made it easy for me.

When it got to me, the 9 people had all said just about the same thing. I became animated and spoke loudly. "You are all CRAZY! I disagree 100% with everything you have said. You have no control over what the camera shows and what the editors decide to do. You may be the next Omarosa and you can't do a DAMN thing about it. I hope you all get on the show because I will win for sure then! You are idiots!"

Obviously, my intention wasn't to offend or be disagreable, but I knew I had to stand-out and be memorable to the casting people. After I finished my rant, everyone got up to leave and the casting director asked me to hang behind for a second because there was a mistake with my application. After everyone had left the room she said, "Congrats, you have made it to the next round!" I was pumped.

The next round took place that week at a hotel in SF. I had to go meet with more casting directors in a room and they again asked me basic questions about myself, nothing more. Where are you from, etc, etc.

I got a call a few days later letting me know I was in the final 40. I had to return to the hotel in SF to film a private video for Mr. Trump. I didn't say much other than that I was a hard worker, a good guy and he would never regret hiring me for a single second.

I got a call a couple days later saying I would not invited to NYC to meet the Donald. Close, but no cigar.

My business sense or acumen was never talked about throughout the entire audition process. I barely knew anything about business at that time and it would have been a joke if I had actually gotten on the show.

But it was a fun experience and makes a great story at a cocktail party.