Manila, Philippines - There is no name more synonymous with real estate or self-promotion than Donald J. Trump (photo). From the glistening marble of Trump Tower, to NBC’s mega-hit, The Apprentice, the shadow of “The Donald” looms large over his eponymous empire. But behind the bold, brash businessman is a doting father and devoted family man, a far cry from the titan of industry who will do anything to seal a deal and vanquish a competitor. Family has always been very important to Trump. Despite his hectic schedule, Trump makes time for his children and maintains an open-door policy for his family.
Trump is the son of Fred Trump, a wealthy New York City real-estate developer. He worked for his father’s firm, Elizabeth Trump & Son, while attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1968 officially joined the company. He was given control of the company in 1971 and renamed it The Trump Organization.
Trump set his sights on the New York City skyline. His first venture was renovating the landmark Commodore hotel. Trump quickly developed a reputation of getting projects done on time and on budget.
In 2003, Trump became the executive producer and host of the NBC reality show The Apprentice, in which a group of competitors battled for a high-level management job in one of Trump’s commercial enterprises. The other contestants were successively “fired” and eliminated from the game. Trump was initially paid $50,000 per episode but now receives around $3 million per episode which makes him one of the highest paid TV personalities.