Trump: How to Get Rich

I take a call from a writer doing an article on motivation and leadership. One of the questions asked is how I handle a person who consistently makes the same mistakes. I tell them the truth: I don’t. They’re working for someone else now.

9:30 A.M. I take a moment to glance out the window, which I rarely do, even with the spectacular views from my office. There is something inspiring about New York City, and I feel fortunate to live here. Just as I’m thinking this, a call comes in from Los Angeles Confidential Magazine for a comment on their publication. I tell them that Los Angeles is as viable a cosmopolitan center as New York City, which it is, and that I think their magazine has a lot of integrity. I always enjoy my trips to California, and with my new golf course in Los Angeles, I’ll be able to spend more time there in the near future. I decide to call Jason Binn, just to catch up on things with him. He’s a successful magazine publisher, and I haven’t spoken to him for a couple of weeks. I enjoy his take on things.

Tom Fazio calls in to go over some course plans and to give me an update on my New Jersey golf course. He loves what he does and that’s made apparent by his attention to detail. John Mack of Credit Suisse calls in. Despite his great accomplishments, he remains an unassuming man—the work is what matters to him. These are two easy and informative calls. People have to understand that I’ve been dealing with all kinds of people and industries for a long time, so I can pretty readily discern who the goof-offs are and who the solid-gold people are. So if you hear me blow up in my office at someone or something, there’s usually a reason for it. It can be as clear as day to me, and I see no reason to tolerate someone being inefficient or irresponsible. I do my best, and so should they.

I heard someone who had worked with me for a long time describing me as a generator—someone who revs up, keeps going, gathers momentum, keeps going at a higher level, and all is well—except for the boiling point. Because when something causes me to explode, believe me, there will be a lot of energy behind it. But, hey, at least I can be honest about it, and his assessment is accurate. A great Palm Beach lawyer called me a reverse tornado—I build everything in my path, instead of destroying it.

Robin comes in to tell me the copies I want are delayed because our copy machine is on the blink again. I can’t believe it. With all the amazing inventions of today, can’t they design a copy machine that won’t break down every three minutes? This is one thing that can make me lose my temper. I personally call Pete Strada, our director of purchasing, and ask him when the lease is up on this terrible machine. I want it out of here.

10:00 A.M. Norma comes in and we go over the event I’m hosting with Heidi Klum and Jonathan Tisch for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. It will be held at Sotheby’s next month. We also discuss some interview requests and invitations, seeing if and how we can fit them into my schedule. Every week we think that week can’t be topped, then the next week is even more hectic, so what’s happened is that our stamina has increased. I am much busier now than I have ever been. That’s one reason I don’t complain much. I literally don’t have time to.

I take a call from Tony Senecal, the head butler and historian at Mar-a-Lago. This guy is terrific and a great asset to Mar-a-Lago. He fills me in on the latest, and I’m glad he has X-ray vision when it comes to details.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten calls in. In addition to being a genius when it comes to food, he’s also a visionary. He’s a celebrity in his own right, but I can tell you that what really matters to him is cooking—and when you visit any of his restaurants, you’ll find out what I mean.

10:30 A.M. Tina Brown, of publishing fame, calls. We weren’t always on such good terms, but we put our differences aside. I enjoy talking with her. She’s quick and insightful.

I ask George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher to come in. I’ve decided they should play themselves in pivotal roles on The Apprentice. They both agree and do not seem put out at all. There won’t be any acting involved, because to them it will be another day on the job. Maybe a longer day on the job, but just another day. Total pros.

I take a call from Jim Dowd, senior press manager at NBC, regarding The Apprentice, and one from Jay Bienstock, a producer on The Apprentice. Both guys know exactly what they’re doing, which is a relief to me. Then I yell at some contractors for a while. It’s too boring to tell you about this, but it’s something that is absolutely necessary in real estate development and construction. I spend much of my days doing this.

I take a call from Eliot Spitzer, the New York State attorney general. He is one smart guy, who has an even more brilliant future ahead of him. He is just amazing!