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By Lin Sbordone

After being the first to hear the words, “You’re fired,” this season from Donald Trump on The Apprentice: LA, Martin Clarke takes a moment to speak about his experience on the show, his life, and a startling new revelation emerges regarding what he plans to do next. 

1. What was the reaction of your family, friends, and co-workers after viewing the show?

It has just been amazing.  I am so happy at the emails and calls of support I have received.    I really feel America wanted Frank to go.  It was not an easy boardroom, but at least I went out in a blaze of glory! 

2. What made you decide to audition for The Apprentice: LA?

I have always accomplished everything I set out to do in life.  I thought going on the show was a fantastic way to challenge myself.  I was cut last season in the final round.  I came home and my daughter was born 2 months premature.  Thank goodness I was able to be there.  Then I applied and got on The Apprentice: LA.

3. What was your favorite part of the experience?

It was definitely the compliments I received from Mr. Trump.  Telling me he would like me to teach his children was a huge compliment.  What better can someone say about a professor?

4. What was your least favorite part?

I didn’t like all the back-stabbing and all that being outside.  It was really tough with the heat and the sprinklers coming on.

5. Did the water from the sprinklers actually hit you guys?

Yes it did.  It made it tougher than it appeared.

6. Do you feel you were accurately portrayed on the show as it aired?

I’m not one of those people who are going to sit around and blame the editing or production.  Could I have been portrayed better? Absolutely. They didn’t show any of my work off premise.  I really did work hard and am not lazy like many people seem to think based on the show.  But at the end of the day, it is what it is.  I got great compliments, wore some of the most snazzy clothes anyone’s ever worn in the show’s history, and gave America my all.

7. Why do you think you were selected last and received negative attention early on?

In any group dynamic, people strive to find similar and different elements.  I was the oldest person on the show, and I believe that played a role.  I received a great deal of attention very early on which was not to my advantage.  Along with my stylish suits, I believe my dapperness caused a bit of tension.

8. Have you made changes to how you present yourself to others and are you more aware of it now that you’ve been on The Apprentice?

I am who I am and will continue to do what I do and be the best person I can be.  I didn’t lie.  I didn’t cheat.  I gave it 100% and am satisfied with myself.  Most people there liked me very much after speaking with me.

9. What can America and youth who want to be successful emulate from those on the show that are viewed by many to be the best and brightest in the nation?

I worry about anyone trying to learn from reality television.  Remember you have 20 aggressive people who have gone through a long and arduous process to get a spot on the show.  They are all very aggressive.  I definitely gave some pearls of wisdom with my anecdotes.  Trump also gives good business advice throughout the show.

10. Do you have any personal favorites out of the remaining contestants?

Yes, definitely Tim.  He came to my defense in the boardroom.  It was a tough boardroom and the exchanges went on for a prolonged time.  He came to my defense and is just a generally good guy.  I hope he goes far.

11. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

Everything is at www.givehimachancetrump.com or at www.themartinclarke.com.   Not only can viewers vote to show Mr. Trump they feel I deserve another chance on the show, but there will also be celebrity endorsements to help me elicit a second chance.  I now have a book tour for my new book, lecture tour, and a TV production company.  The book outlines the skills I used to have the others turn on Frank, and it also tells you how to find out in the first 10 seconds of meeting someone whether they’re a good lover. I have two children, 1 and 3 years old, who I love dearly.  And when it comes to suits, stripes and plaid is THE way to go!

I must share with readers that before personally interviewing Martin, he hadn’t won much ground with me.  While I did feel Frank should have been the one fired because his errors were far more serious, I wasn’t convinced Martin was cut out for the job.  While I will withhold judgment on that issue, I certainly must admit that after having the opportunity to speak with Mr. Clarke for a mere 15 minutes, I found him extremely intelligent, charming, and persuasive.  He had an amazing spirit and beautifully positive attitude that won me over.  I for one will be visiting his sites to see if indeed he can garner a second chance in what is a historical campaign for reality television.  We very well may not have seen or heard the last from this truly learned and joyful man.

And if you still can’t get enough of The Apprentice: LA, please check back later in the week for a look at each of the 17 remaining contestants as well as for my weekly column Trumped: A Second Look  debuting on Friday.

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Filed under: The Apprentice