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By Lin Sbordone

Even in previous episodes, foreshadowing did not bode well for The Apprentice: LA’s Aimee Trottier. Yet, if you think you know her from the show, you’ll be even more surprised by her answers to the tough questions posed to her regarding her demeanor and ultimate demise. Seemingly cold on the episodes that aired, Aimee knocked me over with the warmth and candor she shared during her interview with me.

1. Starting off easy, what made you apply to be on the show?

Actually, I had watched it from the first season but was always too occupied with other things in my life. When the open auditions were in Chicago, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go show my business skills and compete with the best of the best. Obviously, I made it. (Laughter)

2. There was so little actually shown about both teams during this episode. What do you feel was important to understanding what took place that we might not have seen?

There’s been a lot that missed in the past. A lot of the task was missed. This season we’re not getting to see nearly as much of the projects as in previous seasons. The biggest piece not shown was that I specifically went back to Jenn and asked her about the demographic of the mall. I was in the war room doing what needed to be done. I told Jenn no matter what tell me the demographic. Jenn replied, “It’s families. Keep it simple. It’ll be mostly families.” She told Angela then make sure that demographic was hit. We had a huge line backed up. We just couldn’t convert them fast enough. Derek could’ve contributed that and everyone else from LA should have offered up that information as well.

3. Why do you think they would have withheld the demographic from you?

The people on Kinetic had formed alliances. I found this out after the fact. Derek led this. The four creative people on the team were Surya, Marissa, Jenn, and myself. Heidi looked like a rock star on TV, but at the end of the day, I can’t think of one decision Heidi made. Surya, our operations guy, was gone. Marissa was kind of at the center and often played the devil’s advocate. Jenn is extremely and talented. Last week, editing made us look like we had no marketing and Derek had this awesome idea to wear the bee suit. Both that and using Angela’s Olympic champion status for signing was all Jenn’s idea. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to Kinetic w/ the decision makers gone.

4. This is a tough question to ask, but are you really as abrasive as you came off on
the show?

I don’t think I’m as abrasive as I came off on the show. I am very funny. I laugh all the time. A lot of this side of me was not shown. The editors want you to be seen as a certain role. If they wanted me to look like the serious, tough girl, fine. Was I aggressive in the boardroom? Yes. You have few chances to show yourself to Trump. I think Aaron has a great gift of motivating people and allowing them to have fun. It just wasn’t his style to be as challenging as I was when sitting in.

5. Do you think your strong behavior in the boardroom played any role in your demise?

I don’t think it played a role in my demise. Trump asked, “What is it like playing for General McArthur?” What my team was telling him was completely different than what he saw. Even he asked, “How can you say she didn’t provide direction when she’s so strong?”

6. What was the highlight of your experience on The Apprentice?

The highlight of the experience was really truly the personal growth. I learned so much about the dynamics of people. I’m a Mid-Western girl. I feel I understand people much better now. I can now see how people can be so greedy to the point of Enron. I’m friends with all of the cast now, but would I go into business with all of them? No. It’s interesting what people will do to succeed.

7. Why do you think they called you an outright liar? About what did you lie?

I am still baffled they called me an outright liar. I said to Derek and Jenn they were outright liars. I have a very religious woman Muna and an Olympic athlete purposely being dishonest. They didn’t step up and correct inaccuracies. Angela didn’t want to go against everyone. They all got together to get rid of me. We all have to work together. I wanted everyone to feel good about what they were doing. I really care about other people and wanted them to be happy while still winning the task.

8. What was the biggest lie they told about you?

The biggest lie they told was regarding the demographic. The representative from the mall told them it was 50% Hispanic. They withheld that information. Even Trump Jr. backed me up on that. I don’t understand why I was fired when he [Donald Trump] knew people were lying. I walked away with my integrity and couldn’t be any prouder of myself

9. What has been the reaction you’ve received since the episode aired?

Everyone has been so supportive. I am so appreciative of the fans of the show and their support. Aaron, Jenn, and Martin called after the show aired. Even despite the pettiness on television, they were just so supportive and kind. Of course, there are nasty things on blogs, but if there are three or four negative things on blogs I’m not gonna worry about it. I’d rather make the world a better place than sit around trashing someone I don’t even know, so I don’t worry about it.

10. If you could have done one thing differently, what would it have been?

I would have learned to put a tent together so I could be project manager from the beginning! [Laughter on both sides.] Otherwise, I wouldn’t change anything. I couldn’t sit back and fly under the radar for the first several weeks, which was the game plan of some others. It’s a fierce competition. People don’t realize you don’t have a cell, your friends, or family and you’re stuck with as many Type-A people as you are. It is much more difficult than it appears.

11. How do you define success?

My personal definition of success is flat out being happy. That means different things to different people. If you’re happy no matter what that is then you’re successful.

12. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? Is there a place where they can go to learn more about you?

I have a website now which is at www.aimeetrottier.com I have had a lot of changes since The Apprentice: LA. I had just bought a new home before the show aired. I was offered a job with the fastest growing medical device company in the world while the show was still taping. I accepted it. We really make a huge difference in the lives of people. I couldn’t be any happier with who and where I am at this point in my life.

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