Danny
Age During Show: 39
Occupation: Marketing Technology Firm Owner
Lives: Boston, MA
Alex
History
Danny, 39, grew up in Cleveland where he left high school early to accept an academic scholarship to Cleveland State University. After earning his BA, Danny's creativity began to drive his academic and professional direction. He completed graduate coursework in music composition at Boston University, where he later joined the faculty, and studied at MIT's famed Media Lab. Danny's vision for combining art with commerce led him to develop several successful media and technology ventures. He is the founder, CEO and chief visionary for POPstick, a leader in innovating new media technologies. When Danny is out of the boardroom, he can be found writing and performing rock operas and symphonies. His musical talents have earned him four national composition awards.
Interview
How do you define success?
Become yourself and change the world. Success is really building a life around your true passions, talents, loves and style. You must tie all of this together into one identity. I'm a neo-nerd hipster, without the typical business suit and tie clone background, who found a way to synergize my interests and talents as an inventor / pianist / guitarist / singer / songwriter / filmmaker / fashionista / all-around renaissance man to create a pioneering national marketing technology company. That's success and I like it! It's also a recipe that I believe anyone can follow to lead a very rewarding and happy life.
Now, take this flow of great fortune and make a difference with it. Wake up each day and decide you are going to spread the happiness you've created - to brighten up someone else's life. Regardless of what's in your wallet, you are only as successful as the friends and relationships you build and the change you effect, for the better, to the world around you.
What have you learned from watching previous seasons of The Apprentice?
That Donald Trump wants people who are:
- Decisive
- Prepared
- Willing and able to defend themselves and their actions
- Willing to fail
- Demonstrate leadership by example
- Speak their mind (even if it takes you to the ledge)
- Supportive of other leaders once a decision is made
You must be smart enough to go with the flow and realize that Donald Trump will change his mind in what he values most each day - or boardroom for that matter!
Why should you be the next Apprentice?
Donald Trump is not looking for clones. He's an old school business pro that runs a tight ship, making a ton of dough. But the Trump brand can scale to make more cash. Sure, Donald Trump is a marketing genius. But as a classic guy, he needs a "New Mouse Trap" and I'm an innovative marketing visionary on the leading edge of the next big thing. Donald Trump's brand and my leadership in new technologies and marketing will become a force to build a bigger brand with a worldwide social network of Donald Trump fans. This will be the Trumpster of the Future. (Did that just sound like an infomercial?)
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