Is Donald Trump’s first victim as naughty as she she appeared on TV or is she nicer? You can decide…
Murtz Jaffer: Can you start by telling me a little bit about your background before you got on the show?
Melissa Holovach: Before the show, I built up an extensive portfolio of clients as a stockbroker and grew business as a real estate investor and developer. I am also a big family person and LOVE to spend time with my Husband – he is truly the love of my life!
MJ: Clearly you were edited as the villain. What didn’t viewers get to see on television?
MH: A ton…they have no idea why I became so angry and irritated with Kristi. They didn’t see how hard I worked or the fact that I brought in most of the sales for the team.
MJ: Now, I liked both you and Kristi on the show. So is there anything about her that I probably didn’t see?
MH: Seriously, I can’t even answer this…mostly because of contract with NBC, but also because she is just such an irritating individual with little to no common sense. Her behavior was obnoxious and rude, and her leadership left much to be desired…per Trump himself. She was extremely inefficient and unorganized.
MJ: Are you generally a loud person?
MH: It depends on the situation…if it involves my ethics and values, or my family, I will certainly speak up. Otherwise, I tend to be pretty laid back. In this situation, it touched on many points close to me and therefore, initiated quite a response.
MJ: Do you think that the Apprentice environment is suited toward Type A personalities that are loud?
MH: No, not at all…those that fly under the radar, win. Period. This definitely does not describe a Type A personality.
MJ: Had you seen The Apprentice before you were cast? If so, did you know that the best strategy is usually to play under-the-radar for the first few tasks?
MH: Yes, every single episode. I loved the Apprentice, as entertainment, and still do. Yes, I knew that was the best strategy, that’s the reason I noted it in my prior interviews.
MJ: In your interview on the NBC website, you said that you learned from Kendra’s strategy of playing under-the-radar. Why did you choose to ignore that gameplan?
MH: I said that I know that the best way to “win” is to fly under the radar. However winning is such an individual thing. I would not feel like I won if I was the last person standing, yet didn’t fulfill my potential, be real, honest, and ethical. It would be so misleading and dishonest for me to fly under the radar…and it just wouldn’t be worth it. I was NEVER planning to adopt that strategy, I simply was noting it was the best way to win in my opinion.
MJ: What do you think was the biggest mistake made by the women?
MH: This is endless. Poor leadership. Poor execution. Not utilizing our resources or the people inside the gym, to the fullest extent possible. Allowing Kristi to lead, first, or at all. Cattiness. BS. Cliques. Not focusing on the task at hand, and focusing on being the quintessential role of a woman that everyone hates (not everyone, but some). I could go on and on… Nothing that I did, though, caused us to lose. And I do mean nothing.
MJ: One of the highlights of the episode was when you said that you were Latin and you knew Latin people. Do you think that this was an advantage that you had, that was not used efficiently?
MH: Yes, without doubt. I am not only Hispanic, but also born in NY. My entire family is from NY, NY – born AND raised, and half still living there. Whether Kristi understands this or not, that does enable you to connect with the people in Spanish Harlem and to sell more, and to thereby enable your chances of a win. Not a loss.
MJ: How much did the men choosing their location first hurt you in the task?
MH: Not in the least, in my opinion. We, or Kristi, that is, really is the reason we lost. Sincerely, it’s that simple.
MJ: Who do you think is the strongest player still left in the job interview process?
MH: Randall, hands down…he is an amazing individual, and highly intelligent.
MJ: Were you surprised when Kristi only selected you to take back to the boardroom?
MH: Oh come on…I’m the one with the brain. Of course, not.
MJ: What did you think of Donald Trump?
MH: He is a brilliant Real Estate Developer and a very nice man. He is so much more approachable than people would expect. I truly enjoyed meeting him and spending the little time that I did with him. My not being interested in the “job” anymore had absolutely nothing to do with him. It was the fact that I had to deal with idiots, was very homesick, and had no interest in moving back to NY. My husband and I are very happy with our lives and businesses in Tampa.
MJ: What was your biggest mistake and would you do anything differently?
MH: Without a doubt, addressing the group, when my point was really directed towards Kristi and Alla, and eventually offending everyone because of my demeanor. If I could go back and re-do that situation, I would have pulled them aside, or made it clear that my frustration was only directed towards them. I really hated offending the other girls and have since apologized to them all (except Alla and Kristi).
MJ: On the cast, who did you like the most, like the least, would fire next and would ultimately hire to be your Apprentice?
MH: Most – Randall or Jen Murphy. Least – Kristi and Alla. I would fire both, Kristi and Alla next and make the competition about brains and not BS. For the reason I listed earlier, Randall. He is not just accomplished, but he is ethical, hard working, and real. Real, that is so important to me.
MJ: What’s next for you?
MH: A ton. I am continuing to grow my Real Estate business. I am expanding into some International property and adding to my Apartment Buildings. I have been in touch with a Hotel Franchise, and am working on buying an existing property (hotel). Also, we are looking into the Assisted Living arena. Most importantly, my husband and I plan to start a family in the next 2 years, or less.
Then there is the publicity I have been doing which is a lot of fun. I have been recently hired for 2 infomercials for Real Estate. I also have been doing some public speaking. It’s really a fun ride!
MJ: Thanks for taking the time to do this Melissa. Is there anything that you would like to plug?
MH: I think I just did that earlier!
