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LISTEN NOW! Mark Burnett is best known for his role of producer for shows as “Survivor”, “The Apprentice” as well as “The Bible” miniseries. What some may not be aware of is the sequence of events that led a young Burnett, in the 1980’s from Venice Beach, to the close relationship with Donald Trump on the set of “The Apprentice”. It is this very sequence of events that Burnett highlights and describes as he introduces the President at the 65th National Prayer Breakfast.
Burnett shares how a book truly kick-started this life altering journey. “I came across a book, The Art of The Deal. That book really, really inspired me; really got me going. It got me thinking, ‘America is the kind of place you can get a start, and start a business’”. Creating the well-known reality show, “Survivor” led him to a stage in the middle of New York City. He points out a recurring thought that he had during this journey, “I wonder if I’m ever, ever going to be in the presence, or even set my eyes on the guy that wrote this book.” As he describes, he found himself producing the finale of “Survivor” on a set within Central Park with the Manhattan skyline as the background. It was in the skating rink that was built by Mr. Donald Trump himself. But, much to his surprise, when standing on stage, he noticed that Mr. Trump was sitting in the front row. Burnett details what then took place; “Afterwards, he came and found me; shook my hand, gave me his private office number, and said, ‘You know what, I like you. Call me, let’s do something one day.’”
It was only a handful of months later when he found himself not only on the phone with Mr. Trump, but standing in his actual office, talking about the conceptual idea that would eventually be the breakthrough show, “The Apprentice”. You will be blown away by the obstacles that Burnett immediately encountered after leaving Trump’s office and again, at Mr. Trump’s immediate response. It is this long time relationship that Burnett looks back upon as he graciously introduces President Trump at the 65th National Prayer Breakfast. Hear the full story of Burnett’s journey to the well-recognized man that he is now, the mindsets that are so quickly being broken, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: business, CBS, franchises, and New York City. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.
screen capture from c-span.org
screen capture from c-span.org
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