Randal Pinkett
Encyclopedia
Randal D. Pinkett is a business consultant who in 2005 was the winner of season four
of the reality television show, The Apprentice. Pinkett was the first African American to win the US version of The Apprentice.
With an educational background in engineering and business, Pinkett is both a Rhodes Scholar and a Walter Byers Scholar, holding five academic degrees. Before entering the reality show, Pinkett had already established a career in business, and had become co-founder of business consulting firm BCT Partners in 2001. As winner of the fourth season in December 2005, Pinkett undertook a year long apprenticeship with Trump Entertainment Resorts
in Atlantic City, New Jersey
.
After The Apprentice, Pinkett has continued as chairman and CEO of the BCT consultancy, while also acting as a public speaker and appearing on later editions of the show, and on CEO Exchange
, and also entering politics.
in Hightstown, New Jersey
. Pinkett attended Rutgers University
from 1989 to 1994, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science
in electrical engineering
. Pinkett is the first African American
from Rutgers to become a Rhodes Scholar. Pinkett went on to attend the University of Oxford
from 1994 to 1996, earning a Master of Science
in computer science
. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
from 1996 to 1998, graduating with a second Master of Science, this time in electrical engineering, and a Master of Business Administration
from the MIT Sloan School of Management
. He continued his education at MIT, earning a Doctor of Philosophy
in media arts and sciences
from the MIT Media Laboratory in 2001. Pinkett's PhD
thesis was titled "Creating Community Connections: Sociocultural Constructionism and an Asset-Based Approach to Community Technology and Community Building."
of The Apprentice
. His wife had downloaded the application form, planting the idea of auditioning for the show in his mind. The Apprentice is a reality television series which premiered in January 2004, in which American entrepreneur Donald Trump
uses a series of tasks and a process of elimination to ultimately select one candidate for a year long apprenticeship with one of his companies. The fourth season began filming in May 2005, and was aired from September 2005, with the finale airing in two-parts on the Thursday night of December 8 and 15. Pinkett reached the finale with one other contestant, 23 year old financial journalist Rebecca Jarvis
. Pinkett was to organise a celebrity ball-game for Autism Speaks
, while Jarvis' task was to stage a comedy night in aid of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
. Despite the game being rained off, Pinkett raised nearly $11,000.
In the final judgement, Pinkett was criticised by Trump for not spotlighting the celebrities in attendance at his event, and by Trump's advisor Carolyn Kepcher
for not having a backup plan when the weather turned. Despite this, Pinkett was chosen by Trump as the winner, describing Pinkett as an "amazing leader" and saying "Rarely have I seen a leader as good as you, and you lead through niceness". Moments after the announcement, Trump asked Pinkett his opinion as to whether he should take the unprecedented step and also hire the "outstanding" Jarvis too. In his reply, Pinkett asserted that there could only be one winner of the contest, a view which Trump chose to agree with. This stance attracted much comment after the show, with Pinkett later defending his rationale, but making it clear he had no objection to Jarvis being hired by the Trump organization at a later date. The reactions had taken Pinkett by surprise, but he later stated he remained on good terms with Jarvis.
Pinkett was to start his apprenticeship on February 6, 2006. His task was to oversee the $110m renovation of the Taj Mahal, the Plaza
and the Marina, three casino resorts operated by Trump Entertainment Resorts
in Atlantic City, New Jersey
.
Mayor Cory Booker
.
On July 14, 2009 it was reported by a number of sources that Pinkett had emerged as the frontrunner to be New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's
selection for lieutenant governor in the 2009 Gubernatorial election
. Some reports indicated an announcement would be made on Thursday, July 16. However, no announcement took place, and criticism appeared in the media and from some political leaders regarding Corzine's potential selection of a running mate with no experience in public office. Later in the week, news reports indicated Pinkett's selection was less likely and that other front runners had emerged, due at least in part to public criticism of the idea of a political newcomer as the Governor's running mate. On July 24, Corzine selected State Senator Loretta Weinberg
. Currently, Pinkett is the chair of the State Democratic Committee's
Yes We Can 2.0; its name based on Barack Obama's campaign slogan
, it seeks to turn out newly-registered voters from the 2008 presidential election
for the gubernatorial election.
organization. He has also served as President of MEET, the Rutgers Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
, and was the captain of the Rutgers varsity men's track and field team, competing both as a high jumper and long jumper. He was the 1994 male Walter Byers Scholarship
winner as the NCAA's top scholar athlete. Pinkett is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
fraternity.
In 2006, Pinkett was given the Paul Robeson Leadership Award by Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts.
On August 8, 2007, Pinkett's wife, Zahara, gave birth to daughter Amira Leslie in New Brunswick, New Jersey
. The Pinkett family resides in Somerset, New Jersey
.
The Apprentice (U.S. season 4)
The Apprentice 4 is the fourth season of The Apprentice, with Donald Trump as the executive producer and host. The show was aired on Thursday nights at 9 p.m...
of the reality television show, The Apprentice. Pinkett was the first African American to win the US version of The Apprentice.
With an educational background in engineering and business, Pinkett is both a Rhodes Scholar and a Walter Byers Scholar, holding five academic degrees. Before entering the reality show, Pinkett had already established a career in business, and had become co-founder of business consulting firm BCT Partners in 2001. As winner of the fourth season in December 2005, Pinkett undertook a year long apprenticeship with Trump Entertainment Resorts
Trump Entertainment Resorts
Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. is a holding company that owns and manages two casinos/hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. Formerly known as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, it was founded by Donald J. Trump, who was Chairman of the Board of Directors until his resignation in 2009....
in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
.
After The Apprentice, Pinkett has continued as chairman and CEO of the BCT consultancy, while also acting as a public speaker and appearing on later editions of the show, and on CEO Exchange
CEO Exchange
CEO Exchange is a television program featuring conversations between the host and two CEO guests, often from related industries. It is hosted by Jeff Greenfield of CNN. The show was distributed by WTTW to public television stations...
, and also entering politics.
Author
Pinkett is the author of three books including Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching a Multimillion-Dollar Business (Kaplan Business 2007), No-Money Down CEO: How to Start Your Dream Business with Little or No Cash (Trump University 2008), and Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness (AMACOM Books 2010) with his college roommate and business partner, Professor Jeffrey Robinson of the Rutgers Business School.Education
Pinkett graduated from Hightstown High SchoolHightstown High School
Hightstown High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school that serves students in ninth through twelfth grades from three communities in Mercer County and Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the East Windsor Regional School District. Students come from East...
in Hightstown, New Jersey
Hightstown, New Jersey
Hightstown is a Borough in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,494.Hightstown was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 5, 1853, within portions of East Windsor Township. The borough became...
. Pinkett attended Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
from 1989 to 1994, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
in electrical engineering
Electrical engineering
Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical...
. Pinkett is the first African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
from Rutgers to become a Rhodes Scholar. Pinkett went on to attend the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
from 1994 to 1996, earning a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
in computer science
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
from 1996 to 1998, graduating with a second Master of Science, this time in electrical engineering, and a Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
from the MIT Sloan School of Management
MIT Sloan School of Management
The MIT Sloan School of Management is the business school of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts....
. He continued his education at MIT, earning a Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
in media arts and sciences
New media art
New media art is a genre that encompasses artworks created with new media technologies, including digital art, computer graphics, computer animation, virtual art, Internet art, interactive art, computer robotics, and art as biotechnology...
from the MIT Media Laboratory in 2001. Pinkett's PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
thesis was titled "Creating Community Connections: Sociocultural Constructionism and an Asset-Based Approach to Community Technology and Community Building."
The Apprentice
In 2005, a 34-year old Pinkett along with 17 other contestants entered the fourth seriesThe Apprentice (U.S. season 4)
The Apprentice 4 is the fourth season of The Apprentice, with Donald Trump as the executive producer and host. The show was aired on Thursday nights at 9 p.m...
of The Apprentice
The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)
The Apprentice is an American reality television show hosted by real estate magnate, businessman and television personality Donald Trump, created by Mark Burnett and broadcast on NBC...
. His wife had downloaded the application form, planting the idea of auditioning for the show in his mind. The Apprentice is a reality television series which premiered in January 2004, in which American entrepreneur Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
uses a series of tasks and a process of elimination to ultimately select one candidate for a year long apprenticeship with one of his companies. The fourth season began filming in May 2005, and was aired from September 2005, with the finale airing in two-parts on the Thursday night of December 8 and 15. Pinkett reached the finale with one other contestant, 23 year old financial journalist Rebecca Jarvis
Rebecca Jarvis
Rebecca Jarvis is a financial journalist and was a finalist on Season 4 of The Apprentice. Jarvis graduated from the University of Chicago in 2003 and from St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1999....
. Pinkett was to organise a celebrity ball-game for Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's largest autism advocacy organization that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. It was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric, and by his wife Suzanne, a...
, while Jarvis' task was to stage a comedy night in aid of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pediatric HIV infection and eliminating pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs...
. Despite the game being rained off, Pinkett raised nearly $11,000.
In the final judgement, Pinkett was criticised by Trump for not spotlighting the celebrities in attendance at his event, and by Trump's advisor Carolyn Kepcher
Carolyn Kepcher
Carolyn Kepcher is an American businesswoman, perhaps best known for her regular appearances on the NBC television program The Apprentice. She was formerly the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and General Manager for the Trump National Golf Club...
for not having a backup plan when the weather turned. Despite this, Pinkett was chosen by Trump as the winner, describing Pinkett as an "amazing leader" and saying "Rarely have I seen a leader as good as you, and you lead through niceness". Moments after the announcement, Trump asked Pinkett his opinion as to whether he should take the unprecedented step and also hire the "outstanding" Jarvis too. In his reply, Pinkett asserted that there could only be one winner of the contest, a view which Trump chose to agree with. This stance attracted much comment after the show, with Pinkett later defending his rationale, but making it clear he had no objection to Jarvis being hired by the Trump organization at a later date. The reactions had taken Pinkett by surprise, but he later stated he remained on good terms with Jarvis.
Pinkett was to start his apprenticeship on February 6, 2006. His task was to oversee the $110m renovation of the Taj Mahal, the Plaza
Trump Plaza (Atlantic City)
Trump Plaza is a hotel and casino located on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Designed by architect Martin Stern, Jr., it was opened in 1984 and is one of two casinos owned by Trump Entertainment Resorts...
and the Marina, three casino resorts operated by Trump Entertainment Resorts
Trump Entertainment Resorts
Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. is a holding company that owns and manages two casinos/hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. Formerly known as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, it was founded by Donald J. Trump, who was Chairman of the Board of Directors until his resignation in 2009....
in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
.
Politics
In 2006-07, Pinkett served as a co-chairman of the transition team of newly elected Newark, New JerseyNewark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
Mayor Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Booker is a former Newark City Councilman...
.
On July 14, 2009 it was reported by a number of sources that Pinkett had emerged as the frontrunner to be New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
selection for lieutenant governor in the 2009 Gubernatorial election
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2009 took place on November 3, 2009. Democratic Governor Jon Corzine was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates...
. Some reports indicated an announcement would be made on Thursday, July 16. However, no announcement took place, and criticism appeared in the media and from some political leaders regarding Corzine's potential selection of a running mate with no experience in public office. Later in the week, news reports indicated Pinkett's selection was less likely and that other front runners had emerged, due at least in part to public criticism of the idea of a political newcomer as the Governor's running mate. On July 24, Corzine selected State Senator Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served as a member of the New Jersey Senate since 2005, where she represents the 37th Legislative District...
. Currently, Pinkett is the chair of the State Democratic Committee's
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee is the New Jersey state affiliate of the United States Democratic Party.New Jersey Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski is the Chairman and Camden Mayor Dana Redd is the Vice-Chairwoman. They were elected on January 27, 2010.-Party structure:The NJDSC is the...
Yes We Can 2.0; its name based on Barack Obama's campaign slogan
Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2008
Barack Obama, then junior United States Senator from Illinois, announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States in Springfield, Illinois, on February 10, 2007. On August 27, 2008, he was declared nominee of the Democratic Party for the 2008 presidential election...
, it seeks to turn out newly-registered voters from the 2008 presidential election
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
for the gubernatorial election.
Personal life
According to his website, he was also an academic All-American at Rutgers. Pinkett was named a member of the 1993 USA TODAY All-USA Academic Team. While at Rutgers, Pinkett was a member of the Cap and SkullCap and Skull
Cap and Skull is a senior-year coeducational honors society at Rutgers University, founded on January 18, 1900.Admission to Cap and Skull is dependent upon excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and public service. Leadership as well as character are also considered crucial factors for...
organization. He has also served as President of MEET, the Rutgers Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers , founded in 1975 at Purdue University, is one of the largest student-run organizations in the US, centered on improving the recruitment and retention of African-American engineering students.-History:...
, and was the captain of the Rutgers varsity men's track and field team, competing both as a high jumper and long jumper. He was the 1994 male Walter Byers Scholarship
Walter Byers Scholarship
The Walter Byers Scholar program is a scholarship program that recognizes the top male and female scholar-athlete in NCAA sports and that is awarded annually by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . It is considered to be the NCAA's highest academic award...
winner as the NCAA's top scholar athlete. Pinkett is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha is the first Inter-Collegiate Black Greek Letter fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations ...
fraternity.
In 2006, Pinkett was given the Paul Robeson Leadership Award by Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts.
On August 8, 2007, Pinkett's wife, Zahara, gave birth to daughter Amira Leslie in New Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, USA. It is the county seat and the home of Rutgers University. The city is located on the Northeast Corridor rail line, southwest of Manhattan, on the southern bank of the Raritan River. At the 2010 United States Census, the population of...
. The Pinkett family resides in Somerset, New Jersey
Somerset, New Jersey
Somerset is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located at the easternmost section within Franklin Township, in Somerset County, New Jersey. At the 2000 United States Census, the CDP population was 23,040...
.