5 questions for: Kwame Toure Jackson

Ebony, Jan, 2005

WHEN Donald Trump fired Kwame Jackson last season on the NBC reality show, The Apprentice, some Americans assumed at would be the last they would hear from the boyishly handsome, buttoned-down Harvard graduate. But they were wrong. Kwame has re-emerged as a true winner with a $3 billion real estate development deal, a post as a McDonald's spokesperson, and his own line of fine men's apparel. (Note: He's wearing his own suit in this photograph). The 30-year-old New York bachelor tells EBONY who he really is, where he's going, and how other young entrepreneurs can follow his lead.

1. What is the biggest misconception about you?

There are two major misconceptions: First, people don't understand that the whole premise for competing on The Apprentice for me was to be a serious businessman, use celebrity as a form of business capital and then use the show as an opportunity/springboard/platform to go on and be a serious businessman afterwards. Secondly, people believe that I'm a superstiff Harvard guy, but I just knew the cameras were rolling and I wanted to put my best foot forward. Trust me, I know how to go to a club in D.C. and get my swerve on.

2. What deals have you made since appearing on the show?

My company, Legacy Development Partners, is an equity partner in a $3 billion deal to build Rosewood, a live, work, and play community in Prince Georges County, Maryland. And I'm developing a new clothing line of fine, affordable suits for businessmen.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mother was a warrior. She passed away when I was 15. The great thing about my mother is that she had no [business] role models and she still made it happen. Her dad was illiterate, her mom had a ninth-grade education, and yet my mom was the first person in her family to go to college on a scholarship to Howard University. She became a CPA, later became comptroller of Howard University, and then started her own firm. She showed me that whatever you want to achieve, it can be done.

4. How are you handling your sex symbol status? Is it tough having so many women chasing you?

I'm a Kappa [Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity], so I'm used to having the women chase after me--it's always a blessing! I've had the blessing of being around attractive women, women who were interested in me before the show, and now it's just a multiplier.

3. What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs and those joining the job market now?

I have three lessons from the boardroom of life. Know when to shut up: Learn to listen and be decisive with your comments. Go with your gut and take advantage of every opportunity. And take advantage of your formal and informal education; put all of your past experiences together and then make a decision. That's true intelligence--relying on all the experience you've had to connect the dots and form an opinion quicker than other people.