“At Least I am Known as a Fun, Colorful Character”: An Interview with Heidi Bressler of ‘The Apprentice’

Heidi Bressler of The Apprentice was indeed one of the most fun, colorful characters on the show. Whether it was selling shots at Planet Hollywood, winning the Trump Ice challenge, or accidentally telling a customer in the art challenge that the art was made from a toilet bowl, Heidi never failed to capture our attention. Heidi could also be tough when the situation called for it – lashing out at Kristi for taking her to the boardroom and giving Omarosa a piece of her mind. Heidi never backed down. But she wasn’t just fun and colorful, and she wasn’t just tough. Viewers also saw a sensitive side of Heidi when she learned that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. In this interview with Reality News Online, Heidi tells us all about her mother’s health, the challenges, her argument with Kristi, and what it was really like to work with Omarosa.

Reality News Online: Heidi, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to Reality News Online. First things first: How is your mom? Did you ever consider dropping out of the challenge to be with her?

Heidi: My mom is doing great. She just had surgery on Friday and the doctor expects a full remission! It was not until I saw my mom at the hospital that I sort of checked out of the game. I always give 150%, and on that task my mind was mostly on my mom.

RNO: For the first few challenges, Protégé used their sex appeal as a selling tool. Do you think this is a valid way for women to be successful in business?

Heidi: You know they emphasized the sex appeal approach. What you did not see is the strategizing that took place. The women thoroughly thought about the task at hand and what would work. At the end of the day we won and the men even said if they could, they would have used the "sex sells" approach as well.

I would like to point out that when we were negotiating gold we were NOT FLIRTING. Michael was actually showing us pictures of his newborn and wife. Our "dance" was actually funny because Kat and I are the worst dancers and Michael thought it was hysterical!! I still keep in touch with him today! Also at Planet Hollywood I sold most of the shots to women… and FYI IN NYC NO ONE DRIVES... TAXIS ARE THE WAY TO GO!!!

RNO: What did you think of Carolyn's criticism of the women’s strategy?

Heidi: Carolyn briefly spoke to us about the sex approach and never mentioned it again.

RNO: You were very upset when Kristi chose to take you to the boardroom after the flea market task. Why did you feel betrayed by her decision?

Heidi: I was really mad at Kristi and NOT because she was bringing me into the boardroom, but because she lied to me. She told me to my face that she would NEVER bring me in, and then I heard her telling Jessie she was. Also Kristi made us go to EVERY FLEA MARKET. Not only was it a waste of time but it was unnecessary. The viewers also did not see that once we found we lost, Kristi RAN into the other team’s arms crying! It was unprofessional and pathetic. You cannot behave that way in corporate America.

RNO: You were standing next to Omarosa when she got hit in the head at the building site. What can you tell us about her injury?

Heidi: Omarosa's injury was a joke. When it was time to work she was in pain; however she was always fine when it came time for the rewards. Also, the producers made sure she went to the doctor and they could not find a THING wrong with her. I think she needed a dose of Prozac instead of aspirin.

RNO: Speaking of Omarosa, the two of you clashed multiple times. Was this a fair representation of your relationship? What do you think of her?

Heidi: I think Omarosa has a huge chip on her shoulder. She seems angry at the world.

RNO: Do you think it was fair of Troy to bring you into the final boardroom over Kwame?

Heidi: I did not think it was fair that Troy brought me in the boardroom. He CLEARLY had an alliance with Kwame and this is not Survivor. Ereka got fired because she used her emotions in the boardroom. TROY DID THE SAME THING. Kwame even admitted he did not do a good job. If I had fought and brought up that point, I am confident Mr. Trump would have fired Troy. In business, you cannot do that. Mr. Trump would never want to hire someone that makes decisions based on friendships. That could ruin a business.

RNO: What did you think of Carolyn's statement that she hadn't seen anything from you?

Heidi: Carolyn's statement was harsh and uncalled for. First, she never speaks to me and then when she does she is extremely rude. Just for the record here is what I contributed:

1. Sales for the Planet Hollywood task is the reason the women won.
2. I was one of the key presenters for the Marquis Jet ad.
3. I brought my team to a victory when I was the project manager.
4. I drove in about 40% of the lemonade sales.

Either Carolyn clearly dislikes women or she needs an attitude adjustment.

RNO: On two different occasions, Donald Trump called you overly aggressive and obnoxious. After he said that, did you make any effort to change your behavior?

Heidi: Mr. Trump NEVER called me obnoxious. He said I was overly aggressive but never obnoxious.

RNO: Have you read anything about yourself on the internet or in magazines? How do you feel about it?

Heidi: Most of the material I read on the Internet is amusing. Either they love or hate you. What can you do? At least I am known as a FUN, COLORFUL CHARACTER! I have to say 99.9% of the emails I receive are all positive and the viewers are PISSED that I am gone!!

I also would like to add the MIKE [DeGeorge] FROM REALITY NEWS ONLINE IS THE BEST!!!

I am not lying Mike is the BEST!! HE is personable and writes the most amazing articles!!!

RNO: Do you think you were portrayed fairly on the show? Was there anything we didn't see that you wish we had?

I LOVE HOW I WAS PORTRAYED! The only thing I laughed at was the smoking. First of all, I DO NOT SMOKE LIKE A CHIMNEY. I have a smoke if I go out to get a drink or if I am very stressed. There were people in the suite who smoked more then I did, but they always hid from the cameraman. I would not do that. I signed up for this show, and I wanted the viewers to see the good and bad sides of me!

The only thing I wish the viewers DID see was when I was the project manager, I actually gave away my reward (the helicopter ride) to Troy and Amy. Trump then said we could all go!! As a project manager, I wanted to give the reward away! Also I did not smoke THAT much. There were other women who smoked more than I did!

RNO: You mentioned in your cab ride home that you were planning to go back into sales. Since you've appeared on the show, how have your colleagues and customers reacted to you?

Heidi: I have received SO MUCH support from my clients and coworkers. They are all so proud of me and how I handled myself. Who knows if I will stay there... there have been so many opportunities that popped up, but I will say that it is really nice to have your company backing you up.

RNO: Thank you again, Heidi, for talking to Reality News Online.

Betsy is the Assistant Editor of RealityNewsOnline and can be reached with any comments at betsyw42@hotmail.com.

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