Q&A with Brent Buckman

Orthodox Apprentice had the opportunity this week to interview Brent Buckman of The Apprentice. We are grateful that he took the time to respond to our questions. Thanks again, Brent!

Read on to learn about Brent's Bar Mitzvah, the 4 Bagel Plan, his reaction to Dan and Lee skipping a task for Rosh HaShana, an acting career and more!

Did we see the real Brent Buckman on the show?
You did see the real Brent Buckman on the show. I believe it is important in life to make sure people do not treat you as if you are a door mat. My teammates did not treat me properly and I did stand up for myself. If I do not stand up for myself who will? Outside of “The Apprentice” environment people love dealing with me and I love dealing with people. I am a people person, my friends tell me that I am the funniest guy they know. I am a very nice guy and I am loyal to my wife, family and friends. I have a good head on my shoulders and I pride myself on that fact.

If you could have a do-over on The Apprentice, what you would do differently?
After I was fired by Mr. Trump I would have asked him to give me another chance to go back up to the suit to join Gold Rush. I believe I would have got along with the members of Gold Rush. Mr. Trump could have fired me the following week even if Gold Rush won the task.


Congratulations on losing so much weight with your bagel diet. Are you concerned at all that the diet might not be good for your long-term health?
I appreciate the compliment on my weight loss. I have lost 64 pounds and 11 inches off my waist to date. My diet is called The 4 Bagel Plan which can be viewed at my website at: www.brentbuckman.com. The 4 Bagel Plan is good for my long term health. In version 2 of The 4 Bagel Plan I have a glass of orange juice with calcium along with a multivitamin for breakfast. I exercise on the treadmill for 1 hour and 30 minutes whenever possible. This is the diet for me. I plan to follow the maintenance version of my diet once I reach my goal weight.

With the diet plan outlined on your website, how do you plan to monetize it?
It would be great if one of the big bagel companies such as: Dunkin Donuts, Einstein Bagels, The Great Canadian Bagel, Lenders Bagels, Atlanta Bread Company or Panera Bread Company decide to endorse my diet or hire me as their spokes person to promote their company. We shall see!!

Could you tell us about your Jewish upbringing?
My late Bubbi, Zaidi along with my mother and father instilled Jewish values in me at an early age. I am proud of my Jewish heritage and my wife and I plan on instilling Judaism in our future children. My parents threw me a wonderful Bar Mitzvah which was enjoyable for all who attended. My father added to the entertainment by singing a few songs, he has a wonderful voice. My family was not affiliated with any particular temple although we went to a Conservative Synagogue during the High Holidays. I consider myself to be Reform. I did attend Hebrew school three times a week, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from grades senior kindergarten/grade one through grade six. I did not attend Hebrew school in grade seven. My parents hired a private tutor for my Bar Mitzvah who did a fantastic job.

Are you currently affiliated with any Jewish organizations, such as a temple, social services, community center, etc.?
Currently, I am not affiliated with any Jewish organizations, temple, social services or community center. For the High Holidays, I attend a Reform Temple in the Fort Lauderdale area.


Did you observe Rosh Hashana in any way in the Apprentice Suite?
I cannot comment on footage that was not seen, but I did observe Rosh Hashana. When I came back from the board room into the suite I wished everyone Happy Rosh Hashana!!!

Were you surprised to learn that Lee and Dan were skipping a task to observe the holiday? What was your reaction?
I was surprised when I found out that Lee and Dan were skipping a task to observe the holiday. I respected their decision as they did what was best for them. I thought it was great that Synergy had more team members than Gold Rush for that task.

What's next for Brent Buckman? I am working on promoting my diet, The 4 Bagel Plan, which can be viewed at my website at: www.brentbuckman.com. I may pursue my acting career. I may open up my own law practice. I may pursue a combination of all three things. The sky is the limit!!!