Donald Trump sons Don Jr. & Eric on wealth, not spoiling kids, passion, fame & success
Thanks to Century Properties Group chairman Jose “Joey” Antonio for arranging Philippine STAR’s exclusive interviews with his recent VIP guests: real estate scions 34-year-old Donald “Don” Trump, Jr. and 28-year-old Eric Fredrick Trump, both executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization and sons of the world-famous billionaire developer, Miss Universe franchise
owner and The Apprentice TV show host Donald Trump.
Unknown to most people, the high-profile and glamorous Donald Trump never spoiled his kids but trained them with rigorous discipline. The two young businessmen came to grace the June 26 groundbreaking ceremony of the US$150 million, 56-story Trump Tower Manila project on Kalayaan Ave., Makati City. It is being developed by Century City Development Corp. with the brand name and mark under license from New York-based Trump.
Here are excerpts from free-wheeling interviews with the fast-rising Trump sons:
Eric Trump: ‘I remember that at 9 or 10 years old, and I was given a sledgehammer to demolish walls, rooms and bathrooms, because dad said he was going to rebuild. Dad would say: “In a couple of days,
I’d like it totally clean.”’
PHILIPPINE STAR: What are the top three lessons you’ve learned from your dad Donald J. Trump?
DONALD TRUMP, JR: First is honesty. My father has always exercised this in his business. He is very straightforward and transparent, and I think it’s one of the reasons why he has earned so much respect and success.
Second is hard work. He taught us to learn the ropes of the business early on and not to rest on our laurels. He told us the company will not shoulder our stay in the company just because, and that we need to continue earning the right to be in the Trump organization through our own diligence and astuteness.
Third is perseverance. He always tells us to never give up, never
get discouraged during difficult times, and to get up even when the
going gets tough.
How come you seem to still possess the drive to excel despite living a privileged life, or being third-generation rich?
My siblings and I have been trained by the best. We were given strengths and skills that should not be put to waste, and should be used to grow the business, to empower people and to help others.
What are your personal dreams and ambitions?
To bring the Trump brand further to new horizons. And with me, Ivanka and Eric, we are bringing vigor and energy to the company even more. Personally, as a father and family man I would like to see my kids grow and live their lives to the fullest, and learn the same values of honesty, hard work and perseverance that our father has passed on to us.
*** While Don had to meet officials of the Christian NGO Operation Smile, we had an exclusive interview with his younger brother, the Georgetown University graduate Eric Trump, EVP for development, mergers and acquisitions of the Trump Organization.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Your elder brother Don said you were not spoiled by your father, how did this happen?
ERIC TRUMP: Yes, from a very young age, Dad would already bring us to his construction sites, even when I was still two years old. As a kid, I would already be made to do work, like driving bulldozers, helping lay the marbles on the floor and other things. We’ve learned to love building things.
Your late grandfather Fred Trump was an immigrant self-made man who became rich with affordable homes for rent in New York. Any recollections about him?