Page 149 - Midas Touch

trustworthy, so our relationship was one of guarded mutual respect. It
wasn’t ideal, but it worked for us, and Swifton Village did well under his
care. He may have been a thief, but he was capable. I would joke with him
and say, “We pay you $50,000 and all you can steal.” It was an odd sort of

negotiation, but he kept the place in good shape.

A number of years later, the neighborhood was turning bad, and we put the
development up for sale. We got an immediate response. But working out
the deal with this guy was a great lesson for me in negotiation and in
partnership. For obvious reasons, my trust was limited, I was on guard,
and that served me well.

My Teams

On any project we do, nationally and internationally, we will have teams
on the job to handle the day-to-day necessities and demands that the site
requires. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago will have a general
manager, and so will every other project. Of course there will also be a full
staff. In a way, these teams are very much like partnerships. All the

entities have to work and flow together to be successful, particularly in the
hotel industry, since it relies so heavily on superb service. Of course, that’s
a priority in all our buildings. My managers and all my employees know
that I am demanding but fair, and the standard they represent can bring out
the best in people.

I have a new team at The Trump Organization that has brought the Trump
Hotel Collection to international recognition. The team I’m talking about

is my three eldest children: Don, Ivanka, and Eric.They have worked on
many projects and, as partners, they have proven themselves worthy. They
may have started out as apprentices, but now that word only applies to
their appearances as my advisors on The Apprentice TV show.

When I think of ideal partners, they are it. They work extremely hard, love
what they do, and work independently with results that would make any
good businessman proud. Ivanka has her own jewelry line as well as shoes

and handbags, and she handles the extra responsibility like a pro. All three
are active and effective with their charities, and their work ethic is beyond
reproach. As a father, I couldn’t be more proud. When it comes to three
great partners, I’d say I’m a lucky man.