By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Donald Trump's "right hand woman" was in Buffalo Wednesday night. Executive Vice President of the Trump organization, Carolyn Kepcher, spoke at a YWCA event at the Buffalo Convention Center. But fans of Trump's hit television show, "The Apprentice", wanted to know more about Kepcher's role and behind-the-scene details.
Kepcher is the blond woman who is known for playing it straight as she sits by Trump's side in the boardroom of the popular reality show "The Apprentice." She helps her boss decide who should be fired from a group of apprentice hopefuls vying for a spot on the Trump team.
The 35-year-old mother of two young children offered Western New York women some insight into climbing the corporate ladder and what it's like to work for "The Donald." Kepcher says some call her "stubborn," and that is why she has succeeded in the Trump organization for the last 10 years. But Kepcher admits that Trump is an intense boss.
"He knows what he wants and he is very particular about what he wants. And he is demanding," Kepcher said. "But at the same time, he is a caring individual. He's a good, but tough boss. If you are not tough skinned, you won't make it."
Kepcher says when it comes to the reality show "The Apprentice," it is all about business and she is not acting. She says she didn't have much of a choice when Trump asked her to appear on the program.
"When Trump called me, he gave me little time to appreciate what this was or turn it down. He asked me to show up, and by that time everything was pretty much in place," Kepcher said. "The contestants were already chosen. My first reaction to the show was that I thought it was a pretty hokey idea."
But Kepcher says as the show moves forward, she has learned to appreciate it, and is amazed by all the fan reaction.
Kepcher has also authored a book, "Carolyn 101 -- Business Lessons from The Apprentice's Straight Shooter."