Mark Bouris - Founder of Wizard Home Loans
Feel like getting fired? Well now you can because casting has started for the Australian version of the successful US and UK program The Apprentice.
Oh, and BTW if you are interested in applying Click Here to access the application forms.
To be hosted by the founder of Wizard Finance, Mark Bouris, many will ask whether or not this program will achieve the same success it has achieved elsewhere – namely with US billionaire Donald Trump on NBC and tycoon Alan Sugar fronting the BBC version in the UK.
Well I think it COULD do well subject to a couple of key factors;
- Australian Business getting behind the program - Would be a great opportunity to show case examples of Australian success stories while the candidates carry out their challenges;
- Mark Bouris - The 50 plus silver fox divorcee is a good looking fella and certainly has spunk. This just needs to translate to TV. But he’s got the credentials setting up Wizard Home Loans from scratch and turning it into a $500m business despite the market being dominated by the big banks. Another little known fact is he did not have any previous experience in the home loans sector before taking the challenge on.
- TALL POPPIES - The Australian public loves to cut success stories down. This contradiction will generate hours of water cooler debate. Some will admire the candidates for who they are and how clever they can be, and then some will just cut them down because the next apprentice might just be a little smarter than your average bear.
But there are some dangers to watch out for, namely:
- Why is it brain dead reality programs like So You Think You Can Dance, Australian Idol, Master Chef and The Biggest Loser remain popular to this day - is it because the viewing audience doesn’t have to think about them. I like the apprentice because of the smarts behind its candidates and it’s hosts – but will Joe Australia admire the intellect or just grow bored with the smart arses
- Is Mark Bouris the arsehole he needs to be? Let’s face it. He’s a nice guy from Punchbowl, Western Sydney who has made good. When he quotes that his attitude to money is “it’s there for a purpose and you can’t take it with you. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be…” and personal philosophy is “Try to smile every day“ will he have the ability of putting the fear of god into the contestants because chasing the dollar is the only god or will it look like he is trying too hard for TV?
First prize is the job and in the case it is a six figure salary with Bouris’ company. But do remember before you apply;
- You cannot have been convicted of any serious crime.
- If selected as a potential contestant get ready for the detailed legal agreement that signs your life away to Channel 9.
Applications close at 6.00 pm on Friday, 3 July 2009.
