Imagine becoming a self-made millionaire as an undergraduate at your University.
This is the success story of University alumnus Dr. Randal Pinkett, "The Apprentice" winner, who signed his first book, "Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's guide to Launching a Multimillion Dollar Business," for students at the Rutgers University Bookstore in downtown New Brunswick Monday night.
"Campus CEO" guides hopeful college entrepreneurs through the steps of launching a profitable, campus-based business, while maintaining academic success.
The book is based on Pinkett's personal collegiate experience, which first started at the University.
His undergraduate beginnings started with norms: late night studying with fellow engineering majors, throwing the greatest parties, and bonding with his track and field teammates.
During his sophomore year, a friend who started his own T-shirt company on campus inspired Pinkett.
"I am very ambitious, but I was completely blown away by his designs and the business," Pinkett said. "I decided to start up my own."
Pinkett co-founded the company, MBS Enterprises, selling compact discs and cassette tapes out of his residence hall and donating funds to high school outreach activities.
Graduating with a 3.9 grade point average, being a captain of the varsity men's track and field, and the president of the Rutgers chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, Pinkett made history as the first African-American ever to receive a Rhodes Scholarship at the University.
The talented businessman is now co-founder, president and chief executive officer of BCT Partners - a multi-million dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm.
Follett Corporation events coordinator and trade manager Jennifer McLarney attributes Pinkett's savvy knowledge as a major asset to every college student.
"Since he is an alumnus kicking off his national university book tour with Follet Bookstores, it was great starting it here at Rutgers," McLarney said.
Pinkett still maintains close ties with the University, such as speaking at last year's Rutgers College graduation and attending the Texas Bowl in support of the Scarlet Knights.
"Rutgers was a great environment," Pinkett said. "It was supportive of everything. When I talk about Rutgers, I always talk about the people."
Pinkett's rise to fame began during the fourth season of "The Apprentice," in a national televised boardroom meeting, when Donald Trump said the infamous words, "You're Hired!"
Pinkett believes the show brought the right influence in bettering his life and business.
"It added a positive dimension in my life being more of a public presence," Pinkett said. "People actually return my phone calls!"
Students at the book signing had the opportunity to not only to take pictures, but also have individual time to speak with Pinkett.
School of Engineering junior Monica Mayorga first discovered posted articles about the prestigious alumnus outside a dean's office, even before "The Apprentice."
"I was very glad he was coming because he has always shown a lot of recognition for the University," Mayorga said. "I want to start my own business, even though I'm not a business major. I'm looking for an outline to get an idea of possibilities to work with."
Pinkett had one piece of advice for every student looking to make the most out of their college experience.
"Find your passion," he said. "Ask yourself, 'What would you do if you're not getting paid to do it?' Ultimately, love what you do."
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