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Thomas Ben is just your typical Kiwi bloke with a wife and kids, but something that sets him apart from others is that he is the winner of New Zealand’s first series of The Apprentice. He used his skill and his nice guy attitude to win over the other contestants and ultimately his new boss, Terry Seripisos.

From humble beginnings in Otara, one of six kids Thomas always knew he wanted more and at the age of 14 pulled himself out of Tangaroa College, jumped on a bus and went to live with his cousins in Onehunga. On the following Monday morning he walked into Onehunga High School and enrolled himself. This kind of ‘take charge’ attitude really sums Thomas up.

After school Thomas studied to be a mechanic and was offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in Japan with Honda where he stayed for the next two and a half years.

Upon his return to New Zealand he began working for Regency Duty Free at Auckland airport and over time worked his way up to a managerial position after three months.

Thomas found himself passionate about the strategy, negotiations and decision making in business. From here he ventured out of Regency Duty Free and took up a cadet role within the paper and print industry, which he remains in now, as a major Shareholder of BJ Ball.

He worked hard to build BJ Ball up and did whatever it took to make it succeed. He did IT, administration and then eventually National Operations Management until he took on their packaging Division. The division was failing and he was asked to review its ROI. He came up with a plan and it now turns over around 17 million per annum and has capital reinvestment becoming one of the pillars in the businesses portfolio allowing himself to gain shares in the business and sitting on the lead team for the company.

When the opportunity to apply for New Zealand’s very own series of The Apprentice presented itself, Thomas couldn’t say no. He found it hard having no communication with his family over the six weeks, but could see the bigger picture and the opportunities that could come from this experience, so he soldiered on.

His hard work paid off and in a nail biting finale was crowned ‘The Apprentice’.

Thomas and his family are relocating to Wellington where he will take up his employment position within Terry Seripisos’ company. The whole family is very excited about what the future has in store for them.

Thomas is a compelling speaker with a wealth of business knowledge plus his amazing journey as ‘The Apprentice’ to share with you.