Stefanie Schaeffer trumps the competition

Photo courtesy Craig T. Mathew/ Hollywood Bowl Whether Stefanie Schaeffer purposely devised a strategy to fly under the radar of her fellow candidates on this season's "The Apprentice"--and away from the firing squad in Donald Trump's boardroom--or is simply a poised, behind-the-scenes business professional who knows how to get the job done without ruffling any feathers, it doesn't matter. Schaeffer, a resident of Oak Park, was named Trump's sixth apprentice Sunday in a live production at the Hollywood Bowl.

The 32-year-old attorney made Apprentice history. Schaeffer never served as a task project manager during the course of the 13-week program, nor was she ever sent to the boardroom to face barbs from her fellow candidates vying for the same dream job or criticism from the Trump clan--that is, until the final episode when the four finalists were paraded on stage and critiqued by "The Donald." When it was over, Schaeffer was the only candidate not to hear those famous words: "You're fired."

AFTER THE SHOW--Stefanie Schaeffer, above left, with Donald Trump Jr., Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump, the stars of this year's "Apprentice." Schaeffer wins a $250,000 first-year salary with the company. A project manager is a leadership role on the show that allows "Apprentice" candidates to strut their creative, tough-as-nails stuff. Project managers, however, often are targeted with the most criticism from fellow candidates and often blamed for a group's failure.

When Ivanka Trump asked Schaeffer whether she stayed out of the fray because it was "genius strategy or fear," Schaeffer answered, "I am fearless."

"Behind every great director there's a great producer," Schaeffer said to Trump, who also worried about her low-key style. "You need someone sort of behind the scenes, moving everything along, making sure the whole big picture comes together, and that's where I come in," Schaeffer said.

Schaeffer was surprised at her victory. "I was hopeful, yet I had no idea who would be the next Apprentice," Schaeffer said. "Actually, I sensed that Mr. Trump was leaning toward James."

Photos courtesy Craig T. Mathew/ Hollywood Bowl

Schaeffer paired off with James Sun in the final challenge. The duo produced a 60-second ad for Renuzit air and fabric freshener.

When the final "you're fired" was aimed at James, Schaeffer said she was stunned. "I was shocked, then ecstatic . . . sheer joy," she said.

Ousted candidates Kristine Lefebvre and Heidi Bressler gave their vote of confidence to Schaeffer when Trump asked for their opinion. "I love a strong woman, and Stefanie is the epitome of a strong woman, Bressler said.

"You don't have to scream the loudest to be the strongest," Lefebvre said of Schaeffer's low-key business style.

As Trump's newest apprentice, Schaeffer will oversee Trump at Capcana, a new luxury resort being built in the Dominican Republic, and will earn $250,000 per year in her new role.

Before Schaeffer headed out to the Caribbean, she was whisked to New York for a glitzy media tour only "The Donald" could command.

Schaeffer's friends, family and colleagues believe Trump chose the best candidate.

"Stefanie has a timeless and ever-blossoming career ahead," said Shelley Marks, Schaeffer's business development and media manager. "She represents what greatness is all about and in every dimension. From international real estate development for the Trump organization, she also has what it takes to be a new face and voice for luxury brands, a noted media personality, published author and global philanthropist. Stefanie Schaeffer is a media dynamo we have only begun to know."

Schaeffer's family released a joint comment. "We are all so very proud, and yet not surprised," they said. "We felt she would be the winner from the beginning."

"Stefanie is not only brilliant, she is simply a great lady," said Steve Radenbaugh, one of Schaeffer's construction clients.

"Being on 'The Apprentice' was a life-changing experience," Schaeffer said. "It was unique and rare to take part in the opportunities of each weekly task. I've met wonderful people and have learned so much. I am very grateful to NBC, Mark Burnett and Donald Trump for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure."