Dean Franklin, the proud winner of The Apprentice, has made history as the first tradesman in nine years to earn Lord Sugar’s prestigious £250,000 investment.
The 34-year-old air conditioning business owner beat out fellow finalist Anisa Khan, a 26-year-old pizza entrepreneur and top student, during the intense final on Thursday night.
Dean’s victory is a personal milestone, especially considering he was initially terrified of the show’s demanding boardroom moments.
Facing the Pressure of The Apprentice’s Grueling Process
For Dean, stepping into the world of The Apprentice was a major challenge.
As someone with no prior experience in front of the camera, he admits the filming process was overwhelming.
“I’m a tradesman,” he shared in an interview with MailOnline. “I’ve never had to speak in public or be in front of a camera before.”
This stark contrast to his usual work environment made the high-pressure boardroom confrontations even more daunting.
“I was petrified. My heart was beating so fast, and I was so nervous,” he recalls.
The most difficult part for Dean came during the interviews with Lord Sugar’s trusted advisors.
He admits to “crumbling” under the intense scrutiny, and he was particularly rattled when he was grilled about his business knowledge.
“When I sat in that chair, my mind went completely blank.
I couldn’t even get a sentence out,” Dean confessed.
Sex Toy Scandal on National Television Becomes a Laughing Matter for Dean
One of the most shocking moments of Dean’s interview involved a photo of a sex toy attached to one of his air conditioning units, which made its way to national television.
Despite the embarrassing nature of the reveal, Dean took it in stride. “I found it funny, and I still do,” he said.
“We were working in a sex shop, it’s not like we were in a church. It’s part of the job, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
In fact, Dean believes the advisors were “scraping the barrel” by using the photo as a talking point.
“If that’s what they’re throwing at me, then I knew I was on the right track,” he added, confident that the moment only showcased his resilience.
Overcoming Academic Challenges to Prove Success Doesn’t Require a Degree
In contrast to his finalist, Anisa Khan, who had top grades from prestigious institutions, Dean’s academic journey was far more challenging.
“Anisa was incredible,” Dean admitted. “She has A*s in everything, while I struggled to finish school with just a few GCSEs.”
Despite the academic gap, Dean’s success is a testament to his belief that hard work and determination can lead to success—no matter the level of formal education.
He’s especially proud to have represented the trades on a platform like The Apprentice, where entrepreneurs are often seen as corporate figures.
“Tradespeople are businessmen in their own right,” he declared
. “Just because you don’t wear a suit doesn’t mean you’re not in business.”
The Heart-Wrenching Struggles of Being Away from Family
While competing in The Apprentice, Dean faced the emotional challenge of being away from his wife Chloe and their two young children.
“I was the only parent on the show, and it made everything so much harder,” he said.
The separation took a toll on him, and he struggled with the loneliness.
He recalls spending his weekly ten-minute FaceTime call with Chloe in tears, missing his family desperately.
“I had no idea how much I would miss them,” he admits. “It really took its toll on me.”
From Lockdown to Lord Sugar’s Investment: Dean’s Journey
Dean’s journey to winning Lord Sugar’s investment began during the Covid-19 lockdown when he co-founded his air conditioning company, ADL Air Conditioning, with a friend.
The company found success during the UK’s summer heatwave, and now, after his win on The Apprentice, Dean has big plans.
“We’re running and have engineers working for us,” he says.
His business partners, including his wife, are all involved in the company, though the future may bring changes as Lord Sugar takes a stake.
Looking Ahead to the Future and Celebrating a Major Milestone
Dean’s victory marks a significant achievement in his life, especially considering he had auditioned for The Apprentice the previous year but was initially rejected.
Throughout his life, Dean had a passion for buying and selling, from trading cars in his youth to now running a successful business.
“I always said I would get on the show and win it,” he said proudly.
“Now that I’ve done it, I’m throwing a huge celebration with my family and friends.”
Despite Lord Sugar’s absence due to his holiday in Florida, Dean is planning a massive party to mark the occasion.
He has booked a wedding venue for the event, where the final episode of The Apprentice will be broadcast live.
“It’s going to be a huge celebration,” he says. “I’m just happy to have achieved this dream.”