The Fitz, 10, and the Donald

By the Real Philly Magazine (see jpegs of actual pages)

Most 10-year-olds come home from school, play a video game or two, have a snack, do their homework and get ready for dinner.

No, this is not an “Ozzie and Harriet” script and it is not the 1950’s.

It is the story of how a 10-year-old from Villanova did a deal with the ultimate deal artist, Donald Trump, that resulted in a major entertainment act – “The Fercos Untamed Illusions” – appearing at the Trump Taj from Sept. 12 through Nov. 23.

Of course, Fitz Daniel Tabas Tepper isn’t just any 10-year-old from Villanova. He is the son of Susan Tabas Tepper and Ken Tepper, the grandson of super businessman, Dan Tabas, and sports executive Ed Tepper, and Fitz had met Trump a number of times.
His grandfather, Dan, has had a business relationship with The Donald and, as a result, Fitz and Donald were more than passing acquaintances.

Until one day in February, 2003, that is, when Fitz came home from the Haverford School, picked up the phone (he also makes his own dinner reservations) and called Trump at the appointed hour of 5 p.m. that his mom had arranged with Norma Foerderer, Trump’s No. 1 assistant and gatekeeper.

“Fitz needs to talk to Donald,” Susan had advised Norma, which seemed like a fairly benign request. “Hey, Fitz, how are you?” Trump asked as he cam on the phone. “Fine, Donald, and thanks for taking my call,” Fitz responded. “I always take your call, Fitz.” “Donald, I want to take with you about the Fercos Brothers act. You know if you don’t step up they might just go to Vegas, and you will miss out on a great attraction for your three Atlantic City Casinos.”

Trump was familiar with the act thanks to a package of information that Fitz had left with Trump the last time they flew together on Trump’s jet. “We really need a show like that at the Taj,” admitted Trump, who had seen the video and had spoken with his marketing people.

Anticipating an opening, Fitz plowed ahead, selling Trump even further on what the Fercos’ act could do for his business.

At which point Trump gave the budding Swifty Lazar some good advice: “Hey, Fitz, don’t sell it when it’s already sold!” Trump’s right-hand man Mark Brown called Fitz and said that the Taj might not be available – “I know Mr. Trump promised you the Taj, but we want to put it in the Trump Marina.”

(continued next page)

NEW on our site
Fitz on The Apprentice (Full clip)
The premiere season of Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" filmed on location at Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 2003
   High Quality (92 megs) | Medium (40 megs) | Low (5.2 megs)

Fitz on The Apprentice (Shorter clip)
Edited version of the above clip
   High Quality (4 megs) | Medium (2.72 megs) |