Gene Folkes

Gene Folkes is a multifaceted entrepreneur, management consultant, and ten-year U.S. Air Force veteran whose career spans international finance and media. Born to a Jamaican father and an American mother, he credits his global perspective to a family legacy of service and his decade of military duty across the U.S. and Europe. Following his honorable discharge, he transitioned into high-stakes roles as a senior wealth manager and investment banker for institutions like Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan Chase, and AIG.

In 2010, Folkes was handpicked by Donald Trump for the U.S. version of The Apprentice while managing a $35 million real estate project. However, he famously clashed with the show's production, refusing to compromise his integrity for reality TV "narratives". This culminated in a direct boardroom standoff where he challenged Trump to "fire me" rather than "play the game". Today, Folkes holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and heads the Folkes International Group, Inc.. He is a vocal media contributor for outlets like the BBC and CNN, and the host of the Folk(e)s Unfettered podcast. His recent ventures also include the clothing line "Ocean".