Dean Franklin made history as the first male winner of The Apprentice since 2017, managing to convince Alan Sugar to invest £250,000 into his air-conditioning business, ADL.

The 35-year-old from London triumphed over Anisa Khan, a pizza business owner and London School of Economics alum, during the finale of the BBC1 series in April. Franklin is also notable for being the first tradesman to secure victory in the show’s nine-year history.

Known as “Daddy Cool”, Franklin openly shared his challenges with the intense interviews in the penultimate episode, particularly regarding an uncomfortable moment related to a humorous photo he posted online after installing air conditioning units in an adult shop.

Post-victory, Franklin faced allegations of failing to acquire an F-Gas certificate, which is essential for proper handling of the gases involved in air-conditioning units. He refutes these claims, stating that he has held the necessary certification since 2014 and possesses all qualifications required for his profession.

Living in Upminster with his wife, Chloe, and their children, Bonnie, seven, and Ted, eight, Franklin believes that his win came partly because Alan Sugar “saw a lot of himself” in him.

Wallet Contents

Currently, I have about £300 with me, primarily to pay the DJ for my celebratory party after winning The Apprentice. Generally, I prefer using my phone for payments as I believe cash is becoming obsolete.

Credit Card Preferences

Nowadays, I typically just carry my phone for convenience — Apple Pay makes transactions easy.

Savings vs. Spending

I tend to save more; I admit I can be a bit frugal. My wife, however, manages the majority of household expenses and buys clothes for the kids. My recent significant purchase was the £700 tuxedo I wore on The Apprentice. It was essential to look good!

Property Ownership

In my early twenties, my wife and I purchased our first home, a two-bedroom house in Dagenham, for £180,000. It was a project that we renovated extensively, eventually selling it to acquire a three-bedroom house in Hornchurch. My skills in the trades came in handy as I knew electricians and plumbers to assist. We outgrew that home and recently bought a four-bedroom cottage in Upminster, where we are content and plan to stay long-term.

Comparisons with My Parents

Good question indeed. As the oldest of three, I grew up in an ex-council house in Dagenham, which my parents bought. There were times when money was tight, similar to many families, but both my parents worked hard. My dad was a train driver and my mother worked in a school kitchen, so we always had what we needed. I observed that while my parents had stable jobs, I wanted more, which inspired me to start my own business to provide my children with a better life.

Last Year’s Earnings

My income was sufficient to upgrade the air conditioning in my home when it becomes necessary.

First Job Experience

I began working at age 16 for a friend’s father, fitting windows, earning approximately £120 a week. After a year, I explored other jobs, including plumbing, which I found unappealing due to its messiness. I then pursued electrical training and ventured into air conditioning, leading to my current business.

When Did I First Feel Wealthy?

I wouldn’t say I feel wealthy yet. However, my business is thriving, and I enjoy a significantly better quality of life compared to five or ten years ago.

Financial Struggles

As an adult, I have experienced financial hardships, especially once I started a family and took on a mortgage, but we have always managed to make ends meet.

Most Lucrative Work

The air conditioning installation side of my business is where we truly excel, handling around 200 to 300 installations annually.

Investments in Shares

Currently, I am not investing in stocks, but it is something I may consider down the line. Floating my own air-con business on the stock market is a decision I’ll leave to Lord Sugar.

Retirement Considerations

I firmly believe that property is the best investment for retirement. I plan to develop a solid property portfolio, although with Lord Sugar’s investment, retirement is not in my immediate plans. I tend to get bored easily, so I’m not ready to retire anytime soon.

Best Business Decision

Launching an air-conditioning company with my partner, Alex, in 2020 was my best decision, despite not trading officially until 2021 due to the pandemic. We embraced challenges, starting small with leaflet distribution and Facebook ads, leading to our current success. Winning The Apprentice and gaining Lord Sugar’s investment has been transformative for our business. He often calls me, and while it’s a bit intimidating, we have exciting plans to come. While he uses my first name, I always respect him by calling him Lord Sugar.

Top Investment

My most significant investment was purchasing two old vans for about £4,000 each, alongside tools, when we started the air-conditioning firm. They were crucial in getting our business underway before we upgraded to newer vehicles.

Worst Investment

Reflecting on my past as a wheeler-dealer, I once purchased an entire stock of candles for £1,200, hoping to profit. Unfortunately, they melted in my car on the hottest day, rendering it a costly mistake.

Personally, I enjoy golfing, but I haven’t found time to use the golf clubs my wife gifted me for my 30th birthday.

Financial Weakness

Family time is paramount to me, so I occasionally treat my wife and kids to vacations in Spain, typically costing around one to two thousand pounds.

Most Extravagant Purchase

After my children were born, I got their names tattooed on my torso, which cost me a couple of hundred pounds. It was quite a painful process, so I won’t be getting “You’re hired!” inked on my chest.

Future Financial Priority

My main goal is to expand my company continuously, achieving good revenue to provide a comfortable life for my family, while taking measured steps forward.

Lottery Dreams

If I won the lottery, I would purchase a holiday home in Spain for my family and contribute to charities close to my heart, like Great Ormond Street Hospital. However, I would continue working; I’m not one to sit idle.

Money Lesson Learned

I’ve learned that while money provides a degree of freedom, it doesn’t guarantee happiness.

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