Jordan Dargan: From Castleknock to the Boardroom

Ireland’s Apprentice Star Talks Ambition, Adversity and the Call That Changed Everything

In a season packed with bold personalities and business clashes, one contestant stood out for all the right reasons: 22-year-old Jordan Dargan, a Dublin-based entrepreneur who rose from last-minute reserve to The Apprentice UK’s final three — and into the hearts of viewers across Ireland and the UK.

Despite falling short of winning Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment, Jordan left the boardroom with something rarely given: the billionaire’s personal phone number.

“I could have done everything and not even got on,” Jordan recalled on The Niall Boylan Podcast. “But I got the call two days before filming started, and I was on the first flight to London.”

From YouTube Tutorials to Viral Campaigns

Jordan is the founder of Rendify Studios, a 3D animation company producing viral content, product visualisations, and digital marketing for a range of brands. He also created Tapp, a smart digital business card app.

Entirely self-taught, Jordan bypassed college in favour of learning design and animation online. “Anyone in the creative industry knows that spec work is how you get your start,” he explained. “You can’t show up without a portfolio.”

That decision paid off. Though grilled on The Apprentice for using brand logos without official permission in his portfolio, some companies later reached out positively. “One of my clients was over the moon. He said, ‘Mate, you just shouted me out on national TV!’”

Honest Moments and Hard Lessons

Jordan’s biggest test came during a controversial gender-fluid fashion task. Though uncomfortable with the concept, he went along with the team’s decision — something he now regrets.

“I just don’t think men wearing skirts is gonna sell,” he admitted. “In hindsight, I should have stuck to my guns.”

However, it was during that same task that Jordan opened up about his own personal struggles, sharing details of a difficult childhood. That moment, though barely shown on air, moved both his team and buyers.

“One of the buyers told me he was sober ten years and really resonated with my story. It was real — and that courage, I think, is what Lord Sugar saw.”

Lord Sugar’s Rare Seal of Approval

Though Jordan didn’t walk away with the win, he did walk away with Lord Sugar’s respect — and his direct number.

“It’s funny how quickly your life can change,” he said. “Just a year ago I was delivering fruit and veg in Castleknock. Now I’m delivering one-liners in the boardroom.”

He’s already been in contact with some of Lord Sugar’s affiliated companies about future collaborations. “It’s baby steps,” he said, “but it’s leading somewhere.”

Representing Ireland — and Redefining It

As the first mixed-race Irish contestant in The Apprentice’s history, Jordan has faced online trolling from people questioning his Irishness. He’s answered it head-on:

“Listen to the way I speak — I’m clearly from Dublin. I’ve been here all my life. I’ve played Gaelic football all my life.”

Since the show aired, he’s been approached by young fans who see themselves in him. “That’s what makes it all worth it — kids coming up and saying they want to get into business because they saw me on The Apprentice.”

What’s Next?

Now based between Dublin and London, Jordan is focused on growing both Rendify Studios and Tapp. He’s taken the lessons from The Apprentice and is putting them into action — with a growing network, renewed confidence, and a sharp eye on the future.

“You can have a dream all you want, but you need to act on it,” he told Niall. “Action is everything.”

Get the Inside Scoop

Want to hear the full story straight from Jordan himself? From the drama behind the scenes to how The Apprentice transformed his career — listen to the full podcast interview now:

Listen to the Interview with Jordan Dargan on The Niall Boylan Podcast

Written by Old Mate