Lee Bienstock, runner-up on the fifth season of "The Apprentice," graduated from Cornell University with distinction and a 4.0 GPA, where he received a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management.

While attending Cornell University, he won business plan writing and marketing competitions, and served as a teaching assistant for courses in Entrepreneurship and Management.

He has worked for Merrill Lynch, researching emerging markets, creating portfolios and compiling business plans for high net worth clients, including an investment banking deal with an estimated value in excess of $100 million. Previous experiences outside of corporate America include, working at a day treatment program for the mentally ill, volunteering at soup kitchens and teaching fourth grade children in an inner-city school.

Lee draws his inspiration from his grandfather who immigrated to the U.S. penniless and uneducated, yet through hard work and determination was successful through investing in real estate. At age 22, Lee became an analyst for one of the largest business/consulting firms in the world. Today, Lee Bienstock works with some of the biggest companies and government agencies in the country to devise business strategy and information technology systems. Lee currently resides in New York City.