Secret Millionaire: An Experience You Can Not Buy
Episode 5 Recap by Jenny Lane
December 21, 2008
This episode of Secret Millionaire focuses on Salt Lake City software entrepreneur Greg Haerr, and his brother Paul. Greg’s website says he is originally from La Jolla, California, and has a degree in Computer Science. He moved to Salt Lake City in 1981, where he started Century Software. Then he wrote a system called Microwindows, which enabled others to build applications for the PDA and mobile marketplace. In the 90’s, Greg started investing in real estate. He then developed several high end residential waterfront lots in Idaho.
Greg is standing outside his gated mansion to talk about how money is no object for him. He says he has a “small fleet” of airplanes, a helicopter, a Ferrarri, two Porsches, and two Rolls Royces. As he opens the door to his house (which he calls his mansion), he says “you’ve got to buy a home that is indicative of where you are in your life.” His mansion is 7500 square feet, and of course has all the bells and whistles. He also owns a home in Newport Beach, California, a waterfront home in Idaho, and many investment properties.
Greg tells us that he grew up in a wealthy family, and had nannies and maids. He says he started his company in his garage, and now he’s a worldwide operation. He says his goal is to make $100 million, and he’s “about halfway there.” Greg says he loves his life, life should be fun, and there’s no limit to that.
Greg prepares to go undercover, and says it will be hard to give up the day to day luxuries that he is accustomed to. He is told that he is heading to Las Vegas, and will travel there by bus. He is given $47 for the week, which is of course next to nothing.
At the bus station, Greg’s bag is searched before he gets on board. He says he’s not looking forward to wasting eight hours getting there, when he could go in his plane instead. On the bus, Greg is obviously bored. They finally get to Las Vegas that evening, and Greg is happy to see the lights of the city.
The bus turns off the strip and heads to North Las Vegas. We’re told that the crime rate is double the national average, and nearly 12,000 people are living on the streets.
Greg’s first task is to find somewhere to stay. At the first place, he is told that he needs $185, but I’m not sure if that’s a weekly or a monthly rate. Greg says he doesn’t have that much money, and asks if there is anything they can do. The girl behind the glass says she’ll get the manager to talk to him.
James, the manager, comes out to talk to Greg. James tells Greg that he can have a room, but he’ll be working for his room. He says he’ll get thrown out if he is caught “drinking or screwing around.” Greg has to assure James that he has sufficient identification, and there aren’t any warrants out for his arrest.
James advises Greg to “keep your nose straight down, eyes forward, and stay out of other people’s business.” Greg says he had no idea that North Las Vegas was this nasty. He asks James what they call the area, and James says “purgatory.”
Greg’s new apartment looks like a hotel room with a tiny kitchenette. Greg screams and jumps when he sees a roach, so this is going to be rough. He says it’s hot, dirty and greasy, and he’s amazed that they can rent the place out.
The next morning, Greg meets with James to get to work. James gives Greg some rubber gloves right away, and sends him to clean up some garbage. He goes to a vacant room, where there is garbage everywhere. They’re basically gutting the room, and Greg has to take load after load to the dumpster. He doesn’t get any more used to roaches, and jumps every time he sees one.
On day three, Greg says.....
Jenny lives in the Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter and five furry kids. In addition to all things reality tv, she loves Nip/Tuck, Big Love and the Food Network. She’s addicted to her laptop, so if you’d like to feed her addiction, you can e-mail her at Jenny@RealityTVCalendar.com.
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