Jordan Dargan: The Rising Entrepreneur from Dublin to BBC’s The Apprentice
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and entrepreneurship, a new generation of ambitious leaders is emerging. Among them is Jordan Dargan, a dynamic young entrepreneur from County Dublin, Ireland. At just 22 years of age, Jordan has already made his mark as the founder of Rendify Studios, a 3D animation company, and as a candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice Series 19. His journey combines creativity, resilience, and a determination to succeed against the odds. This article explores his background, education, work experience, and the qualities that set him apart as one of Ireland’s most promising young business figures.
Early Life and Education
Jordan Dargan grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where his entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape at an early age. He pursued his education at Coláiste Pobail Setanta, where he studied for his Leaving Certificate between 2015 and 2021. His school years laid the foundation for a career driven by creativity, innovation, and an eagerness to seize opportunities.
Unlike many of his peers who followed traditional career paths, Jordan balanced education with part-time work. These early roles provided him with valuable exposure to retail, customer service, and sales, helping him to develop communication and leadership skills that would later underpin his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Age and Personal Background
At 22 years old, Jordan Dargan stands as a symbol of youthful determination. He represents a new wave of entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries through bold ideas and innovative solutions. Jordan is of mixed Irish and Nigerian heritage, making him the first mixed-race Irish contestant to appear on The Apprentice UK.
This unique background not only shapes his worldview but also fuels his desire to stand out and create impact, both within his home country and on a broader international stage.
Career Journey: From Retail to Entrepreneurship
Retail Foundations
Jordan’s career began in retail, where he worked as a Retail Sales Specialist at Nike between April 2019 and March 2020. His ability to connect with customers quickly distinguished him as a leading employee in customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. Following this, he spent time as a Customer Service Representative at eBay, gaining insight into corporate operations and client experience at a global scale.
In 2020, Jordan continued to build his retail experience with Life Style Sports in Blanchardstown before moving into more entrepreneurial ventures.
No Lemons Cars
At just 18, Jordan co-founded No Lemons Cars, a Dublin-based car dealership. As Head of Sales and Operations, he played a vital role in social media management, advertising, and customer relations. His hands-on approach, from preparing vehicles for sale to interacting directly with customers, highlighted his willingness to work hard and learn every aspect of business.
zSecurity
In 2021, Jordan transitioned into the technology sector, working as Head of Marketing at zSecurity, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and services. His role focused on managing digital campaigns across multiple platforms, creating image and video content, and even producing vector graphics for websites. This role honed his creative and analytical skills, preparing him for his future in 3D animation.
Raptor Marketing and Brand Campaigns
Jordan’s journey took him to London, where he joined Raptor Marketing, one of the UK’s leading student marketing and brand activation agencies.
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Raptor Academy Internship (2021–2022): Jordan explored youth marketing strategies and learned how brands can connect with younger audiences.
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Nando’s Brand Ambassador (2021–2022): Through Raptor, Jordan promoted Nando’s across social platforms, attended conferences, and gained valuable networking opportunities.
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Account Executive Intern (2022): Jordan worked in creative agency marketing, learning the intricacies of sales pitches, advertising, and client relations.
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Business Development Executive (2022–2023): In this full-time role, Jordan oversaw new business acquisition, lead generation, and paid advertising strategies.
This period solidified his marketing expertise and exposed him to the fast-paced world of creative campaigns, giving him the confidence to pursue his own business ventures.
Founder of Rendify Studios
In July 2023, Jordan founded Rendify Studios, a Dublin-based 3D animation company specialising in photorealistic animations and bespoke digital assets. His vision was simple yet powerful: to tell stories through visuals that capture attention and leave lasting impressions.
Jordan describes Rendify Studios as a “small but mighty” company that works with ambitious clients who want to create content that truly moves the needle. The focus is not just on aesthetics but on crafting meaningful and memorable narratives that resonate with audiences.
In just a short time, Rendify Studios has positioned itself as a studio dedicated to high-quality, custom solutions in digital storytelling, branding, and animation.
BBC The Apprentice: Series 19 Candidate
In January 2025, Jordan took his ambitions to a wider stage by competing on BBC’s The Apprentice Series 19. As the youngest contestant of the season, he aimed to secure Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment to grow Rendify Studios into a global powerhouse of 3D artistry.
Throughout the competition, Jordan demonstrated confidence, creativity, and determination, often emphasising his ability to transform his studio from a “one-man band into an orchestra of the world’s most talented 3D artists.”
While competing on The Apprentice, Jordan challenged stereotypes about youth and location, proving that determination and work ethic outweigh age or background. His participation elevated his public profile and highlighted his unique vision for the future of digital animation.
Skills and Strengths
Jordan’s career to date demonstrates a diverse skillset, including:
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Entrepreneurship: Successfully founding and growing Rendify Studios.
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Sales and Marketing: Experience in brand campaigns, digital marketing, and client acquisition.
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Creativity: Expertise in 3D animation, content creation, and storytelling.
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Leadership: Managing roles across various industries, from retail to technology and creative services.
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Resilience: Balancing early career setbacks with continued ambition and drive.
Vision for the Future
Jordan Dargan’s story is only just beginning. With Rendify Studios, he envisions building a team of the world’s most talented 3D artists to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. His participation in The Apprentice has provided both exposure and experience, giving him the momentum to achieve even greater success.
As a young entrepreneur, his goal is not simply to create stunning visuals but to help brands communicate their identity in ways that are meaningful, authentic, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
At only 22 years old, Jordan Dargan has already carved out a path that combines creativity, business acumen, and fearless ambition. From his school years in Dublin to retail jobs, marketing campaigns, and the founding of Rendify Studios, his journey reflects hard work and innovation. His role as a contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice Series 19 further highlights his determination to scale his business and establish himself as a leader in the world of 3D animation.
With his mixed Irish and Nigerian background, his youth, and his entrepreneurial drive, Jordan Dargan represents a new kind of business leader: bold, innovative, and ready to make an international impact.
