The last time Bill Rancic was in Donald Trump's "Apprentice" boardroom, he heard the magic words "You're hired." When "The Apprentice" returns for its second cycle this fall, Rancic will find himself on the other side of the table. The former online cigar vendor takes George Ross' boardroom seat for several upcoming episodes.

While the new crop of contestants, familiar with Rancic's first season triumph, expected him to be a more sympathetic judge, he insists he was even tougher than the relatively avuncular Ross.

"They thought I was on their side," he laughs. "You know what? I think I had a higher level of expectations from them because I was there and I walked in their shoes. So I was surprisingly very demanding."

Ross, who often seems to be the only "Apprentice" cast member with a job outside of the show, agrees that the contestants were happy to see him return.

"One of the comments I heard is that Bill filled in and I looked like a pussycat, so that should give you an idea," Ross tells reporters at the semiannual Television Critics Association Press Tour.

While the show initially hyped the possibility that its winner would get to head up one of the many companies in the Trump Empire, Rancic's current job title is Owner's Representative on the new Trump Tower in Chicago. That means that Rancic is The Donald's eyes and ears for the construction of his new building, but thus far his role hasn't reached the advertised management level.

"You have to earn and gain the respect of the people that are working underneath you," he says. "[T]hat's the process I'm in right now is learning and gaining the respect and trust before I integrate myself into that process 100 percent."

Rancic still remains in awe of his big boss.

"I thought I was in pretty good shape before I started and thought I could keep up with Mr. Trump, but at the end of the day I'm pretty beat," he says. "And this guy goes about 100 miles an hour. It's incredible. I've run marathons and triathlons, and I can't keep up with him."

Will there ever reach a point at which Rancic will be able to refer to "Mr. Trump" on a first name basis?

"No," The Donald declares simply.