We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dale Noelle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dale Noelle, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
The Elevator Lesson: How Real Estate Taught Me to Always Be Ready (Even for the President)
As a real estate salesperson working purely on commission, I quickly learned that success wasn’t just about closing deals—it was about creating the conditions for them. Homework, anticipation, and systems-building became my lifelines. If a process didn’t exist, I invented it. If a client’s unspoken need arose, I’d already researched the answer. Every interaction was a chance to prove my value—because no paycheck was guaranteed without results.
This mindset mirrored my decades in modeling and running TRUE Model Management. In both worlds, you earn your place daily. Whether on set or in a business meeting, preparation meets opportunity. But the most unexpected parallel? The elevator rule.
Early in my career, I held an elevator door open for a stranger—just a simple act of kindness. We struck up a casual conversation, nothing about business, just two people sharing a laugh. It wasn’t until later that I realized I’d been chatting with the President of a major corporation. That unplanned, genuine moment blossomed into a years-long professional relationship. It reinforced what real estate had already taught me: You never know who you’re standing next to. Kindness, professionalism, and readiness aren’t just virtues; they’re currency.”
Small business ownership, like real estate and modeling, thrives on this principle. Be the person who solves problems before they’re asked. Build systems. Stay curious. And always, always, be prepared for the elevator ride that could change everything.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Dale Noelle, Founder and CEO of TRUE Model Management.
My passion for fashion was cultivated during childhood in my father’s clothing factories, where I learned the intricacies of design and tailoring. With degrees in Business and Marketing, I brought my expertise to roles working with other brands as a designer, production manager, sales representative and co-owner of a fashion license before establishing myself as a professional model.
Before starting TRUE in 2011, I spent nearly two decades as one of the fashion industry’s most in-demand models, working with brands such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta.
I initially created TRUE Model Management to manage my modeling career, but as clients repeatedly sought recommendations for other models, it became the catalyst for starting an agency with a fresh industry perspective that grew organically through relationships. I saw a gap in the market where agencies represented talent but didn’t treat them as whole people. There wasn’t enough diversity in model looks and types, nor sufficient transparency, support, or structure to ensure models were protected, empowered, and equipped with the tools needed for lasting, successful careers. That’s when I realized the industry needed change—too often, agencies overlooked individuality, well-being, and long-term success. I founded TRUE to do things differently, with integrity at the core, transparency, and a commitment to empowering models as complete individuals.
Today, TRUE is more than an agency—it’s a community. We represent models and creators of many backgrounds, sizes, ages and genders, and we partner with some of the world’s most respected brands in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. What sets us apart is the way we invest in our people. We genuinely care about our community and prioritize authenticity, inclusion, and advocacy, ensuring models are supported not only in their careers but in their well-being.
I’m proud that TRUE has become known not only for delivering exceptional talent but also for standing for something bigger. Whether it’s helping a model break barriers, advocating for systemic change through legislation or giving back through philanthropic work, everything we do is rooted in making the industry more ethical, diverse, and human.
Beyond running TRUE, I’ve made it my mission to give back and push for lasting change. I advocate for model rights and better working conditions, helping shape conversations around the Fashion Workers Act and other legislation that seeks to create a more ethical and equitable fashion industry. I also serve on the boards and/or volunteer on committees of several non-profit organizations, including the Lollipop Theater Network, Solving Kids Cancer, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, and the Blatantly Honest Foundation. Philanthropy has always been close to my heart, and I’m grateful that TRUE has given me a platform to connect my business with causes that matter.
My motto has always been: Dream It, then Be It. TRUE was built on that belief, and I strive every day to help others realize their dreams too. If you’re looking to work with people who care deeply about both purpose and professionalism, TRUE would love to connect.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My greatest pivot came during one of my life’s most challenging moments. I had received a cancer diagnosis while simultaneously discovering I was pregnant. In an instant, the successful modeling career I’d been building for almost twenty years vanished as I could no longer accept the work that defined my professional life.
Yet from that profound loss emerged unexpected opportunity. I started connecting fellow models with clients who still reached out to me, initially just filling the roles I could no longer occupy. This organic networking gradually evolved into TRUE Model Management.
Transitioning from model to entrepreneur was a steep learning curve, but my industry reputation and diverse fashion background—from production manager, apparel salesperson to freelance as well as agency model, gave me the unique perspective needed to build TRUE as a truly supportive agency.
Looking back, that pivot became about more than mere survival, it was about thriving against adversity and creating something sustainable that could genuinely empower others to succeed in their own journeys.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
At TRUE, brand loyalty grows from authentic relationships and treating every client’s business as our own. Whether we connect in person, by phone, video, or email, each touchpoint is meaningful—thoughtful questions to understand evolving needs, progress updates, sharing relevant industry insights, and identifying perfect opportunities tailored to their brand.
This genuine investment in client success builds trust through consistent action. For me, loyalty isn’t a business strategy; it’s the natural outcome of creating a community where clients feel genuinely heard, supported, and valued as true partners.
I’ve always approached client relationships with this philosophy—it’s foundational to how TRUE operates. Our check-ins are never routine items to tick off a list; they’re purposeful conversations about new ideas, product launches, project developments, and how we can collectively achieve greater success.
This comes naturally to our team because we’re authentically invested in seeing our clients thrive. The professional feedback we provide extends beyond talent placement, focusing on how we can mutually grow our businesses and achieve shared goals.
Ultimately, clients choose TRUE long-term because they trust we have their best interests at heart. We’re not just delivering exceptional talent—we’re bringing positive energy, professional dedication, and active listening to every interaction. We’re committed to saving clients time and contributing meaningfully to their success.
At TRUE, loyalty emerges organically when you create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and truly connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truemodel.com
- Instagram: @dalenoelle_true and @truemodelmgt
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dalenoelle/ (@dalenoelle) and linkedin.com/company/truemodelmgt/ (@truemodelmgt)
Image Credits
Sabrina Daniela Photography