We were lucky to catch up with Teresa Pollman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Teresa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

One of the reasons that IMD has been so successful over the last 25 years is that we always maintain our integrity and high standards for excellence. I demand that our staff be just as dedicated as I am to developing young people into successful professionals. I have committed myself to uphold personal relationships with all of our models, actors and their families.

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 have been in the modeling and talent industry for over 30 years. I started in the industry as a model in Fresno, California, graduated from Fresno State with a business Management Degree. While in college, I also worked for one of the largest development centers in the world as a Director and Instructor. I ended up managing it for almost eight years. In 1997, I made the leap to move back to Southern Oregon and open IMD.

Established in 1998, IMD is the leading modeling and talent agency in the Pacific Northwest. We have changed the opinions and ideas that people from Southern Oregon once held regarding the modeling industry. We have made dreams come true for our models and actors by stressing quality versus quantity and by using personal relationships as a foundation.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I opened IMD in 1998 I was fresh out of business school and thought I knew everything. Very quickly I realized I didn’t and needed to keep learning, educating and growing. I continue to read and learn how to be the best leader I can be. Dealing with so many different personalities in our industry was a challenge for me, maturity comes with age.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2003 my best friend was murdered by her husband and at that time I was going through a very difficult divorce. I thought about tossing in the towel and moving to New York but my dad was the one that said you are better than this, get up and be strong, you can do this! That tough love has carried me through the hard times, Covid and anything else that comes my way. By the grace of God I am blessed with an amazing business and strong foundation to continue building on.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imdmodeling.com
• Instagram: teresapollman
• Facebook: Teresa Pollman