We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sheree Hartwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sheree below.

Alright, Sheree thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

When I acquired the agency from former owner, Robert Black there was a full staff and they remained with me for some time after the transfer of ownership. Matt Englehart who is the current Director of our On-Camera & Commercial Print Divisions has been with the company over 25 years. For many years in the beginning of the acquisition, I would handle all of the in-coming talent, book the talent, handle all placement in other markets – I wore ALL the hats! As the business has grown, I have been able to hire an incredible team who assists in all of these areas. Typically when I hire, I go with my gut and have been fortunate that it hasn’t lead me in the wrong direction! There is no formal education for our business, so ideally we love to hire people who have a passion for our industry and then train them from the ground up. Even though our business can be very exciting it is a job at the end of the day, so there are times that the day-to-day can become mundane. For us, it is important for candidates to have a passion for people, fashion, entertainment, beauty, etc.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Sheree Hartwell and I have been in the fashion industry for the last 35 years. I got signed with the agency that I currently own, Ford/Robert Black Agency when I was 12 years old. I got the interview after winning a dance competition for my tap routine. I worked as a model with clients in the local Arizona market during high school and college. After a summer stint in Milan, my eyes were opened to the European market and my intrigue for the business side of our industry peaked. I went to college to study fashion and advertising and tried to learn all I could. During my senior year of college, I needed an internship to graduate, so I connected with Robert Black, the owner at the time. He said that he would love to have me, but I would have to come off the roster as a model. That was no problem to me, as I was ready to make the transition to the other side of the business.

After graduating from college, I accepted a job in San Francisco as an agent working on the women’s board. The door had been opened and during the 5 years at that agency I received what I would equate to a master’s degree in the industry. I was 22 years old when I started there and had no prior booking experience, so I had to learn very quickly to prove myself.

I moved back to Arizona as my mother was ill and I needed to be with her. I called Robert Black and told him I would be returning and at 27 years old, I asked him if he would ever sell his company to me. I wanted to work as an agent in the Arizona market, but also wanted to secure a future for myself with ownership.

That was 20 years ago and although there have been many challenges and hurdles along the way, it was one of the best decisions I have made.

As a full-service agency, we currently represent over 400 models, actors, voice-over talent, kids, hair/makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, and photographers. I have a fantastic, tenured staff and feel very blessed to work with the talent that we do.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

Yes, I bought the business that I currently own 20 years ago! I realized when I was in college that I really wanted to own my own modeling agency.
I approached Robert Black, my mentor at the time, to see if he would ever have an interest in selling his company to me. Much to my surprise, he said yes! Never had I looked at profit/loss statement, hired/fired anyone, nor had any business degree. Robert was on board for approximately 6 months during the sale transition and then I was off to the races as a young business owner. There were many, many years of working day and night, making mistakes, learning along the way, networking like crazy, and finding out who I could trust.
Now having been an agent for 25 years and an agency owner for 20 years, I haven’t looked back!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that your reputation is everything! Our industry is made up of many different walks of life. I have prided myself on maintaining extremely high ethics and believe that keeping my word is invaluable. I strive to have exceptional communication skills and remain very organized even with all that is on my plate.
I like to believe that consistency is one of my greatest assets. Both clients and talent alike know that I am dependable and our customer service and talent will be of the same. Anyone can have a reputation in their respective field but to maintain one of high character takes consistency and determination!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fordrba.com
• Instagram: @fordrba, @shereehartwell, @camerareadywithShereeHartwell

Image Credits

Brad Reed Photography
CNS Photo
Phyllis Lane