We were lucky to catch up with Sheree Hartwell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sheree with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I believe that I get my strong work ethic from my parents. Both had a very different influence on me throughout my childhood and early twenties, but I see their traits in me more and more each day.
My parents divorced when I was 5 years old and my mom and I moved from South Dakota to Arizona to start a new life. My mom was a single, working mother and I always saw her show up for all aspects of her life, even when things were difficult. From a young age, she taught me to go after my dreams and always supported all of my aspirations, no matter how big they were. She was instrumental in helping me acquire the Ford/Robert Black Agency and I will forever be grateful to her. Although I had no business degree nor any idea what it would take to operate a successful business, she didn’t bat an eye on what she thought I could accomplish. It took me quite awhile to possess the sort of confidence she had in me.
My dad was a very successful business man in our hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota. His career was his priority but when he wasn’t working, he was nurturing his relationships outside of the office. I learned my love of entrepreneurship and hustle from him for sure. I remember riding along with him in his car and listening to him on the phone with his clients. He connected with people from all walks of life, and I loved witnessing how he made people feel. He was well respected for his business acumen but also for his social capacity and I truly admired that about him.
I work in a very people oriented business so you need to love people, but also have the capacity to help manage their careers. Given the fact that I had two strong parents with different attributes I believe that they helped shape the leader and entrepreneur I am today.
Both of my parents have passed away, but I hope that I have made them proud thus far.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a full service model and talent agency, we represent over 400 models, actors, photographers, hair/makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, kids, and social media influencers. Our roster of talent ranges from age 5 to 85.
The reason I love what I do is because even after over 20 years as a talent manager, no day is the same. There is always new talent coming in our doors, fresh projects we are working to book, major markets we are sending models to, and opportunities for us to collaborate as a agency for branding purposes.
In the last few years, we have developed a very tight, niche roster of social media influencers of which we are representing exclusively. There is no doubt that the marketing opportunities within social media are here to stay, so we want to make sure we are relevant and servicing all aspects of the business.
Given we are not considered a major fashion/entertainment market in Arizona, I am very proud of the development of new talent that we have been able to accomplish. We have talent working and thriving in every major market and in all facets of the business.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
- Follow your intuition – Early on in my career, I didn’t have enough confidence in myself to believe what my gut was saying. Today it is my #1 compass. I have learned to trust myself and my intuition and as silly as it sounds, it is usually right.
- Have Confidence – It is super important to be confident in yourself and in your work. People want to work and be around people who stand strongly with both feet on the ground. I have had many moments where I had to fake it when in a room of people that I thought were more successful or knowledgeable that mebuthaving that inner voice that tells you ‘you can do it’ or ‘ you are here for a reason’ is priceless. Be your own cheerleader!
- Surround yourself with good people – both professionally & personally. Knowing who your allies are and who you can count to cheer you on when things are going well and having those that you can confide in when you need someone to listen is priceless. It takes time to trust people, but when you have it will help build you as a leader.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me the value of money. I wasn’t given a handout and had to work really hard to get where I am in my career today. I realized early on with my first real job out of college how difficult it was to make money and even more how hard it was to save it.
Our models/talent are making significant amounts of money at a very young age and I use the same mindset that my parents instilled in me when helping them to manage their earnings and expectations. We live in such a society of excess today. It is hard to not get distracted and to not think about your future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fordrba.com
- Instagram: @fordrba @fordrbatalent
- Facebook: @fordrba
- Other: @camerareadywithshereehartwell
Image Credits
Photographers : Brad Reed Phyllis Lane Julianna Lay
