Meet Sheree Hartwell | Owner/Director – Ford/Robert Black Agency

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheree Hartwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheree, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think that the most important factor to the success of Ford/Robert Black is all of the incredible people that are part of our team inclusive of agents, models, actors, artists, photographers, influencers, etc. We are so lucky to be able to hand-select everyone we sign. We know that not only are we going to represent them as talent but they will also be a great representative of our brand when interacting with our clients. They are an extension of us!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Since its founding in 1987, we have earned our reputation as an industry leader. FORD/RBA provides a full-service model and talent agency to a diverse talent group of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and body types for print, runway, commercial print, TV/film, and voice-over work. FORD/RBA also represents artists for photography, hair/make-up, social media influencers, and wardrobe styling.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, FORD/RBA maintains relationships with extensive talent agencies, both nationally and internationally, in order to find and develop the next generation of talent.

Our professionalism and integrity allows FORD/Robert Black Agency to remain a dominant player in the ever-changing talent management industry.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the internal support system of my team, agents/owners in other markets that I lean on for advice, as well as all of the talent that we have represented over the many, many years.

The road to our success today has been long, but we have remained consistent and show up every day for every challenge. Our industry can be very intimidating and I like to think that we cultivate a welcoming, open-door environment at our agency.

My advice…Don’t try to skip the struggle. That’s the most valuable part of the journey where all of the character, resilience, and confidence is built.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Arizona is such a gem to entertain travelers from all over. I love the fall and spring months the most where we can take in a spa day, followed by drinks, and dinner at one of the incredible restaurants Scottsdale has to offer. One of my favorite places for happy hours is the Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Resort. You can overlook the city while nestled up on Camelback Mountain. I am a mountain girl so one my favorite places is the deck of my cabin in Rim Country where I can escape the summer heat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ever since I can remember, I was interested in fashion and the business of modeling. I was signed to Ford/Robert Black as a model when I was 12 years old and spent the next decade modeling in the local market and abroad. I soaked up every experience and relationship there was along the way. Some of the relationships I cultivated as a teen, are still those who I work with today!

My mom, Sharon had a major influence on my career and the path to acquiring the Ford/RBA. Although she was not in the business, she believed I had the skills and assets necessary to succeed. The confidence she had in me took a bit longer for me to acquire but I am so grateful she saw it and encouraged me to follow my dreams. She passed away almost 15 years ago so she hasn’t gotten to see all that we have achieved over the many years but her presence is always felt during the most important times.

Website: https://www.fordrba.com

Instagram: @fordrba @fordrbatalent @camerareadywithshereehartwell

Facebook: Ford Robert Black Agency

Image Credits
Phyllis Lane