How did you discover Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent Management?

Gary: I discovered Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent at the Southern Park Mall, and it has been the greatest experience ever. Starting with my very first visit to the offices, everyone has been helpful, honest, and informative! They’re great and always there for us (models and actors).

Do you feel you would have been exposed to the auditions and assignments you’ve received without representation through Pro-Model and Talent?

Gary: No way! I would have never done any of this without Pro-Model and Talent. I’m doing things I never even imagined! The staff is great, and they prepared me for auditions and set me up for success!

Tell us about some of the auditions and assignments you’ve done.

Gary: I’ve done television commercials for big names like The NFL and State Farm Insurance. I was in a commercial that ran during the Super Bowl! It’s like being famous and it’s cool to see yourself on a big screen TV. The State Farm commercial featured LeBron James and I got to spend two days on set with him… Even better? I got to “tackle” him in one scene, and was paid around $1,000.00 for the short day! You can’t beat that, sports fans! I’ve done print work for Under Armour, Umbro, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Firestone Tires. I’ve been in magazines, and I am even hanging on a huge sign from the ceiling at Dicks Sporting Goods! It’s very cool. I’ve done some runway work as well for Lexus, Kilgore Trout, and Rondinelli Tuxedos.

With your experience now, do you feel training is essential in the business? Why?

Gary: You need training, trust me. It totally prepares you for what to expect from clients and how to be a professional. I played football in high school and I play in college. Modeling and acting is just like a sport. You need to learn, train, and practice to be a success. Just like in sports, I’d love to go up against someone who hasn’t trained or practiced. Bring it on! Pay attention to what they teach you, I did, and it has paid off.

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring models or actors beginning in the local market?

Gary: Never give up! Listen to Pro-Model & Talent, they will do everything in their power to help you. I continue to have faith in them and they have never steered me in the wrong direction. I’ve been with Pro-Model and Talent Management since 2005 and have loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for more!

We asked our local models/talent: men, women, and kids, to give us 5 minutes of their time to answer the five most commonly asked questions about modeling and acting in order to give YOU insight on their experiences in the industry and with Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent Management.

Straight Talk from Local Models and Talent gives you and aspiring models and actors information and insights on what it's like to work in front of the camera, on how they got their starts modeling/acting, and what they are doing today as a result of Barbizon of Akron/Pro-Model and Talent Management!