Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond LaPietra.
Hi Raymond, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I quit my career in corporate America in February of 1982 and went into business for myself, starting Career Images Model & Talent Agency, Inc. I started with 12 female models and no business loan. Within the first 5 years, I owned 5 model agencies (one in New York, another in Florida, and three in Kansas City). I also owned and operated numerous other successful businesses (a sound and video production company, a magazine, a consulting company, and others). These 44+ years later, I continue to own and operate Career Images Model & Talent Agency, and with this longevity, Career Images is the “longest-running” modeling agency in the entire Midwest.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a smooth road to start, especially in the first 5 years of my 44+ years. In the beginning, as a new modeling agency, I was competing with 3 mature and well-established modeling agencies in Kansas City, two with over 20 years in business, and one with over 40 years. I built a better agency and service, doing everything that my competitors did, but so much more. No agency beat me in the “concierge-level” of service my agency provided. Being so much better, I took over the client pool and dominated the Midwest market as a “go-to” agency. I played by the rules, and I operated with integrity, honesty, and exceptionalism, while most of my competitors did not. The market responded to my good business strategy, making me one of the top-choice agencies in the country.
As you know, we’re big fans of Career Images Model & Talent Agency, Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My modeling agency is a full-service agency, representing models, actors, entertainers, celebrities, tribute and look-alike performers, and more. My agency books all divisions of work, including film, television, radio, print ads, spokesmodels, product endorsements, voice-overs, pageantry, and more. What sets my agency apart from other agencies is the extraordinary level of service and management courtesies. I am known for going the extra mile as an agent-manager of so many. I work 7 days a week, I answer calls for my models and clients 24 hours a day, in most cases I attend castings, shows, and bookings in support of my models, talent, and clients, I sometimes prepay my models prior to my being paid by my clients so my models do not have to wait for payment, Sometimes, I even drive my models to and from castings and bookings, where most agencies never do any of these extra services. I am known for my protective and personal touch, and my models are not numbers to me. They are people, and part of our family of professionals, all of us working together as one group serving each other.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My Grandmother deserves credit because, from a young age, she taught me to be honest, keep my promises, serve and help others, and be exceptional at everything that I do. While my Grandmother was never in business, she nonetheless taught me honorable principles that I have used throughout my long career. Jesus Christ is my Partner, and He has guided and protected me from pitfalls and the unsavory people in this very competitive industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.careerimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerimages/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raymond.l.lapietra
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-lapietra-3b91587/
