Using stunning, professional images for real estate listings has proven to help sell houses. Dean Holtz Photography has developed an expansive portfolio of services including ambient blended photos, aerial images using the latest drone technology and cinematic videos. In 2017, he launched the 3D interactive showing platform. "It uses the RealVision™ system which is the highest caliber system out there. I’m currently the only provider in Sarnia- Lambton, London, Chatham-Kent and Windsor."
What started out as a hobby has turned into a lucrative professional venture. In 2006, Holtz and his wife were looking to purchase a new camera to capture photos of their growing family. "I’m thorough and do a lot of research. A visit to Carmen’s and a discussion with Chris sold me on buying my first SLR camera."
Camera in hand, Holtz saw an opportunity to provide real estate photography to agents and introduced it to the local market in 2008. "I’m proud of this fact. My first client was Mark Reynolds." His presentations included statistics that showed using professional media helped sell homes quicker and for more money. A meeting with three agents at Magic Realty acted as a springboard for the business. "When Rob Simrak, Rob Longo and Steve Park started using my services, things started to take off. Other high sales agents like Andrew Howell, Gary Vanderburg, Curt Najdzion and Linda Miller jumped on board as well, which prompted even more agents to follow."
To date, Dean Holtz Photography has worked with nearly 200 agents and has created media for more than 6,000 homes in Sarnia-Lambton. "When I got my start 14 years ago, I was the first in Sarnia. Now it’s exciting to see others in this space." Holtz has consistently brought new editing innovations to the local industry such as sky/lawn replacement, aerial property markings/neighbourhood tags and more. "I’m always looking for ways to increase the quality of media in this industry and provide my clients with increased value."
Holtz has expanded his services beyond real estate and has done commercial shoots for clients such as Lowe’s Canada, the federal government, Enbridge, McKerlie’s Kitchen & Bath, About Face & Body and others. "I’ve developed my own proprietary techniques. There’s a quality and finish to them that nobody else produces." Holtz has won eight international awards for his media creation and marketing, and has been nominated for local awards with the Sarnia- Lambton Chamber of Commerce.
Business is a crucial part of Holtz’s life and he has been known to motivate others to step out on their own in business. "My father started a counseling business that he ran for eleven years. My experience has inspired others." Even with a busy and diverse business, Holtz still remains active in his church and community. He currently is the Chairman on the Board of Directors for the Celebration of Lights. "I have really enjoyed being involved with the Celebration of Lights. It’s an important community event that I want to see continue." Photography has become another means of expressing himself. "I’m a musician and photography is another artistic expression. I’m blessed to be able to do it for a living."
This year, the YMCA celebrates their 100th anniversary in the community. Officially organized in Sarnia as a boys' camp in the old Wees Beach Hotel, the YMCA has always focused on the needs of local families. Throughout the years, the YMCA has offered programming at many different locations, inclu
Ruth Francoeur and Moulan Bourke may be from different generations, but they share a similar love and passion for the stage. More specifically, for teaching youngsters the magic of performing. "I met my husband, Norm, through the Sarnia Little Theatre in 1987," Ruth says. "He was doing a show
As a teenager, Don Smith worked part time at another local funeral home. When I was finishing high school, the owner asked if I had considered getting my funeral director's license. I liked doing what I was doing, and at that time it was a year of college followed by a year of apprenticeship, s
When it comes to bargain hunting, sisters Brooke Giresi and Jerica McLarkey will go the extra mile to find a great deal. "Brooke and I have been huge thrifters our whole lives," Jerica says. "We have gone on a trip — we call it our thrift tour — for each of the past five years." It
A passion for horses took Wayne McCormick to Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky to train thoroughbred race horses. Working in the horse training business while raising a family proved challenging and after the birth of their first child, Wayne and his wife Elsbeth moved to Bridgen. George McCor
Playing for Charity's first annual 24 Hour Video Game Marathon was Darryl Heater's way of combining two things that he loves: video games and his community. Heater suggested the idea to Max Major, and together they created the event. We aren't runners or athletic. We wanted to take one of o
The Lambton Federation of Agriculture (LFA) was formed in 1941 by a group of farmers who wanted to present a united voice for the farm community. A non-profit organization in Lambton County, the LFA supports farmers on all issues relating to their farm operations by bringing their viewpoints and con
It was 1952, and with limited opportunities in Holland, John, and Atty DeGroot and their six kids boarded a ship for Canada. Within a few years of arriving, John landed his first real job at Dow doing janitorial work. For my dad, working at Dow was not terribly rewarding. Too often he was a
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