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Kelly Streit
Kelly Streit (born May 25, 1967 in Innisfail, AB Canada) is President and CEO of Mode Models International, one of the fashion industry’s top modeling agencies. Streit is best known for his natural ability to spot new faces that later become successful models.

Streit grew up in Innisfail, the son of entrepreneurs, and started developing his own business savvy during his formative years. Streit’s first venture was being a promoter of talent shows for his friends. Streit would charge 50 cents admission to schoolmates then split the proceeds 50/50 with the acts he promoted.

He graduated from Innisfail High School in 1985 and worked part time at Montreal based Le Chateau, in Red Deer, AB. During this time Streit would co-ordinate mall fashion shows, which led him to a modeling course in Calgary. Streit used these classes as a way to learn about the industry more so than becoming a model. From there he started taking fashion photographs of models, which Streit’s eye for natural beauty became sharper. One of the first major scouts to see his work was Karen Lee from Elite NY, whom he met during a modeling convention in Calgary. Lee encouraged him to keep shooting and scouting. On a separate occasion, Streit met Giovanni Bernardi, owner of Giovanni Model Management in Montreal, who highly encouraged Streit to open his own agency. Streit took Bernardi’s advice and incorporated Mode Models in June 1987. While developing his own roster of beauties, Eileen Ford of Ford Models Inc in New York, personally asked Streit to scout models for her agency. During his successful tenure with Ford Streit traveled across North America and worked with some of the top supermodels -- such as Bridgete Hall -- at the beginning of their careers. Ford encouraged Streit to move to New York, but he was determined to make Mode Models an international success.

For the best representation of each of his models Streit decided to diversify and started working with all the top international agencies. To acquire European representation for his models Streit relied on his business sense, instead of adhering to fashion industry norms. Streit would ask to see the rosters of the agencies, before showing his models, which would determine if he wanted to work with them instead of the agencies making the final decision. Calling his own shots set Streit apart from the other foreign agents. Another practice unique to Streit is the assurance of the well being of his models that are working in foreign markets. Streit traveled to all the European and Asian markets, met the agents and saw where the models lived. He often stayed in models’ apartments to be sure of the conditions they would encounter.

In 1988 Mode Models opened its second agency in Calgary AB, creating a division for local talent. The success of Calgary led to the opening of an agency in Edmonton, AB (1992) and Portland, Oregon in 1996 after the closing of the original Red Deer headquarters. The international division of Mode Models is currently based in Calgary AB.

Star Maker
Streit’s eye helped launch the careers of these international supermodels: Kim Rennenberg, Tricia Helfer, Heather Marks, Chad White and Johanna Stickland.

Show Producer
Streit remains loyal to his hometown in spite of his international success. Producing and directing fashion shows with an A-list caliber for some of Calgary’s major events is Streit’s way of giving back. Events such as Artrageous, a fund raiser for the Alberta College of Art, The Calgary Women’s show and BELLA, Calgary’s key event fund raiser for women’s health are just a few of Striet’s philanthropic endeavors.

Personal Life
Streit married his high school sweetheart and long time friend Stephanie Newman in 2002. Newman also handles administration for Mode since 1987. Their daughter Chloe already shares her fathers love of fashion, by styling her own mini fashion events with her own clothing for her parents to view.