User:TomHahn

Over 30 years of supervisory management experience in the film and talent business (former VP of Sony Pictures in LA) in New York, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, and Montreal, Quebec, Ordained Minister under Dr. Terry Cole-Whittaker California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Substance Abuse Director in jails and prison setting Elder Care Facilitator Project Management/ Los Angeles and New York City

Tom Hahn: Agent. Role Model. Spiritual Activist.'

Tom Hahn has been a force in the modeling industry, starting as an agent in the 1960’s, and later Co-Founding the legendary L.A. Models, serving as Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment Head of Talent and Casting, and running a production company for the mega film producer Jon Peters. Network CEO Paul Fisher asserts without reservation that Hahn – who mentored Fisher throughout his career - is undoubtedly the best in the business.

In addition to his impressive career, Hahn has lead an extraordinary life: forging deep bonds with people of all walks of life, Hahn studied the Masters in Psychology program, became an ordained minister, and has served as a guide for people everywhere who are seeking a better way and a better day.

Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to pursue the modeling industry. Tom Hahn: There was a model by the name of Wilhelmina that decided to open up her modeling agency in the late 1960’s. She had seen a photograph I had taken of a model and asked whether or not I would like to take pictures of her new models. I declined as I was not a professional photographer; but, I told her I would love to be an agent. She asked me to come to work for her agency. I was new to New York City, fresh out of my undergraduate psychology degree – this was a complete chance encounter.

What was the most rewarding experience for you working in this business? Tom Hahn: The ability to be able to provide guidance for people through awkward moments in their life. All people needed education in terms of finance, how to handle themselves and make decisions… and how to grow into who they are as people. The psychology background really came in handy here. I was far more rewarded by their ability to be good people, be professional and grow. It’s funny; because, now I’m reunited with so many people from Facebook after twenty or thirty years and it is so rewarding to see how their lives have turned out.

With all rewarding experiences comes adversity. What were some of the harsh realities of working in this business? How has this shaped your current values in life and career choices? Tom Hahn: I was disappointed in terms of people not being able to fulfill their obligations. Whether from the client side or from the models, people would say one thing and do another --- lack of character on their part and not looking at themselves to be honorable. It was disappointing when people could not keep their word. I had to look farther and deeper into “what” made them that way because it helped me to see how they really were, as people. It’s helped me to want to understand how people might be the way they are and ultimately “who” they are.

When do you think was the most significant moment during it all when you said, "I want to help others”? Tom Hahn: I don’t know that the moment occurred in the modeling business; it occurred to me as an individual. I was blessed by having good parents, food on the table, a good home….growing up in a decent lifestyle and having good friends. I realized at a young age through education that there were people in the world that didn’t have what I had.

A big event was when HIV came appeared…it hit the modeling business like a ton of bricks. So many models were affected as well as the impact it had on their families and friends. In the beginning, I didn’t realize how it could affect so many people. I spent so much time visiting people in the hospital. My relationship to these people was often asked by the doctors and whether or not I wanted to wear a mask and gloves… and you know, I would never do that, because I never believed that AIDS was contagious simply by holding someone’s hand or being in the same room.

I then co-founded Project Nightlight in the early 80’s with the support of Marianne Williamson (author, activist, lecturer, A Course in Miracles); we would stay with people who were challenged with this disease and dying. We wanted to be there for them so they would not die alone. These people were abandoned by family and friends because of the fear and lack of education that came with AIDS. Hundreds and hundreds of volunteers participated in this project and provided comfort to these people…the simple comfort of holding their hand. This experience inspired me to keep doing this type of work.

You know, I was in the modeling business for almost thirty years and I’ve seen a lot people affected by so many things… I was the Co-Founder and Director of L.A. Models; it is now the largest modeling agency in California and has extended to New York. My partner, Heinz Holba, has done very well and I am very proud of him. I was the Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where I was the head of Talent and Casting and ran a Jon Peters’ production company (“The Witches of Eastwick” 1989,“Batman” 1989).

It was through my work in AIDS that I was recognized by Reverend Terry Cole-Whitaker, who has run the largest television ministry for years. I decided to become an ordained minister, so I could officiate funerals for people who had no one. I became Reverend Tom in 1993. I am able to marry people in New York, Florida, California… funerals and marriages… these are such extraordinary celebrations of life.

I went on to study for a Masters in Psychology in 2003, and after that, I ran a program for drug and alcohol abuse in prison. I worked there and provided guidance to these men on how can they improve their lives through abstinence. It gave me hope that people are affected by positive change and opportunity to do better. After the program had been shut down,I had to move all of my books out of there, past the dorms-pulling a wagon for the last time. That day, a large group of men - about forty or fifty - walked out and just applauded. That was the most fulfilling moment- they actually cared about what I was able to do with them.

Looking back ten years, how do you feel you have grown and changed? What is important to you now? Tom Hahn: I’m always growing, I never stop growing and learning. Everyone I encounter is a teacher to me. There are people who I’m inspired by their work and what they’ve done and continue to do and that is what I’m continuously aspiring to be. Most important to me is being able to provide support, help and guidance to those in need who come into my life in any way, shape, or form.

Paul Fisher, the CEO of The Network, says that besides being a longtime friend, you taught him everything he knows about this business. Tell us a little about your working relationship with Paul over the years. Why do you think he has been so successful? Tom Hahn: Paul has a willingness and a heart. What made him successful is his willingness to learn all the time and not to pretend to know all the answers. I had a great passion for beauty; my encounter with him allowed me to become a consultant through another company. He didn’t know a lot about the business at that point - how to operate, what the parameters were… it wasn’t “do it this way or do it that way,” though; he just followed my lead and developed his own style. He is relentless in terms of his pursuit to do well. You create what you focus on in life. He was focused on doing it, finding new talent, and always trying to stretch the envelope, and risk falling on his face - and if he did, he would get right back up again. Fearlessness is a key component of being successful.

What would be your one piece of advice to the young and aspiring models out there? Tom Hahn: To trust their instincts and always be honest. When people over-think things they tend to get confused by them. If something seems too good to be true, it’s probably too good to be true. One thing I’ve found with the ones who have been the most successful, is that they are kind, not mean spirited. They tell the truth, show up, and are professional. There are some who are mean spirited and are beautiful and they do well, but it does not always last. Enjoy the moments you do have and always plan for the future.

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