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."
While attending the University of Windsor, Ryan Slyzuk had a clear vision of his future: he was going to be a freelance journalist and write news stories for various publications. That all changed when he took a year break from school and traveled to Australia. "I did a program called WWOOF which
Kevin Forbes was destined to take over his family-run dairy farm, Forbesvue Farms, even if he didn't always know it. When you are growing up with it there are times you love it and times when you hate living in the country and being on a farm when your friends are out partying, Kevin says.
In 2018, Goodwill Industries Essex Kent Lambton is celebrating 85 years of service to the community. As we celebrate this anniversary, this is an opportunity to look back on some of the successes that we've seen over the years, explains CEO Kevin Smith. In 2008, Goodwill was recognized w
John Duff Limited is a unique shop that has been a vibrant hub for many employees and customers over the last 53 years. Referred to as a Custom Metal Fab shop, they work with materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass. The company, named after its founder, John A. Duff, i
It was always Chelsea Cooper's intention to return home to Sarnia to practice law upon earning her Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Lakehead University's Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2017. However, running her own law firm wasn't necessarily in the cards. Funny how things work out, though.I always i
Tracey Tully took a potentially deadly situation and turned it into her dream job. Tracey had been the fitness manager at Good Life in Sarnia, but in 2019 was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following surgery to remove the second lobe of her lung, Tracey's doctor advised her not to rejoin a large gym
The Local Shopping Spree Raffle isn't your everyday raffle. Teaming up with 35 different local businesses, The Inn of the Good Shepherd launched the raffle in 2021, following a year of increased use and decreased fundraising. We're really excited about the raffle because we know it's going
David Burrows started The Show in order to highlight local stories and promote people and events in the city of Sarnia. The first episode aired in November 2011. I've lived my whole life here; I never left. I love this community and wanted to share all the positive things happening here, say