We had the good fortune of connecting with Beverly J. Brock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beverly J., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

This was a long time ago, but it set me on the road I’m on now. Also, I believe what set me on the journey to be an agent, (unbeknownst to me at the time) is when my Mom would take my brother and sisters to see a film at the theatre and once it finished, I felt I needed to sit and wait for all the credits. Of course, my siblings weren’t too happy with me but they stood and waited. I knew I needed to know but of course had no idea that would lead me where I am today.
I was also in three Rock Bands, one English Rock Band, Fast Eddie Pepper (they only let me operate lights and sound, but I did it). Second one was a Country Rock Band, and I was the lead vocalist, and we traveled the eastern part of NC. Then I found a band looking for a lead vocalist after the Country Rock Band disbanded because our Steel Guitarist and his wife were sent to Africa on a Science mission. The third band I joined and eventually took it over, bought all new sound equipment, paid for a photographer to shoot us at Raleigh Rock Quarry, negotiated the contracts, got us paid and enjoyed that success immensely! It was called Seventh Sun.

I also competed in the Miss Apex Pageant when I was an older teen. I sang for my talent but being a bit of a rebel I sang barefoot! Needless to say I didn’t win but I was second runner up. It was a great experience.

Then I modeled when I moved to Hickory, NC and modeled for several big stores and was in the newspapers, tabloids, etc. Booked these on my own and negotiated the contracts. Got the photos from the shoots (tears is what they were called), and got some of the clothes and got paid. That’s when I knew I could do this for others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Starting a new business is exciting but not always easy. I had another business completely different from The Brock Agency, Inc. Before starting TBA. I modeled when I first moved to Hickory from Raleigh, NC where I was born and raised. My parents were always supportive when any of us wanted to do anything. I have an older brother and two sisters, younger than me. I was always the instigator and got us into trouble!! (maybe that was where I got my “drive”). The Brock Agency has been a member of The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce since it’s inception. They are very helpful and happy for the many “roads” I’ve taken the business. Also, a member of the NC Film Commission and The American Child Actor and Modeling Association, and Better Business Bureau of NC.
When moving to Hickory I was also involved in many charities and sang in my church choir at Holy Trinity Church over 25 years. Some further accomplishments me as a businessperson was receiving the Congressional Business Commission Leadership Award, 2009 Strathmore’s Who’s Who for Leadership and Achievement in my chosen occupation, Industry and Profession, 2006 Businesswoman of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Catawba County, NC. National Directory of Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, and chaired a local drive for Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox Drive.

When I married and moved to Hickory, I started modeling, and my photographer told me of a modeling agency in Hickory and that I should look into to. I did and they had a good location and a lot of models. I decided I could do this as I had booked jobs for myself and felt I knew the business to some degree. Not long after buying the agency I had to change the name of it to open up more doors as I also acted, (on the stage) and loved it. Changing the name to The Brock Agency, Inc. opened up a world of doors into Commercials, Film and TV. It was exciting and challenging for my actors. I also did some theatre here in Hickory at the beginning and was up for a Kay Award (the name of our theatre award) and was nominated Best Supporting Actress in a role. I didn’t win but it was very exciting to be amongst those who done so many plays before me. The play was “Play It Again Sam” and was at The Hickory Community Theater. It was a great experience.

I traveled a lot to NY, Chicago, Atlanta, etc. to meet with agents, managers, and casting offices. It was years of travel, but it was all worth it. My young daughters and I even moved to NY for a summer (the summer of the OJ Trial) so I could learn inside the business to help my talent if they chose to move to NY then I could guide them on what to do and not do. One of my friends Mom owned a Modeling Agency and I learned so much from them. Traveling like this was to help the company be known and me as well as an Agent.

So, it has been a long road, but I know God leads me and I feel like I was meant to be a “guide” to those who want to be in the industry. I pride myself on returning emails, answering calls myself and helping guide those who are new to the industry as well as those who have been in it for a long time.

About 3 years ago during Covid I started another business for my screenwriters Eagles Wings Entertainment. It has been hard too, but so rewarding! My writers are strong and focused, and they listen to what I have to say. It’s so rewarding. I’ve represented Screenwriters for over 10 years and this was a “door” I felt would help the writers I have. Things are happening for us on this front too.

To say owning a business is easy isn’t true, but focusing and asking God for direction has been a true key for me. The Brock Agency and Eagles Wings are truly meant to be a way I can help others and them, me. That’s what it’s all about, helping each other. We call ourselves “The Brock Agency Family”. Even my writers share news or contacts, we are all in this world to help each other. This is the way we all should live our lives. This brings joy!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I’m a great cook and love to cook when people are visiting. However, Hickory is a great city with lots of awesome restaurants, Under the Sails downtown has a Farmers Market throughout the year and live music on Friday nights in the summer. We have beautiful Lake Hickory and the Hickory Community Theatre as well as The Green Room (both theatres) that put on theatrical plays that are pretty amazing.

Throughout the year on Hickory’s website, we have lots to choose from. The Art Crawl which is always fun, and we have lots of history in Hickory as well. Our new Greenway allows people to walk throughout our beautiful city and see The Crawdad Stadium (baseball) also, where other types of events occur as well.

We are only 45 minutes from the beautiful NC Mountains too. I love going to the mountains, so much to do and see.
So, really it just depends on what my guests are interested in and the time of year they come.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Well, Jack Rasnic was my mentor since 1990 when I started The Brock Agency, Inc. Jack was one of the first conventions held in the eastern part of the country. He started in VA and in NC and was very successful for over 35 years; Models of the South for actors and models (before I ever even knew him). Then he finally said he was going to “turn it in”. He was truly one of the most honest people in the business I knew. I asked him about his convention, which I had taken talent and models to for over 18 years. Many were placed with larger “Sister” agencies in NY, GA, LA, Chicago, etc. He had been sending me documents for over 2 years. I did ask him about that, and he said, “just hang onto them”. Which I did and when I asked what I was going to do without Models of the South, he said you are going to have your own convention. Many people still remember Models of the South to this day!!
I was shocked, I told him I didn’t know what to do and he said I am going to train you. Well, train me he did. I started BEST Model and Talent Convention around 2011 and ran it for 9 years until Covid hit, thus not again since. It was such a learning experience for me, and I will be forever grateful for Jack and his wife, Carol’s faith in me to carry on.

However, I have had many “cheerleaders” and supporters over the years. My Dad being one of them! He was my strongest supporter and always cheered me on. Also, all the Casting Directors, Producers, Directors and Coaches I have met along this journey, I will always be grateful for everyone.

Website: www.thebrockagency.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrockagency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlybrock1892646/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/castingbev

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beverly.j.brock.1/

Image Credits
All the photos I sent have a caption with them. I am owner of all photos

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