The Ford Agency grew out of this experience.
The modeling industry was rather loosely organized at the time. Agencies found work for their models, but the models were expected to set their own rates and collect their own wages. Against the grain, Ford put the interests of the models and their careers first. She bargained with advertising agencies and photographers so that her models would have better deals. From 1946 to 1948, Ford's clientele grew from 2 to 34, and the agency took in $250,000 in 1948 alone. The demands of the agency grew and Ford's husband quit school and joined his wife at the agency. Long days became the norm as Ford found new talent while her husband dealt with the financial end. She developed a savvy reputation. James Mills in Life described her as "a tough businesswoman: demanding, untiring and persistent as gravity."
Revolutionized Industry
Ford's business practices changed the industry, becoming standards of conduct. The Ford Agency would collect the models' fees and pay them on a weekly basis. They also set the standard of a 20% commission, 10% from the models' fee and the other 10% from the organization that hired the model.
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