I am originally from Melbourne, Australia where I worked as a professional photographer for 20+ years. My portfolio encompassed several top-10 rock bands including, Men at Work, INXS and various other top Aussie 80’s & 90’s bands. Through the years, I discovered my true passion was travel photography. My photos have been featured on thousands of Australian post cards and souvenir memorabilia.
During the 90’s, I combined my love of photography with my desire to help children and created the “Celebrity Bear Project.” For this project, I teamed with the Make-A Wish Foundation in Australia. I commissioned Jenny Round, a renowned teddy bear artist, to have a bear specially made for the project. She created “Bertrand Bear,” named for John Bertrand, the Skipper of the yacht that won the America’s Cup the only year Australia beat the United States. I negotiated with various celebrities from around the world to arrange for them to have a portrait with Bertrand Bear. During the session, the celebrity would sign an autograph book, as well as, an accompanying photo mount. I had a tremendous response with this project and owe a world of thanks to various participating artists, Dionne Warwick, Phil Collins, Richard Marx, Michael Bolton, Pete Sampras, & Tom Jones, just to name a few, there were many, many others. The matted photos & autograph book were set in a series and auctioned at Melbourne’s Crown Casino during the Celebrity Gala Auction. The project was a success and $11,000 dollars was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Bertrand Bear remains a part of my personal “Teddy Collection” to this day.
Being an avid lover of teddy bears, I began writing children’s books based on “Old Ted,” a one-legged teddy bear and his sidekick Edward Bear. Again, combining my love of photography, I illustrated the books, as well. It was my wish to create books that would appeal to the parent, as well as, the child to encourage more reading time. This was also a success and the “Old Ted” series is up to three books now!
After I completed my children’s books, I began looking for my next big challenge! I enjoyed writing and seemed to be pretty good at it so I tried my hand at writing a novel. My novel, ‘Sisters of Mercy,’ has been contracted with a publishing company and is set for release in late 2008! I'll keep you posted on the progress!
In 2001, I moved to the United States and married my “Southern Girl,” Christi, and we made Jackson, TN our home. We have three beautiful daughters, Danielle, Morgan and our baby Hannah. I began my Real Estate Career in 2004 and realized quickly that this was my Dream Job…my true calling!! I was able to combine all my favorite activities: Photography, Writing, Marketing, Negotiations and Meeting People! What could be better than that?? In my four years, I have assisted my clients in buying and selling 69 properties for a total of $8 million dollars in sales! I know each and every client & stay in touch with them all. To date, all my clients have become dear friends and I have increased my “circle of friends” tremendously! My clients know they will receive 110% of me at all times which is why my repeat business and referrals make up 80% of my clientele. I’ve helped clients move, stored belongings for them, painted rooms, raked leaves, mowed yards, cleaned gutters, cleaned & staged homes, etc…when my clients need ANYTHING – I am there! I am a 24/7 Realtor – Yes, I even work nights and weekends. As a matter of fact, I have had a call on a home at midnight before! You will have no trouble reaching me my phone is ALWAYS on!
Well that about covers The Aussie Realtor... Wow, I thought this first blog would be hard. I guess I had more to say than I thought! Thanks for coming along for the ride...I might get good at this! Until next time...
Your Realtor & Friend,
Neill Bartlett, "The Aussie Realtor"
"Earning An Excellent Reputation...One Client At A Time!"
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