Frequently ranked near the top of the Nielsen Television Ratings, "The Bachelorette" is a chunk of prime real estate for ABC. So who better than a real estate professional from Philadelphia to raise the prospects for a rosy choice on the weekly series?
Reid Rosenthal, an agent from Prudential, Fox and Roach in Rittenhouse Square, PA, and a member of TREND, was among the bachelors vying for the heart of the very eligible Jillian Harris, a restaurant interior designer from Vancouver, British Columbia. The 30-year-old Rosenthal talked with TREND about his unique experience of "The Bachelorette" and the effects the experience has had on his real estate business.
Born Into the Business
Rosenthal was born and raised in Upper Dublin, PA. After graduating from the Ohio State University in 2001, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his parents, Larry and Rhonda, both REALTORS®. His parents have been active in the real estate industry for 20 years and are longtime members of TREND.
After earning his real estate license, Rosenthal joined Prudential, Fox & Roach and quickly established himself, selling condominiums, townhouses and investments in Center City Philadelphia. Today, he serves as president of The Rosenthal Group, which ranks among Prudential's Top 100 companies nationally.
Floor Duty Shift Lands Him a Shot at Love
While on floor duty one day, Rosenthal learned about the "The Bachelorette" from a female co-worker, who happened to be a big fan of the show. Although Rosenthal admits he knew little about the show at the time, he relented and let her submit an application.
"She got one of my real estate pictures, wrote up a blurb about me and sent it to the show," Rosenthal recalled. "I didn't really think about it much after that. Like a year later, I got a call from the producers. They liked my profile and really wanted me on the show."
Rosenthal initially hedged on the opportunity as he felt appearing on the show might present the wrong image. But, he relented at the urging of family and friends. "I know it's tough in his city to find what I'm looking for, and because I'm working all the time. With two days left before the start of filming, I signed the contract and made it on the show just in time."
"The show couldn't have happened at a better time. The market was dead due to traditional seasonality and current economy, so it was - in a work sense - a perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity to find love."
He flew out to Los Angeles in late March and remained on the West Coast until filming wrapped just after Memorial Day. Once filming ended, he returned to Philadelphia and is back to work.
Tuning in to Watch the Show
"It was very weird at first seeing myself on TV and hearing my voice, but I got used to it."
Initially, Rosenthal was uncomfortable with watching himself on the show. After all, the cameras were there every step of the way, recording his dates and even intimate moments, as he attempted to win Jillian's heart over the other bachelors. Now, he's become not only a fan of the show, but he's arguably his own biggest critic.
"It was very weird at first seeing myself on TV and hearing my voice, but I got used to it," he added. "It was even weirder seeing myself and others kissing Jillian, knowing millions of people were watching. It was strange."
Reality TV Leads to Fame
These days, Rosenthal is finding it difficult to return to the life he once had. When he does venture out in public, fans stop him for pictures and friends hound him for answers about the show's outcome. So for the time being, Rosenthal has avoided many of his favorite bars and restaurants and often dons a disguise - typically a baseball cap and sunglasses - to go grocery shopping.
"I'm trying to lead a normal life, but I get stopped everywhere I go," Rosenthal said. "I signed up for this, so I'm trying to look at it in a positive way."
Business Has Been Booming
Since the show started airing, Rosenthal has found business has improved dramatically. He isn't sure whether to attribute that increase to being on the show or improving market conditions.
Some of those clients recognize him from "The Bachelorette" and aren't serious about needing his services. They just consider him a celebrity and want to meet him. Rosenthal tries to get a handle on if their intentions are legitimate before scheduling a consultation.
"I have to weed out the fake clients from the real clients," Rosenthal said. "Some people watch the show and look for me on-line. They find my website. I just have to see how I can help them."
Traffic on his website has also tripled.
"It was the slow season when I left to do the show, and now it's the high season so to be fair it could be a combination of the show and season," he explained. "However, people definitely recognize me more - everywhere I go."
Reality Experience May Open New Doors
Rosenthal says the experience on "The Bachelorette" may lead to future reality TV endeavors. Currently, he is working on the development of a real estate program that he may use in marketing his listings.
In the end, Harris didn't choose Rosenthal, opting instead for technology consultant Ed Swiderski of Chicago. Rosenthal, who was among the final three bachelors standing, was sent packing. Still, he made a surprise appearance on the show's finale to take an unsuccessful stab at winning Harris' heart. Rosenthal got down on one knee and proposed to a shocked Harris.
Moments after turning down Rosenthal's offer, Harris got engaged to Swiderski. (We still had our fingers crossed for Reid.)