The Block effect: How the TV juggernaut has changed lives

The Block has had a life-changing effect on the contestants who’ve graced our TV screens, and the same can also be said for some of the other regular fixtures of this successful show.

People such as formidable foreman Keith Schleiger​; the colourful Frank Valentic​, who is always ready to bid at auction (and who became a buyers advocate judge in season 10); and the main man of landscape design, Dave Franklin, whose company has enjoyed the benefits of the extra publicity.

Here’s how being a part of the TV juggernaut that is The Block has changed their lives.

Keith Schleiger – Foreman of The Block

Australia was introduced to Foreman Keith, the firm but fair man in charge of the mammoth construction site that is The Block, in 2011, during season 4.

“The Block has totally changed my life,” Keith says. “The most significant change is that I am now a public figure and have to respect what goes with that role. I never thought I would be a person that was known by the public and always being in the public eye, and it’s taken a bit to get used to.”

Initially contracted as the off-screen foreman, Keith is the first to admit he had no idea what he was getting himself into when he switched to being on camera.

“I knew The Block build was going to be hard because of the short time frames, but I didn’t know I would be doing it all on camera, so that was a bit of a shock – getting used to having a camera follow me around the site,” he says. And while he is modest about his rise to fame, he admits knowing the viewers have accepted him with open arms has been wonderful.

“I was a little surprised as I was just doing my job. As the show went on, people came to like me for what I stand for,” he says. “We need to remember that The Block is a real build and someone has to give contestants bad news. This can sometimes come across as being harsh, but it’s to ensure a good job and safety on site. And, even if there is bad news delivered, I always like to ‘make up’ with the contestants afterwards!”

Photo: The Block

Frank Valentic – Buyers advocate and director of Advantage Property Consulting

Come The Block auction time, it’s a given that bespectacled, fashionable Frank Valentic will be in the crowd, bidding on behalf of his clients. In fact, he became so well known on the show he was eventually cast in a more official capacity.

“I had been talking to the executive producer after the Albert Park series and flagged the idea that it would be beneficial to have a buyers advocate perspective,” he explains. “So in the Glasshouse series I came through with over 20 buyers giving feedback and in Triple Threat, I came on as a weekly buyer’s advocate judge. I have only been involved a few times this series but would love to be on as a regular judge each week, adding value from a buyers and real estate perspective.”

Frank has always enjoyed great success in his business, but he acknowledges The Block effect has helped it to soar to even greater heights.

“The show has expanded our reach interstate and internationally in a way that we couldn’t have done on our own,” he says. “The biggest change is an increase in profile and public awareness, both individually and for the buyer’s agent profession on a whole. Previously, when dealing with new clients, our first meeting would be their first introduction to me. Now many of my new clients feel like they already know me from seeing me on the show.”

From a personal perspective Frank has been humbled by the attention he has received since being on The Block.

“Having so many people make kind comments about my contribution to The Block and real estate industry I would have to mention as a personal highlight for me,” he says proudly. “I try not to take it too seriously and have fun with it; it has been a great wave to ride and created many great opportunities and experiences.”

Photo: Advantage Property

Dave Franklin – Owner and director of Franklin Landscape & Designs

When it comes to the getting the greenery side of The Block right, there’s only one business to call, Franklin Landscape & Designs. Its always jovial owner, Dave, has appeared on six consecutive seasons and understands well the blessings being associated with such a hit TV show.

“The Block has made my company more of a household name,” he says. “Just recently, when we did Darren and Dee’s backyard [in The Block Triple Threat] we had over 200 inquiries in two weeks for work!”

The Block has also allowed Dave to pursue his true career passion – landscape design – more regularly.

“We get a lot of people ringing us who say they’re happy to build it themselves, but want to use us for the design,” he says. “That’s what we are more passionate about.”

Dave, who was already an award-winning landscaper with a team of 15 employees before his association with The Block began, is now in the enviable situation of being able to select what projects they undertake, and travels the country to work.

“We can’t do every job because we are so busy,” he says. “We get to pick and choose, which is a great position to be in.”

Dave cannot speak highly enough of those behind the scenes of The Block, with whom he has been able to forge a close relationship.

“The people you work for are like a family,” he says. “They are a great production team, they are the best to work with. They’ll look after you if you are looking after them.”

Of course, the man whose mates now refer to him as “Hollywood” has had to adjust to being thrust into the spotlight.

“I get people coming up to me and wanting selfies. I don’t hate it,” he laughs, “But it’s quite funny when you come from a guy who’s just done landscaping all his life!”

Photo: Franklin Landscape & Designs