When I told Edward Carl, who daily finds the top models on the planet for Connex247 that we needed a celebrity host, within a day he came back and said, "I have found the guy Mike. Take a look."
That was two years ago now, and Edward sure got that one right. He discovered Leighton Stultz who has proven to be far and away one of the most popular models featured on the site in its eight year history.
Shortly after Leighton's first feature appeared he agreed to become our celebrity host, and his features always attract a huge number of visitors.
In fact, the first feature has the record for the most number of page views of any story in out history.
Perhaps one of the most amazing things about Leighton's success is that he plays himself all the time. The makeup person in California where Leighton was doing a photo shoot for Bruno Serato's book Temptation at the White House book took me aside and told he was the nicest model she ever met. Leighton just is Leighton, and while he goes into his model role for a shoot, he does not have the attitude associated with many in the industry.
A great moment for me was being able to travel to California in 2006 as Bruno's guest for Leighton's shoot, and be able to get in the way at the shoot as I was playing photographer -- Bruno gently got me out of the way - and hang out with Leighton and his good friend Danie, an Iraq war veteran. Yes, we even went to Disneyland.
Shortly after Leighton came to Connex247 he won the Handsome Male Model Contest and was off to Toronto for a photo shoot with Warren Shepell. Along with other assignments his shoots with photographer Tom Watkin resulted in a major feature in the June 2007 Playgirl.
At one point Leighton asked me if we could run features about his bike and his jeep, and of course we did. The response was incredible, with many writing to suggest we do a movie centred around Leighton and his bike and/or jeep.
Well, we are still open to pursuing that one, but just haven't put it together yet -- if you want to help or have ideas let us know at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Here is a video that Leighton did for us on the jeep.
And in this next video Leighton talks about
how you help the site exceed expectations:
As Leighton's fans know he comes from a military family with members of it on active service right now in United States forces. Leighton has continued his modeling career while at the same time accepting family responsibilities while his father was serving in Iraq.
When Leighton told me last week that his father was safely home, and he was spending time with his parents at their home, obviously I was delighted.
But I know so well it has been a difficult time for him, and not once did I ever hear Leighton complain in the past two years. And we chat on the phone several times a week.
While one may agree or disagree with the Iraq situation, I know beyond any doubt that Leighton and his family represent the best of the best in American society -- Leighton has two brothers in the forces as well.
On a very personal note I extend my most sincere thanks to Leighton, not only for all he has done to take Connex247 to a new level of success, but far more importantly for his friendship and great kindness towards me. I have learned much from you bud, and yes I will continue to call!
THE SILENCE IS BROKEN THANK GOD!!! written by leightonfan#1 on May 24, 2008
To Leighton, Mike and readers:
I always write with the nickname leightonfan#l and have done so because I am thrilled with this man. Now I am thrilled beyond belief with him and Michael for breaking the silence, if you will, by mentioning the familes of those in Iraq. I hate the loss of life, dignity, innocence, and all that is tragic. With that said, I am humbled and grateful for those men and women who protect us, and to their families who have great tolerance and patience as they accept this reality in which they watch their loved ones leave to enable us to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave. Leighton and other sons, brothers, sisters, daughters, spouses, sit back and don't panic while knowing there is no gaurantee of the outcome for their family member. This is humbling. This is grace. This is selfless giving. We all are called to respond to these people with our sincerest thanksgiving of appreciation. It has been too long for someone to feature the loved ones at home. God bless you Mike for breaking this silence. God bless you Leighton and your family. I, along with many who may be quiet here, break the silence in THANKING YOU. PEACE.
Shortly after Leighton's first feature appeared he agreed to become our celebrity host, and his features always attract a huge number of visitors.
A great moment for me was being able to travel to California in 2006 as Bruno's guest for Leighton's shoot, and be able to get in the way at the shoot as I was playing photographer -- Bruno gently got me out of the way - and hang out with Leighton and his good friend Danie, an Iraq war veteran. Yes, we even went to Disneyland.
At one point Leighton asked me if we could run features about his bike and his jeep, and of course we did. The response was incredible, with many writing to suggest we do a movie centred around Leighton and his bike and/or jeep. 
But I know so well it has been a difficult time for him, and not once did I ever hear Leighton complain in the past two years. And we chat on the phone several times a week.
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