About Auctioneer Laura Michalek

I became an Auctioneer because the beauty of the art of auctioneering enchanted me. I had the opportunity to develop my appreciation and understanding of the auction as a selling concept by attending auctions during my 15-year retail stint as the owner of vintage modern furniture stores. My understanding of the auction model for fundraising, my authentic and well-trained auction style, and my emphasis on customizing my services specifically to the needs of the organization I am working with, have landed me smack dab in the middle of the Fundraising Auction world, both locally and nationally.

I believe I bring a fresh and inspiring style, long overdue, to the age-old industry of Auctioneering. While your Auctioneer is only one part of the auction experience, it is wise to never underestimate the impact of a well-trained, experienced, creative, and enthusiastic Auctioneer; like other (important) auction components, it can literally make or break your event.

Fundraising Auctions are my full-time job (and craft) preceded by a long history of non-profit work and self-employment through creative and successful business in vintage furniture and decorative arts. My retail businesses were recognized nationally for their consistency of high quality, always chosen with a great amount of thought and intention. Much like my Auctioneering, I was well researched, not risk-averse, and very excited by the unique service I provided; these are organic and very personal traits I bring to the auction block.

Auctioneering is certainly a medium to an end, but the way I craft my medium to get there makes all the difference in the auction world. I rely heavily on my honed technical selling skills, my auction chant, and my reverence for the actual ‘art’ of auctioneering. My contemporary approach, sense of humor, and understanding of your organization’s purpose and style will bring in the buckaroos for you to continue your good work.

As a 2000 graduate of the Missouri Auction School, considered the “Harvard of Auctioneering” I have continued to develop a set of important skills and experiences that will assist you in planning your auction. I am very involved with your planning process, not only because I think it is essential to creating an intimate working relationship and a great auction, but I truly enjoy sharing my experience and guidance directly with the organizers, staff and volunteers. It is I who shows up and plans with you and sells for you, not a random Auctioneer who is unfamiliar to you and your cause.

Our in-person time is supplemented with the latest version of (my personally designed) Modern Auction Guide Book©, which includes strategies to ensure your auction is successful and is tailored to your auction event goals. Topics covered include but are not limited to: Auction Overview and Timelines, Procurement, Marketing and Sponsorship, Guest Development, Live & Silent Strategies and Staging, Registration and Check-out, Volunteer Needs and Training, Catalog Design, additional Money Makers, and Creating your Auction Blue Print, to name a few.

Those new to Auction Fundraising are given the foundation necessary to build a great event not only their first year, but for subsequent years as well, helping to grow and develop the organization financially. Organizations already familiar with auction planning will be delighted to get a breath of fresh air and insight to help ensure the interest and the commitment of it’s long term supporters and to capture new supporters and donors, essential for long term viability.

I always prefer to speak with you in person for a detailed summary of my services and fees, so please don’t hesitate to call me at 206.464.0850. I look forward to taking this opportunity to learn more about your organization, history and financial expectations for the auction. Whether you are an old hat at auction planning or want to do an auction for the very first time, my dedication, involvement, and expertise is all yours. I know you’ll be pleased.