On The Block

The Northwest Fundraising Auctioneer talks about the Art of Auctioneering,
why Corporate Auctioneering is like Corporate Coffee and the brilliance of
Annie Lennox.

Since the beginning of your career, you have talked about having reverence for the “art” of auctioneering; what exactly do you mean by art?
I became an Auctioneer because the few Auctioneers who developed their craft in such a way that I viewed it as artistic inspired me. Combining the skills of selling, entertaining and auctioneering requires certain finesse, and when done beautifully, it is quite engaging.

Do you believe, then, that in order for Auctioneering to always be true, it requires this combination of selling, entertaining and auctioneering? 
Yes, I do seem to think there is a true way to Auctioneer and it does not exclude any of these. I am selling through the medium of auctioneering and engaging the buyers at the same time. Anyone who tells you that you do not need to entertain is gravely mistaken. Whether you are selling widgets, high-end art, or weekend get-a-ways, the more engaged your buyers are, the longer they will stay and most likely take part in bidding. As a guest, I have left events early where I didn’t feel considered, why would I expect others not to?

Are you a one-woman show or do you have a staff of Auctioneers?
I am my own product. Early in my career I would have an occasional question, usually from someone who worked at one time for a  ‘benefit’ company, ask me if I was Independent? At first I was taken aback, but then I realized that these folks are using corporate auction speak and are use to booking out a myriad of Auctioneers, working under one name. Frequently folks do not know who or what they are getting when the auction rolls around. I’m very much into quality control and accountability and when I represent only myself I am assured of these things and so is my client. Seattle Translation: I’ve always preferred my coffee from the smallest, most sincere independent coffee shops.

So you don’t believe you will ever have a team of trained Auctioneers working for you, knowing you can’t be at two places at once?
At this time, no. I’ve had as many as a dozen   requests for certain dates and was only able to say “yes” once. If I chose this kind of work solely to make money, then I would be the Auctioneer Principal, but that’s never how I have made decisions about how I make a living or how I want to spend my time. I started and ran a nationally known vintage furniture shop in Seattle for more than a dozen years and I always slept well at night because I never sold something I disliked, just to make money. I was never the wealthiest dealer, but I sure was one of the most consistent and respected.

I suppose Auctioneers, like any person or business, come and go. Is there a secret to ensuring consistent work and longevity in your business?
First, too many folks give themselves undeserved titles too quickly. I went to Auctioneering school in 2000 and it has only been the last 3 years that I have rightly called myself a Professional Auctioneer. Being genuinely interested and excited about what I do guarantees work; folks can spot enthusiasm and talent a mile away and want to be around that. Look at some of our great musical artists like Annie Lennox or Laurie Anderson. When they churn something out, it’s usually excellent. Because they have high expectations, are smart, and don’t litter our airwaves with half-written lyrics and overproduced sounds they are constantly in demand and they always have been.