08/10/2026
Here lately we’ve had a few people just starting in this business of what is the best advice from our years of doing this. I’ve given this a lot of thought and there are alot more but these things I feel are the most important things we’ve learned.
1. WORK HARD. THEN WORK HARDER. BUT HAVE FUN.
There are no shortcuts in this business. The best opportunities usually come from years of showing up, doing the work, and being willing to do what others won’t. Hard work has a way of creating its own opportunities, but always stop to enjoy those opportunities and be proud of the hard work you put in.
2. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, NOT JUST CONTACTS.
Get to know people. Build genuine connections. When someone you’ve done business with needs a hand, show up and help—even when there’s nothing in it for you. Do that consistently, and when the day comes that they’re ready to sell, you’ll be the person they call. And if you’ve treated them right, they’ll call you again and again.
3. BE LOYAL—BUT KNOW WHEN THAT LOYALTY IS NO LONGER BEING RETURNED.
Relationships and loyalty should go both ways. Value the people who have valued you, and never forget those who helped you along the way. But when someone stops appreciating your work, your word, or the relationship you’ve built, it’s okay to move on. There are plenty of people who will value loyalty. Put your time and energy there.
4. WHEN THE PHONE RINGS, GO.
When someone calls and says they’re ready to sell, you have to be willing to drop what you’re doing and get there. Time is rarely your friend in this business. People change their minds. Family members get involved. Someone else makes an offer. Opportunities have a funny way of disappearing when you wait too long.
5. REMEMBER, IT WAS NEVER JUST “STUFF” TO THEM.
Listen to the stories. Ask where something came from. Let them tell you about the grandmother who owned it, the trip where they bought it, or the house where it sat for 50 years. Pay attention to the nostalgia and emotion attached to their belongings. To us, it may eventually become inventory. To them, it was part of a home, a family, and a life. Honor that.
6. NEVER STOP LEARNING. STAY HUMBLE.
You will never know everything about everything that comes through your hands—and that’s okay. Part of being good at this business is knowing what you don’t know. When someone knows more about a particular subject than you do, listen. Ask questions. Pay attention. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong and change what you thought you knew. Some of the best education you’ll ever receive in this business comes from the people you meet along the way. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop getting better.
7. ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE—BE HONEST.
Be honest when nobody would know the difference. Be honest when it costs you money. Be honest when you could easily take advantage of someone who doesn’t know what they have. Your name and reputation are worth far more than the profit you might make on one deal.
Because without integrity, none of the rest matters.
After all these years, we’ve learned that this business really isn’t about antiques, furniture, boxes of forgotten treasures, or finding the next great piece.
IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE.
Work hard. Show up. Keep your word. Build relationships. Listen to their stories. Never stop learning. Stay humble. Respect what their belongings meant to them. Be loyal to the people who are loyal to you—and know when it’s time to walk away from those who aren’t.
The “stuff” will come and go.
Your reputation follows you everywhere.
