FACES OF NAA
Q&A Josh Lowensteiner
What sparked your interest in becoming an auction professional? I grew up in a farming family and occasionally went to the sale barn with my Dad, as well as equipment and real estate auctions with him. The rhythm of the auction chant and how people participated in the auction fascinated me as a kid! What road did you take to get there? In 2012, my wife and I didn’t think we would have a family, and we looked hard at the work we were doing then. We both decided that we wanted to work “as if money didn’t matter.” My passion is in fine sporting arms. I left my career in the financial services world and worked for a specialty auction company in Central Maine! A big change! Were there any challenges you faced? The auction industry is filled with both opportunities and challenges! Using the sales skills I learned in my financial services career and parlaying them to sell the auction method of marketing was fun and challenging at the same time. I had to learn how to find the best prospects for the services we were offering and how to close those sales. It was a very different conversation than selling a life insurance policy! 40
AUCTIONEERS.ORG
Has your perception of the auction industry changed since you started? If so, how? YES! I thought the potential for opportunities to make a living in the business was vast when I started, but by joining my state association (Auctioneer’s Association of North Carolina) and the NAA, my eyes have been opened to just how vast the playing field is. There is no limit to what an auctioneer can accomplish if they are determined to do so! I would also say that I am most impressed with the levels of honesty and care my peers in the association bring to their clients - both buyers and sellers alike! Why do you love what you do? Every day in the field of antiques is like a treasure hunt. Tom Hanks, who starred in Castaway, said it best: “Who knows what the tide could bring!” I also love the people! We have the most interesting and fascinating clients spanning all facets of this industry. What do you think is the most significant thing (or things) auction professions can do to stay relevant? It’s all about education! I once had a sales training with USC Football
