Today we’d like to introduce you to James Gregory.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a young man In high school and college, I realized I had a gift in refinishing and re-selling Motorcycle, cars, and boats. Saving up all I had to buy what most would say is a “Piece of Junk” I would paint, fix, and finish projects to flip for a profit. As I moved on from high school to College where I attended the Merchant Maritime Academy, I continued to resell as a source income.
After Graduating I began to sail as a 2nd officer then moving to Captain. My Reselling had almost come to a halt as I was completely involved in my career. After a few years at sea, I realized I loved the ocean, but I really enjoyed the hunt for the next item to restore and sell. I began doing it on the side again and eventually put in my notice and moved on to my next chapter.
I started a Charter Bus company in Austin, Tx which I managed and operated for 2 years. Missing home and living by the water, I sold the company and moved back to Houston. I was approached by a good family friend about the opportunity to purchase LL Auctions because of my knack for the industry and so began this incredible journey.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The same day I officially became the new owner of LL Auctions was the same day I proposed to my now wife. Together we learned the ins and outs of our company that had already been established for over a decade. We updated technologies, software’s and processes to streamline and increase our efficiency.
With that came an initial push-back from loyal customers that have been with LL Auctions from the beginning, but with time they grew to appreciate the new implementation. We even found ourselves reluctant to change at first, but we eventually were able to think outside of the box that was handed over to us. For instance, we mobilized our showrooms by converting the tables we displayed our merchandise on to rolling carts that displayed more items in a smaller amount of area.
We moved away from handwriting merchandise descriptions to directly typing them into the system. We got rid of and added what was necessary to keep up with the growing demand and were able to double the amount of auction we held a month within only a month and a half of taking over the company.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with LL Auctions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LL Auctions is an Online Auction House; a Texas owned and operated company. We employ the best means possible to sell our consignor’s items including an extensive client mailing list and heavy focus on advertising and networking ensuring that each auction is marketed in such a manner as to bring the best of buyers and sellers together. We are a full time, full-service Texas auction company.
We are experts at organizing, preparing and displaying merchandise to maximize its interest and appeal. We specialize in Liquidations, Estates, Company & personal downsizing of goods. From home goods, equipment, firearms, to jewelry and everything in-between. Big or small we sell it all! LL Auctions has conducted over 10 years of successful online auctions. Whether our customer is a bidder, seller or both with us, we look forward to providing them with the best buying/selling experience possible!
What sets LL Auctions apart is that we greet our buyers and consigners by name because they are more than just another face to us and because once they try out our services, we see them for every auction! Our customers know my whole family by name too because we are primarily family operated.
The ease at which sellers can sell their items and buyers can buy is a huge differentiating factor. The amount of effort from our sellers can be as minimal as opening their door and signing the contract and our team will move, prepare and sell an entire state while our sellers sit back on their couch and wait for their check to arrive shortly after. That same individual can shop for a wide variety of items right from the comfort of their own couch. Can’t pick up the item? No problem! We offer shipping and delivery services as well.
Other than this incredible opportunity to be featured in Voyage Houston’s magazine, our marketing is solely word of mouth. We have been told by numerous clients that they’ve been referred to us by multiple estate sale companies, their neighbors, family and friends. To have a waiting list from only word of mouth is quite exciting!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Being solely word of mouth mean there is a huge area of untapped potential. Marketing to grow the amount of registered bidders buying will improve the demand of consignors wanting to sell with us, which enhances the merchandise we offer to our bidders. The more our community becomes aware of the great quality of items that can be purchased at incredible prices and sellers see the return for their items, the sky’s the limit for all parties involved!
Pricing:
- We are an absolute Auctions house, Meaning all items start @ $2 and sell to the highest bidder at the end of the Auction. All Auctions are open for 7 days of bidding online.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1760 W. Walker St suite 300
League City, TX 77573 - Website: www.texasauctions.biz
- Phone: 7132486186
- Email: Info@texasauctions.biz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLauctions/
- Other: www.texas-auctions.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
