Laverne Minisofer sells everything from orange-checked sofas to chipped
china, but the auction business was not her first career choice.
She took over Grasswood Auction after the death of her husband Al.
“It was not my cup of tea, but he just loved it,” she said.
Al had trained as an auctioneer in Iowa and was only a few short months
into owning the business when the heavy smoker died of lung cancer. He
left behind Laverne, five grown children and a lot of debt from the new
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Running an auction house just outside Saskatoon was a challenge for
Laverne, whose previous experience included some bookkeeping at Al’s
auctions and operating a general store in Middle Lake, Sask., for 10
years.
She ascended a steep learning curve and now, 15 years later, Grasswood
Auction is looking to double its 6,000-sq.-foot building size. Its
Tuesday night sale is a mainstay that draws standing-room-only crowds
and vehicles that line the grid road.
“It took a lot of perseverance and sleepless nights,” she said. “You
have to make the best of the cards God deals you.”
Her son Kelly, then a 25-year-old teacher with limited auction
experience, took over the auctioneer’s microphone when his father’s
illness worsened. Her daughter Rhonda works with her in office
administration.
Neither mother nor son liked the hazy blue smoke of auctions, so they
decided to make theirs smoke-free. It proved to be a sound decision,
with much positive feedback and an improved sales environment.
The business continues to present challenges – people who bid, win but
don’t pay, or suppliers who provide goods not in working order.
Laverne’s response is to refuse their business in the future.
Auctions have traditionally been a male domain and it has surprised
more than a few to learn she is the owner.
“One male banker implied I would fail if I expanded,” recalled Laverne,
who noted proudly that the business is now mortgage-free.
Laverne faced more challenges as president of the Saskatchewan
Auctioneers Association last year, said Kelly, calling his mother the
first and only female president “in a room full of testosterone.”
SAA secretary-treasurer Jo-Ann Ganzert said, “she struggled for
credibility. There was always a feeling she has to prove herself.”
Laverne said she faced detractors head-on.
“I just thought this is really a man’s world and I have to do my part
to change that.”
She gained skills and confidence in leadership roles through
encouragement from other auctioneers and by joining Toastmasters to
improve her public speaking skills.
There are females actively involved in auction businesses but just a
handful headed by a woman, said Ganzert. She said the average age of
most auctioneers is 60 and older, so there will be a turnover shortly
and one that might include more women.
During her term, Laverne was actively involved with the bi-annual
Auction Era in North Battleford, which recognizes longtime auctioneers.
She also lobbied hard for the creation of a code of professional
conduct for the industry.
“That way, you have people looking at you more as a professional
group,” Laverne said.
A big part of the auction business is knowing how much everything is
worth. Both she and son Kelly are appraisers, and operate a
complementary business called Affiliated Appraisers. Kelly is
frequently called upon as an expert witness in court cases.
Commissions for auction businesses can range from four to eight percent
of receipts at farm sales to 25 percent on house and estate sales, said
Ganzert.
She noted auctions have grown well beyond seasonal farm sales, to
year-round sales and often lucrative markets in art and antiques.
Working well with people remains the key component of success in the
business, said Ganzert. Auctions are more than just sales, but also
social events where neighbours gather to visit as well as buy.
“A successful auction sale can only happen if the auctioneer has a good
handle on the mood and the crowd.”
Grasswood Auction sells everything but livestock, said Laverne, as she
called up memories of past items like 1,000 plates and 1,500 salt and
pepper shakers.
“If you’re looking for something, I’ll get it for you and if I can’t
find it, it’s not worth getting it.”
She regularly puts in 10-hour days, and then takes calls forwarded to
her home in Saskatoon.
“I’d wither up and die if I didn’t work.”
