In case you don’t recognize those big, bold red letters, that’s the auction house in Chicago that entrepreneur Leslie Hindman built.
It’s also my new place of employment.
Yes, Dear Readers.
I am learning the art of the re-sale from the ground up.
If you’ve clicked on the link above, you’ll see that Leslie deals in commodities like paintings, fine prints, maps, coins, watches, jewelry, rare books, couture and other wonderful objets d’art that make our lives more pleasant places to be.
And if you know me, you know that I have a keen interest in things like paintings, fine prints, maps, coins, watches, jewelry, rare books (oh, yeah) couture (now we’re talking) and other wonderful objets d’art.
So it’s seems like we’ve both made a good match.
Much of the merchandise that rolls into the House of Leslie got there through the “Three D’s.”
Death, divorce, debt.
I got there the exact same way.
However, until recently, these are the only experiences I’ve ever had with an auction house.
There’s this.
And this classic one.
Thus I started in the real world of bidding at the bottom. I had only one way to go.
Up.
They certainly threw me into the deep end. They started me on their fine jewelry previews.
This meant days and days filled to the bursting with jewelry dealers, woman- and men- who just loved bling, mothers and daughters shopping for Christmas and birthday presents, husbands indulging their wives, and everybody else in Chicago who loved jewelry and was looking for a treasure.
We had 1200 lots. From priceless tiaras to baubles not worth more than a few hundred dollars.
And for days and days, I handed them over one at a time for people to peer at with loupes, weigh with scales, try on and try on me.
Most of these “inspectors” were repeat customers. Savvy about the product and savvy about the process. They didn’t ask me too many (dreaded) questions.
But every once in awhile I got a question I couldn’t answer.
“Was this ruby gassed?”
“Is this a Burmese sapphire?”
“Is this a good color for an amethyst?”
OMG.
I went running to our curators for help.
And speaking of running, let’s now deal with my most vital piece of equipment for my new job.
It isn’t my loupe or electron microscope or winning smile or salesmanship or encyclopedic knowledge of all things trivial.
It’s these.
The first day I had worn these.
BIG mistake. HUGE.
Oh, my achin’ back.
Luckily, my boss, Maureen (a doll in every way. No, really. A fabulous woman and so chic) took pity on me.
“You’re behind the cases all day. Wear something sensible tomorrow on your feet.”
My other new colleague, Ann, also gave me great advice and went out of her way to be congenial.
It might be early days yet but I can attest to the fact that LH employees to a man have been kind, enthusiastic and helpful to this newbie.
They’re also wonderful-looking.
I’m not sure but I think HR at LH must use a casting agent to help hire the help.
The resumes may be chock full of MFA’s and former museum postings but 8×10 glossy head shots must have been de rigueur in the interview process, as well.
Everyone there is drop dead gorgeous.
And I’m old enough to be everyone’s mother.
But I hope I can bring something to the party and make them proud.
It’s going to be an interesting Chapter Three in my book of life, Dear Readers.
So stay tuned.
And drop by the previews and see me some time.
And if you’ve got a spare Rembrandt, a gently-used Warhol, a rusty old coin collection or Great Aunt Gertrude’s Charles James’ dresses to unload, get in touch.
May I hear the next bid, please.
Well, Ellen, seems like you’ve been around the auction block a few times. Mazel tov on your new gig, and thanks for posting the classic scene from “North by Northwest”–what a treasure.
Thanks, George, for bidding me such good tidings. Glad you’re sold on “North By Northwest.” Fondly, George Kaplan
Ellen — As always, you have again brought your great sense of humor to a description of a new chapter in your never-boring life!
Leslie Hindman is one of our best friends — and I think hiring you is yet another brilliant move by her.
See you soon in the world of wildly waving paddles!
Love ya, Bill
Bless you, Bill. I figured you two terrific people knew each other. Your thumbs up means the world to me. Thanks so very much. And let’s do lunch again soon.
You got it!
Hi Ellen…no need to post this…
congratulations — what a perfect careeer for you! Finding a stylish, comfortbale shoe is tough, isn’t it? I have a pair of m. gemi flats which are super comfortable, and I’ve heard that “tieks” are also quite comfortable. I guess there are worse things than shoe shopping, right?!
Wishing you all the best!
-Nancy
I did put this up, Nancy. Your good wishes and down to earth shoe advice should see the light of comment day. Thanks for taking the time to do both. Hope to see you at something soon.
Congratulations! I think this is a wonderful thing for you to be doing. Of course, my interests tend towards all things “furniture”, but Leslie is a wonderful person and a great asset to Chicago, not normally known for strength in the world of antiques . But she is so erudite and well traveled that she has taught many of us …3rd hand, of course.
I think you will be a smash there , as long as “your feet hold out”.
Great news and I am so happy for you.
Leslie is a real force of nature and I plan on studying her closely. Thanks for the good wishes, Scott. Means a lot. And drop by and see us sometime.
I expect that paddles are in the air all over town applauding your new career! Nothing but the best Ellen… it sounds like a real match!
Thank you, my friend. Nice to know you’re “sold” on the idea. Fun running into you guys, last might. Hope you hd a great dinner.
Right back atcha!
What a great fit! Good luck in your new endeavor. xoxo
Thanks, fellow post camper. And even better news, I bet I can still be in ER next year- at least for some of it. Looking forward to catching up with you IRL.
Congrats!!! Great company and a perfect fit. I have both bought and sold from them.Very nice people and very helpful.
Great to hear! And if you have another old Shelby GT350 to unload, see me.
Brava! Brava! What a perfect fit for my tres chic Ami. Your encyclopedic knowledge of everything will enthrall your employers, coworkers, and clients. And how much fun to run your fingers through and admire all the finery you are tasked to sell. Just imagine you are the big B.G. showing his clients what they desire and why.
You’ll be a sensation.
But we must talk about your footwear. Tres dommage. We must shop for something that goes with all your beautiful clothes. Paging Dorothy!
Much love and congratulations Demi! Bette
I do need a shopping trip badly, my fashionista. But we will discuss entre nous. Thank you thank you thank you for getting me here. I’ll never forget it. 💋❤️
Congrats E on your new venture. I started mine almost 14 years ago working for a medical lab and really had no medical background…..but it involved calling on Dr. offices and I had plenty of customer service background jobs. I took it just to get out of my comfort zone, not planning to stay, but here I am and yes, I work with much younger employees and clients. Of course it helps that most of them are good looking gals, being the old dog that I am. So I hope you have a good experience and I know you will do well.Take care….but I hope this means you won’t dismiss your blog. Love ya.
Thanks for the personal story filled with encouraging words, Steve. Really love to hear that it’s possible to re-invent one’s career at this stage of the game. I plan on blogging ad infinitum. May have to go to one a week though. We will take it one day at a time. So glad you’ve hung in there. 😘
It is my understanding that Crocs are not only very comfortable, but quite fashionable as well. When festooned with accoutrements such as the exquisite Jibbitz line of Crocs-enhancing fashion accessories, they are the footwear of choice for job interviews, funerals, weddings, probation or parole meetings, Internet-arranged dates, et. al.
Thanks, Peter. I feel just like Mario Batali already. 👍
I’ve got two Wolf Kahn oils (54″ x 60″) and one pastel. Hillary has four oils – he’s her favorite painter. Who knows? – my oils could launch your career + fund my retirement??? Pix available…..Just whistle.
You’ll hear from me. Thanks, David!
I hope you told her you’re busy for a week every August!
See Denny’s comment. ER will be in ER, don’t worry. 👍😀
Did you let them know that you need vacation time for your annual trip to Camp Ojibwa Post Camp?
Yep! And I got it! Would I miss Post? Never. 😊