Member Feature
Ari Kuczynski - Grand Oak Auctions
It’s amazing how the passions and interests we have as children can play such a big role and shape who and what we become as adults. For Ari Kuczynski of Grand Oak Auctions, it was performing in the theatre as a child, and being branded a “fast talker” that paved the way for him in becoming the proud owner and founder of Grand Oak Auctions.
Ari says that having been involved in theatre and being a “fast talker” as a child seemed to be the initial signs that he should become an auctioneer. “Later, I enjoyed attending auctions as a buyer and noted how talented Auctioneers used charisma and personality to create excitement. I then realised that this was the industry for me,” he said.
Having started out in the Auction division of a leading realty company and then completing an auctioneering course, Ari says the next logical step was to open an auction house. “In November 2021, I decided that I needed to go out on my own and began the slow and careful preparations for creating Grand Oak Auctions,” he said. He credits Arkady Matusowsky from Royal Auction Academy as his mentor, and notes that there have been several other great people who have assisted in guiding and moulding him to where he is today. “Guidance from my mentors and the S.A. Institute of Auctioneers has proved invaluable. I am grateful to them all.”
With plans to see Grand Oak Auctions become an international auction house, Ari says that the company’s biggest accomplishment thus far has been moving into their new premises and keeping their suppliers and buyers content. “initially I found it a challenge to find the right premises and to connect with the best service providers. Today I feel that it was appropriate to sort this out before launching,” Ari says.
“Assisting sellers to get a return on an investment and seeing a happy buyer walking off with a great deal are the greatest highlights for me,” Ari says when asked about his favourite part of auctioneering.
Operating in Johannesburg’s Northern and North East suburbs as well as the areas surrounding their offices in Houghton, Grand Oak Auctions specialises in upmarket household contents, such as; art; carpets; jewellery; antiques; furniture; collectables; fine crockery; and more. “We are not limited to these, but they are our main focus for now,” says Ari.
We are so grateful to have Ari and Grand Oak Auctions as a member of SAIA and we are excited with them in seeing many great auctions and successes in their future!
Grand Oak Auctions
Website: www.grandoak.co.za
Auctioneering: Grand Oak Auctions | Auctioneers Johannesburg | Auctioneers Gauteng (auctioneering.co.za)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 063 740 1878 | Cellphone: 083 604 1299
Social Media
Facebook: Grand Oak Auctions
Insta: @grandoakauctions
LinkedIn: Grand Oak Auctions
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