Phones shrilling, people chattering, music playing, departments meeting – an open concept office can take some getting used to, especially for an attorney transitioning from a large law firm.
“The open-office concept is a great communication tool,” Concierge Auctions’ Compliance Attorney Grant Himes says. “It takes some getting used to, but the ability to instantly update multiple departments when a process changes is incredibly valuable.”
Grant started with Concierge Auctions in November of last year. His workflow can vary significantly from day to day, but his main focus is contract negotiation and completion.
“These contracts and related items are necessary to sell each of our remarkable properties. They ensure we come away from each sale with a happy seller and a happy buyer,” Grant explains.
From left to right, Grant Himes, an intern from Loop and Tie, and last month’s Employee of the Month, Michael Zisk
“I came to Concierge in search of challenge and responsibility. I have worked hard to learn new processes and requirements in order take on additional responsibilities. Chad, Laura, and Allison have been a phenomenal team to work for and have rewarded me with many new responsibilities as I grow in my position. The work is challenging, but I love it!”
Grant was selected as one of two employees of the month for May. Here is a snippet from an anonymous nomination:
“He is not only doing a great job at what he came here to do, but he is constantly taking on additional tasks, showing what a real team player he is.”
Grant and his wife Katie love to spend time exploring Austin and, since moving here, have discovered a new treasure with a little help from Concierge.
“The company dinner at Cooper’s BBQ has been my favorite memory to date.” Grant recalls. “It was great meeting so many of our employees that work in the field, as well as their families. And, having come to Texas from North Carolina, it gave me a chance to experience Texas BBQ for the first time. I’m sorry, North Carolina, but I’ve seen the light. Texas BBQ has you beat. All day, every day.”
As Grant alluded to, Concierge has many employees in the field. We decided to start granting the employee of the month award to two employees; one in the office, and one in the field.
Nearly 900 miles from our Austin, TX office, employee of the month Erin Struxness manages The Last Dance – a property in Nashville, Tennessee set to hit the auction block June 29th.
“I work one-on-one with the listing agent to aggregate a field of qualified bidders for each property,” Erin says. “Emails and phone calls in the mornings, open house in the afternoons. Evenings are spent networking and talking up the auction property.”
From left to right, Chairman Chad Roffers, Erin Struxness, and Nick Leonard.
Erin started with Concierge Auctions almost four years ago. She says the key to her position as a Project Sales Manager is to take time for yourself.
“This position requires working seven days a week (when on assignment). The burn-out potential is high if you don’t spend some time on yourself,” Erin explains. “The biggest challenge is being away from friends and family for long periods of time. I unpack as soon as possible. I carry photos and things from home that I set up in my room while on a project. They remind me of home. Some of my friends come to visit me on site as well – they like to travel, too.”
Erin loves the experiences her position exposes her to.
“This job encompasses everything that I love to do… travel, meet new people, experience new things, create new friendships, and sell real estate,” she explains. “The past four years have been filled with incredible people, experiences, and travels.”
Other employees admire Erin for her expertise and drive. Here’s what one employee had to say when nominating her:
“She has total dedication to her craft and is an example to follow for everyone at Concierge Auctions. Not only is she dedicated and hard working, but her skill and talent in acquiring bidders is unparalleled.”
When asked for some interesting stories about her time working with Concierge, Erin had a hard time narrowing it down.
“My favorite times are spent interacting with the in-office staff during our company meetings; watching Katie Lawless clogging with our seller at June Carter Cash’s holler; doing donuts in a 4×4 in Jackson Hole on vacant land in the middle of a herd of elk; driving four hours to do a three-minute TV interview, then driving back another four hours in Montana; sharing wine with a seller from his priceless wine collection every day, surrounded by his five dogs in Oregon; witnessing some of the biggest surf in the world on Oahu; rodeos; concerts; music festivals; great hikes; incredible food experiences; and great agents, buyers, and sellers.”