An old saying warns against mixing family and business. Apparently, the owners of Sadows Auction Galleries Paul and Carolyn Sadows never listened.
For over 25 years, the Sadows have sold rare collectibles, antiques, fine art and fine gem properties from around the world through their gallery on W. Washington Street. With the Sadows teaming up as a family, sales are made through in-store auctions, on-premise auctions, estate sales and items sold daily on the gallery floor.
‘We all mesh together and after you’ve worked with someone, you get to know each other and we compliment each other. We all have are own specialty,? said Paul.
Each member of the family involved with the business add to the gallery’s success. Paul heads the auctions and catalogues the items, while Carolyn keeps track of the finances. One of the Sadows three sons, Ron Chamberlain, specializes in jewelry and serves as gallery director. Ron’s wife, Gwen, works putting together the catalogue. Another son, P.J., handles the computers, Web site and photography. Granddaughter Ashley works as part of a co-op program as well. A large part-time staff also works for the Sadows, some began with the gallery since 1980.
‘The most important part for our business is that when we first started, we paid on time after an item is sold. We pay people in 30 days right on the nose and we’ve done that for 25 years. In this business that doesn’t happen real often,? said Paul.
While establishing a solid reputation for bronze sculptures and statues throughout the Midwest, the Sadows have deal with buyers and sellers from across the world creating unique experiences.
Paul recalled a jewelry auction, conducted at Deer Lake Athletic Club in the early 90’s, where precious jewels and Colombian emeralds confiscated by United States Marshals were sold.
‘We had people come from all over the world, it was just packed. Michigan politicians and celebrities showed up’Some of the confiscated emeralds brought in up to half a million dollars,? said Paul.
Meeting the well-dressed marshals at the airport was quite an experience, added Paul.
‘We thought this was unusual. Here I am, walking through the airport with $2 million dollars worth of emeralds. They knew exactly who we were. They followed us back to Clarkston and knew every move those emeralds made,? said Paul.
This year, the Sadows completed a major estate sale overlooking the second hole of Warwick Hills Country Club in Grand Blanc during the Buick Open.
‘When we were working, Tiger Woods was going by. We’d sneak out to watch him, it was a lot of fun,? said Paul.
He also highlights one particular auction where a pair of sunglasses worn by Elvis Presley, complete with perspiration dots, were sold for $3,500.
‘I’ve been in this business for over 35 years and you think in that time I would have seen everything there is to see, but no. This gallery is like the antique roadshow everyday,? said Paul. ‘I’ve been able to learn a lot from the people I’ve been dealing with through the years; seeing what makes them successful and interesting people. They’re just fun to be with.?
The rise of the internet changed the Sadows business by increasing the flow of bids and consignments. With their catalogue complete with photos on-line, they can receive bids from all over the world, which has opened up a larger market.
‘For the auction we had in Grand Blanc at the end of August we had over 5,000 hits on-line before that auction,? said Carolyn. ‘It’s been a real positive thing for us.?
A unique aspect of Sadows Auction Gallery is Paul’s superstitions. His podium has traveled across the country with him on several auctions. Included as part of the podium is a Beanie Babie from one of his grandchildren and several pictures of family members.
‘We used to travel a lot and do auctions, that podium has been all over the United States,? said Carolyn.
‘In this business, you never know what to expect. I keep six pens in my pocket during the auction. If it’s not going well, I switch pens. If it is going well I keep the same one,? said Paul.
Superstition started for Paul before he was born.
‘My mother was pregnant and trying to determine a name for me. She was going to church and the family Bible fell as she was stepping out of the car? It landed in a puddle and opened to Paul and that’s how I got my name,? said Paul.
‘Thirty years later, I saw an article about a church liquidating? I bought the oak podium from the church ‘when my mother was visiting here she said ‘That’s the podium from the church where I dropped the Bible.??
According to Paul, the Gallery used to be owned by Henry Ford and car parts were produced there for the car plants in the Detroit area. It was also an old mill at one time with a paddle wheel to generate power.
The Sadows have been married for 30 years and have resided in Independence Township together the entire time.
‘We both love Clarkston and we could live just about anywhere, but we stay here. The people are fun and outgoing? It’s safe and we’ve never had a problem. It’s very pleasant to conduct business,? said Paul. ‘And people not from here enjoy coming down to Clarkston.?
One key to the family’s success is the special times spent together up on Platte Lake, south of Traverse City, said Paul.
‘We never talk about business at family vacations. You get away and it’s just family. People get too involved and the business consumes their life and runs their life and they get burned out. We come back from there (Platte Lake) refreshed,? said Paul.
Golfing brings out the competitive side of the family, which hosts a golfing tournament on the Fourth of July complete with large trophy. The men of the family also meet up north the first week of June for another tournament.
The Sadows have three sons: Ron and Jeff Chamberlain and P.J. Ron and his wife Gwen have two children: Ashley, 17, and Amanda, 13. P.J. Sadows and wife Amy have one son, Everest, 7. Jeff and his wife Marnie have Victoria, 11; Rob, 12; Savannah, 6; and Elizabeth, 2.