Los Angeles, CA — I’ll admit—at one point in my career, I was more fascinated with the property than the people. This may sound blasphemous, but it’s true. John, my father, loved people—especially our customers, and that fondness was reciprocated.
When I was young, the thrill of chasing and landing consignments was all-consuming. There was usually a wide age gap between the clients I met and the deals I closed. People were a means to an end—fill an auction with amazing art, jewelry, and design, then move on to the next.
After decades in the auction business, I came to realize that the real treasure was not the material items, but the clients and relationships built along the way. This may be partly due to the age gap closing and my life experiences, which allowed me to relate better. Nonetheless, I have encountered the most interesting people who, when given the opportunity, are eager to share fascinating details of their life stories.
Jeff Moran President, Auctioneer
“After decades in the auction business, I came to realize that the real treasure was not the material items, but the clients and relationships built along the way. ”
As I approach my 25th anniversary with my wife, I am reminded of a moment years ago when a client at an auction asked, “Where are you going for your honeymoon?” It was months before the wedding date, and we were undecided on a destination. Sensing our uncertainty, Charlie Sands, who we only knew casually, offered for us to stay at his guesthouse in Wyoming. I relayed this offer to Maranda, and she smiled and replied, “Why not? That sounds delightful!” The day after our wedding, we loaded our vehicle and set out north on an adventure-filled road trip to Jackson Hole. There, we river rafted and camped with Charlie on the Snake River, and afterward, he graciously shared his mountain home with us. Not only did that trip create wonderful memories, but it also forged a long-lasting relationship that we cherish today.
This summer, our daughter Mattox (now 18) and I took a road trip and stayed with our friend once again in Jackson Hole. This time, the pace was slower, allowing us to catch up, go to farmers markets in town, and enjoy our friend’s company and see his amazing ethnographic/Western collection – which remains just as inspiring as it was all those years ago.
Norman Rockwell, Study for The Land of Enchantment
Our stay served as a reminder for me and a valuable lesson for our daughter: what truly matters in life are the friendships we have the chance to cultivate, the willingness to say “yes” to an invitation—and, in our case, the appreciation that art and antiques (along with a dash of serendipity) happen to be the blend that brought us all together.
Currently, I am at a stage in my career where the age gap between myself and many of our clients is closing. This reality has better positioned me to understand and strategize around the needs of the people we serve on a fundamentally broader scale. The life changes we experience—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a divorce, the downsizing of a residence, or other significant events — are constants we help people navigate daily. Fulfillment in my daily work no longer comes from landing the best deal; it now involves working closely with clients, listening to their stories, understanding how they became passionate about their collections, and helping them transition to the next chapter in their lives.
The company that John Moran founded in 1969 has grown exponentially; this exciting newsletter is a testament to that. With over 40 employees and more than 30 auctions per year, Moran’s is in growth mode. Each day, I am fortunate to collaborate and work side by side with my colleagues, viewing the business through their eyes, their excitement, and sharing their successes. I cannot help but feel that this is how my father felt watching me on my journey.