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From Market Stalls to Modern Office Solutions: The Journey of George Walkers Office Furniture

From Market Stalls to Modern Office Solutions: The Journey of George Walkers Office Furniture

Serena Maitland |

Picture a wild market stall. It’s overflowing with bits and bobs, and manned by a single mum in her 30s. That’s where this all started.

I was flipping everything from tools to ballgowns, then hurrying away to serve customers next door at my steak and gravy caravan. I loved the mayhem, but what caught my attention was a group of people having even more fun than everyone else. They were auctioneers, and I wanted to be one.

In what felt like a blink, I finished two years of unpaid work at one of Auckland's oldest auction houses: George Walkers. When tough times sent the firm into liquidation, I seized the chance and bought it.

The only way to transform it into a healthy business was to try new approaches to auctions. First, we went online with Trade Me. Then, I put everything on the line and bought six full floors of furniture from an accounting firm.

And that’s when it clicked. Our planet and small businesses were in dire need of used corporate furniture. By recycling premium equipment from the big guys who didn’t need it, we diverted tons of amazing furniture from heading to the landfill and instead made it affordable for everyone.

Since then, I've split my time between seeing this vision through and giving charities a hand with their auctions. Today, my daughter’s at the helm while I enjoy semi-retirement and jump in when charities need an Auctioneer for their events. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of innovation, sustainability, and excellence!

- Michelle

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