We were lucky to catch up with Benefit Auctioneer Gayle Stallings, CAI, BAS recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Gayle with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’ve been having these moments of self-reflection lately, wondering where this relentless drive to hustle and get things done comes from. It’s something I think about a lot, especially since I’ve been running my own business, FUNauctions LLC, as a professional benefit auctioneer and fundraising strategist for almost twenty years now. Let’s dive into the mystery of work ethic and where it might spring from:
Family Roots: You know how they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Well, sometimes, neither does the work ethic. Growing up in the family restaurant business, where hard work was just part of everyday life, really instills that same value in you. Watching my parents juggle multiple jobs and businesses, or having to cancel Friday night plans with friends to cover a shift when someone called off—those experiences shape you more than you might realize.
Life Experiences: Life has a funny way of shaping us, doesn’t it? Those challenges we face, the setbacks we endure, they all play a part in molding our work ethic. Maybe you had to pay your way through college and work multiple jobs like I did, or perhaps you’ve overcome obstacles in your career that have fueled your determination. Each experience adds another layer to your work ethic, making you more resilient and driven.
Role Models and Mentors: Ever had someone in your life who just seemed to embody what it means to work hard? For me, that was my mom and dad. Whether it’s a mentor at work, a coach on the field, or even a fictional character who inspires you, these role models can leave a lasting impression. Learning from their example, picking up their habits, it all contributes to shaping your own work ethic. Ever since I was young, my dad always told me to think like a boss.
So, where do you get your work ethic from? It could be a mix of these factors or something entirely unique to you. Whatever the source, embrace it and let it propel you toward your goals.
You know what’s wild? A solid work ethic can totally whisk you away to places you never even dreamed of, just by diving into what you’re passionate about. Case in point: It’s been a whopping two decades, and I’m still head over heels for my gig. I get to serve as the ambassador for a nonprofit organization on stage as their benefit auctioneer while being the fundraising whiz and putting together the puzzle pieces behind the scenes, helping them amp up their fundraising game and smash their goals. And let me tell you, the ride just keeps getting better!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Sharing the joy: Think of it like passing around a plate of cookies at a party—except instead of cookies, it’s all about dishing out smiles and good vibes wherever you go (and raising a lot of money at a gala!) That’s what I do for the hundreds of nonprofits that I have worked with since 2005. Whether it’s through promoting their event on social media posts, helping connect the perfect vendors to be part of the nonprofit’s gala team, or hosting productive committee meetings through engaging consulting sessions, spreading the word about my unique brand of “FUN” is all about sharing the love and inviting others to join in on the excitement because fundraising starts with FUN!
Getting creative: Who says spreading the word has to be boring? I always try to inject some pizzazz into the creative process by thinking outside the box. From dressing to the theme in a costume to facilitating a training session for the Board of Directors on how to reach the event goals, there are endless ways to showcase what makes my brand of “FUN” stand out from the crowd. After all, when it comes to spreading joy, why not have a little fun with it?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Here are the three game-changers that stand out:
Toastmasters and Public Speaking: Picture this: standing on stage, mic in hand, butterflies doing the cha-cha in your stomach. Toastmasters and the art of public speaking—they’re like your trusty sidekicks, helping you transform those nerves into pure charisma. From mastering the art of persuasion to honing my storytelling chops, this skill set has been the secret sauce in owning every room I walk into. I still use a lot of the presentation and meeting skills I picked up when I joined my first Toastmaster club in 1998.
Improv classes: Ah, the stage where spontaneity reigns supreme! Improv isn’t just about making people laugh (though that’s a pretty sweet bonus), it’s about thinking on your feet, rolling with the punches, and embracing the unexpected twists and turns that life throws your way. Whether I’m riffing off a teammate’s idea, handling a tough client meeting, or picking up on the body language of the highest bidder during a benefit auction, Improv has shown me how to adapt, innovate, and thrive in any situation.
Growing Up in a Family Business: I remember those childhood days spent running around the family restaurant, soaking up every nugget of business wisdom like a sponge. Growing up in a family business wasn’t just about learning the ropes—it was a crash course in resilience, grit, and the art of hustling with heart. From witnessing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to mastering the delicate dance of balancing work and family, this upbringing laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy.
These three pillars—Toastmasters and public speaking, Improv classes, and growing up in a family business—have been my north star, guiding me through the twists and turns of my journey and shaping me into what I am today.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Well, if you’re anything like me, you’re drawn to creative minds with a passion for making magic happen. Whether it’s fellow entrepreneurs bursting with innovative ideas, artists who paint outside the lines, or experts in their field who bring a fresh perspective to the table, I’m all about building a dream team of go-getters who aren’t afraid to dream big and help nonprofit organizations grow their fundraising galas.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, that sounds like me!”, then guess what? You’re in luck! Connecting with me is as easy as pie. Just shoot me a message, slide into my DMs, or drop me an email—I’m all ears and ready to chat about how we can join forces to create something truly epic. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas over coffee or diving headfirst into a new project together, I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish when we put our heads together.
Contact Info:
- Website: funauctions.net
- Instagram: @funauctions
- Facebook: @funauctionsfun
- Linkedin: Gayle Stallings
Image Credits
The two photos in the garden setting: sitting on the rock bench and standing at a table: Photo credits Micki Pickering
