Local StoriesSeptember 26, 2022

Inspiring Conversations with Marcelle Bruck of Vintage Monkey Estate Sales

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcelle Bruck.

Hi Marcelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved learning people’s stories. When I’d visit my grandparents in New Orleans, I loved exploring their houses. There was so much history. I’d find photos, journals and momentos from my grandparents and my aunts. I’d imagine the stories that went with the things I found. I’d ask questions so I could understand. History always amazed me. That “thrill” I got from the hunt never went away. As I got older I loved exploring anywhere I went- traveling, visiting museums, or shopping in old antique stores, anywhere I could find “treasures” that were of interest.

Once I had my children and I felt like they were old enough for me to go back to work, I decided I wanted to do something on my own- I wanted to be my own boss. I had always enjoyed going to estate sales, so I did some research, met with some mentors that were no longer in the business, and took the plunge. I started Vintage Monkey Estate Sales in 2014.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, my journey has been a smooth one. I have a unique job because my “office” changes every week or 2. I get to start over with every job I take on. It’s like being a painter. A painter takes a blank canvas and the goal is to paint something amazing. Each house that I work in is like my blank canvas. I go into a house and set up a sale. I take the items that are in the house and try and present them in such a way that the shoppers that come to my sales see them as amazing and want to shop in the house.

I do not always love everything that is in the house, but it is so exciting to me when I can present the house and the contents in an appealing way. The hardest part of my job is probably balancing the emotions my client’s are facing. They are usually either going through a major life move or grieving a death that has recently happened. Everyone deals with these changes differently and I have to be compassionate about every single one of these situations.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vintage Monkey Estate Sales?
Vintage Monkey Estate Sales is a full-service estate sale company. We specialize in helping our clients move to the next phase of their lives. This transition could be due to a big move, a downsizing venture, a death, or a divorce. We specialize in providing a full-service experience from setting up the sale, advertising, holding the sale, donating unsold items, and clearing out the house so it is completely empty for our client. We have been serving the KC metro area for 9 years. With our team of employees, we are a knowledgeable, hard-working, trustworthy bunch.

Our team consists of certified appraisers with knowledge of vintage items, antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles, and more. We have a wealth of experience in sales and business ownership. We love helping people move to the next stage in their lives. Here at Vintage Monkey, we call it “rightsizing” because it’s a process of making people’s lives “right”.

What were you like growing up?
My parents and sisters called me “The General” when I was little. I was the youngest of 3 girls. I never really liked the name because I felt like it was negative or they were making fun of me. Looking back, I earned the name because I was bossy. I liked to take charge. I guess my personality has served me well. If you are going to run a successful business, you have to be a leader.

I also had a huge imagination. I loved building and creating things. When I was assigned a project in school (I LOVED projects!), mine always had to be the most spectacular. I have carried this passion over into my company. I’m not satisfied until I feel like we have set up the best possible sale for our clients. Every sale is a new shot at presenting a great sale!

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