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Layne
An advocate for social impact, Layne’s work as The Auctionista has raised over $40 million for charity. Prior to becoming Canada’s Top Fundraising Auctioneer and creating a powerhouse company, Layne successfully pivoted from working as a Financial Advisor to Director of Development at an Ontario-based charity. Now, Layne is one of the most coveted and respected auctioneers and keynote speakers, with a sparkling reputation for personal storytelling that connects. Layne is continually moving the dial on philanthropy and making communities stronger. Connect with Layne here…
Finding Fortitude, The Auctionista
- Contributed By: Layne
Tell us a little something about your business...
I was a Financial Advisor turned Director of Development for a charity in Ontario. After a lightbulb moment in 2009, while at the very first charity gala I ever attended , I knew I was destined to become a fundraising auctioneer! Within 6 months of that event, and a week of training at one of the USA’s longest standing auction schools, I became The Auctionista. I began working with charities big and small to bring their event fundraising to life. As a Fundraising Auctioneer, with a non-profit and finance background, I had a strong sense that the business was going to thrive. I would offer clients extensive pre-event planning, combined with fun, high octane delivery on event day.
In my 14+ year career, I have taken the stage over 1,300 times and have helped charities across North America raise over $40 million dollars. As a successful non-binary entrepreneur and working with hundreds of clients and their teams, I was often being asked to deliver keynotes or workshops for their staff teams, specifically around diversity and inclusion.
This led to the development of the IMPACT Workshop, a DEIB-focused experience for both corporate and non-profit teams to help them easily navigate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging through the lens of a non-binary person. We launched the IMPACT Workshop in January 2024 and have been actively working with teams to help them build a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
When was your lightbulb moment?
When I was the Director of Development for a charity here in Ontario, I attended my first fundraising gala which had a live auction segment in the program. When it was time for the live auction, a very stereotypical auctioneer (think southern livestock auctioneer) took the stage. What followed was a jarring experience that I was not prepared for. He was brash. He was insensitive. He was not what that fundraiser needed. When he was done, I turned to my wife Sue and said “I could do that”. In that moment, I KNEW that I would be able to deliver something incredible to the client. But where to start? I had no idea. So when Mr. Auctioneer left the stage, I hurried over and asked “How can I do that?”
Well.
Mr. Auctioneer looked me up and down, moved his glasses down his nose and said… “Hey Little Missy. This is a generational job.” These words sparked my lightbulb moment. They were the kerosene to my match and I became unstoppable from that moment on.
What are your three words of advice?
Do not waiver.
I have been asked so many times throughout my career to do things differently, or simply be something I’m not. Even when a proposal seems tempting, I remind myself to stay true – both in business and personally. By being authentically me, I am offering the world the best version of myself.
Three words of advice...
You know yourself best.
An advocate for social impact, Layne’s work as The Auctionista has raised over $40 million for charity. Prior to becoming Canada’s Top Fundraising Auctioneer and creating a powerhouse company, Layne successfully pivoted from working as a Financial Advisor to Director of Development at an Ontario-based charity. Now, Layne is one of the most coveted and respected auctioneers and keynote speakers, with a sparkling reputation for personal storytelling that connects. Layne is continually moving the dial on philanthropy and making communities stronger. Connect with Layne here…
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”
