"The past 2 and a half years working with Park West Gallery has been an exhilarating experience! Every day I feel like a kid in a candy store while in a gallery, on a cruise ship, surrounded by incredible fine art. Before Park West I was a successful sales representative for a large firm in Vancouver, the only problem was that I did not have a passion for the product. One of the hardest things to look for, when finding employment in sales, is a product that can inspire you. Even though I did not have an art history background, Park West was able to provide with a way to make a lot of money and sell something that I have grown to love and cherish. In my wildest dreams, I would have never thought that I would be selling original works of art by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir and much more. Now my life has been enriched with the emotional aspect of art, the history attached to it and the love that collectors have for placing the art they've acquired on the walls of their home.

The people you meet make a large impact on your life. While working on a cruise ship I have made countless of friends, most importantly my girlfriend from South Africa, who is now working with me as my assistant. Park West has been great with allowing us the freedom to create a work environment on a cruise ship that allows both of us to utilize the different and unique skills we have to maximize the program we offer our clients onboard cruise ships. This is a huge benefit.

My favorite aspect of being an auctioneer with Park West is that I am rewarded for my efforts. The smarter I work, the more I sell, the more money I make. My college debt has been paid off, I have a sufficient amount of money in retirement funds, I have a large down payment ready for my first home, and I still spend money on the things I love to do. Not only that, working on a cruise ship allows me to relax on the beach and soak in the scenery of some of the most beautiful places in the world!"

Paul Becker
Vancouver, BC Canada

"I have to warn you about Park West. The 10 day training program that they conduct before you start is the most rigorous training I have ever done. So if you are even thinking about this job you better be prepared to work. That being said, I firmly believe that the smartest move I ever made was going to work as an auctioneer with Park West Gallery in the fall of 2004. That is the year that my life changed forever. I have made a very good living ever since I started. And I did this while seeing the world and developing my skills as a public speaker and auctioneer. I also became an art connoisseur which has enriched my life in ways I never quite expected. If you want to work in a cubicle for peanuts you are most welcome to it, but if you want to see the world and learn a highly-paid trade then I couldn't recommend this job enough. And by the way, check out the book "The Millionaire Next Door" because you might be surprised to learn that auctioneers are actually in the list of the top 10 most highly paid people in the United States."

Paul Bielby
Kelowna, BC Canada

 

"Over the past 4 years I have made more money working as an Art Dealer than all my friends back home while seeing all the places I had dreamed of. I also learned to be a great public speaker. Incredible bonus was meeting the love of my life and I am now happily married. "

Renee Leveille
Vernon, BC Canada

 

"Being an Art Auctioneer with Park West has been a truly amazing opportunity. I have a diverse background ranging from time spent in the military and police, to hotels, plus several years in sales and sales management. Park West has given me the chance to combine my love for and studies in art and history with my passion for sales in a way that no other career could have. I have traveled to almost every corner of the world at the same time as I freed myself from my university debt and banked more money than I could have in several years of working a 'normal' job.

Of course the financial rewards are amazing, but without job satisfaction, the money doesn't mean much. I can honestly say that I love what I do! Introducing new collectors to the joy of collecting. Seeing the amazement in people's eyes as I show an original Rembrandt and relate the compelling story behind these incredible works. The excitement and energy of running a live art auction for hundreds of people. No two days are ever the same. I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize that I'm enjoying coffee in Colombia, strolling the canals of Venice, hiking over the rocks and tundra of Greenland, or sitting in the famed Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Don't get me wrong, this position is not all travel and glamour. It requires dedication, hard work, innovation and creativity - but at the end of the day you are never limited by a salary or an hourly rate, your income is commensurate with the effort and ability that you put in."

Michael Tylor & Bethany Cornish
Vancouver, BC Canada

 

"Pablo Picasso once said, "If you know exactly what you're going to do, what's the good of doing it? Since you know, the exercise is pointless. It is better to do something else." I chose to do something different than the status quo.

In the past year or so, I have been to Alaska, Canada, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Columbia, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Florida, and way too many islands in the Caribbean to name. I have learned how to surf, I have held a baby sea turtle, swam with dolphins, seen Humpback Whales, Black Bears, eaten Alaskan King Crab... while in Alaska. I have seen the sunset in Maui and the same month watched as it set in Costa Rica. I work with a commodity that people want and need, I help provide the opportunity of a lifetime for others, while enjoying and taking advantage of every opportunity afforded to me in mine. Jealous? You could be like me; I do this for a living.

I have one of the best jobs in the world; I am an Art Auctioneer for Plymouth representing Park West Gallery. Many of you reading this right now, day dreaming of what your life could be, may never have heard of Park West Gallery, this is where we are different. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan; a town named West Bloomfield. Situated just down the street, walking distance from the house I grew up in is our main gallery. Park West Gallery is a mainstay in my community not only for its claim to fame as the "worlds largest art dealer" but also in its charitable contributions to the less fortunate in the Metro Detroit area. Living and working on a cruise ship is a wonderful life. Sure there are things that I miss from home but my life is so much better now than it used to be. My friends are from all over the world; I've got every continent covered except Antarctica. Every week I meet two or three thousand new guests that turn into friends and clients as we share the experience of travel and fine art. Life is good. I help to enable my collectors to turn their houses into homes.

Sounds good right?

This is a career like none other on earth. When I was at other jobs, it was the same minutia every day. The same people, the same places, the same schedule. This is different. In my life as an Auctioneer, every week is different; this job is helping me to define who I am. I grew up a Park West kid. My parents have a rather impressive collection of art from around the world including many wonderful works from Park West. They taught me to appreciate art in the way that I do. From roaming the gallery in Southfield, to attending one of the many artist exhibitions that the gallery hosts, Park West is part of our life. It was the way that art impacted my family and I, not to mention the potential income and travel, that made me decide on a career with Park West. My goal is to enhance a life, to provide excellent service, unique collecting opportunities and a unforgettable experience to all my clients. My wish is that they enjoy art as much as I do, that their kids grow up as I did, appreciating the finer things that life has to offer.

My career with Park West Gallery is wonderful, the managers supportive, the training comprehensive, the money limitless, and the travel second to none. The decision I made to change my life, drop my 9 to 5, and gain new perspective was not easy. I did not think you could get paid to do something like this. I looked everywhere, considering various charitable organizations that had perks of world travel. I searched the Internet, asked friends, looked in the classifieds. It's funny, after looking high and low, around the world really, I ended up working for a company just down the street.

'Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.' -Pablo Picasso."

Seth Collins
Southfield, Michigan USA

 

"As young adults, this career has opened many exciting doors that are normally closed to people starting out in the world. First of all, your earning potential is completely dependent on how much you are willing to work. If you put in you can really get out! Most of what you earn is easily saved as you have little "household" expenses. Thanks to this, we now own 2 properties and are busy building our dream home on the second one. As a couple of 27 years old, this is virtually unheard of!

We get paid to see the world and the view from our office changes every day. Again, how many people under the age of 30 can say that they have seen the world without backpacking and spending every cent they earn on a travel budget. It was an unexpected touch to get engaged on 12th deck of one of the most romantic vessels in the world, the setting sun glistening off the tranquil Mediterranean as it kissed the French shore. Personally we have grown in character and strength of confidence, acquiring skills and experience that will be invaluable in any future business that we are in. We have connected with all kinds of people, from the most powerful and influential to the humble young spirit who has left their country in search of a better life. We now have close friends in nearly any country in the world and look forward knocking on their doors one day. The business networking that we have done guarantees that no matter what we plan to do when we leave ships, we will succeed!

The thing that we really appreciate is that you get out what you put in. The job is stimulating, challenging and fulfilling, suitable for someone looking for a full time career or as a stepping stone to the future. If you are an adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit that is motivated to make money then this job is for you."

Jacqui and Damian Williams
Victoria, South Africa

 

"When I finished university I was left with debt and the distressing fact that to get into my desired job I would have to start at the bottom and work day in and day out to prove myself. I would also have to do this while struggling to pay for rent, food, expenses, etc. I started washing dishes at a pizza place when I was informed of the possibilities at Park West. My sister was an auctioneer and was making A LOT of money while traveling the world. Although I had little art knowledge I went to Park West training and less then two weeks later I was on a ship sailing to Alaska. 3 years have passed and I have been around the world and back.

In these 3 years a lot has happened. I've been to places I would have never visited, I have found life-long friends from around the world and I have gained an appreciation along with knowledge for all that is art. One of my favorite parts of this job is using my knowledge to educated and help my clients make informed decisions about collecting. A lot of people come onto the ships with no idea of what they are collecting. They attend your events and then half way through the cruise you hear them explaining an artwork to their family members or the people they are sat next to at your auction.

Last cruise I helped a gentleman that was from New York make his first art purchase. He started small with an $80 artwork and because of the appreciation he gained through one of the seminars he ended up collecting a Picasso, Rembrandt and a hand-full of other master works. I just received a thank you email from him which was truly amazing. He spent a lot of money and then thanked me for it!

I started this letter with "Jumpstart your career" because that is exactly what Park West does. I am now in my mid-twenties and I am going to leave this current contract with over 100k in the bank. I have no debt and have gained life skills that are going to allow me to be successful with whatever I venture into next."

Kris English
Vancouver, BC Canada

 

"In 1999 I began my cruise ship life as a personal trainer, since Exercise Science was my University experience. Whilst onboard ships I learned there was a more lucrative career in both the financial and managerial sides of the coin.

I thus applied to become a Fine Art Auctioneer with Plymouth representing Park West Gallery on cruise lines. My Fine Art knowledge was limited at the time but I knew I could entertain a crowd and sell. I took to the books to up my game on my Fine Art History and was appointed the position late August 2000. I thought I had an exciting life up till then... it was about to explode. Not only have I sailed to almost every part of the world that has a coast, I have built a great property portfolio in my home town in South Africa, due to my lucrative earnings and learned the art of managing people from all walks of life whilst running a very successful business.

Everyday I am asked to "please tell me more.... your life sounds so exciting". And yes, it is. I have also questioned myself time and time again... "how were you able to work so many hours on end?" and the answer has always been with the fantastic memories of people, places and of course, a great bank balance. Who would have thought.... from Personal Trainer to Fine Art Auctioneer! When home on vacation I have been head hunted to do auctions for companies and charities and sold a few houses as an Estate Agent all thanks to the professional training and opportunities afforded by Park West Gallery.

I treasure every day I have spent whilst contracted to Park West Gallery."

Catherine Elliot
Victoria, South Africa

 

"Without question one of the best career decisions I ever made was to work with Plymouth Auctioneering and
Park West. I am an American and I was raised in Mission Viejo, California. When I was young I never got to travel further than Arizona. Everyone dreams of having that great jet-setting job traveling the world earning tons of money. When I finally decided to take a job with Park West I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was scared because I knew very little about art; actually all I knew for sure was that this job was like nothing else I had ever encountered.

The training shore side was intense, and the first 4 months on the job on the cruise ship was a blur. As an Associate Auctioneer it was all about hard work and dedication, and you are constantly learning new things. Everything you do is preparation for the final phase: to become a Principal Auctioneer on your own cruise ship.

Needless to say at some point pretty early on in the job I found myself typing away on Facebook on a Tuesday during a day off in port. One of my old friends was chatting with me while on a break in their cubicle at their 9-5 job doing the same exact thing every single day. They asked me where I was, what I was doing, and what was this new job that I had gotten myself into. I told them that I was on Cozumel Island in Mexico at a beach resort. I was lounging by a pool drinking cheap Coronas at No Name Bar (trust me, you will love it when you get there) after spending the morning SCUBA diving on some of the world's best reefs. My new girlfriend from Sweden was sitting next to me and she was chatting with other shipboard friends from England and South Africa and Romania and Thailand. I was an art auctioneer / art dealer with the world's largest art dealer and I live and work on cruise ships all over the world.

My friend of course quickly replied "lol - what are you really doing". I think it was at that point that it hit me. I had found that dream job.

Working with Park West takes a lot of determination, hard work, creativity, people skills and a can do attitude. There are plenty of easy and fun days when the ship is in port and plenty of long hard days when the ship is at sea. The work is hard but the rewards are huge. This is not a 9-5 office job - you wake up in a new county every morning. You live for free on a luxury cruise line and have friends from all over the world. You have the opportunity and privilege to work with world class original artwork from some of the world's greatest living artists and even some of art history's greatest masters. The first time you ever pick up a 300+ year old Rembrandt your heart races; then it races even more when it sells to an excited client. You will work with fun and happy guests who are on vacation and you can educate them and enrich their lives. You will also be a part of a very strong team made up of top of their game outgoing go-getters who are wonderful to work with and call your friends. And if you have the desire and the drive you can earn a six figure income. When I was less than thirty years old I practically wrote a check to cover the purchase of my first house.

Working with Park West is the best move I have ever made in my life, and I cannot wait to see what the next 5 years have in store for me, because somehow it just keeps getting better."

Jason Castner
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA

 

"I started working with Park West Gallery in 2001 with great enthusiasm. For starters it matched my criteria at the time:

a. Making USD (I am Canadian)
b. Being an independent contractor
c. The job had a known track record. I didn't have to pioneer it.
d. I had to like it.

The criteria seemed very simple when I look back at it. I ended up getting that plus more as I learned more about this world of art and auctioneering. I found myself "right at home" in very short order and the "had to like it" criteria became "I love what I do".

I remember looking around the ship at what others did as well as when I was back home on vacation and I was so grateful that I got to do what I did. The rarity of what I did would really hit me when I tried to explain what it is that I do. Every time that happened I realized the skill set that was truly needed to be successful in this game AND to enjoy it.

Through this experience, some of my best friendships were formed while there and the memories are way more positive than negative. In general it was an opportunity of a lifetime and it refueled my sense of high power selling, entertaining and educating. The skills and abilities that I developed still continue to give me an edge in whatever I am focused on. The realization is if I managed to personally run a multi-million business on a moving vessel with constantly changing clientele and location and live in a little cabin, then really, there's not a whole lot that one can't do!

Geoffrey H. Fullerton (past auctioneer)
Canada