This series of blog posts will discuss an experience I recently had involving my seven-year-old nephew and what this experience taught me about honesty and integrity in the Glendale auction industry.

My seven-year-old nephew Baylor recently received a gift of marbles. He had never played marbles before so he asked his uncle to teach him how to play. The technique of thumb placement and proper marble shooting were reviewed and it was decided that for every three chances Baylor took at the game his uncle would take one. The game progressed nicely and Baylor began to master art of shooting of marbles. Baylor insisted that it was now time for the two to compete as equals taking alternating turns. He didn’t need any extra help to win the game.

When the game was over, Baylor asked his grandmother for three pieces of candy and was told he could only have two. With a look of disappointment on his face he took his two candies and walked away. Trying to be a hero, I slipped him an extra candy when his grandmother wasn’t looking. He quietly walked back to the candy dish, lifted the lid and replaced the extra candy. There was no fanfare, he didn’t explain his actions or make sure someone was watching him do the right thing — he just returned what wasn’t rightfully his. As I watched the process it reminded me that integrity isn’t something we talk about it is something we do even when no one else is looking.

For more information about honesty and integrity in the Glendale auction industry continue reading this series or contact Auction Systems Auctioneers and Appraisers.