Today we’d like to introduce you to Holli McGee.
Hi Holli, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t find the auction business—it found me.
I grew up in it. My father ran the business, and my mother was the accountant, so from an early age I understood both the energy of the auction floor and the discipline it takes behind the scenes to make it all work. What started as exposure quickly became purpose.
I officially began my career in 1997 as a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. By 1999, I had taken over the personal property division of our auction business. It was fast-paced, hands-on work, and it taught me early how to make decisions, solve problems, and earn people’s trust.
For years, I ran the auction house—building relationships, handling estates, and helping families and collectors navigate the process of letting go and moving forward. Every item had a story, and I learned how to match those stories with the right buyers.
Then, in 2016, everything stopped.
I developed a heart infection that forced me to close the business. It wasn’t a planned pause—it was a full stop. After years of momentum, I had to step away and focus on my health. It was one of the hardest chapters of my life, both personally and professionally.
But it wasn’t the end of my story.
In 2022, I started over.
Rebuilding a business from the ground up gave me a new perspective. I came back with deeper experience, a clearer vision, and an even stronger commitment to the people I serve. Today, my work focuses on estate liquidations, antiques, art, sterling silver, and curated collections. I work with families, collectors, attorneys, and executors—people who need not just a service, but guidance and trust.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—and I don’t think this business ever is.
Auction work is fast-paced and unpredictable by nature. You’re dealing with tight timelines, emotional situations, and sometimes overwhelming volume—especially with estates where families are navigating major life transitions. Learning how to manage all of that while still running an efficient, organized operation was a challenge early on.
One of the biggest struggles has been the constant need to adapt. The industry has changed dramatically over the years—from live-only auctions to online platforms, shifting buyer expectations, and increased competition. Staying relevant means continually learning, adjusting systems, and sometimes rethinking how we do things entirely.
But the most defining challenge of my career came in 2016, when I developed a heart infection and had to close my business. That wasn’t just a professional setback—it was personal. I had spent years building something, and suddenly I had to walk away from it and focus on my health.
Starting over in 2022 brought its own challenges. Rebuilding a business isn’t easy—you don’t just pick up where you left off. You have to reestablish your client base, rebuild momentum, and prove yourself all over again in a changed landscape.
That said, those challenges have shaped how I operate today. I’m more intentional, more efficient, and more focused on creating systems that support both the business and the people behind it.
So no—it hasn’t been smooth. But I wouldn’t trade the lessons that came with it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McGee Auction and Appraisal Services LLC?
My business is rooted in helping people navigate transition.
I specialize in estate liquidations and personal property auctions, working with families, collectors, attorneys, and executors who are often dealing with significant life changes. Whether it’s downsizing, settling an estate, or managing a large collection, my role is to bring structure, clarity, and results to what can feel like an overwhelming process.
Our auctions feature a wide range of material—antiques, fine and decorative arts, firearms, coins, jewelry, collectibles, and everyday household contents—but what really defines our work is how we handle it. We don’t just sell items; we manage the entire process from evaluation and cataloging to marketing, sale, and final settlement.
What sets us apart is a combination of experience and perspective. Having grown up in the business and worked in it for decades, I understand both the emotional and financial sides of what we do. I also run a very hands-on operation. I’m directly involved in the details—how items are presented, how auctions are structured, and how clients are communicated with—because those details directly impact results.
I’m also very focused on efficiency and accountability. Our goal is to move estates through the process in a way that is organized, transparent, and respectful of both the client and the property. We work hard to avoid what I call “auction hangover”—where things linger unfinished. Clean transitions matter.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. This is a referral-driven business, and that only happens when people feel taken care of and confident in the outcome. I want our name to be associated with professionalism, honesty, and follow-through.
If there’s one thing I want readers to understand, it’s that auctions today are not just fast-talking and gavels—they are strategic, modern marketplaces. When done well, they are one of the most effective ways to connect the right items with the right buyers and to help people move forward with confidence.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my father, Carroll McGee, and my mother, Emma McGee. They were instrumental in helping me start the business, and their values laid the foundation for everything we do. But beyond them, it’s truly a team effort. Steve Cockrill, auctioneer, has been by my side for over two decades, and now I’m proud to see the third generation, Moultrie, stepping in as a curator. I also want to highlight the amazing team that makes it all possible—Catalina Keller, Nyna Dalbec, and Brian Foster. Their commitment and care are at the heart of our success.
I’d also like to give thanks to the National Auctioneers Association. Being part of CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute) and earning my Certified Estate Specialist designation opened my eyes to a much broader scale of business. The education, network, and resources I’ve gained through the NAA have been invaluable in helping me grow and refine what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcgee803.com
- Instagram: mcgeeauction803
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgeeauction
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollimcgee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mcgeeauction
