Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
Hi, I'm Kate Phillips Burgess.
I am from Ellis County, which is in the North Texas area. I moved to the heart of Dallas for about 5 years when my auction career was first taking off, and moved back to Ellis County when I met my husband and started raising my family, and is where I currently reside. My primary service area for auction events is North Texas, but I also serve clients statewide across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?
What I love about where I live now:
The sense of community, familiar faces and businesses that support each other which lead to stronger relationships and deeper connections for myself and my family. Being closer to family and friends is important to me in life.
Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?
My company specializes in fundraising auctions and nonprofit events. We help organizations, schools, and others create engaging, high-energy experiences that ultimately raise more money for their mission and community impact.
My passion for auctions and the industry started at a very early age of 16. I was drawn to the energy, the fast pace, and the unique ability auctions have to bring people together. From early on, I admired how auctioneers could connect with a crowd, create excitement, and make real impact through communication and relationship building. I graduated from auction school in 2013 and received my Texas auctioneer's license shortly after.
As I grew older, I realized the auction industry is about so much more than selling items - it's about serving people, building trust, and creating opportunities that benefit businesses, nonprofits and communities. That passion eventually led me to turn it into a career focused on fundraising and helping organizations make a greater impact. Flash forward to 2017 - when KP Auction Group was formed from a passion for people, communication, and using the talents God gave me to serve others in a meaningful way. By getting immersed in my state and national associations, meeting some of the wonderful people in the industry who later became mentors, and continuing to network and grow, I have been able to work in the auction industry full time since I was young, and now own my own business specializing in the nonprofit and fundraising sector. What continues to inspire me is the people within this industry and the opportunity to encourage others, bring energy to events, and help causes raise more support for their missions.
If someone wants to start a business, what advice will help them?
My biggest advice would be to stay consistent and build genuine relationships in whatever business you choose. Success doesn't happen overnight, but showing up, serving people well, and continuing to learn your craft can open so many doors. I also believe it's important to use the talents and passions God gave you with purpose and confidence.
What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?
There is not one feedback that stands out the most, because they all mean so much! I have a few special organizations that I've been with for almost 10 years - basically since the beginning of my fundraising career. We have both grown together and I am happy to be apart of their growth and history. The best type of client is one who comes back again and again.
The best feedback I can receive is from any happy client who can tell that I truly care about their organization and mission. My goal is always to understand the heart behind the cause and help bring that to life in a meaningful way. When clients feel that level of genuine car and connection, that's when I know I've done my job well.
Where do you see your company in the future?
I see my company continuing to grow and serve while staying rooted in what matters most - serving people well and creating meaningful impact through fundraising events. My goal is to work with even more nonprofits, schools, and organizations across the country to help them raise more support and awareness for their missions.
I also hope to continue growing as a leader within the auction industry, building strong relationships, mentoring others, and representing women in this field. Most importantly, I want the company to continue to make a positive difference in people's lives and communities.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
One of the biggest misconceptions about the auction industry is that people think it's just about talking fast or selling items as a last resort. In reality, there's so much strategy, relationship - building, communication and preparation involved behind the scenes. The auction method of marketing is sometimes viewed as a last resort, instead of the first choice as a way to turn assets into cash and the best way to establish the market value of the items being offered.
Especially in fundraising auctions, the role is really about connecting with people, creating energy in the room, telling a mission driven story, and helping organizations maximize support for their cause. A great fundraising auctioneer isn't just selling and saying numbers - they're engaging people and creating an experience that inspires generosity.
What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business and how did you deal with it?
One of the biggest struggles in building my business has been learning to stay patient and confident during the slower seasons or moments of uncertainty. Starting and growing a business organically comes with a lot of pressure, and there are times when you question whether all the hard work is paying off.
What helped me work through that was staying consistent, continuing to build relationships, showing up when I didn't want to, and reminding myself why I started in the first place. I focused on serving people, continuing to learn, and trusting that growth takes time. My faith has also played a huge role in helping me stay grounded, motivated, and focused on using what God gave me with purpose.
Where can our readers follow your work or learn more about your upcoming projects?
You can learn more about me and KP Auction Group on my main website: www.kpauctiongroup.com
Also, my blog www.kpauctiongroup.com/blog
Social medias:
www.facebook.com/kpauctiongroup
www.instagram.com/auctionkate/
