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Inspiring Conversations with Sebastian Gholl of SebastianCharles Auctions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Gholl.

Hi Sebastian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been someone who juggled a lot at once. Growing up in Minnesota, I spent more than 20 hours a week playing sports, kept up with school, and still found time for friends. So when it came time to choose a career, the idea of a traditional job never really fit. I knew I wanted to build something, take risks, and create opportunities in my community.

I started small — buying and reselling items on eBay, then exploring antique stores, estate sales, and auctions across the Midwest. I loved the chase of finding unique pieces that others overlooked. That passion, paired with my entrepreneurial drive, led me to start SebastianCharles Auctions. My goal from the beginning was to make the consigning process seamless, transparent, and even fun.

Fast forward five years, and the business has grown into a globally reaching auction house. Being young in the industry has actually been an advantage — I’m able to blend modern technology with a real understanding of the items we handle. Over time, I’ve developed a particular love for fine art, especially learning the stories behind pieces and connecting them with the right collectors.

Outside of work, I’m usually traveling, spending time with friends, or chasing an adventure. I’m naturally extroverted, and building this business has let me combine what I love most: connecting with people and bringing interesting objects back to life through new ownership.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most entrepreneurs, I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. In the early years, I lost thousands of dollars to fake artworks sometimes because I trusted the wrong sources, and sometimes simply because I didn’t yet have the experience I have now. Those moments were painful, but they pushed me to refine my eye, study relentlessly, and build a network of experts I trust.

Another challenge was the reality of running a business where you’re responsible for every outcome. If something breaks in transit, if a mistake happens, or if a deal goes sideways, we’re the ones who cover the financial fallout. There’s no safety net, so I had to develop systems, insurance processes, and quality checks early on to protect both my clients and the business.

And honestly, one of the toughest struggles happened simply because I started young. When you’re 19, 20, 21 — walking into estates or discussing high-value art — people often question whether you “know enough” or can be trusted with their pieces. Building credibility at that age wasn’t easy. I had to work twice as hard, prove myself with every transaction, and slowly earn the confidence of both consignors and buyers.

Those challenges shaped everything about how I operate today: extremely detail-oriented, transparent, and committed to protecting my clients. They weren’t easy, but they were definitely worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
SebastianCharles Auctions is a full-service auction house specializing in high-end estate items, with a strong focus on artwork, fine jewelry, sterling silver, and exceptional antiques. We work with clients across Minnesota and the Midwest, but our reach is truly global. Every auction is broadcast across five major international bidding platforms, and we pair that with tailored social media marketing to bring in buyers from around the world.

What sets us apart is the way we combine traditional expertise with a modern, tech-driven approach. We’re known for being transparent, communicative, and extremely detail-oriented — and that’s earned us a high level of trust from both consignors and buyers. Our reviews consistently highlight the same things: honesty, professionalism, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that people genuinely trust us with their most valuable and meaningful items. Whether it’s a family art collection, an inherited jewelry box, or a major estate, clients know we’ll handle it with care, market it effectively, and work hard to achieve the strongest results.

For readers, the most important thing to know is this:
If you’re in the Midwest and you have high-end items — artwork, jewelry, sterling, antiques — and you want to reach a global audience and achieve the highest possible prices, we’re the solution.
We make the process seamless, straightforward, and even enjoyable, whether you’re selling a single piece or an entire estate.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with us in a few meaningful ways. The biggest way to support SebastianCharles Auctions is through referrals. Many of our best clients come from word-of-mouth, people recommending us to friends, family, or colleagues who have artwork, jewelry, sterling, or estate items to sell. Those introductions make a huge impact on our business.

We’re also always open to collaborating on the marketing and social media side. Because we use a modern, content driven approach, we love partnering with creatives, videographers, editors, and social media professionals who want to help showcase unique pieces and tell the stories behind them.

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