Archive - 2014

Entertainment, Storage Wars

Storage Wars: Canada: Season 1, Episode 11: “The Thrilla in Clairevilla.”

Okay. There were a few unprecedented underhanded maneuvers pulled off by the people you wouldn’t expect. So please pay attention.

This got crazy.

Bogart had apparently cleaned up in a poker game the night previous. Paul asked if Bogart felt lucky about the day’s auction. He challenged Bogart to a ‘locker-off’. The loser of which would have to handle all the advertising for their store opening. Not – fun. Bogart accepted the challenge.

And it was ON.

Cindy and Rick were feeling the hand of Lady Luck as well. A fortuneteller recently told them they’d be unstoppable on their next auction venture.

Roy wanted one of those fat commercial units this auction promised. But if his day didn’t go well, rest assured he would make everyone else’s go badly too.

Lately, Ursula’s online business had seen a lot of luck also. Her biggest sellers had been appliances. She kept her eyes opened for some sweet toasters and blenders.

1^st Storage Unit

Lots of clean, organized furniture… and a very nice mystery designer bag.

Everyone’s interest was piqued. Especially Cindy’s. She liked that bag. If it was the real deal, it was worth $$$$.

But Paul and Bogart were focused on their locker-off. So much so, everyone around them was in danger of getting hit with shrapnel.

Paul: I’m gonna win this bet. But not by over-paying.

Bogart: We’ll go head – to – head!

Like father, like son. Bogart and Paul raised the price, but both dropped out when the bid hit $500.

Which let Rick and Cindy grab it from them.

Rick: Our fortuneteller did say we’d be unstoppable today.

What was found inside the locker? Read on. Because like we said: Today was topsy–turvy.

2^nd Storage Unit

More household items, a couple of nice lamps… and a guitar. Hm.

Roy and Bogart looked interested. But it was Ursula who grabbed it for $375.

She slipped away and pulled everything out. She found another , much nicer electric guitar. But was it worth serious do-re-mi? She needed to find out. So Ursula took it to a specialist.

He told her if it was an original 1959 Les Paul it could be worth $150,000!

Unfortunately, the 1959 replica she had found was only worth around $250.

Ursula: I guess that’s why they call it the blues.

Better luck next time, Ursula. Keep working those fingers and you’ll make it some day.

3^rd Storage Unit

This baby was stuffed to the rafters with furniture.

Roy looked at it with hungry eyes, while neither Paul nor Bogart seemed to be feeling it.

But time was running out for them in their locker off.

So Roy and Bogart went at it. And when Bogart dropped out, a new bidder drove the price up further. And finally, when it looked like it was going to be Roy’s…

Paul jumped in and grabbed the locker for $1,100!

Bogart: What the heck just happened?!

Bogart knew at this point, he would lose no matter what.

Paul: Read ‘em and weep, kid. It’s the second mouse that gets the cheese.

But Bogart had one last ace up his sleeve.

And it was a doozy.

He offered Rick and Cindy $650 for Storage Unit #1 ($150 more than what they paid). And he would let them keep the designer bag from the locker Cindy wanted.

A flip of the coin raised the buying price to $675… but the locker was Bogart’s.

Bogart was nice enough to help his old man unload his unit. (And in order to keep a record of its value).

Inside, were a few decent items. But it looked like Paul was upside down on this one.

So they went to look through Bogart’s newly acquired unit. (Storage Unit #1) and found a very cool toy train set.

And you remember that bag Bogart promised Rick and Cindy? Well, Bogart promised them the bag… but not what was INSIDE the bag.

And what was inside?

Just cash, gold and designer clothing.

Holy shnikees! Bogart had hit the mother load. He and Paul stuffed the worthless knockoff bag with other worthless items from the locker. Then handed it over to Rick and Cindy. Who then left with the worthless knock off bag filled with worthless items.

Paul and Bogart grabbed their dough, gold, and train set and got the hell out of Dodge.

They visited a toy expert, (who shared the same fashion sense as Paul), who let them know the train set was worth around $600.

Bogart had won the bet big time… so it was now his dad’s turn to do the store’s advertising.

Which consisted of dressing in a gorilla suit and dancing on the street corner.

In a weird way, it made Bogart’s cutthroat approach to winning this bet more understandable.

PROFIT SCORECARD:

Bogart Kenny: $1,170
Paul Kenny: -$125
Ursula Stolf: $190
Cindy Hayden & Rick Coffill: $175
Roy Dirnbeck: $0

Bogart fudged the details of his transaction with Rick and Cindy a little bit. What would you have done if all that gold and cash was staring you in the face?

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Storage Wars: Canada: Interview with Roy Dirnbeck

August 22, 2014

Chuck G.

Celebrity Interviews

5 Comments

OLN’s reality series Storage Wars: Canada star Roy Dirnbeck tagged as “The Instigator.” He’s cantankerous and a prankster in his strategy to gain attention with his antics during auctions so that his competitors lose focus… And it works! He talks a big game and backs it by spending the big bucks. Buying storage units is a hobby, but make no mistake, he will win when he wants and will drop a locker on a bidder for pure pleasure.

He generously took time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

Roy Dirnbeck Interview

Q. What was life like growing up in Toronto, Canada?

A. I was born in Born in Johannesburg, South Africa. My father is an Austrian citizen who was working in South Africa. My mom is a native South African. That is where my father met my mother.

After my twin sister and I were born, we moved to Vienna, Austria which is my father’s homeland. My parents wanted a better life for the kids.

Eventually we moved to Toronto when I was five. As new immigrants to Canada, we grew up poor. But we really didn’t know it. We always had food, clothes, and a place to live. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. A family of 5 children could not have been easy for my parents.

Q. Who was the greatest influence in your life growing up?

A. My best friend Chris Joyce. We have been like brothers since the age of 14. We always competed, fought, challenged, and helped each other. We are still best friends. About 10 years ago, Chris almost died from cancer. It was a life changing event for me. Ever since then I live every day like it could be my last!

Q. What was your childhood dream?

A. Going to the Olympics. I wanted to be the fastest man in the world. I was a good sprinter in high school. I can still run fast on this day. I wonder if I had worked harder and dedicated myself more; could I have become an Olympian?

Q. What stunts did you pull when you where young?

A. We used to play knicky knicky nine doors. It’s a game where you go up to a house, ring the doorbell, and sometimes we would burn a paper bag full of dog poop. We just liked to get chased for fun. I got older and full of testosterone and EGO. I was a very cocky teenager and naïve to the bar scene. Many times I would get into bar fights for sticking up for friends and other times for trying to pick up a girl.

Q. You studied at the University of Guelph in Ontario. What was your career goal?

A. My plan was to become a high school gym teacher, train to go to the Olympics, and meet lots of beautiful women. In my third year I was forced to quit. My parents were struggling financially and we were about to lose our home. I was the oldest, so I did the right thing and put my education on hold. I went to work to help until things got better for my parents. Sadly, I never did earn a degree, go to the Olympics, but I did meet a beautiful woman who became my wife.

Q. What type of jobs did you do before you started your own business?

A. During my years at University I worked part-time at a large International Freight forwarder. I started as a delivery driver, became a warehouse supervisor, and then moved up to the front office as International Airfreight Coordinator. During this time I met a beautiful girl. Her name was Grace Caetano. She would eventually change her surname to Dirnbeck.

Q. How did you start your own courier business?

A. Grace and I were lured to more lucrative positions in a smaller company. I became a co-owner of a small courier business. I eventually sold 20% of this company then started my own business. I learned early on that I didn’t work well with partners. I am a perfectionist and a bit of a control freak.

Q. Tell us about your best collections in your man cave.

A. It’s full of valuable sports memorabilia, pinball machines, jukebox, antique gas pump, oil and gas collectibles, and rare cars. My favorite item is my 1951 Barnum and Bailey Clown car. It is truly a piece of ART!

Q. How did you get into the business of buying storage units?

A. I started about 8 years ago. I was blown away by the show Storage Wars. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Barry Weiss was the coolest guy I had ever seen and the show was like modern day treasure hunting – but without the shovel, compass, and secret treasure map. The very next day I looked up local storage auctions on the internet.

I went to my very first auction the following day and have never looked back. I get just as excited today when that lock is cut and the door opens. You just never know what you are going to see! It started as a hobby or time filler, but has steadily grown into a full time fascination.

Q. Where did you get your signature all-wood flashlight?

A. I bought the flashlight at a trendy book store (laughs). Everybody thinks I made it. I call my flashlight ‘WOODY.’ He brings me luck.

Storage Wars Canada

Q. How did you get cast on the show?

A. I was cast from the show at a local auction. By that time I was a regular buyer and a constant trouble maker. Don Reinhart was approached first. He then recommended my name to the casting director. She secretly watched me at a few auctions. She said I was like a caged lion at auctions!

Q. How did you get tagged as “The Instigator.”

A. The casting director was impressed with my passion and energy at an auction. I have no real friends at an auction. For me, it’s the Olympics (my crushed childhood dream). I think I am the greatest storage ‘Locker Buyer’ of all time. I am not there to make friends – just to make money.

Q. Describe your dream locker.

A. Filled with a million dollars worth of jewelry, gold, and diamonds. Or full of rare paintings worth millions. Or maybe a rare comic book collection. It needs to be record breaking that it would make the news – shown on CNN.

Q. Why do you constantly try to get under Ursula’s skin?

A. I try and get under everyone’s skin, but it is especially fun with Ursula. She is easy to fluster. In the beginning, it was nice to have a good looking woman show up to the auction. But now, she is a bigger pain in the ass than most. She thinks she knows what she is doing (when really she has no clue). She is a nice person, but I think she should go back to being a school teacher.

Q. Describe your cast mates:

Rick: He is what you see.
Cindy: She is what you see.
Don: True gentleman. He is a classy, intelligent businessman, kind but stern – when needed.
Ursula: Hard worker, unfocused, genuine.
Bogart: Young, naive, good looking, desperately searching for his calling.
Paul: Low maintenance, hilarious, over achiever (in his own mind), super father.

Q. What surprised you most about working on a reality television series?

A. The amount of work and dedication needed as we work at least 40-60 hours per week to make this show happen. I thought this would be a fun part-time gig. It turned out to be an extraordinary full-time job! Every day is an adventure. It’s the perfect job because no TWO days are ever the same. I toss and turn at sleep many nights before filming because I cannot wait to get to work.

Q. Canadian weather is unforgiving unlike LA or NYC. Tell us what the players have to go through compared to other shows.

A. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are freezing and treacherous. We just make do with what we got.

Q. Describe your antics on the show.

A. I dress up in disguise, even though everybody knows it’s me. I do it for two reasons. One is to make people laugh. Two is that I want people to think I am crazy. I want them to think I have completely lost it. That I am completely unstable… So when that really good locker shows up, I seem to slip under the radar or am not taken seriously.

Q. What is your best turn for profit find in a locker?

A. I have had two memorable finds. Off the show I bought a locker for $3,200. It was a 10×30 locker full of antiques and valuable collectibles. I sold the contents for $11,000 and kept $17,000 Rolex Daytona as a trophy piece (I still have it). On the show I bought a locker full of NASCAR race simulators for $19,000. I eventually sold the package for $48,000.00. Not bad for a day’s work.

Q. How would you describe the show?

A. Reality series that follows 3 stooges and 1 professional buyer on his quest to become the next Indiana Jones.

Roy likes to keep in touch with his fans. You may “Follow” him on Twitter @InstigatorRoy.

Q. How did you meet your wife?

A. As I said earlier, I met my wife at work. At first I thought I had no chance (even with my massive ego). But I couldn’t get her out of my mind. I made excuses to go to head office to drop off documents. I would change my clothes, put on extra cologne, wear extra tight jeans and t-shirts – anything to get her attention. I started leaving small gifts or notes on her desk.

Finally the big day came at the company Christmas party. I knew she was coming alone, and at this point she knew I was interested and coming alone. Many of our mutual friends were trying to set us up, but we were both shy and proud. Early in the evening and after a couple drinks, we met up near the dance floor. A slow song came on and shockingly – Grace asked me if I wanted to dance? My response was – NOT RIGHT NOW, maybe later.

I couldn’t believe those words came out of my mouth! She looked stunned, my friends were blown away, and I was still cocky. I thought I totally screwed up. I desperately waited for the next slow song and quickly went to Grace’s table. She was with all of the executives and she still looked so mad. But I grabbed one of her hands and said, “Hello beautiful… would you like to dance?”

Before she could answer, I quickly pulled her up and led her towards the dance floor. I quickly apologized for the earlier rudeness and explained I was just nervous because she was so beautiful. From that night on I knew she was my angel, my lover, my soul mate, and my best friend. I love her more than anything in this world.

Q: You are raising Grace’s niece and nephew. Tell us what that is like to be as a father to them?

A. It’s been only for the past couple of years. Sara is 25 and Mathew is 19. Their Mother died a couple years ago from cancer. Both kids are great and we are so blessed to have them as part of our family. I will never be their biological father, but I still love them like my own. Going for dinner, or meeting their boyfriends, or having their friends over, and holidays are all special. I even dream of the day when Sara and Mathew get married. I will be so proud. They have gone through tough times but seem to be doing much better. Money, success, and fame are nothing compared to a family.

Q. What was it like for your family and friends when they saw you on that first episode?

A. So supportive and seemed proud, but shocked. Most cannot believe how crazy and ignorant I am on TV. Most say that is the real Roy, but he has stepped it up a level or two. It was shocking for most of my friends and family because I don’t act like this around them. But I act totally different at auctions because I am there to make money, win the best lockers, and not there to make friends.

Q. What are your pet peeves?

A. People who go through life with no dream or ambition. Life is short! Do something with your life. It is such a gift. Don’t waste it.

Q. What are your hobbies?

A. Buying storage units – treasure hunting for that Holy Grail locker.

Q. What’s on your bucket list?

A. Travel to outer space. Sky diving. African safari. Fly a jet fighter.

Q. What motto do you live by?

Life is short, so live every day like it is your LAST.
Treat everybody the same as you would like to be treated.

Q. What’s your best attribute?

A. My compassion and sense of humor.

Q. What’s your worst attribute?

A. Is that I have no patience. Slow, stupid people annoy me.

Q. How would you like to be remembered?

A. As a great husband, genuine friend, and down to earth guy.

Full of Love. Full of Fun. Full of Life.

He’s a man’s man and a woman’s dream.

Check your local listing on the OLN channel for episodes of Storage Wars: Canada.

Let us know your thoughts, opinions about Roy’s interview in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Hester Poltergeist

August 15, 2014

Chuck G.

Definition of Poltergeist: Force credited with certain malicious or disturbing phenomena responsible for physical disturbances.

Definition of Hester Poltergeist: All of the above and – OH, HELL NO!

The Mogul – wait, hold that thought. Can Dave Hester still be called a Mogul when he closed two stores and lost respect of his colleagues (not sure he ever earned their respect)?

Definition of a Mogul: An important or powerful person.

NUUUP!

Dave’s title long passed but the bitter, egotistical, better-than-you, attitude Hester still in full force.

He arrive at auction, not in his former huge box truck or fleet of trucks; but instead in a black van to the tune of Darth Vader music.

That’s quite a slap to any Star Wars fan for the Sith definitely had more class than this outcast reality star who was absent during seasons 4 and 5 of the show.

First words uttered of his mouth – YUUUP!

Response of the cast:

Laura: What was that?
Jarrod: (mouths – WTF) I hope he’s not staying. Any lowlife will do, huh?
Laura: Why would he even show up?
Brandi: No shame. No shame.
Jarrod: Are you kidding me right now?
Brandi: I’m not kidding you.
Laura: I just got like throw up in my mouth.
Darrell: It’s a boy named Sue.
Dave: How do you do.

Brandi: I heard he tried to start his own auction company. Must not have worked out too well if he’s crawling back here.
Jarrod: Tried to open an auction company – failed. Had a shop – failed. Honestly, I heard Dave was living in his van.
Darrell: I don’t know where Dave’s been. Probably ‘Donut Rehab.’ But I wish he’d go back.

Dave’s presence caused quite a disturbance among the regular bidders. Laura not too happy for she had to take on the role as auctioneer as her husband Dan was out of town.

Hester’s response to the chatter so vile against him?

Dave: These guys have been getting a little soft around here without me. It’s time to remind them who’s in charge.

Hold that thought, Hester, because you will see who was truly in charge.

Laura: You know what, we’re gonna make lemonade out of these rotten lemons today, folks.
Please help me to hold my tongue and not lash out at that beast.
Brandi: I wonder how it feels where you are so rampantly just hated so badly.
Darrell: F—ing ridiculous.
Brandi: F— this. This is not okay.
Jarrod: We’re all going to Hell.

So far so good.

I wrote too soon.

Laura: This guy is running all over town, calling himself an auctioneer. Trying to steal my business. Now he shows up at my auction.

If only it would stop there.

It’s Dave – no such luck.

Laura: You can say what you want absolutely, but you do not have to discredit me or put me down in any way, or say you’re gonna take my accounts.
Dave: Go away.
Laura: I think you are a little baby on showing up on a day when Danny’s not here, and you haven’t been around forever, and then you’re gone. Well, I’m gonna let you know I’m the only auctioneer here.
Dave: Yeah, go see a psychiatrist. If you want to scold me, send a man to represent you.
Laura: You think you’re gonna make me feel like a little girl. Guess what? I’m the Lady here and you’re not gonna get in my way.
Dave: Are you done?
Laura: Yeah.
Dave: Okay, now shut up.

Hester Poltergeist now in full swing as malicious words spewed out his mouth to piss people off – what he does best, yes?

More words were exchanged between Laura and Dave (not pretty). Here’s a snippet.

Dave: Get out of my face.
Laura: I’m not afraid of you.
Dave: What a piece of sh–!
Laura: You want to be at my auction, straighten up.

What was this, the 50s?

Laura: Is that what you think I need?
Dave: (Bleep) and a mouth don’t make an auctioneer.
Laura: At least I have a pair. Do you know what I have? I have backbone. I have bravado. Do you hear me? You’re gone!

Security escorted the ex-mogul out of the premises.

I told you to wait for it.

Dave was not in charge as he boasted at the start of the show.

The auctioneer – LAURA – was in charge.

BAM!

Dave excited that he twisted that auction into something ugly.

In the end Hester stated he was a NICE guy.

What were his last words, you ask?

Exactly!

Not a bad idea.

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Dallas Storage Auction Schedules

August 13, 2014

T.C. Lane

Submitted Articles

Before you can start searching for storage auctions in Dallas, you need to know where to look. Traditionally, auction hunters would find out about auctions through word-of-mouth and by researching local newspapers to put together a list of upcoming auctions. While this method still works, it can be very time-consuming, and you run the risk of missing out on a sale that was published in a different paper you didn’t think to grab. With so many storage facilities in Dallas, it’s easy to overlook all but the most well-advertised auctions.

Of course, the problem with this is that these auctions are more likely to be crowded as everyone else will have come to the same place. Additionally, you’ll burn plenty of your valuable time by scouring the newspapers and websites for auction information. Every minute you spend on this research is time you can’t spend doing something more profitable, like selling your wares.

Instead of spending your valuable time finding storage auctions, sign up for a service that will do the work for you.

Several storage auction listing services exist, but AuctionsTX.com is the biggest and most valuable for people in the Dallas area. This site allows storage facilities to list their auctions directly, advertising to the people most interested in finding them. It also gathers storage auction information from other sources, like local media. Altogether, AuctionsTX represents the most comprehensive storage auction listing for Texas auctions.

If you’re interested in trying it out, they offer a Free Trial. Plus, a monthly membership will only cost you $12.99 and can be canceled at any time. A year’s membership comes at the great value of $89.99. The money and heartache you save by letting a professional do the research for you is priceless.

Storage Wars: Canada: Never Go ‘Full Mullet’!

August 12, 2014

Storage Wars: Canada: Season 1, Episode 7: “Wanna Smell My Hair?”

Roy may not have been himself last episode, but this time, he completely morphed into something else entirely: Fake hair, false teeth, and sunglasses?

Meet ‘Cousin Ray’. This got weird.

Paul felt the auction location (Scarborough) was fairly foolproof, so he put Bogart in charge. He hoped Bogie wouldn’t crash and burn.

Cindy confessed she loved the big units. Rick understood this was why she loved him. They both were ready to make some money this go around.

Ursula showed up in her husband’s vintage Corvette on the prowl for some high-end items. Paul was more than a little envious of the car.

Everyone was thrown by Cousin Ray. Would Roy’s ‘Confuse and Disrupt’ plan actually work?

1^st Storage Unit

Household items. Nice but nothing mind blowing.

Roy and Bogart seemed to be the only interested parties. They went head to head with Bogart grabbing it for $1,100! Whoa. Paul looked deeply concerned.

Roy: Not even Ray is crazy enough to spend that much on this locker.

Paul told Bogart they should go check out their purchase pronto. They dug around to find a beekeeper’s outfit and utensils.

Paul: This outfit could be the difference between us winning or getting stung.

They took the outfit and tools to Paul’s friend, Melanie. Who apparently may have been stung one too many times in the head herself. She let them know the starter beekeeper kit was worth about $300.

She then invited Paul and Bogart to wear a ‘bee beard’, which is a beard of bees. Yes, a beard of bees. Maybe there was something in the water this week?

Paul and Bogart ran off (literally), when Melanie’s back was turned. She yelled after them they had forgotten their starter kit!

Paul: (yelling back) Keep it!!

2^nd Storage Unit

More household items. But even less interesting. And lots of baby stuff. No one was blown away.

Except Roy. He went into ‘full Ray mode”. And people were scared. Or is that confused? Regardless, he grabbed the unit for $450.

Roy/Ray: Yee-haw! I nailed it!

Rick: Yeah, you totally nailed that locker full of junk.

Meanwhile, Roy was having an identity crisis and went to see what kind of trouble Ray had gotten him into. (Yes, he’s talking about himself. Confused yet?)

Roy: Ray is not the brightest guy sometimes.

But Ray didn’t completely mess up. Roy realized quickly he had enough stuff to break even. Once he dug in, he found a strange musical instrument that had potential.

Roy: This better be worth something, or Ray is gonna get it.

The musical instrument ended up being a Theremin, one of the first electronic musical devices. Roy’s musician friend told him a Theremin does not depreciate in value, and Roy could get about $400 for it.

Not quite the profit Roy hoped for, but at least Ray didn’t put Roy in the red.

3^rd Storage Unit

Packed to the gills. Mystery boxes, a couple of bronze statues, and a few nice furniture pieces. This looked good, but was tough to dissect exactly what was in it.

Roy smelled money. So did Rick and Cindy.

Cindy ended up nabbing it from crazy ‘Cousin Ray’ for $950

Rick and Cindy packed up their truck and took everything to their store to look through. Once they unloaded, the money racked up quickly. Vases, silver pieces, and hair salon items put them waaaaay into the black.

Rick: THIS… was a major score.

While Rick and Cindy counted their money, Ursula went home emptied handed.

Ursula: But at least I’m going in style.

She jumped into her hubby’s Corvette and drove off into the sunset.

And apparently, Roy left Cousin Ray in the storage unit to be brought out at a future date.

PROFIT SCORECARD:

Cindy Hayden & Rick Coffill: $4,875
Roy Dirnbeck: $620
Paul & Bogart Kenny: $25
Ursula Stolf: $0

Roy used a disguise to confuse the competition. Have you ever disguised yourself for any secret operation you needed to carry out?

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Storage Wars: Canada: The Hot and The Weird

August 11, 2014

Storage Wars: Canada: Season 1, Episode 10: “Crazy From The Heat.”

The heat wave was in full effect. So much so, it was affecting people’s thinking.

Cindy brought her hand fan. She knew the heat made people a little crazy, so she planned to stay cool. Rick thought it might be a good strategy for them to bid some people up, and really get people agitated.

Roy brought his lucky flashlight. He’d gotten a few bad lockers and needed a good one this time out.

Paul and Bogart were already sweaty from putting up their store sign. They didn’t have much money to bid with, so they had to bid smart. Bogart let it be known: He was NOT lifting anything in this heat.

Ursula also needed a big win, but today the weather was not on her side.

1^st Storage Unit

A small unit. A leather couch, microwave, vacuum… and one very big, heavy TV.

Everyone seemed to be taking a pass on this one. But Paul looked interested…

Paul: If it goes cheap enoug-

Bogart: Don’t even think about it!!

And Paul grabbed it for the low and very LONELY bid of $10.

Bogart: Nooooooo!!

Once they opened it back up, Paul realized just how big the TV actually was. Bogart knew exactly how big that TV was. And how much it would hurt his back.

Bogart found a small box filled with odd-looking utensils. Paul declared they’d just made all their money back from these things. Although neither of them knew what they were.

They took them to a medical antiques dealer named Nancy. She said they had found medical tuning forks, (for an Audiologist) used to test people’s hearing.

And then Nancy showed the boys some REALLY unique items of her own.

An old metal device placed in the penis, which shot Mercury up inside to treat STDs and syphilis; Some old condoms made from sheep intestine (reusable); And an enema pump from 1885.

Bogart: Can we… maybe… get back … to the uh, tuning… uh, forks?

Nancy let them know they could get around $200 for their tuning forks. Not bad for a $10 investment. Paul showed Bogie the old man still got it.

2^nd Storage Unit

A larger unit: old cabinets, and a couple of electronic items. It was questionable at best.

Ursula and Roy looked interested. Rick and Cindy were going to pass.

But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t bid these other guys up.

Before the bid started, Roy offered Ursula some pink ladies g-string panties he had found in the storage facility earlier in the day.

Ursula: Roy, we all know they’re yours.

And so Roy put them on.

Ursula: The heat is crazy today, but Roy is insane.

Cindy pushed the bidding up, but it was Roy who walked away with the locker for $350

Cindy: That should get his panties in a bunch.

Roy tossed his panties at Cindy, which didn’t sit well with Rick. The Rickinator does not play that way. Not in this heat.

Inside the unit, Roy found nothin’ but garbage. And it was his job to clean it all up.

Roy: Why today, of all days, do I have to get a worthless locker?!

Roy did find what looked like a radiation detector. He was hoped it might be worth something.

Roy took the Geiger counter to the Nuclear Research Department of McMaster University. There, a radiation specialist told him his counter was, at best, worth $100.

Roy: I feel a meltdown coming on.

The heat had beaten up on everyone as they moved to the last locker of the day.

3^rd Storage Unit

Eh. A washer and dryer… and too many mattresses.

Everyone looked like they were going to take a pass on this one, including Rick and Cindy… especially since the bid opened up around $200!

But then Cindy waved her little hand fan to cool herself… and …

Don (Auctioneer): Sold! For $200!!

Cindy was horrified. Rick was confused. And Ursula and Roy were in hysterics.

Cindy: I can’t believe I made a rookie mistake like that. F–k this fan!

But as Cindy and Rick dug into their accidental purchase, they began to add up what was inside. Maybe Cindy’s mistake would pay off after all?

And a box of nice pottery jugs could be the cherry on Cindy’s boo-boo.

They took the pottery to specialists who let them know they could get $600 for one of the pieces.

Cindy: I told you my jugs were worth money.

Ursula left without a locker but that was okay with her. She was just happy to get out of the heat.

PROFIT SCORECARD:

Cindy Hayden & Rick Coffill: $1,050
Paul & Bogart Kenny: $220
Roy Dirnbeck: – $250
Ursula Stolf: $0

Cindy screwed up, but it ultimately paid off. Have you ever done something stupid which ended up paying off?

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Storage Wars: Canada: The Magic Helmet

August 7, 2014

Storage Wars: Canada: Season 1, Episode 8: “Fashion Passion.”

A wealthy community means potentially wealthy storage units. Everybody showed up with their game faces and their wallets packed.

Ursula was ready to draw blood in her quest for high-end fashion. She wanted to fill her online store and this auction offered that possibility.

Rick and Cindy had a five-minute walk to the storage facility. They liked the idea of scoring good merchandise so close to home.

Roy was ready to turn a profit on one of the lockers. He knew the potential the location afforded them all.

Paul and Bogart were ready, but Paul still felt Bogart needed some help. He bought Bogie a hard hat equipped with double flashlights. Game on.

1^st Storage Unit

An industrial locker. Janitorial equipment and tools. Clean… and no garbage.

Roy was very interested in this unit. Rick, Cindy, Paul, and Ursula? Not so much.

But the other people apparently were interested in this unit. After a bit of back ‘n forth, Roy grabbed it for $1,100

Roy: Wanted to show Rick and Cindy they don’t own this town. I own this country.

But that was okay by Rick…

Rick: Welcome to our neighborhood, Roy. Thanks for over-spending. PLEASE come again.

Roy found some okay stuff, but nothing mind blowing. He took the window washer’s kit and the ropes he found to an expert who let him know what they were worth.

Just Roy’s luck: there’s an expiration date on ropes. They were worthless.

Roy: I have just enough rope to hang myself.

2^nd Storage Unit

Dresses and shoes. Lots of designers wear. This had Ursula’s name all over it.

But when the bid hit $2,500, Ursula was o-u-t! She was bummed. Real bummed. But she was already waaaay past her cap.

Cindy: I actually feel bad for Ursula. Weird.

3^rd Storage Unit

Filled with electronics. A few mystery boxes as well. Paul asked Bogart to make an assessment on this unit. Were they in or out? Bogie wasn’t sure.

Paul: It’s not how deep you go fishing; it’s how you wiggle the worm.

Bogart was left speechless. Let’s face it; Paul’s sayings often make NO sense.

Apparently, Bogart was ‘in’. He grabbed the unit for $650.

Cindy asked Bogie if he was crazy. Bogart had the last laugh though. With all the great electronics in the unit, they quickly made their money back.

It was a little electronic mystery item that could potentially put him and Paul into the black.

A barber friend of Paul’s let them know the Oster Stim-U-Lax was invented in the 1930s. It was most popular in the 1950s for massaging the scalp and shoulders.

He then gave Bogart a free sample.

Bogart: I had no idea a vibrator could feel so good.

The barber said it was worth more to a barber who collected cool antique items, but Paul could get about $75 for it.

The boys bartered for it. That was okay with Bogie.

4^th Storage Unit

A little bit of this, a little bit of that. A stove, a table, and a few other nice house hold items.

Roy and Paul and Bogart were gonna give this one a pass. So after a quick bid, Ursula walked away with it for $500.

Ursula: It may not be Mr. Right, but it’s Mr. Right Now.

How can you argue with logic like that?

She found an antique ice cream churn. She then took it to Chapman’s Ice Cream Company, which are the largest Independent Ice cream producers in the country.

The Ice Cream experts said her White Mountain Freezer was worth around $100.

Orrrrr… $150 worth of ice cream?

So Ursula loaded up her car with Tutti Frutti and headed home.

Ursula: And thus, here ends my diet.

PROFIT SCORECARD:

Ursula Stolf: $1,450
Paul & Bogart Kenny: $775
Roy Dirnbeck: $495
Cindy Hayden & Rick Coffill: $0

Ursula really wanted that unit. But had to let go due to its expense. Have you ever been sure you were going to buy something which suddenly exceeded your wallet?

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Storage Wars: Texas: Interview with Auctioneer Walt Cade

August 1, 2014

Chuck G.

Celebrity Interviews

1 Comment

A&E’s reality series Storage Wars: Texas Auctioneer Walt Cade grew up in a middle class home but he is a self-made man from his youth. With determination and ambition, he built several successful businesses. As he entered the auction world, there was no stopping his success.

He generously took time out from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

Walt Cade Interview

Q. What was life like growing up in Laurel, Mississippi?

A. I was born in Tripoli, Libya at Wheelus Air Force Base where my dad was stationed. We moved to Laurel shortly after birth when my dad left the Air Force. That is where he became a cop.

I am an only child and was spoiled rotten. My parents gave me everything that any other kid had. Middle class life but I always came first. My mom came from a family of 13 children and my dad had 9 siblings; so they made sure I had the things they never had.

My dad was in law enforcement all of my childhood. My mom was a beautician and had her own shop. At a very young age I was selling something all the time. I sold collectable stamps and coins to friends. I operated the snack machines and coke machines in my mom’s shop. She often bought the products and I stocked the machines and kept the money. I never told her how much I saved, but it was considerable. I never had to spend any money, so I saved it to the tune of many thousands of dollars over the years.

I took a small job as a delivery boy at the age of 12 delivering printing products by foot for a downtown printing company. As time passed; I opened a gift shop. Then a pet shop. Then my 1st convenience store at the age of 17. The money to start my 1st business was saved over my young life. I worked hard to replenish inventory and build my businesses.

Q. Who was the greatest influence in your life growing up?

A. My Dad. He was a fighter pilot in the Air Force then later he became a very respected law enforcement officer.

Q. What was your childhood dream?

A. I always had ideas, many different ones, but always it was to be in some business for myself.

Q. You owned Allied Bookkeeping Co in Longview, Texas. Your son runs the business now. You were a Financial Planner and Stock Broker. How did that go for you?

A. We were in private practice doing Accounting, Payroll, Check Writing, Taxation, Fast Refunds, Financial Planning, and Estates. The new age of accounting was very fast paced and it proved to be a great income source for us. The Fast refunds were very good for us. Many times we had over 100 people waiting in line when we opened. Police had to direct traffic. Offering Retirement Planning and Mutual Funds were also a good fit for our clients.

Q. You became an auctioneer after attending the prestigious Texas Auction Academy. Why did you become a storage auctioneer?

A. I graduated in June of 2009. Most auctioneers in my area had good business and people skills and had been in the business some 40+ years. I set out to learn how and if this could be a great new business venture that I would enjoy.

I met International Champion Mike Jones and his wife Lori. That’s when I fell in love with the profession. My classmates all had ambitions of becoming Auto, Cattle, Farm, or Real Estate Auctioneers. Some laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a Storage Unit Auctioneer. Once I graduated, I immediately gained instant success in this business.

Note: Walt made it onto a very successful television franchise. Who’s laughing now…

Q. What has been your greatest success as an auctioneer?

A. Surprise! This may not be the answer you are looking for. I found that storage auctions opened a major opportunity to raise lots of money for my passions – Fundraisers for Kids and Cancer Victims.

You may hire Walt through his website Walt Cade Auctions Inc. Contact Business: 507 N.Fredonia, Longview, Texas, 75601. Phone: 903-758-7821. Fax: 903-758-1319.

Q. Where do you perform auctions?

A. Southern US and the Caribbean.

Q. Where do you get your shirts made that you wear on the show?

A. I own my own T-Shirt shop.

Walt has a store set up on his website where you can buy gear with his catch phrase, Ham’r Up. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tank-tops, hats, sandals, bracelets, and more items added periodically – Walt Cade Store.

Q. Do you have an unforgettable experience at auction?

A. I’ve seen most everything; but the most bizarre was when we opened a storage unit door and it had a coffin inside along side a baby coffin. Well, good news there were no human remains. I wrote a book titled Ham’R Up! Bid’R Down! that mentions many of the strange stuff we found inside of storage units.

Q. How did you come up with your catch phrase ‘Ham’r Up’ and ‘Ham’r Down’?

A. In the Auction Business we use a gavel or hammer. Hammer Up means to start the auction. Ham’R Up comes from that. Ham’R Down would end the auction. Ham’R Down to me means, “Safely travel on… until the next auction.”

Storage Wars: Texas

Q. How did you get cast on the show?

A. They called me based on a Google search and the number of storage auctions I performed. When I worked for a benefit or auction; I asked the organization to put my name in their advertising. That brought and built a nice following. As a result I appeared over and over again in all search engines.

Q. Describe what it is like to be on the show in Texas where auctions are hundreds of miles in any direction and the climate up to 100ºF+ in summer.

A. Of course it’s extremely hot. But you get used to it. Sometimes I wonder why these people want to be in the heat all day myself. I keep an ice chest in the back of my truck full of bottled water, free for the taking for the regular bidders. If you will notice, the cooler is in the back of my truck on every show too.

Q. What was it like for your family and friends when they saw you on that first episode on TV?

A. Like me… they were and are still stunned.

Q. Describe your cast mates:

Ricky: A business man, farmer, and a careful entrepreneur. Pretty cool dude. Smart at things you haven’t thought of yet, and may never.

Jenny: Such a sweet and adorable thing. She and her husband are terrific. She works very hard at her refinishing and needs storage units to fill her buyer’s tastes. Everybody loves Jenny!

Bubba: Don’t cross him! (Laughs.) He is quiet, but a buyer that if needed, can buy anything he wants. They call his pockets “The Bank of Bubba.” Need a loan?

Mary: Works hard and loves her family. Everybody loves her creative side. Sometimes her elaborate mind conjurers up seemingly odd results; but she knows her market and actually makes money with what you might call ‘odd.’ She throws nothing away and makes cool stuff out of anything.

Moe: Eccentric, fun, entertaining… and what is he doing on a show like this? Answer: He loves his character. Oh and speaking of character; he lives act and breathes the way you see him on TV all of the time. He is a great friend to everyone.

Q. Your wife appears on the show and keeps tabs on the bids, correct?

A. She makes every auction, collects the money, and does the paperwork. She started out in the beginning with me doing just what she does today. She is a friend to all the bidders and they all love her. She is an expert problem solver.

Should a problem arise, she can make things happen and solve all problems in a way that everyone ends up happy. She is on every show, in and on the sidelines. She does her job well and doesn’t get appreciated as much as she should, but she likes it that way.

Q. Texas egos are HUGE on the show.

A. Once the auction begins, they have to buy! Each will stop at nothing to gain an edge. Often corny, ridiculous, or creative… but they will make the buys work for them no matter what.

Q. What surprised you most about working on a reality television series?

A. The hard work that out producers put in. I was unaware that it takes 200-500 hours of film just to make our 21 minute show.

Q. Any behind-the-scenes stuff you’d like to share?

A. Bubba is very claustrophobic. It’s always fun to auction the unit inside and watch him sweat and squirm. Many times he just lets Ricky bid while he waits outside. He also hates riding in the elevators.

Mary was always the brunt of every short joke! Always the good sport.

Ricky and Mary are close to the same height, but put them side by side, and well, you get the idea. (Smiles.)

Jenny, well when a joke is pulled on her, she enjoys it and has so much fun with it. She is a constant charmer. Both in real life and on the set.

Q. What would surprise the audience about what the bidders go through on the show?

A. The number of units that get filmed versus the ones that actually make the show. The show films 5-6 Days a week. Bidders travel, remove items back to their stores (or dumpster), and get items appraised. That might leave 1 day a week to actually run their store. They each have to have a big support team to keep their business running during filming.

Q. How would you describe the show?

A. Most amazing experience for the people on the show and for the folks watching.

Walt enjoys keeping in touch with his fans. Follow him on Twitter @WaltCade or ‘Like’ him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walt.cade1

Q. How did you meet your wife?

A. Cheryl is my 3rd wife. We’ve been together now for 29 years. (I kept this one.) I was moving into my new place, and the power company said I needed to have it green tagged before they would connect the power.

So, I called this electrical service company and she answered the phone. She agreed to send out an electrician. While we talked on the phone; she had this bubbly personality and she was so nice. She told me she was a tiny little thing of 98 lbs. I didn’t really believe her, but she agreed to me that Friday night at a local club.

I asked the electrician about her and he said she was a hot little doll. And you bet she was. But here is the big secret – with her cheerful personality and way of dealing with people; my tax practice soared to 5 times it’s profits! Her contagious cheerfulness makes everybody that meets her falls in love with her charm.

Q: How many children do you have?

A. We have 5: Hers, Mine, and Ours.

Hers: Daughter-Machelle (39), Son-Michael (35), Son-Matthew(33)
Mine: Son-Andy (36)
Ours: Son-Casey (26)

Q. What are your hobbies?

A: On our farm I raise Christmas trees, catfish, and we have two herds of wild deer that we care for in the wild.

Q. What are your pet peeves?

A. Inconsiderate and fake people.

Q. You and your wife like to take cruises. Where have you traveled to this date?

A. We travel Jamaica, Bahamas, Cozumel, and Cancun.

Q. What’s your worst attribute?

A. Not having enough faith in others to do the job expected.

Q. What’s your best attribute?

A. I pride myself on the ability to read people’s actions.

Q. What motto do you live by?

A. A little bit of anything is almost always okay; but too much of that very same thing is always bad!

Q. What’s on your bucket list?

A. Live on the ocean for a year.

Q. How would you like to be remembered?

A. By some form of GOOD that I passed along that helped others.

Walt’s heart is as big as Texas as he shows his Love for Family, Friends, and Fans.

Check your local listing on A&E channel for episodes of Storage Wars: Texas.

Let us know your thoughtful opinions about Walt’s interview in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Canada: Who Got Lucky?

July 31, 2014