Matt, our Managing Director, established Hotlotz in 2015 and holds overall responsibility for the business. Before founding Hotlotz, he dedicated two decades to various marketing roles in the United Kingdom.
It's a lot of fun! No two days are ever the same, and I believe you should love what you do, especially since we spend so much time at work. Running Hotlotz is, most days, the best job in the world!
When I moved to Singapore, I felt this amazing country deserved a quality auctioneer that was founded on honesty and integrity. I also wanted to build a creative business that embraced new technologies and promoted the importance of collecting and the secondary market. My goal was to build an auction business that Singapore could truly support and be proud of.
While many believe this business revolves around the ‘products’, I see it as also being fundamentally about the ‘people’. I genuinely enjoy engaging with my clients to understand their needs, whether they are buying or selling. At Hotlotz, we maintain an 'open door' policy, and nothing makes me happier than people visiting the saleroom to view our exhibitions.
I'm fortunate to be supported by an exceptionally talented team, all of whom are dedicated and enthusiastic about providing the best possible service to our clients. This makes my role significantly easier!
It's challenging to pick just one, as we encounter interesting and beautiful items daily. What truly brings me joy is securing an unexpectedly high price for a client. It's an incredible privilege to share such good news with a vendor.
Chris founded Hotlotz in 2015 together with co-founder Matt. Chris is our Director of Auctions, with responsibility for all consignments and sales. Chris has nearly 20 years experience in the auction industry and previously worked for Christie’s and Tennants in the United Kingdom.
I’ve had a life-long connection with the auction industry. My father was in the trade, I studied history of art, and then started my career which has always involved working in auction houses.
I moved to Singapore in 2014 and was very surprised that it didn’t have a multi-disciplinary auction house at the time. I was keen to create an auction house in Singapore which could connect collectors, buyers and sellers.
I love being able to advise and guide sellers who may not really know what their items are, whether they are of value, or the best way to sell them. With buyers, I enjoy helping them effectively rediscover or rehome an item.
For me it’s all about discovery and realising the potential of items. To do that well, we focus on the client rather than just what they want to sell or might buy.
Throughout my career I’ve specialised in silver, so that always gets my attention.
At Hotlotz we see a lot of Peranakan works of art, from sellers in Singapore and the region. I recall one ‘haul’ from an old trunk which had been locked for 30 years. Another was from a different seller where valuable unprotected kamchengs were just mixed up with ornaments in a box from when a house was cleared. Everyone was very pleasantly surprised by what was found!
We also see fantastic collections, like the thousand plus piece ceramics collection of banker, entrepreneur and investor Quek Kiok Lee - which we sold across multiple sales.
Ben is our operations manager and an experienced valuer. He specializes in designer fashion and luxury goods.
My journey towards this role started with a childhood interest in antiques, spending time exploring thrift shops for hidden treasures and imagining their potential value.
Transitioning into the luxury industry broadened my perspective, giving me insights into the core of luxury and its inherent value. It was an opportunity to understand the motivations of discerning buyers.
A decade later, with over 10 years of experience in the luxury industry under my belt, I reconnected with my childhood interest in antiques. This blend of curiosity and professional expertise guided me to venture into the dynamic world of auctions, marking an exhilarating new chapter in my career.
We firmly believe that listening is the key to effective service. Understanding our clients' preferences and needs allows us to offer solutions that truly fit. It's not just about making a sale; it's about providing value and building trust.
Nurturing strong relationships is a priority for us, as it is through these connections that we can best support our clients and grow our business.
At Hotlotz, we're continuously surprised by items exceeding expectations. One recent standout was a John Galliano dress from 1995, which fetched over $4,000 at auction. This highlights the thrill of our work, where each sale brings its own excitement and surprises.