Auctioneer Spotlight: Isaac Stoller of The Steffen Group

Isaac Stoller of The Steffen Group

In this month’s Auctioneer Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature Isaac Stoller, a first-generation auctioneer with The Steffen Group, based in Bluffton, Indiana. Specializing in Personal Property and Real Estate auctions, Isaac has built a remarkable career fueled by early exposure to auctions and a chance encounter that set him on his path to success.

View All Upcoming Auctions

From a Chance Encounter to a Thriving Career

Isaac’s journey into auctioneering began unexpectedly. “It all started when I met Tim Kruse at a ball game,” he recalls. This serendipitous meeting led to his enrollment in the Reppert Auction School in 2007. Growing up, Isaac attended auctions with his family, and this early exposure ignited his fascination with the auction world, eventually turning a childhood interest into a fulfilling profession.

“The excitement and engagement of bidders, combined with the opportunity to help people through the auction process, made this career incredibly appealing,” Isaac shares.

Overcoming Challenges as a Young Auctioneer

Starting his career at just 19 years old, Isaac faced challenges gaining the trust of sellers. “One of the biggest challenges was competing with seasoned auctioneers who already had established reputations,” he says. To overcome this, Isaac worked hard to demonstrate his dedication and capability as a newcomer.

Since then, the auction industry has undergone significant changes. “When I first started, auctions were almost exclusively live events,” Isaac explains. “Today, online auctions and new marketing strategies have allowed us to reach a much broader audience.”

Memorable Moments and Unique Items

Auctioneering has brought many memorable moments for Isaac, but one stands out: auctioning his mother’s homestead, where he grew up. “We sold it for $310,000 above the appraised value using the auction method. It was incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally,” he recalls.

Isaac has also handled unique and historic items. “We auctioned a Rolls-Royce with The Steffen Group and recently sold a rare 1861 Enfield rifle used during the Indian Rebellion—both incredible pieces of history,” he shares.

Isaac particularly enjoys auctioning items with historical significance. “Artifacts and antiques carry legacies that add depth to the auction experience,” he notes.

A Focus on Marketing and Tailored Services

As a key member of The Steffen Group, Isaac specializes in Auction and Real Estate services, with a particular focus on firearm auctions as a licensed FFL holder. “Our emphasis on marketing is what truly sets us apart,” Isaac explains. “We tailor our strategies to each auction, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.”

This dedication to innovation has made platforms like HiBid essential for reaching wider audiences. “Technology has opened up incredible possibilities for auctioning a broader range of items,” Isaac says.

Advice for Aspiring Auctioneers

For those considering a career in auctioneering, Isaac emphasizes the importance of hard work. “Be prepared to put in the time and effort. Many don’t realize how much goes into executing a successful auction. Dedication, resilience, and continuous learning are essential,” he advises.

For buyers and sellers, Isaac offers practical tips. “Buyers should always read and understand the auction’s terms and conditions. Many issues arise from not reading what you agree to beforehand. For sellers, trust the process and avoid monitoring the auction’s progress too closely—it’ll save you unnecessary stress.”

Staying Passionate and Giving Back

What keeps Isaac motivated is his passion for helping others. “Turning someone’s challenge into cash through a successful auction is incredibly rewarding,” he says. When he’s not auctioning, Isaac enjoys spending time outdoors, being with family, and riding motorcycles. He also highlights the value of professional connections. “If you’re not involved in your State Auctioneer Association, I highly recommend it. The opportunities at state and national conventions have been invaluable to my career.”