For Lewis Swicegood, auctioneering isn’t just a career, it is a family tradition built on resilience and values. His grandfather, Jerry Swicegood, paved the way as a real estate broker, later joined by Lewis’ father and mother who, together, formed The Swicegood Group.
“I grew up surrounded by the rhythm of real estate. My grandfather laid the foundation, my parents carried it forward and watching them instilled in me the drive to honor that legacy,” recalled Lewis.
When the 2009 financial crash shook the country, the Swicegood family realized the traditional paths of real estate weren’t as steady as they once seemed. Instead of retreating, Lewis’ father pivoted into auctioneering. “What began as his way of finding new opportunities in uncertain times, quickly grew into a family passion,” Lewis said. That bold step would light the spark for his own future.
Finding His Voice
Lewis’ first live auction took place at the Nashville School of Auctioneering. As part of completing his training, he conducted a small benefit sale. His parents and sister were in the crowd, cheering him on.
“It was such a wonderful experience that taught me how to manage my nerves on stage,” Lewis recalled. That moment cemented his path forward, blending family support with personal courage.
The Art of the Auction
Unlike a traditional sale, auctions create excitement by letting the market decide the value in real time. “An auction is open, fast and competitive. Buyers compete; sellers win. It’s about energy, rhythm and trust,” commented Lewis.
For Lewis, preparation is both mental and physical. Lewis credits tongue twisters, rhythm exercises and even workouts as essential. “I’ll hum, practice filler words and run through ‘Betty Bonner’ to get my bid chant sharp,” Lewis said.
Values That Guide the Work
At the core of his career are three principles: honesty, integrity and selfless service. “Clear terms, equal opportunity for every bidder and strict honesty ensure trust because, without trust, the performance means nothing,” stated Lewis.
Faith also plays a central role. “God has guided me through many things in life, and I’m always striving to honor the blessings He has given me,” Lewis commented.
Memorable Auctions & Lessons Learned
Every auction has its story. Lewis recalls his first real estate simulcast auction, where live and online bidding took place together. “The seller was pleased, the buyer was happy and the pride in my wife’s eyes was a reward in itself,” said Lewis.
Another standout memory was a personal property auction of a Hummel figurine collection, conducted with his sister, Ashton Burton. “I had never even heard of Hummel before, and that’s the beauty of this business – you’re constantly learning something new,” Lewis commented.
For Lewis, auctions aren’t just about selling assets. “They bring people together; families navigating estates, collectors chasing passions or neighbors rallying for a cause. Every person has a story, and it’s my job to carry that story to the next buyer,” stated Lewis.
A Tradition of Community
Lewis believes that the auctioneer’s role is about more than the chant…it’s about connection. “In a live auction, the seller and buyers are connected through the auctioneer. The seller offers the asset, buyers compete openly and the auctioneer drives the energy, while keeping the process fair.”
He also values the camaraderie of the profession. “We have a saying, AHA-Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers. I love picking the brains of others to learn and improve. Much like life, you always have to work hard and strive to get better,” said Lewis.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Though online auctions are the future, Lewis remains grounded in tradition. “Online bidding gets the most eyes on your asset, but the live chant is still very much alive,” Lewis explained.
Carrying on the Swicegood legacy is deeply personal. “I lost my grandfather last year, and I hope to honor his memory, the man who started it all.” Lewis said. “I stand on the shoulders of giants. My hope is that one day people will say I honored my father’s and mother’s legacy. If I can do that, then I’ve added to the foundation they built.”
For more information on Swicegood Group, Inc., contact Lewis through Ready2bid.com or call 336.970.7944.
