In today’s episode, Toma Clark Haines – CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co and founder of The Republic of Toma ­­– speaks with a legend in the industry, John Hansord of Hansord Antiques. John runs his family business located in Lincolnshire and has his showrooms in a gorgeous farmhouse that dates from 1693. John is on the vetting committees for some of the leading antique fairs in the UK. In addition to selling to interior designers all over the world, he’s a member of BOTA, which is the British Antique Dealers Association as well as LAPADA. He has also sold to a variety of museums, and the type of inventory John specializes in are museum-quality pieces. Not only is it amazing that you have the opportunity to buy from one of the leading experts in the UK, today you have the opportunity to learn from John. 

Like many antique dealers, the pandemic led John to ask if they could do business a different way. Toma believes the most important question you can ask yourself if you own a small business is “Could we be doing it in a different way?” She believes when you start asking yourself that question, that’s when real change starts to happen because you open your mind up to what is possible. Toma and John discuss the challenges and triumphs in asking yourself this question.

John shares insight into serving clients in a way that builds rapport. His tendency to go the extra mile with his clients is an inspiring example for those just starting out as antiques dealers on how to best connect with clients. John’s personal touch is just another element that sets him apart. “I think one of the greatest things about our job is that every day is different whether it’s the buying or the selling. I’ve been doing it for thirty odd years and I still discover new things I’ve never seen.” While others anticipate retirement, John finds it hard to imagine wanting to retire. “I love what I do!” Filled with fascinating history of this family business and what it entails, how to go above and beyond in customer service, sourcing museum quality antiques, and living a life you have no desire to retire from, this episode is as legendary as John is. For more information on John Hansord and his incredible antiques, visit www.hansord.com