Background: Les Meek, who became an antiques dealer and auctioneer in Wales more than 50 years ago. He brought his business - The Insyde Outsyde Shop antique store and Meek's Auctions - to Red Bank 30 years ago.
Women in a man's world: Les Meek's daughters, Josi Meek and Victoria Meek-Underwood, now help him run the business. Victoria went to school to become an emergency medical technician and loved the job, but not the emotional toll it took on her. "There was so much sadness with that. There's nothing sad about furniture," she said. Victoria left her EMT job 25 years ago to join the family business.
She then went to school to become an auctioneer. Females are a rarity in the industry, said Victoria, who thinks that may be because it revolves mainly around farming, which is also dominated by males.
The certification process took her more than two years. She said she wishes she'd started earlier, when she was 18, but didn't think at the time that she'd like the profession as much as she does. Her favorite part is the adrenaline rush she gets during an auction, as everything is happening so quickly.
Her sister Josi does the bookkeeping for the business. "If it were up to me and Dad, we would just constantly spend money," joked Victoria.
What sets the business apart: Meek's is the largest importer of English and French furniture in the region, bringing in a tractor-trailer load every week, said Victoria. The furniture fills 16,000 square feet, spread across the business's two buildings. Her father travels to Wales to buy furniture every five weeks, a task Victoria will eventually do as well once her children get older. "We always make sure to have new stock, and price it as low as can be," she said.
The thrill of an auction: An auction of mid-range pieces is held once a month, with upcoming auctions announced on the business's website and Facebook page; and an auction of higher-end pieces is held the first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m.
Extended family: The family's everyday retail outlet, The Insyde Outsyde Shop, has lots of regular customers, with many stopping by once a week. Sonny Milligan, who was browsing through the store on a recent Friday afternoon, said he comes by as frequently as every other day, and at least once a month, "just for the enjoyment of looking."
Behind the scenes: People often say they're jealous Victoria gets to sell furniture all day, but they don't realize how much work the job actually involves, she said. From dealing with shipping and customers to unloading each piece of furniture by hand and then cleaning and setting up each one, there's plenty to keep her busy. "It's a lot harder than it looks, being the importer," she said.
More information: Meek's Auctions and Insyde Outsyde Shop are at 5006 Dayton Blvd. Meek's can be reached at 875-9828, or visit lesmeeksauctions.com. Insyde Outsyde can be reached at 876-1400, or find the business on Facebook.
- Compiled by staff writer Emily Crisman