Questions and Answers

with

Ronda Ross Hooks

Antique Expert Stays Busy With Thriving Estate Sale Business And Twin Toddlers

By Sally Blanton, Turtle Creek News

Just one call to "Help Me Ronda" could simplify your life, de-clutter your home, and add a very fat check to your bank deposit, as it did mine.

Her business, which is 90% referral, has grown in the last six years. Much of Ronda's success is attributed to the following: a mailing list of 3,000, an e-mail list of close to a 1,000, a web-site, good appraisers and an employee roster numbering nearly thirty.

This isn't your mother's "garage sale". Her clients have made thousands of dollars after her 25% to 30% commission. Yes, your cast-offs are someone's treasures.

Ronda admits she needs to slow down.......she says, "Read a book?? What's that like?" 

• Where and when were you born?

In Dallas, December 27th, 1962

• What did your parents do while you were growing up?

My father worked in real estate and mother took care of the home.

• What were you like as a teenager?

Always busy with friends and activities.

• Where have you attended school and college?

Highland Park High School, UT Austin and University of Arkansas.

• Don't you have a brother?

Yes, he is fourteen months older. He and his wife, Mary, have two sons. He is a great supportive brother.

• Who are some people you admired in your youth?

My parents, camp counselors, some teachers, a great aunt and uncle.

• What powerful lessons were handed down from your parents?

Follow your heart and always tell the truth.

• What is a good lesson you learned on your own?

Trust the Lord with all of your heart.

• What advice would you give a 20 year old?

Always remember that what comes around goes around. Life will bring a lot of challenges and they will strengthen your character. Think before you speak.

• How did you become so knowledgeable about antiques?

My mother and I owned McKinney Ave. Market, the first co-op antique store in Dallas.

• What is a big waste of time? Also, what annoys you?

Worrying about things you can't control. People who interrupt while you are talking.

• How do you describe the difference in an estate sale and a garage sale?

At a garage sale you sit outside, trying to get rid of your junk. But at an estate sale you have pretty things in a pretty setting. It says, "These things have worth."

• Do you have help pricing the difficult or unusual items?

Anything you have - coins, stamps, rugs, etc. - I have an expert. Twenty or thirty appraisers are just a phone call away.

• What do you really love about your job?

I am always learning more and more about antiques. Also, I love finding an item in an Estate that the family has been missing for years!

• What do you do to de-stress?

Get a massage.

• In what way does your business serve others?

It truly helps the family in dealing with emotional issues relating to the loss of a loved one.

• Tell us about your husband and daughters.

I believe there could not be anyone more perfect for me than Brian, my husband. He is funny, compassionate, strong, supportive and beautiful. My twin fraternal daughters, Hallie and Lauren, will be two years old in July. They are angels.

• Well I think I can guess the answer to this one......is there anyone you would like to trade places with for a month?

No.

• Do you collect anything?

I used to have collections but now I enjoy finding unique pieces.

• What does Brian, your husband do?

Besides real estate investing, he salvages architectural elements.

• Ronda, may I add that you also make an overwhelming job much, much easier! What is another career at which you would excel?

Marketing and promotions.

• What kind of pets do you have?

King Charles Cavalier Spaniels......Mr. Buster and Miss Abby and a cat, Chedi.

• What is the most interesting place you ever visited? And where do you like to vacation?

Europe, and any beach.

• How would you describe a great Saturday night?

At home with my family.

• Who makes you laugh?

My girls, my husband, my brother and myself.

• What is your favorite meal? And favorite junk food?

Lobster salad. Chips and queso.

• What books are you currently reading?

None, just no time right now.

• Do you have some favorite all-time movies?

"Forrest Gump" and "It's a Beautiful Life".

• What are your favorite television shows?

20/20, Dateline, Barbara Walter's Specials, Oprah.

• What excites you about the future?

Watching my girls grow and being with my husband.

• What is the worst problem facing our country?

Lack of morals.

• What are some future goals?

To slow down. To be supportive of my daughters and allow them to be themselves.