David Reynolds ~ Founder 

Born in London, England, of an American father and British mother, David attended Manchester University, where he received a combined degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Following graduation, he took his U.S. passport and set off to seek his fortune in the colonies.

An ad posted by The Wine Merchant of Beverly Hills caught his eye, and he spent three days at the Los Angeles Public Library studying wine for a sales position. "That effort, combined with my British accent, landed me the job," he recalls.

From this serendipitous start, David went on to explore many aspects of the wine industry–as a retailer, wholesaler, sommelier, radio commentator, and (briefly) winemaker.

He began his career as an auctioneer for charity events in 1984 in Sun Valley Idaho. (see Company History). In 1993, David started Reynolds & Buckley Fundraising Auctioneers with his wife, Colleen Buckley.

While the firm has a unique expertise in wine, David is equally at home with art, travel, culinary, and all types of items that comprise a fundraising auction. (He has sold at least two Arabian stallions and more than a few puppies!)

On stage, he delivers consistently entertaining performances spiced with quick British wit. He trains with a professional voice and acting teacher as well as a comedy coach. David appears regularly on Mike and Mary Ann Cleary’s syndicated Food and Travel Enthusiast radio program.

His auctioneering style is a blend of the classic British cadence and the distinctive American patois that he learned at the Missouri School of Auctioning. It is a one-of-a-kind combination of quick patter, unlimited anecdotes, and cattle auctioneering bravado.

Perhaps more important, David is also recognized for his expertise in the theater and science of fundraising auctions. His long experience makes him unusually qualified as a consultant and sounding-board. In this capacity, he works with many organizations year round.

"I believe that the potential success of an auction is determined before the first lot hits the stage," says David. "A great auctioneer can maximize that potential, but the overall success of a fundraising auction event is dependent upon planning, preparation, knowledge, and follow-up."
dave@reynolds-buckley.com