A&E’s reality series Storage Wars New York Auctioneer John Luke considered one of the best and most fair in the trade, but don’t think he has to sell you a room if you’re misbehave. “I got to do nothing for nobody!” He means it too. But underneath that strong New York attitude lies a kind man with an amazing positive outlook at life.
He generously took time out from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.
John Luke Interview
Q. You were born and raised in Harlem. What was life like growing up?
A. I was very fortunate in that when I was growing up I was able to fit in with the guys in the neighborhood or the “Hood” as they would say. They respected me because I played competitive hockey and football. Harlem has changed and is much more diverse now. When I was growing up the city was essentially like living out of a scene from the movie American Gangster where gangs/drugs ruled and dodging flying bullets was a way of life.
So, in terms of the good, the bad, and the ugly:
- The Good – I fit in.
- The Bad – crime/drugs was at an all-time high in my youth.
- The Ugly – Some of the good guys got lost along the way… some were my dear friends.
Q. Who was the greatest influence in your life?
A. I have to say my parents, hands down. I am the person who I am today because of the values they instilled me in growing up. My mother instilled the importance of kindness and having respect for others, while my father was a tough military guy who taught me what it is to have good common sense. Both my parents were talented. My mother a Fulbright Scholar who spoke six languages. My father holds a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University. Believe me, to this day… he hasn’t stopped figuring me out!
Q. What were your dreams when you were young?
A. I always dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player. I was a pretty good player when I was young, but unfortunately I had too many injuries. I lost a couple of teeth, broke my nose seven times, and tore a few ligaments. I love the sport because it is fast, intense, and non-stop. Sort of like auctioneering, believe it or not.
Q. You’ve been an auctioneer for 25 years; how did get your start in this business?
A. I started my career working in the distribution department for a major Network. I had 45 people working for me and wore a suit and a tie everyday. (Yes, you likely would not have recognized me back then.) Thanks to my girlfriend at the time, she introduced me to her cousin’s partner, Robert Strauss, who I learned later was a top auctioneer in the business.
One day over lunch he asked me if I would like to become an auctioneer. He told me that I would rarely wear a suit and I would get summers off. Sounded great! How can I say “No” to that kind of an offer?
Well, the first 7 years I did not have a single summer off and I traveled all over the country. I quickly accumulated over 4.5 million airline miles and roughly 2000 plus night at hotels. I worked in every state with the exceptions of Montana, North and South Dakota, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho, and Alaska. It was non-stop.
Q. What has been your greatest success as an auctioneer?
A. I auctioned some of the largest, well-known firms across the country. From the biggest law firm to the second largest electrical contractors in the US. A huge eight building bank complex. Several securities, brokerage firms, pharmaceutical plants, and the list goes on. I sold multiple companies across all types of industries of varying sizes and durations where the auction would last not just weeks, but even months.
Q. Did you have any unforgettable, endearing experiences at auction?
A. In my 30 years in the business there were two. One was a about a woman who had lost her storage room due to non-payment and had arrived to the auction with a strong determination of getting her things back. Everyone 
quickly began to realize this and as a result, did not try to outbid her. It was a happy moment.
The second was about a family who had lost possession of their belongings, not because they defaulted on payment, but rather because it was foreclosed on the owner without their knowledge. They arrived to the auction practically in tears. Because it was such an unfortunate situation, the facility and people at the auction allowed the family to purchase their things back at a nominal price.
Q. What is the most bizarre experience you’ve had as an auctioneer that would make you say – This could only happen in New York?
A. I have say auctioning a strip club. And let me tell you this was no ordinary strip club. It was a really classy place with high end antique furniture, expensive liquor and beautiful artwork. The bizarre thing is that we had to hire security around the clock to make sure that the employees or owner did not strip the club away – no pun intended.
You may hire John Luke through D. Strauss Auctioneers & Appraisers Inc. Offices located in New York and Florida. Contact Business: 1-516-770-3098. E-Fax: 1-877-587-3437. Email: dstraussauction@aol.com.
Q. How does someone go about to hire you?
A. It is interesting I don’t advertise because I developed a good reputation. People just know how to get in touch with me. Word of mouth is HUGE in my line of work.
Q. How did you become an appraiser?
A. I became an appraiser as a direct result of my auctioneering experience. Having sold just about everything you can imagine: banks, real estate property, antiques, jewelry, estates sales – you name it. Over time I developed a knowledge of the value of things.
Q. What advice would you give someone who wants to become an auctioneer?
A. My advice is to try to partner with the best. Someone who is really good in the business. One can take the formal route and go to auctioneering school where they can become certified. Or like me where I learned from the bottom up. I learned by doing.
Storage Wars: New York
Q. How did you get cast on the show?
A. Producers at A&E struggled to find an auctioneer. Joe P who knew me for over 15 years recommended me. So, one day I received a call from the producers asking me to come in for an interview. Instead, it turned out to be an audition in front of the camera at a storage facility which I was not expecting. Several weeks later as I was about to board a plane to Philly when I received a text from one of the producers – “John, I need your legal name and address so I can make you a formal offer.” I was psyched!
Q. What was it like for your family and friends when they saw you on that first episode on TV?
A. I have to say my Dad and family were proud. My friends thought it was the COOLEST THING EVER seeing ME on TV. They just couldn’t believe it.
Q. Why are storage units called “rooms” and vaults called “crates” in New York?
A. A unit is a form of measurement. A locker is somewhere you put your books when you are in school or workout clothes at the gym. A crate is a large wooden box and a vault is where you put your valuables in the bank, like a safe deposit box. So I sell “rooms” and “crates.”
Q. At the beginning of the show you are shown eating a slice of pizza or cannoli, otherwise you get cranky; why is that?
A. Wait a second, you forgot to ask about the coffee and donuts – that is a must! Like a car needs fuel, I need mine. Without it, the auction doesn’t run and nothing works.
Q. Describe your cast mates:
A.
- Joe P: A professional and true expert, the best at what he does.
- Mike: A hard worker willing to buy anything to make a buck.
- Candy: “Eye Candy” and if she likes, she likes it… and gets it!
- Courtney: She is the voice in Candy’s head that says, “Really? Are you kidding?… Don’t even think about it.”
- Tad: Portrays calmness in turbulent waters.
- Chris: The Titanic sinking fast.
- Dotti B (dog): An active bidder, trying to keep her “eye” out for the boys while sniffing out all the right rooms!
Q. What surprised you most about working on a reality television series?
A. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to shoot the show in such tight constricting space where I constantly have a camera directly in my line of site and other cameras focusing on the buyers. It is not easy as there is a lot of maneuvering on my my part. I have to work harder to make sure that I see the all the bidders even though I make it clear upfront and off camera that it is the bidder’s ultimate responsibility to make sure I see or hear their bids.
Q. You get lost or stuck in traffic on your way to auction on the show. How bad is traffic in New York?
A. Traffic can be really bad in New York, arguably the worst in the county particularly during rush hour. It is a true to test of my patience which I fail repeatedly.
Q. New York temperatures can reach 100°F. Describe what it’s like to film a show in such tight storage facilities in such intense heat.
A. If it is 100°F degrees on the outside it is more like 120°F degrees on the inside, and the higher the floor, the hotter it is. That is why I always start my auctions on the highest floors first working my way down. Of course, the tight storage facility space with so many people around only contributes to making things hotter. So, thank God for Gatorade. My trick is to freeze it so it remains cold while it melts as we go.
Q. What would surprise us about you that the audience doesn’t see on the show?
A. I think most people are surprised to learn that in spite of my tough and strong outer appearance, that I am really a warm and generous person.
Q. How would you describe the show?
A. The show provides a real good glimpse into the reality of the storage auctioning business and of course, you never know what you are going to get. It is a bit of treasure hunt and element of mystery coupled with a sense of excitement because of the unknown.
John enjoys chatting with his fans on Twitter. Be sure to “Follow” him @JohnLukeNYC.
Q. You’re single, what do you look for to date someone or for a companion?
A. I like a strong, intelligent, and independent woman.
Q. What’s your favorite happy hour drink and favorite food?
A. Big fan of Sangria and enjoy my mussels and burger. My favorite place to eat at happy hour is Fishtail owned by my friend Chef David Burke.
Q: As a New Yorker you must have pet peeves!
A.
- Too many cabs and too few good drivers.
- Too much trash on the streets.
- Tolls are out of control.
Q. Describe one of your favorite places to frequent – Central Park.
A. It is a peaceful mecca in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York 
City. It is a place where I can escape the traffic noise, the fast paced life, and experience nature and absolute serenity. I even park my car a few blocks away to serve as my own personal cabana. It’s where I keep my lawn chair, tanning lotion, insect repellent spray, cooler, towel, and everything I need. The best part is I don’t have to walk far.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Shopping for bargains. Going to the movies. Relaxing in Central Park. Hit the tanning salons. Eat well (and sometimes not). Travel. Watching sports. And let’s not forget… a good glass of Sangria.
Q. What mottos do you live by?
A.
- Any day six feet above ground is a great day.
- When you go through life there really are no dress rehearsals.
Q. What’s your best attribute?
A. My blues eyes, great smile (okay I know those are features) but definitely having a positive outlook on life.
Q. What’s your worst attribute?
A. I lack patience… especially when it come to incompetent drivers on the road.
Q. What’s on your bucket list?
A. I don’t think in those terms.
Q. How would you like to be remembered?
A. As a straight shooter who strongly believes that everyday you have to strive to be the best at what you do.
“Be positive & be safe out there!”
He is tough. He is kind. He is wonderful.
Check your local listing on A&E channel for episodes of Storage Wars: New York.
Let us know your thoughtful opinions about John’s interview in the comment box below.