About Us

Wardlow Auctions Inc. is a full-time auction company specializing in the marketing and sale of real estate and personal property by auction. Our clients include private individuals, attorneys, banks, museums, municipal agencies, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Licensed to operate in the States of Kentucky and Indiana, our team of seven principal auctioneers have an impressive 175 years of experience in the auction business.

Wardlow Auctions Inc. was founded in 1998 by Rick Wardlow and is presently led by a team of three partners, one of whom is his daughter, Caitlin Wardlow. Our operational framework is built upon the foundational principles established by Rick, integrated with our own expertise and experience to ensure continued success and customer satisfaction:

1. Team: At Wardlow Auctions, our team is comprised of individuals driven by a passion for learning, growth, and a shared responsibility for their work. Our environment is designed to foster personal and professional development, offering unique career opportunities amidst colleagues with diverse knowledge and skills.
2. Problem Solving: We are solution-oriented for our clients. We ask the right questions to establish their goals and needs, crafting strategic plans to accomplish them within defined timeframes.
3. Integrity: Treating every auction as if it were our own, we uphold high standards of respect, privacy, and decision-making. This commitment mutually benefits our clients and our company, as we are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding their most valuable assets.
4. Professionalism: As the premier auction company of Louisville, we approach every item with the utmost professionalism in our photography, research, and description writing.
5. Customer Satisfaction: Wardlow Auctions guarantees that customers receive items exactly as presented online during the purchase, including full disclosure of any known issues. We treat each customer with respect, promptly addressing any concerns and actively working to prevent similar issues in the future. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering.

These principles as a commitment and oath of office and must be supported and adhered to by all staff members at Wardlow Auctions Inc.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Society of Appraisers
• Member of the Filson Historical Society
• Member of the Kentucky Auctioneers Association
• Member of the Kentucky Association of Realtors
• Member of the Kentucky Historical Society
• Member of the National Auctioneers Association
• Member of the National Association of Realtors

Online Auctions

In 2007, Wardlow Auctions Inc. initiated the provision of online-only internet auctions exclusively for personal property and real estate. This strategic capability allows us to meticulously assess the nuances of each situation, including property characteristics, buyer market dynamics, and logistical considerations.

Management and staff at Wardlow Auctions Inc. recognize that changes in lifestyles, technology, the marketplace, and the economy affect the way people do business. In response to these evolving factors, we firmly believe that businesses must adapt and transform their operational approaches to effectively serve clients and customers. Wardlow Auctions Inc. maintains a commitment to providing an informative and user-friendly website, employing internet marketing strategies, and extending the option of online bidding.

By embracing technological advancements and staying attuned to market dynamics, Wardlow Auctions Inc. is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and results for our valued clients.

Real Estate Auction Experience

Between January 1998 and January 2023, Wardlow Auctions Inc. successfully auctioned approximately 425 residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate properties, totaling $60.5 million. Our meticulous screening of auction candidates and effective marketing strategies resulted in sales contracts for 90.4% of auctioned properties, with a successful closure rate of 98.3%.

Personal Property Auction Experience

Between January 1998 and January 2023, Wardlow Auctions Inc. successfully auctioned approximately 600 personal property auctions totaling $16.4 million, Wardlow Auctions Inc. specializes in diverse auction types, including antiques, art objects, vehicles, and commercial equipment. Over half of our auctions assist families with estate settlements and living estate transitions.

Benefit Auctions

Beyond regular auctions, Wardlow Auctions Inc. actively supports numerous charitable causes, contributing to over 160 organizations and conducting over 650 benefit auctions, resulting in raising over $18.8 million since the year 2000.