What's the Deal?

What's the Deal with Steven Mattes? A Labor Day Tribute

The deal? There were many.

Steven Mattes is a renowned figure in the industrial auction world, known for his remarkable career that began in 1977. With a knack for striking the perfect deal and a work ethic that is second to none, Steven has mentored many.??I'd like to take a moment to reflect on his incredible journey and the indelible mark he has left on our industry.?

Steven Mattes turned 65 on Labor Day this year. Labor Day. The irony was not lost on him. He even said it himself, "I was born to work." A bit of a chuckle, a bit of sadness in his voice… it's not exactly the happiest of occasions this year. Why? Because Steven is also marking his entrance into hospice care.

But let’s back up for a second. Steven Mattes—now there's a name that rings a bell in the industrial auction world. This man has been in the game for over four decades, and I mean, he's done it all. He's like the Michael Jordan of auctions, minus the shoes. Although his taste in shoes was admired as well.?

If you look at his industry experience, you start to see a pattern—big deals, small deals, industrial deals, aviation deals, defense contract deals, paper deals, real estate deals, car deals, watch deals, and on and on. He wasn’t just wheeling and dealing; he was a virtuoso. The Picasso of the auction world, only with less paint and more yellow notepads.

And here’s the kicker: Steven didn’t expect any of this. His first deal, at 27, he guaranteed with a check he wrote that quite literally could not be cashed until one day after the auction. Life threw some serious curveballs at him. He usually met all those pitches with a solid and successful swing. And when he missed, folks, he got right back up to bat, as if it was bashert, as if it was meant to be to help in the next swing. But even now, when he’s not at full strength, he still occasionally dishes out solid business advice like he’s handing out medicine to those of us who appreciate him. “Here, take some knowledge. It’s good for you.”

I’ve been lucky enough to have Steven as a mentor, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like learning from a guy who's been there, done that, and got the auction catalogs to prove it. His business principles are rock-solid, built on years of experience that you just can’t get from a TED Talk. Nope, Steven’s wisdom is the real deal—the kind of insight that only comes from a lifetime of hard work, a little bit of luck, and a lot of 140-hour weeks.

Labor Day is a day that’s supposed to be about celebrating hard work. I can’t think of anyone who embodies that more than Steven Mattes. This guy has worked harder than anyone in the industry I’ve ever met. He’s a one-man workhorse, a cowboy, by all accounts, a legend.

Steven’s life has been one long Labor Day, and not just the three-day weekend kind, but the real deal—the "I was born to work" kind.

So here’s to Steven Mattes, a guy who turned the auction world on its head, gave us all a run for our money, and taught us a thing or two along the way. And could probably still get the better of us.?

Happy Labor Day, Steven. Thanks for all the laughs, the lessons, and the legacy. You’ve truly been a master at your craft.??

Happy Labor Day all.?