Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Phillips Burgess.
Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My introduction to the auction world came early – at just 16 years old – working behind the scenes at a local antique auction, entering data and helping prepare for weekly sales. What began as a part-time role quickly evolved into a passion. Immersed in the rhythm of the industry, I built meaningful relationships, joined my state’s Auctioneers Association, and found guidance in mentors who would profoundly shape both my career and character.
In 2013, I graduated from the Texas Auction Academy and soon after earned my Texas auctioneer’s license, marking a pivotal step from student to professional. By 2017, I launched my own company, KP Auction Group, with a focus on nonprofit fundraising auctions – while also offering real estate services, estate liquidations, and a range of professional auction solutions throughout North Texas and the United States.
Today, my work spans both the fast-paced world of wholesale automobile auctions during the week and the high-energy environment of nonprofit fundraising events, where I lead more than 50 auctions each year. Whether on the auction floor or center stage at a benefit, my focus remains the same: creating momentum, driving results, and helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has not been without its challenges. Breaking into and advancing within a traditionally male-dominated industry required persistence, resilience, and a deep belief in my own abilities. Early on, I had to work not only to refine my craft, but to establish credibility in rooms where I was often the youngest, and the only woman, on the mic. Earning opportunities for events didn’t come easily; it meant consistently proving my value, building trust, and delivering results time and time again.
Beyond the stage, the realities of entrepreneurship brought their own set of hurdles. Launching and growing a business required navigating financial uncertainty, creating consistent opportunities, and learning how to clearly communicate the value of professional auctioneering, especially in the nonprofit space. The fast-paced nature of the industry, combined with a demanding travel schedule, added another layer of complexity especially when juggling work and home life.
Like many in the events industry, I also faced significant disruption during the pandemic, which challenged not only the way auctions were conducted, but how connection and engagement were created in entirely new formats. Each of these experiences, while difficult, played a role in shaping my approach, strengthening my adaptability, and reinforcing my commitment to delivering meaningful impact for every organization I serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At its core, my business is about helping organizations maximize their impact through strategic, high-energy fundraising auctions. I work with nonprofits, charities, schools and foundations to not only run their live auctions, but to elevate the entire fundraising experience, from pre-event strategy and donor engagement, to execution on stage and final results.
I specialize in benefit auctions, conducting over 50 events each year, and I also bring experience in real estate, estate liquidations, and wholesale automobile auctions. That range has sharpened my ability to read a room, adapt quickly, and drive momentum in any environment, but my true passion lies in the nonprofit space, where every bid directly supports a meaningful cause.
What sets me apart is the combination of strategy and performance. I’m not just there to “call bids.” I work closely with my clients ahead of time to build a plan that increases participation, strengthens donor confidence, and ultimately raises more money. On stage, that translates into energy, connection, and control of the room. Off stage, it’s about communication, preparation, and understanding donor psychology.
I’m especially proud of the brand I’ve built around trust, professionalism, and results. My clients know they’re getting someone who is fully invested in their mission, who shows up prepared, and who treats every event like it matters… because it does.
What I want readers to know is this: a successful fundraising auction doesn’t happen by chance. It’s intentional. The right team, the right strategy, and the right person on the mic can completely transform an event. My goal is to be that difference-maker for every organization I have the opportunity to serve.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The most important quality behind my success is adaptability. No two events, audiences, or rooms are ever the same, and the ability to read the crowd, adjust in real time, and respond with confidence is everything. Whether it’s shifting energy, handling the unexpected, or finding the right moment to push momentum, adaptability allows me to stay in control while creating a seamless and engaging experience. It’s supported by preparation and intuition, but it’s that ability to pivot in the moment that truly drives results.
Success in the auction industry doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built over time and through perseverance and the willingness to keep showing up, even when the path isn’t easy. This industry, like many others, rewards those who are willing to stay committed, keep improving their craft, and push through obstacles. Perseverance has not only shaped my career, but it’s also what continues to drive my success today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kpauctiongroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auctionkate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpauctiongroup
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipskate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuctionKate
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kp-auction-group-ennis
Image Credits
Alexis Seifert Photography
Stephen Lizarraga with Developt
