Greg and Sarah Lawson welcome you to Fountain City Auction. Photo by Dan Andrews.

By Tasha Mahurin
mahurint@knoxfocus.com
Friday nights in North Knoxville haven’t been the same since Greg Lawson, owner of Fountain City Auction, expanded the business to a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility on 4109 Central Avenue Pike.
Lawson was in the photography business for 22 years, but when he began attending auctions 12 years ago, he found a new passion and turned it into a successful business. He began Fountain City Auction in October of 2005 in a 2,000 sq. ft. building in the heart of Fountain City. He and wife, Sarah, began selling their own items, and it quickly led into consigning items for other people.
Due to their recent expansion, the company is now able to handle larger volumes of merchandise and can seat over 300 people. They assist dealers and the public alike in the liquidation of personal property, such as, antiques, furniture, glassware, tools, jewelry, coins, etc. Sometimes they sell cars, trailers, and boats if they are attached to an estate. In addition, Fountain City Auction has a 16×9 ft. projection screen to project items at the sale and advanced computer clerking abilities. They also conduct internet auctions with live audience participation and are in the process of obtaining their FFL license to sell firearms.
While the facility is impressive and the auctions are quickly gaining a reputation as some of the best around, Lawson maintains that its the company’s values that truly set them apart.
“We are a very honest and reputable company with integrity and values. We also have very honest, knowledgeable, and friendly staff to help you with all your auction needs and questions,” he told The Focus.
By all accounts, their excellent reputation and the quality of their items keep auction enthusiasts coming back every weekend. Although, Lawson pointed out, there really is no such thing as a stereotypical “auction-goer.” On a typical night at Fountain City Auction you’re apt to see a healthy mix of young and old, veterans and first-timers, men and women alike. Many patrons are bargain hunters who live for the thrill of the hunt. It’s not uncommon to see a man, nudged by his wife, in a bidding war with an interior designer over a piece of furniture neither of them can live without. Yet, in the midst of exhilaration, Lawson is gracious and appreciative towards every person who comes out.
“If you come to one of our auctions be prepared to be both welcomed and appreciated,” Lawson stated. “We try to make every sale an experience you won’t forget.”
Fountain City Auction has a number of special auctions coming up in the near future including a country/primitive sale, an advertisement sale, a coin internet sale, and a high end antiques sale. To see photos of the merchandise, visit auctionzip.com and enter Auctioneer ID# 7613. For more information contact Greg Lawson at (865) 604-3468, (865) 474-9931 or email fountaincityauction@yahoo.com.