Who do you think you are?

It was recently asked of me: "If you had to give an “elevator pitch” to someone as to who I am and what I do, what would you say?"

Trust me, that’s not an easy question to answer. There are so many components that shape who I am and what I do. But if I had to summarize it in one word, I’m in the business of "recommerce."

Recommerce isn’t just a business model for me—it’s a lifestyle. I buy and resell to do my part to save the planet, to give old items a new chance at life, and to reconnect people with antiques and vintage pieces that remind them of treasured memories. Aside from groceries, most of my personal purchases are secondhand. I see and live both sides of recommerce. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. It's my life.

Now, what is recommerce, you ask?

Recommerce, as it applies to me, is the process of buying, selling, and repurposing pre-owned goods, specifically antiques, vintage items, and other secondhand merchandise—to extend their lifecycle and value. But there’s more to it than that. Recommerce is about storytelling, sustainability, and creating meaningful connections.

Here’s how I live and breathe recommerce:

1. Sourcing Items with Stories

As a picker, antiques dealer, and estate sale conductor, I identify pieces that hold historical, aesthetic, or functional significance—treasures often overlooked, discarded, or forgotten.

2. Restoring and Repurposing

I breathe new life into these items. Whether it’s cleaning, repairing, or creatively repurposing them, I preserve their original character while embracing their “perfect imperfection.”

3. Reselling with Purpose

Through estate sales, my farmhouse antique store, or my network of pocket buyers, I find the right homes for these treasures—connecting buyers with items they truly value. My philosophy is simple: move items quickly at a profit rather than holding out for the whole pie.

4. Sustainability and Efficiency

Recommerce aligns with my values. It reduces waste, promotes sustainability, and creates win-win situations for buyers and sellers alike. It’s about being efficient while making a positive impact.

5. Storytelling and Connection

At its core, recommerce is about more than just objects—it’s about honoring the stories these items carry and the people who once loved them. As a history enthusiast, I value the emotional and cultural connections tied to every transaction.

In essence, recommerce is the intersection of business, storytelling, sustainability, and community. It’s my passion—a way of breathing life into the past while creating value for the future. I live a recommerce life

And here’s the epiphany I had while thinking about this: We are all in or participating in the business of recommerce.

Have you ever bought secondhand goods, pre-owned vehicles, estate sale finds, garage sale items, or items passed down through family? That’s recommerce. Have you purchased factory-refurbished products, outlet mall goods, store returns or made purchases from sites like Amazon , Bidder1, Poshmark, eBay, or auction houses? That’s recommerce, too.

If you’ve ever sold anything—new or used—you’re in the recommerce industry.

The truth is, recommerce touches us all. It’s not just a business model—it’s a way of life.