AT: Are there any big surprises viewers can expect from season 2? Any auction meltdowns or big scores?
MM: I didn’t think I could top season one. I got $10,000 in gold jewelry at one auction. I smacked it out of the ballpark in season two. We’re through filming half way and there are two episodes where I gambled a lot and came out ahead.
BL: Yeah, I’m a hundred percent with Mark. I’m just more confident. We’re working so much under the high intensity and magnifying glass of the camera that we’re hyper-aware. It has me looking for deals everywhere. Under real life circumstances I might be a bit more lackadaisical about it but the pressure of TV has us scoring big time. I’ll tell you its really rewarding making the camera guys crack up. On top of the business we’re doing we’re really entertaining people. I won’t let up till I see every crew member laughing.
AT: What inspired you to take part in this series?
MM: It’s an opportunity to reach a wide audience. You [BL] start talking about the opportunity to trade at state auctions. It really doesn’t get any better than that. Once we started talking about it I was all up for it.
BL: For me, it started with the antiques road show years ago. I was actively looking to be involved with an antique and collectables based show. It took a lot of auditions, but eventually Travel Channel took interest in me.
AT: Do either of you have a rivalry with your co-stars Sally and Lawrence?
BL: Personally I like them and think they are very nice people. When it comes to making money, oh my god they’re my enemy, Mark is my enemy, everyone is my enemy.
I’m very friendly with Sally and Lawrence behind the scenes, but when it comes to auction all bets are off.
MM: Unfortunately when it comes to auctions it’s not a team sport. With auctions, we’re not friends. Billy probably has six times more experience than me, and Sally and Lawrence have forty years in the big business. I’m up against big competition with steep pockets.
BL: I’m making deals with Mark all the time. I’m making deals with Sally and Lawrence after the auction all the time. The deals are never ending. It’s a constant deal making scenario.
AT: What item brought you the highest return, and what was in it?
BL: One painting that went to auction might be a Gilbert Stuart. Even if it’s in the school of Gilbert Stuart, it’s worth at least $10,000.
MM: We’re still filming but you really don’t know until you get your check. We could speculate as high as you want but the stakes are higher this season and our investments can turn into tens of thousands of dollars.
