30 Years of experience

Our Story

Brian Sample, the owner of Estate & Downsizing Specialists, started in the auction industry in the mid-1980s, driven by his passion for art & antiques.

Brian began as a collector and dealer and has continued to be involved in some aspect of the industry for nearly 40 years. As a licensed Auctioneer & Certified Appraiser since 1998, Brian has conducted hundreds of events from estate goods to fine quality art, jewelry, antiques and specialties. His knowledge of the merchandise and the industry is enormous, and he is very passionate about what he does.

He saw the need for more than just an auction service. There was a need for a service that specialized in the transitional process of the aging population, and not just the selling of personal property.

Over the years, he and his team became certified appraisers, online sales specialists, and consultants.

Today Brian and Ren lead the EDS team to provide exceptional, prompt service to each of their clients.

Our Mission

Solving your transitional problems while maximizing the value of your assets.

Our Team

Brian Sample

Founder/Owner

Brian Sample has been active in the antique and collectible world since the early 1980s. Starting as a picker/dealer, Brian began reselling at markets and to individuals, eventually becoming very active as an online reseller. He became a licensed Auctioneer in 1998 and was the first Auctioneer in the area to offer online sales as an option for his clients. He developed the concept for Estate & Downsizing Specialists in 2012, realizing he was doing much more than conducting auctions and estate tag sales for his clients. Brian has extensive experience in the valuation of art, antiques, rare furnishings, and collectibles. In 2003, Brian became a licensed Real Estate professional. Brian is a past President of the Bloomington Board of Realtors and specializes in the Estate & Downsizing client. Brian is a top-tier broker at Bloomington’s leading real estate firm, RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties.

Mike Setze

Operations Manager

Mike started with EDS in 2006. Mike has a degree in aviation and is a pilot. Mike’s analytical skills and broad understanding of technology has made him instrumental in our online auction business. In his nearly two decades in the industry. He has developed a broad knowledge and a keen eye for value and rarity as he works in the field. Our management team relies on Mike for consultation and advice on all facets of the business. 

Ren campbell

Premium Auction Manager

Ren brings a lifetime of experience in the corporate and residential design fields with a strong background in historic furnishings and estates. Ren has been invaluable in the growth of our premium auction business.

Colleen McKenna

Fine Arts Specialist & Appraiser

Colleen McKenna holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts from Indiana University and bachelor’s degrees in Art History and Printmaking from Ohio University. She was the Executive Director of the Friends of Art and the FoA Bookshop at Indiana University for nearly 20 years, building one of the most comprehensive art book inventories in the United States on behalf of IU’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design. She has worked as a fine art printer, gallery associate and art framer, and she has a deep love for the study, care, and display of art—especially works on paper. Colleen recently joined the team at EDS where she enjoys studying and researching art, ephemera, books and other collections.

Larue Connally

Lead Photographer / Auction Production Team

Madison Sample

Auction Production Team

Kay Olges

Auction Production Team

Roxanne Flower

Auction Production Team

Kristina Temple

Auction Production Team

Racheal Bowling

On-site Field Team

Karis Jolly

Shipping Associate

Ty Connally

Graphic Design & Marketing

Contact Us

Call us anytime at (812) 822-2508.

Not Local? Not A Problem!

We can help manage your home when you can’t. No matter where you live, our cleaning, shipping, and selling services will take care of your estate.