Picture this: a beautiful gala where everyone is sipping champagne and wearing handsome tuxedos and gowns. A nervous Dion Abadi sits at a table with his wife and some of his closest colleagues, who either work for him or compete against him. He is laughing, as if he is not worried about what is about to be announced during this gala. On the inside, he is as nervous as a child on the first day of kindergarten. When his name is announced as the Art Auctioneer of the Year for 2010 – which makes it his third time winning – he jumps to his feet with a huge smile and strides over to collect his prize. Quite comfortable behind a microphone, Dion Abadi makes the crowd laugh with a few witty anecdotes about his experiences in the business.

All Dion Abadi knows is art and how to auction it off. He eats, sleeps and breathes art auctions. On that lovely night in Chamblee, Georgia, he was recognized for the third time as Art Auctioneer of the Year. “After winning in previous years, you would think I wouldn’t be so nervous or worried about winning. But I was nervous, because it is such an honor and it means so much to me,” said a proud Dion Abadi as he held his third gold plaque.

Fancy clothes and champagne aside, Dion Abadi cares so much for his art auction business, for his employees and most of all for his clients. This is what comes through whenever anyone deals with Dion Abadi. He creates trust almost immediately and adds humor and levity to almost any situation he is in. “I would never, ever buy art from anyone else. I was so glad when Dion Abadi became licensed in South Carolina because that is where I live and buy my art,” said a prominent art owner at the gala.

Dion Abadi headed home that night with his shiny, new gold plaque nestled in the back seat of his car. His wife smiled at him and said she was so proud of him and all the success he generates. What an amazing day for Dion Abadi!