Natural born collector
Meet Ben Lennox: Head of Sales
Ben Lennox joins Miller & Miller as Head of Sales.
Ben Lennox, Miller & Miller’s newly appointed Head of Sales, is now living the life that Jim Miller, the late father of co-owners Justin and Ethan Miller, predicted he would.
A well-respected presence and peace-keeper in the Canadian collecting community, Ben Lennox is a name that many collectors know well. As he puts it, he is equipped with “enough knowledge to be dangerous”. And he is dangerous. He started full-time with Miller & Miller in September, and hasn’t stopped since. Launching auctions in new segments, securing key contracts, and unifying direction within the sales team are ways Ben adds value to the company. And as Ben will also tell you, the best is yet to come.
A young Justin Miller (left) and Ben Lennox (right).
Ben is pictured with Jeff Beare and Jamie Miller at the Christie Antique Show.
Ben has been an integral part of the company since day one—even back when he was balancing a ‘second life’ in the insurance industry.
“I would work a full day and then come in to help set up the live auctions, running phone bids or assisting onsite bidders,” recalls Ben. “I’ve done pretty much everything from mopping the floor to advising sales.” Now, he is thrilled to bring his full attention to Miller & Miller in this new, full-time capacity.
Ben’s passion for collecting started early. While his parents weren't collectors, his mother attributes the start of his journey to an unusual childhood game of “Garage Sale.” “Instead of playing ‘house’ like other kids, I’d line up my possessions and try to sell them to my mom,” Ben recalls.
Most collectors recall that defining moment in life when they caught “the bug”. For Ben, it was during a family trip to Florida in 1986. He purchased a stack of baseball card packs, and that was it. “I was convinced I had one of the biggest collections in the world,” he laughs. From that early start, he and his brothers became dedicated collectors, saving their money to visit card shows and attend garage sales and auctions with their dad. Ben carried this ritual into adulthood. Over the years, Ben’s collecting interests broadened to encompass a variety of categories, including Canadiana, folk art, and advertising. With these interests, it’s no wonder he’s a Miller & Miller match made in heaven.
Ben poses with some of his prized fresh finds.
A true “picker” at heart, Ben has experienced the triumphs and dangers of the trade. From scoring a rare cone-top beer can for 25 cents at a garage sale—which he later sold on eBay for $1,500—to uncovering a Markham chest crafted by master cabinet maker George Barkey in an abandoned house, Ben has proven himself a sharp-eyed collector. Yet, not all finds come without risk: “I’ve fought off my fair share of raccoons, and there have been times I've worried about catching something from breathing in who-knows-what," he laughs. “At least I’ve only been threatened with a shotgun once”.
“Deep dives” are all part of the fun.
Ben found this Markham chest of drawers by master cabinet maker George Barkey in an abandoned house.
Ben already has stories to tell in his short full-time tenure with Miller and Miller. He nearly overlooked an important pottery spittoon while helping a seasoned collector downsize. After Ben was satisfied with his selections, the collector pointed to a row of non-descript pottery spittoons he had dismissed. “Not the spittoons?” the collector asked. Before Ben could react, the collector reached for the middle one and flipped it over to reveal a signature from Albion Pottery—it was one of the only known signed pieces from this early Ontario pottery. “Leave no stone unturned,” he laughs, humbled by the close call. The piece will be included in Miller & Miller’s February 8 Canadiana sale.
Ben’s weathervane collection.
Ben’s kids, Parker and Fischer, pose with one of his prized finds.
Ben’s openness to new experiences has led him into many memorable situations beyond the world of collecting. One memorable moment occurred in May 2002 when he agreed to a last-minute long weekend trip to Los Angeles with an acquaintance. While touring the sights, he found himself at the outdoor mall near the Chinese Mann Theater, where he noticed a camera crew nearby. Suddenly, the camera was in Ben’s face, and Chris Harrison, the host of "The Bachelor," asked him, “Do you have what it takes to be the next Bachelor?” Without missing a beat, Ben replied, “Of course! I have intelligence, integrity, and half-decent good looks.”
They were invited to sign up for the show but soon realized Canadian contestants weren't accepted. Unbeknownst to Ben, their encounter aired that Sunday night on "Hollywood Extra," surprising friends back home. The next morning, just before leaving LA, Ben received a call from someone with a German accent insisting he audition for the show, regardless of his nationality. He was shocked, but soon discovered it was a prank by his friend Don using a fake accent. When Ben returned to the office on Tuesday, he found banners proclaiming him "Canada’s Next Bachelor."
Over the years, Ben's passion for antiques forged a strong bond with Miller & Miller Auctions, largely thanks to his relationship with the late Jim Miller. From the beginning, Jim recognized Ben's potential and encouraged him to pursue the business full-time.
“Jim saw something in me,” Ben recalls. “He always told me I had what it takes.”
Ben fondly remembers their auction trips, during which Jim would insist, “Just five more minutes!” to secure a coveted item. Jim frequently contacted Ben to make deals on his latest finds, including a rare Joseph Wagner Berlin yellowware pottery piece that later appeared in Moe Johnson’s book, The Potter’s Reach. Grateful for his memories and mentorship, Ben recognizes that Jim was right: this future was always in the cards for him.
Just a typical day for Ben.
As Miller & Miller's Head of Sales, Ben now leads a team of Consignment Directors, oversees auction operations, and helps source quality consignments.
“Every day is different,” he says, noting that some days are spent on the road meeting potential consignors and looking at collections, while others are spent in the office fine-tuning inventory processes with the consignment team. “I’m just thrilled to be a part of it, and it’s a dream come true to be doing what I love.”
As Miller & Miller grows, Ben sees tremendous opportunity in emerging areas like sports memorabilia and pop culture. “There’s a significant gap in the market, and Miller & Miller is poised to gain a foothold here,” he notes.
Ben’s experience and enthusiasm, coupled with his expertise in Canadiana, folk art, and advertising, position him as a key player at Miller & Miller. His values align with the Miller & Miller’s mission to deliver the very best at auction, and to be Canada’s most trusted auction house. And as the late Jim Miller predicted, with Ben Lennox at the helm, the future is bright.
Story by Tess Malloy
Tess is a freelance writer and history enthusiast who enjoys unearthing interesting stories about remarkable people and objects. Tess has written for The Miller Times for six years.
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