A self-proclaimed hobbyist/enthusiast/aficionado, Sameen Alam grew up in the Pasadena area with automobilia in his blood, completing his first full restoration at 22 on his father’s 1969 FIAT 850 Spider.  Since then, he has been involved in every aspect of the automotive subculture ranging from brokerage to fabrication. He keeps his finger on the automotive pulse by actively participating in shows, events, and interacting frequently with other hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Jonpaul “JP” Balak is our talented Photographer & Auction Clerk. He began learning the trade from his professional photographer father and later studied at Santa Monica College. As Clerk, you’ll see him on stage at our live auctions tracking bids. JP holds a BA in Musicology from UCLA and can be found performing internationally with The Tikiyaki Orchestra.

Liz Hesik Hughes brings her love of art history and contemporary art to Hughes Auctions. She has an extensive background in contemporary art curating and arts management, along with documentary film production. Before coming to Hughes, she was Project Director for the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time project on Post-War avant garde film production in Los Angeles, a movement truly immersed in the Mid-Century Los Angeles art scene. Liz holds an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

Todd Hughes grew up in Pasadena learning the estate business from our founder: his father Larry. In addition to an extensive knowledge of fine art and antiques, Todd has a special interest in unique ephemera, mid-century modern design and contemporary art. From 1997-2000, he ran a retail store specializing in these items on Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena. And in 2001 he opened a fine art gallery in South Pasadena dealing in contemporary art with a focus on Los Angeles artists. Having worked directly with his father for over 20 years, Todd’s professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm for the family business carries on to this day.

Kari Lung oversees the appraisal of art, antiques and collectibles. Because such items can fluctuate in popularity and price, she is always up-to-date on current trends. Kari completed her American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Certificate in Appraisal Studies in Fine and Decorative Arts at UC Irvine, receiving accreditation in 2012.

Tony Rodriguez  has been buying and selling fine art and antiques for over 40 years. Tony moved to Key West from Madrid in 1980, where he starting selling at regional antique shows, becoming known for Native American rugs, art and Art Deco jewelry. In 1983, Tony came to Southern California and opened an antique shop called Piccolo Mondo in Ventura while also selling at the burgeoning regional antique shows. Tony and Larry Hughes met in the early 1990s while they occupied neighboring booths at an antique show in Pasadena and worked together closely until Larry retired in 2006.