A Rare and Valued Treasure

Step aside, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Carlsbad has its own online auction queen, octogenarian Maxine McIntosh.

This bespectacled, bridge-playing, retired engineer and HNC Resale Shop volunteer single-handedly operates HNC’s eBay site that has grossed more than $200,000 since she built it from scratch in 2002. Proceeds support the many services our nonprofit hospice provides clients, regardless of financial or life circumstances.

“I handle the process from beginning to end,” says this serene dynamo. “I research values, photograph items, write descriptions, post eight to ten pieces each week, converse with sellers – I’ve become very chummy with some! – finalize sales, then pack everything up, calculate postage and take the boxes to the post office.”

One of her prize sells was a 1902 Edison phonograph bought by a man in Thailand for $1,700. A vintage red oriole ceramic sold for $1,800.

Her home office is populated by famous names such as Wedgwood, Waterford, Bose, St. John and a limited edition Mickey Mouse in its original box. Her garage is stacked high with packing materials.

Like the fine jewelry she sells, Maxine is a sparkling gem. Her excitement is palpable when she speaks of her eBay triumphs; her voice fills with tenderness as she relates her connection to HNC.

“This hospice served my mother, who died in 1992. I was so grateful that I began to volunteer. I’m still here and I love it.”

In the eyes of her HNC fans and friends, Maxine McIntosh is … a rare and valued treasure.