Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Frugé.
Hi Carrie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Austin, TX — Professional auctioneer Carrie Frugé has officially launched Biddy Up, a woman-owned auction boutique designed to transform charity fundraisers into high-energy, high-impact experiences. With Austin roots and a growing global footprint, Biddy Up brings infectious enthusiasm, expert strategy, and a refreshingly transparent approach to fundraising auctions. You can count on their unwavering support, whether it’s at home in Austin, across the US, or in exotic locations like Mexico.
Impact at a Glance
100+ Non-Profit Partners | $22M Raised | 8 Years of Experience
Inspired by her experience with Leadership Austin, Frugé discovered her passion—and undeniable talent—for helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. What started as a spark quickly became a mission. Over the past eight years, she has collaborated with more than 100 nonprofit organizations, raising over $22 million by securing innovative, headline-worthy donations and driving bidder engagement to new heights.
“Charity auctions should feel electric,” said Carrie Frugé, Founder of Biddy Up. “They should inspire generosity, create connection, and leave people excited about supporting a cause.”
Biddy Up stands out with its boutique, flat-fee model and full-service approach, allowing nonprofits to focus on their mission while Carrie and her team handle the details. From curating one-of-a-kind auction items to delivering show-stopping live auctions complete with signature cowboy-hat-wearing spotters, Biddy Up creates unforgettable moments in Austin & Internationally.
Our speciality is transforming smaller charity auctions into incredible revenue generators. This is important independent of a non-profit’s size, they should benefit from a lively & record breaking event. Additionally, providing female representation on the stage often aligns their mission and their Board’s composition. We are passionate about fundraising while having a great time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not been a smooth road, especially when you are different as a female auctioneer in a male dominated industry. Only 16% of auctioneers are women. I’m redefining leadership to move beyond traditional auctioneer masculine traits, both on stage and in client meetings. I lead with energy, collaboration, worth, and a distinct Texas charm. Carrie Frugé says “Our approach marries aggressive sales with the spirit of cheerleading.”
Challenges:
1. Live Events/Fundraisers always have unexpected major stressors while standing in front of hundreds of people to witness the problem: slides go down & sound goes out, a tornado headed towards your outdoor tented auction, lose your voice due to a strep throat, your dress zipper jams before going on stage
2. My BIGGEST challenge today is gaining name recognition & more notoriety in Austin and Texas (I’d love help here getting my name out in my community.)
3. 100s of details must be remembered for an effective auction however one small misstep (sometimes completely outside of your control) may be how you’re ultimately judged.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Milestones:
1. Carrie Frugé made a significant career change in 2025, transitioning from software sales to become a full-time auctioneer sparked by Leadership Austin.
2. First international auction in February 2025. Held in Playa del Carmen, the event successfully raised critical funds for high school and university scholarships in Mexico. The auction was designed to cross borders and cater to bilingual audiences, an effort that proved highly successful: doubling the donations compared to the previous year’s event. This international auction is now scheduled to be an annual fixture.
Big wins:
1. Repeat Austin Clients & International Auctios – Year after year, consistently hosting auctions for exceptional repeat clients while setting new records annually.: Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Emancipet, Gazelle Foundation
2. IMPACT AT A GLANCE: 100+ Non-Profit Partners | $22M Raised | 8 Years of Experience
“Charity auctions should feel allive ,” said Carrie Frugé, Founder of Biddy Up. “They should inspire generosity, create connection, and leave people excited about supporting a cause.”
<What sets us apart>
Biddy Up stands out with its boutique, flat-fee model and full-service approach, allowing nonprofits to focus on their mission while Carrie and her team handle the details. From curating one-of-a-kind auction items to delivering show-stopping live auctions complete with signature cowboy-hat-wearing spotters, Biddy Up creates unforgettable moments in Austin & Internationally.
Impact at a Glance
• 100+ Non-Profit Partners
• $22 Million Raised
• 8 Years of Auction Expertise
Austin Auctions:
• Elizabeth Ann Seton Board
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden
• Emancipet
Media:
• Instagram: BiddyUpAuctioneer
• www.biddyupauctioneer.com
What makes you happy?
Making the world a better place through auctions and witnessing firsthand all positive impact charities are making.
Also a huge foodie.
Pricing:
- We offer bespoke pricing after a consultation booked on biddyupauctioneer.com
Contact Info:
- Website: biddyupauctioneer.com
- Instagram: BiddyUpAuctioneer
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/biddyup
Image Credits
Liz Salem with Lizzy Love Photography JLeinter Photography Kolton King with Boomer Studio
