Arkansas April 2022 Newsletter

I hope everyone is doing well, both personally and professionally.   It's finally time for our 2022 Arkansas Auctioneers Association Convention.  I appreciate your patience these past few months with the rescheduling due to the ice storm we had to deal with back in February.   I can assure you, the Board of Directors, along with Cali Crissup, our Executive Director, have put in many hours trying to juggle the cancellations of the February meeting and planning the rescheduled convention.   Regretfully, some of the speakers we had planned for last February were not able to attend the new May dates, but we are thrilled to have a fantastic schedule of speakers and topics lined up for you.

As you can see from the schedule Cali has posted, we will follow our same scheduling format we have used in the past.  The Hospitality Suite will open Thursday evening, May 12th, and the classes will be held  Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th.   The Real Estate Continuing Education Opportunity will also be on Saturday, May 14th.  As always, the Bid Calling Preliminary Competitions will begin Friday evening with the finals being held Saturday night during the President's Banquet.   Because of the great turnout and appreciation for the Chapel Service held last year, we will once again be hosting that service the Sunday Morning, May 15th.  The service will be held at the host hotel, and the time will be posted in the schedule.

I would also like to say Thank You to the Arkansas Auctioneers Association and to you, the membership, for allowing me the opportunity to serve as the AAA Board President.   This association is full of outstanding members who are more than willing to help one another at any time.   I can say with certainty the Board of Directors is always looking for opportunities to advance and promote the Auction Profession.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the convention.  If you have not made your reservations with the hotel, please do so.  This will be a great opportunity to hear and learn about this ever changing industry and to catch up with friends and fellow auctioneers.

If you are undecided about attending, please let me encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and attend the conference.   At no other time will you have a chance to visit with colleagues, make new friends, hear fantastic speakers, and also learn from your fellow auctioneers during this time we have together.

Thank you,

-- 
Dennis J. Huggins 
Associate Broker
Multi-Million Dollar Producer
Realtor / Auctioneer
479.629.6501
O'Neal Real Estate, LLC
479.739.8087

Convention Information

Advertising Contest

Don’t forget to enter in the Advertising Contest! Entries can be submitted via Jot Form or in person.

Contest Information

Hotel Information

Hotel Hot Springs
305 Malvern Ave,
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone(501) 623-6600

Vendor/Sponsor Opportunities

Auctioneers Association Management Team

Hello Auctioneers, Vendors, Sponsors & Associates!
I hope that this email finds you well. Please feel free to reach out should you need anything from me. I take great pride in serving each of my associations & want to continue to build upon my skills to provide you with the best service possible.

Cali Crissup
Executive Director of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina & Oklahoma
CEO of Auctioneers Association Management Team
580-327-7525  |  auctioneersassociationdirector@gmail.com

August Updates

Here we are already in August, this year is quickly wrapping up.  I wanted to send a quick note to let everyone know that your AAA Board of Directors is already hard at work securing speakers and schedules for next year's Convention to be held February 3rd. - February 6th. 2022.   The board had the opportunity to meet August 3rd and set in place some very exciting  plans for the coming convention.  Mark your calendars now and plan to attend, we are only 6 months away.   Also during this meeting  board elections were held, and board positions are as follows.

Directors - Kim King, John Nutt, Wade Andrews, and Danny Thomas
Secretary of Treasure - Kirk Witcher
Board President - Dennis Huggins

It is an honor once again to be elected to serve as Board President.   The Arkansas Auctioneers Association has a strong membership full of extremely talented professional auctioneers.   The board members are always ready to help when needed.   Also if you ever have a question feel free to call any of the board members and we will do our best to get you an answer as soon as possible.   As more information becomes available concerning the exciting plans for the convention and also any updates we receive about the Arkansas Auctioneers Licensing Board and their Continuing Education requirements, we will forward that to everyone.

Thank you,
Dennis Huggins, AAA President

We are awaiting approval of the AALB to host Continuing Education Classes in the Fall of 2021. We hope to update you by September 15th. Please follow our Facebook page for updated information as it will be posted as it becomes available. 

Arkansas Auctioneers Convention Recap

The 2021 Conference for the Arkansas Auctioneers Association is in the books. Thank you to everyone who attended the convention. We had a great lineup of speakers and vendors. We were faced with several challenges, but due to the efforts of the board and membership who volunteered their help, this year's event was a success. I want to give a huge shout out to our Executive Director of the Association, Cali Crissup. Cali has the amazing ability to orchestrate the chaos of scheduling speakers, vendors, communicating with the hotel and keeping the board informed with such precision and efficiency, it is sometimes mind blowing.

Thank you to our speakers who  included Shawn Terrel, Brian Rigby, Nathaniel Frederick, Barrett Bray, and our own Kirk Witcher.  Each one presented current topics that affect the daily operations of the auction profession. Mr. Paul Colvin presented an outstanding Real Estate Class.

It has been an honor to serve as Board President for 2021. We have a fantastic organization with members who are passionate about the auction profession.

We have already scheduled a couple of dynamic speakers for the 2022 Conference, which as of now, will be back to our normal time frame of February.  Thank you again and make your plans to be with us for the 2022 Convention.

Dennis J. Huggins

2021 Advertising Contest Winners

Color Brochure

People’s Company

Post Card

People’s Company

Website

Witcher Auctions

Social Media Page

Witcher Auctions

Commercial Video

People’s Company

Radio Spot

Wade Andrews Auction Services

A special thank you to the man behind the scenes that made sure all of our viewers at home could enjoy our evening activities!
Thanks Lance Swigert & S3 One Goal for being a part of our convention!

A Special Thank You to Our Speakers!

Brian Rigby
CAI, AARE Founder & Chairman: Professional  Ringmen’s Institute

- W.O.R.K. Don’t Take Your Health For Granted
- What Every Ringman Needs to Know

Shawn Terrel
CAI, AARE, UCMA

-Effectively Negotiating Auction Commissions
-Gaining Competitive Advantage in a Fast Paced World

Nathaniel Frederick

-Marketing, Goals and Branding
-Speaking to the Consumer’s Mind Through Social Media

Barrett Bray

- All Things Business Media Marketing & Beyond with Kirk Witcher
- Auctioneer’s Toolbox

Kirk Witcher

- All Things Business Media Marketing & Beyond with Barrett Bray

Paul Colvin
- Real Estate CE: Teach the Teacher

Hello Auctioneers, Vendors, Sponsors & Associates!

I hope that this email finds you well. Please feel free to reach out should you need anything from me. I take great pride in serving each of my associations & want to continue to build upon my skills to provide you with the best service possible.

Cali Crissup
Executive Director
580-327-7525
auctioneersassociationdirector@gmail.com

Arkansas Auctioneers Continuing Education Update

Arkansas Auctioneers Association Dues run from January 1-December 31.
Don't forget to pay your dues!

---ATTENTION---

Due to COVID-19, the AAA Board has decided to publish the AAA newsletter digitally for the time being. Please let us know your thoughts as we all manage through the unknown in the upcoming weeks/months.

We encourage fellow auctioneers to honor social distancing and the other guidelines provided by the government & CDC. 

If you would like to be a vendor or sponsor at our CE Classes, please use this link & scroll to the bottom for each class.

President's Letter by Dennis Huggins

Here we are already half way through 2020, before we know it our 2021 Arkansas Auctioneers Convention will be upon us. If you have never attended the convention I would highly recommend you do so. The opportunities you have to visit with your fellow auctioneer professionals is fantastic. You'll find that we all deal with virtually the same issues only with different faces and names.

As you know this year has caused many adjustments to our daily schedules and routines, but as always, being in the business as an auctioneer we learn to adapt in an instant. You have read from the previous updates we, as an association, have had to adjust the Continuing Education Classes multiple times, but we finally have the dates locked in. The classes will be held September 14th, 15th, & 16th, 2020. The locations are listed in this letter. It is very important that you pre-register as soon as possible. With the requirements of social distancing set forth by the CDC and Arkansas Governor's Office we need to get as accurate of a total of attendees as possible. With these numbers, we are able to inform the site directors of each venue we will be using as to how many chairs, tables, etc., and the proper amount of spacing needed, should that be required. We would appreciate it, as soon as you can, go to the link provided and register for the location which is the most convenient for you.

Registration times at each location will be 8 am with classes starting at 9 am.  Lunch (on your own) will be at noon, return to class at 1 pm and each class will wrap up by 4 pm.

Thank you for your patience this year with the many changes we have had to endure. You, as professional auctioneers and staff, are what makes this association work. I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming CE classes. Thank you, and again please register as soon as possible.

Jonesboro, Arkansas

September 14th, 2020

Hotel Reservations & Class will be held at:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Red Wolf Convention Center
223 Red Wolf Blvd,
Jonesboro, AR

Reservations can be made by calling (870) 619-4482
Room Rate: $119 (Block ends August 30th)

Little Rock, AR

September 15th, 2020

Hotel Reservations & Class will be held at:
Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential
707 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR

Reservations can be made by calling (501) 687-7700
Room Rate: $82.00 (Block ends August 16th)

Harrison, AR

September 16th, 2020

Hotel Reservations Available at:
Hotel Seville
302 N. Main St.
Harrison, AR
Class will be held at:
The Durand Center
303 N. Main St.
Harrison, AR

Reservations can be made by calling 870-741-2321
Room Rate: $75 Cozy Queens, $120 for Double Queen or King Suite (Block ends September 7th)

Speaker

William Head is a professional Auctioneer who goes the extra mile to offer the highest level of professionalism. Through classroom training and years of experience, he is able to assist you in the dissolution and liquidation of business, estate, or personal assets.

He has earned the Certified Auctioneers Institute ( CAI ) designation, the most highly respected educational designation in the auction industry. CAI graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality services to all types of clients.

Speaker

J.B. Robison Sr. | Full time in the Auction Business Since 1982.

Graduated from Missouri Auction School when it was still conducted at the Stockyards in Kansas City in August, 1982 --- Graduated #1 out of 158 students.

When he got out of Auction School he had $1,100 – a Wife in school who was not employed, an 10-year-old son, a mortgage, a car payment, no Auction supplies or equipment, had never worked an Auction before in his life in any capacity. BUT he had incentive – if he didn’t sell, they didn’t eat, simple as that!

Speaker

Paul Colvin Jr., CAI

Has been a licensed auctioneer in the State of Arkansas since 1994 and has been a licensed real estate broker since 2004.

Paul was the reserve rookie auctioneer champion in 1995 for the state of Arkansas.  He was named the Arkansas Auctioneers Millennium Champion during the 2000 Arkansas Auctioneers Association Championships. Paul served as President of the Arkansas Auctioneers Association in 2016 and 2017.  Paul served as Secretary for the Arkansas Auctioneers Association in 2014 and 2015.

MEMBERSHIP MONDAY!

Respond to the following and send us a direct message on Facebook or an email with your photo!

  • Name:
  • Family:
  • Awards:
  • Company & Location:
  • Specialties:
  • Years in the auction business:
  • Favorite auction memory:
  • Best part about being a member of the AAA:
  • Favorite Auction education topic:
  • How/when did you decide to become an auctioneer:
  • Who introduced you to the AAA and when:

We look forward to seeing you in 2020!

Please let us know if there are any education topics that you would like for us to consider.

- Cali Crissup & the AAA Board -

Arkansas April 2020 Newsletter

Arkansas Auctioneers Association Dues run from January 1-December 31.
Don't forget to pay your dues!

---ATTENTION---

Due to COVID-19, the AAA Board has decided to publish the AAA newsletter digitally for the time being. Please let us know your thoughts as we all manage through the unknown in the upcoming weeks/months.

We have had to make a few changes to our CE Classes schedule. The May class has been rescheduled & the June class is still on in Jonesboro. (Location TBD, pending the pandemic & locations available for a group gathering) Jonesboro, June 15th (If we are unable to host that day, an additional date has been set for September 14th) Little Rock, September 15th Harrison, September 16th (Change of Date from May 18th)

More details will be sent via email as they become available.

We encourage fellow auctioneers to honor social distancing and the other guidelines provided by the government & CDC. 

If you would like to be a vendor or sponsor at our CE Classes, please use this link & scroll to the bottom for each class.

President's Letter by Dennis Huggins

Hello to everyone, I hope you are doing well.   During this unprecedented time of the shutdown for Covid-19, we have all been forced to make schedule changes and adapt to a much different lifestyle.  With that being said, all of us at the Arkansas Auctioneers Association are working diligently to inform members of changes as they become available.  A few of those changes will be the upcoming 6 hr. Continuing Education classes.  Since this is a very fluid situation, we currently have the following dates tentatively scheduled.  The June 15th., will be held in Jonesboro, the venue is yet to be confirmed.  This September 15th. & 16th. we will hold classes in Little Rock & Harrison, again all dates are tentative at this time.  If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact any of the associations board members.  Stay safe and we look forward to the time when we can all meet together again.

Thank you,

Dennis J. Huggins

AuctionZip Discounted Association Pricing

Standard Pricing
Listing Fee: $100 per auction

Association Pricing:
Listing Fee:  $0 per auction for May, then $40 per auction (online bidding for 1 year to be offered through AuctionZip Exclusively)
Listing Fee:  $40 per auction for May, then $75 per auction (non-exclusive)
Commissions:  5% (added as a buyer’s premium), discounts to 3% for firearms, 2% for machinery/equipment/vehicles, and 1% for real estate.

*Note:  The “exclusive” option, would not require any commitments to run sales online, and no commitment for a set number of sales, it would just be a guarantee that if the house does run with online-bidding, it would only be using AuctionZip for their provider.

For any sales with online bidding, it will also automatically generate a complimentary AuctionZip listing (which the houses normally pay an additional $40 for).

The information I’ll need for members to get signed up is:
First and Last Name
Company Name
Association Member State
Address
Phone number

Myself and my colleagues can reach out to your members individually to get them trained and up and running, holding their hand through the process of getting started.

David P. Tardif Jr.
Director of North American Sales
T: 617.206.2902
E: dtardif@invaluable.com

MEMBERSHIP MONDAY!

Respond to the following and send us a direct message on Facebook or an email with your photo!

  • Name:
  • Family:
  • Awards:
  • Company & Location:
  • Specialties:
  • Years in the auction business:
  • Favorite auction memory:
  • Best part about being a member of the AAA:
  • Favorite Auction education topic:
  • How/when did you decide to become an auctioneer:
  • Who introduced you to the AAA and when:

We look forward to seeing you in 2020!

Please let us know if there are any education topics that you would like for us to consider.

- Cali Crissup & the AAA Board -

Arkansas March 2020 Newsletter

--- ATTENTION ---

Due to COVID-19, the AAA Board has decided to publish the AAA newsletter digitally for the time being. Please let us know your thoughts as we all manage through the unknown in the upcoming weeks/months.

We currently still have our CE Classes scheduled:

More details will be sent via email as they become available.

We encourage fellow auctioneers to honor social distancing and the other guidelines provided by the government & CDC. 

Arkansas Auctioneers Association Dues run from January 1-December 31.
Don't forget to pay your dues!

President's Letter by Dennis Huggins

I would like to start off by saying WOW, what a convention we had this year. Thank you to all of the Vendors, Sponsors & so many more who helped in any way to bring everything together.  Also a special thank you to our Past President, Shannon Hunter, and Board Member, Nick Stover, for the endless hours you both put in to the association during your terms on the Arkansas Auctioneers Association Board. Shannon served as Board President for two terms and was very instrumental in improving the quality of the conventions by obtaining top notch speakers, bringing in fantastic vendors & increased sponsorships at all levels. With that, I would like to say it is an honor to be selected as the 2020 Board President for the Arkansas Auctioneers Association.

My goal is to continue to maintain the level of excellence that has been set for this association.  As a board, we truly strive to bring quality speakers and information, not only to the yearly convention, but also to the continuing education classes scheduled throughout the year.

Every year, fellow board members are assigned to various committees, such as: membership, education, convention, etc.  This year, we would like to invite any member who would like to be involved and volunteer time and help with any of these committees to please let us know.  Each committee will have a Chairperson along with committee members. The chairperson and members of the committee will work together to help accomplish tasks that each committee is assigned.  We become a much stronger and closer association when we can all work together and promote our chosen profession.

This year our focus is to promote and educate the public about our profession. I would like to invite all members to take photos of your daily duties as a professional auctioneer.  Feel free to take photos of the "daily grind." Send us the photos of your auctions, but also send photos of the time spent in the trenches such as lotting, tagging, setting up your auction, moving the items around, sweeping the floor, etc.  If you will send in your photos, we will post them to our association Facebook page with the goal of showing the general public what we do is so much more than calling bids. We want to emphasize the professionalism and pride that our members take in what they do. To send your photos, simply tag the association's Facebook page or you can text them to any board member. Also, feel free to email them to our Executive Director, Cali Crissup. Her phone number is 580-327-7525 & email is: arkauctioneers@gmail.com.

As I mentioned earlier, what a fantastic convention we had this year. We have received numerous phone calls from vendors who have already committed to join us at next year's convention.  The success of the convention is not just due to the efforts put in by the board members, but in large part due to great attendance from you, the members. Without your participation at the convention and meetings, none of this would be possible.

We have a very strong association, so much so, that other associations are now calling and asking "What are you doing in Arkansas?" We definitely have others watching us.  It's not only up to the board to help promote the association, but it's up to you as well. If you know of auctioneers in your area who are not members, please contact them and urge them to join and be a part of this fantastic association.  Again, it is an honor to be selected as the Board President for 2020. My hope is everyone will have the best, most successful year you have ever had. Feel free to contact any board member if you have questions. If you are a new auctioneer just getting in the business, don't hesitate to contact myself or a board member. We would be happy to try and answer questions you may have about what to do in a certain situation. If you are looking for help trying to find a second auctioneer because you have a large auction, or you are looking for a ringman, clerk, set up help, etc., but don't know who to call, let us know. We have board members spread out across the state, and I'm sure we can find someone to give you a hand.  Have a great year and if you did not attend the convention and will be attending the upcoming continuing education classes, I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you,

Dennis Huggins, President

Education Update by Gladys Webb

Hello fellow auctioneers! If you missed our January Convention in Hot Springs, you missed one of the most exciting and informative conferences in the auction industry!  Arkansas is leading the way with knowledgeable and well respected speakers and trade show vendors!  Mark your calendars and make plans now to be with your peers and fellow auctioneers, February 4-7, 2021.  We will return to The Hotel Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for another great convention and trade-show!  This year we are working diligently to offer you continuing education sessions on varied topics that will help you improve your business and also motivate you to be excited about being in the auction industry!  I hope to see you soon in one of our continuing education classes.

Good luck with all you do this year,

Gladys Webb, Education Chair

Time to Shine by Kirk Witcher

First, let me say thanks to our membership for another outstanding convention this year! It was a great time of fellowship, learning and fun in Hot Springs. If you haven’t been attending our annual conventions over the last few years, you’re truly missing out. Our association is definitely trending up and if you’re not already involved, please consider doing so!

As we head into spring headlong, auction season is in full swing. It’s time for auctioneers to shine. I just want to issue a statement of encouragement to my auctioneer friends… bet on yourself. The world markets are stumbling over a multitude of factors ranging from election year to the corona virus. Consumers are scared.

Without a doubt, we will likely start to see a notable impact on auction prices realized over the coming months, but I still maintain this is an opportunity for auctioneers. In our business, the recipe for success is either highly motivated buyers or highly motivated sellers. Both at the same time is ideal, but really, one is enough to start the mix. I contend that we’ll see a mixture of both over the coming months and that means it’s time for the auction method of marketing to shine. Not only will there be assets that need to be liquidated on an accelerated time table, but auctions will move to the lime light as the trusted value indicator for assets of all classes.

One of my favorite business quotes is from Warren Buffet… “it’s wise to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” I’m not advocating actually being “greedy,” but I am advocating being aggressive. Bet on yourself, on your talent and ability, on the method of marketing that we know is the most powerful in the world. Don’t hold back during these times of uncertainty. This may be your opportunity of a lifetime. Stand up and grab it.

Kirk Witcher, Treasurer

Some Things Stay the Same by Bill Hartnedy

It was many years ago when I first entered the ring. Tom Blackmon said “Get out there and do your best. Listen for the changes. Keep up. And most importantly know that I’ve got this under control – just do your best.” That was 1986 when I started to learn how this thing called “Auction” works. Wow how things have changed. From typewriters to voice recognition. From rolls of film to 2,500 digital photos for one auction. From pre bids needing to be placed via hotel room telephone the night before to real time live online bidding. Lots of changes. But many things are still the same. We still have to decipher if a potential client is really READY to have an auction before we sign him/her up for one. Even when our client decides they want an auction we still need to really LISTEN to what they are going through and how we can serve them best. We need to remember that, although we have been through this auction thing a hundred or a thousand times, we need to understand that this is probably our client’s first time so we need to be patient and thorough. And still, we must know that an auction for our client often doesn’t just involve a bunch of his or her “stuff”, but that this “stuff” is a big part of their life. Finally, your word and your handshake must still be your bond. So 34 years later a lot of things haven’t changed. In fact, I entered the ring again just a few short weeks ago during the finals of the Auctioneer Championships at the Arkansas Auctioneers Convention. The words weren’t quite as encouraging this go ‘round. During the Junior Championships, 14 Year Old Griffin Witcher just said, as I brought up his first item to sell during the competition, “That’s the wrong item.” He was right. I think I probably made a mistake or two back in ’86 also.

Bill Hartnedy, Director

A Dollar Save is a Dollar Earned by John Nutt

With the end of the first quarter approaching at a fast pace, your Arkansas Auctioneer Association Board has started planning for the 2021 Convention. As a new member to this board, I would encourage you to invite other auctioneers and their support staff to our upcoming education classes.

In January, our company decided to invite some of our support staff to the 2020 Convention. They attended classes concerning auction software, setting up an auction, and how to maximize press exposure. After returning home, they were excited and offered suggestions that could streamline our process as well as potentially save money. You know the old saying “A dollar saved is a dollar earned!”

Your staff is a direct reflection of your company. I want to encourage others to include their staff in the education process. As a board member, I look forward to working for you in the upcoming year.

John Nutt, Director

COVID-19 Fears by Wade Andrews

Coronavirus; So this is a hot topic right now. The stock market is jumping up and down, large events are being canceled, toilet paper is becoming a scarcity, so what does this mean for the auction industry?

So to be up front, I do not know, and I don’t say this out of fear or concern, I say this because I am still relatively new to the business. I have been a Licensed auctioneer for 3 years now. I do know that being in this industry, one has to be quick on their feet and be able to overcome obstacles and work around many different things.

So my personal thought on this is, use technology that we already have. Many of us do online only auctions, if your clients or customers are scared that a large crowd and live auction might not be the best idea for public health concerns, use the internet. While schools, sports teams, and festivals may be canceling events, if I start canceling all my auctions, then neither my sellers or I make any money. While we do need to heed the warnings and wash our hands and avoid contact with people, we also need to realize that bills still need to be paid, business has to continue on, and while the Dow Jones might be down 1000 points in one day, there is still money to be made. The best thing to do right now is to keep calm and bid on.

Wade Andrews, Director

Get to Know Our New Board Members

John Nutt

Name: John Nutt

Family: Wife-Kelly (she became an auctioneer in 2014) Son-Cody (lives in Atlanta, GA) Daughter-Jordan (lives in Magnolia, AR) Son-Dalton (sophomore in high school)

Awards: 2018 Louisiana Bid Calling Champion

Company & Location: Nutt Auction Company, located in Texarkana, TX

Specialties: Farm, Construction & Real Estate

Years in the Auction Business: 26 years

Favorite Auction Memory: I’ve been blessed to have worked with my dad for the past 26 years.

Best part about being a member of the AAA: I feel like I could call any member of the AAA with a problem or question and they would always be willing to help.

Favorite Auction Education Topic: I’m always interested in ideas and avenues other auctioneers are using to sell unique items.

How/when did you decide to become an auctioneer: I went to car auctions with my grandfather when I was younger.

Who introduced you to the AAA and when: While attending the Missouri Auction School, the instructors encouraged all students to get involved in State organizations.

Wade Andrews

Name: Wade Andrews

Family: Single and failing to mingle. Parents, one brother, grandparents

Company: Wade Andrews Auction Services LLC, Camden AR

Specialties: Estates, Guns, Real Estate, purebred cattle

Years in the Business: Since 2017. I went to the Missouri Auction School in January 2017 then worked for another local auctioneer here in Camden, Bill Bacon, before I started my own venture in 2018 when I graduated from college.

Favorite Auction Memory: Here is two of my favorites; I was attending a NWTF dinner and I was not the auctioneer for the event. The auctioneer had left and somebody that had either bought or won a shotgun wanted to donate it back. So the emcee asked if there was anyone in the crowd that knew how to bid call. I quickly jumped up and raised my hand. They handed the mic to me and I sold the gun for $2500. I received many compliments of how I was a better bid caller than the guy who they had earlier. Another memory is from another charity event, I was selling a few items at a well-attended state party political dinner, it came time to sell a custom Henry Rifle. Special serial number and engravings, I had made a joke about what the previous years gun sold for, and I started the bid at $5,000. It wasn’t before I finished saying the word “thousand” when I see a hand shoot up! I say “Im bid 5000 here wood-a-bid 5100” I ask for 5100 a few more times, realizing that nobody else was going to bid and I drop the hammer and say “SOLD!” That was the first and only time I ever sold an item on the first ask of money.

Best part about being a member of the AAA: Just being in a great organization with so many great people that are willing to offer advice at any time is truly a blessing.

Favorite Auction Education Topic: Online Auctions, because I was hesitant at first to do online auctions, nobody in my area had ever done them so I was a little uneasy on how they would work, but low and behold they have been very successful for my business.

How/when did you decide to become an auctioneer: I grew up going to purebred Hereford cattle sales, and I really enjoyed listening to the auctioneer. While I was in college, I was thinking about what I was going to do when I got out. I always knew that I wanted to be my own boss and own my own business, but wasn’t sure what or how to do it. Then I saw where a friend of mine went to Auction school. She did it just for fun, but I looked into it and began to research the auction industry and saw that it was a very viable career option. So I put it on my “to do/bucket list,” and I had to save up enough money to go spend a week in St Louis. It just so happened that one day in the hay field, the hay mower broke down. Well instead of fixing it, my Grandpa decided it was time to buy a new one. He told me to take the old one, sell it, and use that money to go to auction school. So that is what I did, and here I am today.

Who introduced you to the AAA and when: I knew I had to do CE and saw the flyer in the mail for the 2019 CE. I went for CE, I joined the association, but gained so much more.