Bruce Beam Assumes Duties as ServNet's President, Plans Agenda for Two-year Term
As ServNet auction owners gathered for their Fall Business Meeting earlier this month in Dallas, they marked the changing of the guard as Bruce Beam, General Manager of Dealers Auto Auction of Oklahoma City, assumed the post of ServNet's President for the next two years. He succeeds Eric Autenrieth (Carolina and Indiana Auto Auctions), who moves to the post of Chairman of the Board.
As Beam lays out his leadership agenda for the next two years, his immediate goal is to ensure a seamless transition in ServNet's executive leadership, as John Brasher and Robert Sullivan take over as Executive Director/Administrative Director following Pierre Pons' decision to step down as the group's CEO at the end of the year.
High on Beam's goals for the group will be a strong focus on the dealer community during his term as ServNet's President.
"Every week thousands of dealers buy vehicles at ServNet auctions," said Beam. "I want to make sure that those customers realize how important they are to us, and to know that when they buy a vehicle from a ServNet auction, they have the benefit of our entire network of auctions."
"In today's remarketing world, auto dealers are sourcing their inventory nationally in ever-increasing numbers. Within the ServNet community, no matter how far away the selling auction is, there's a ServNet auction near to stand behind the transaction," says Beam. "An online transaction at a ServNet auction goes far beyond the computer technology that makes nationally sourcing and purchasing possible. It's important that our dealers know that ServNet's owners work together, so that following the sale, the customer receives the follow-up and support from their local ServNet auction, working with the people they have known for years and do business with on a regular basis."
DAA Northwest Named NAAA Auto Auction of the Year
Western Chapter auction recognized for charity volunteer and
fundraising efforts
DAA Northwest Auto Auction has been named the National Auto Auction Association's 2019 Auto Auction of the Year for Excellence in Community Service. The Spokane, Washington, business received the top honor for its outstanding efforts to address the domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, hunger, school absenteeism, achievement gap, and other issues afflicting the children of its historically impoverished community.
Presented during the NAAA's 71st annual convention this month in Indianapolis, Indiana, the award includes a $20,000 check payable to a charity of the auction's choice and a crystal trophy. DAA Northwest had previously won a $5,000 check for charity as one of four regional finalists chosen earlier to receive the 2019 NAAA Chapter Auction of the Year Award.
Luke Pidgeon (left), President of the NAAA Western Chapter, and NAAA President Chad Bailey (right), present Bob McConkey with NAAA's 2019 Auction of the Year Award for DAA Northwest.
Four years ago DAA Northwest made a long-term commitment to the students and staff of Sunset Elementary when the auction "adopted" the school located just two miles from its site. More than 200 auction employees voluntarily participate in a payroll deduction plan to provide students with healthy weekend snacks through the "Bite2Go" program, with a company match for all contributions. The auction also purchased a van employees use every Friday to deliver an average of 150 Bite2Go packages that other staff volunteers made at Second Harvest Food Bank.
DAA team members donate their time to PrimeTime Mentoring, an accredited mentoring program, where they spend lunch hours once a week with students and have purchased items like board games, yo-yos and craft projects to do with the children. They also regularly take lunch and home-baked treats to the school staff as a thank you for their dedication to education.
Every November in conjunction with DAA's annual Anniversary Sale the auction hosts a dinner and fundraiser auction that has contributed a total of more than $1.8 million to various local nonprofits, including the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and Union Gospel Mission. In addition to the items sold to the dealers and guests, DAA produces specially embroidered caps that are given away for a $50 donation, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the featured charities.
During the past year, the auction has made contributions to the American Cancer Society, Adult & Teen Challenge, YMCA, Young Life, Spring of Hope International, Spokane River Forum, Northwest Harvest, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Joya Child and Family Development, The Gee Foundation, Community Cancer Fund and school athletic programs.
DAA Northwest's sister ServNet auction, Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction was one of the four finalists in this year's award process, and was named Auction of the year for the NAAA Southern Chapter. At the awards ceremony the auction's managing partner John Poteet received a trophy and $5,000 payable to a charity of the auction's choice.
Jeff Barber Honored by NAAA as Industry Pioneer
The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) has named State Line Auto Auction's Jeff Barber a pioneer of the industry for successfully integrating innovative business developments and modern safety measures with a welcoming workplace environment and traditional family owned operation.
NAAA President Chad Bailey (left) awards Jeff Barber, owner of State Line Auto Auction, with the NAAA 2019 Pioneer Award
Barber, president and owner of the largest independent auto auction in New York State, received the honor at NAAA's 2019 Annual Convention this month. The Industry Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have innovated or enhanced methods of improving services to remarketers through NAAA member auctions; have championed NAAA member auctions as providing services for motor vehicle remarketers unavailable from any other source; and have consistently followed the standards of the NAAA Code of Ethics.
A native of Waverly, NY, Barber graduated from Wake Forest University in 1972, then worked in North Carolina as the director of sales and marketing for Champion Industries, a warewashing equipment manufacturer, prior to his career in the auto auction industry. Barber joined State Line Auto Auction, which was founded by his parents Harry and Zora Barber, as general manager in 1983. After the death of his mother that same year and his father in 1984, Barber became president in partnership with his brother and sister, then sole owner in 1994. He used his past experience in commercial sales and marketing to expand the family business by aggressively pursuing leasing and commercial accounts.
Today, the business has grown from its small original site in Waverly, NY, to facilities on 200 acres running an average of 1,200 vehicles through its eight lanes every Friday. In addition to dealer consignment, the auction sells for many commercial accounts, including national banks, credit unions, subprime lenders, manufacturers, and captive finance companies.
Over the decades Barber has implemented a number of innovations, both large and small, with the goal of providing quality customer service, employee satisfaction and a safe place for all to work and conduct business. In October of 1995 State Line held the first simulcast sale, with 400 vehicles offered both live and electronically at a General Motors closed auction, where 125 buyers on the floor and 15 bidding remotely bought the entire consignment.
To keep thousands of cars clear during New York winters, his crew attached an industrial-strength turbine to an excavator's arm to efficiently blow off snow and ice. Risk reduction efforts include the installation of 200 bright-yellow-and-red, eight-foot bollards sunk half deep into the ground around the lane bay doors to guide drives and protect people from potential mishaps.
Inside the auction, Barber has created a warm, inviting workspace that has contributed to maintaining a long-tenured staff. A dazzling display of large and colorful vintage car, gas and oil company signs hangs from the ceiling and walls, while an antique gas station pump, auto memorabilia and toy pedal cars adorn the lobby. Among that collection sits State Line's own custom-built Jump Truck entry in the 2014 NAAA convention's pedal car charity auction fto benefit the Association's Warren Young, Sr., Scholastic Foundation, which Barber bought back for a $102,000 donation. There is also the restored 1936 pedal car signed by former Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally, which Barber won with a $35,000 bid at the 2018 convention's auction to benefit NAAA's Disaster Relief Fund.
In addition to his generous support of NAAA, Barber is active as a founding member of the ServNet Auction Group and a board member of the New York Independent Automobile Dealers Association. His other industry recognitions include being awarded a Warren Young Fellow by NAAA in 2011 and named the 2014 Bobit Business Remarketer of the Year.
Barber's auction remains a family affair as the third generation has become partners in the business. Daughters Beth and Emily, along with son Paul, are active in all facets of the daily operations while another daughter Kate is an attorney in Washington, D.C. but is also licensed to practice in New York.
Barber resides in his native hometown with his wife of 41 years Jean, who is also involved in the business. His hobbies include antiques, old cars, and reading and studying history.
Ally Show Car Races to Bel Air Auto Auction
One of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR, Ally's Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, made a guest appearance at BSC America's Bel Air Auto Auction, turning heads in Ally Financial's sale lane at the auction on Thursday, October 3. Ally is an important player at Bel Air Auto Auction, selling every week at the Belcamp, Maryland facility, and a visit from the famous show car drew even more attention to the high-octane sale event at the auction.
Bel Air Auto Auction employees Aria Gelina (left), Tracy Opper (2nd from right) and Melissa Penick (right), pause with Ally representative Bryan Hedge (2nd from left) for a photo with Ally’s #48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Ally Financial is the sole primary sponsor of Jimmie Johnson and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2019 and 2020, and recently extended its sponsorship for three more years through the 2023 season. Its show car tours the country promoting the Ally brand and bringing attention to the remarketer's offerings in the auction lanes.
"Our customers were thrilled to see No. 48 parked in the lane on sale day," said BSC America President R. Charles Nichols. "To get up close to a vehicle of that caliber, that represents such superior performance on the track, was an experience not to be forgotten!"
The Ally Financial sale at the auction was a winner in all respects, said Nichols. Dealers attending the sale received Ally hats, and every dealer selling a vehicle that day earned a chance to win tickets to the NASCAR race at Dover Downs on October 6th.
Bel Air Auto Auction has been a long-time partner for Ally on the Eastern Seaboard, and as recently as September of 2019 was ranked by Ally as the top auction in the region. The auction has also been recognized a number of times with Ally's regional Leadership Award: 1st quarter of 2015; 1st, 2nd and 4th quarter of 2016, and 1st and 2nd quarter of 2017.
Akron Auto Auction , Dealers Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Last year's Breast Cancer Awareness Sale at Akron Auto Auction raised $7,000 for cancer research and treatment.
Akron Auto Auction (AAA) is gearing up for its annual October Breast Cancer Awareness Sale scheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd. During the month and weeks leading up to the sale, Dealers and employee purchase AAA Breast Cancer Awareness shirts or make donation contributions to help the cause.
During the Breast Cancer Awareness Sale, Dealers can donate a set percentage of every car they buy or sell. "Pink" Vehicles will also be featured and auctioned off in the lanes with one hundred percent of the sale price being donated. Every dealer who makes a charitable donation will be entered into a prize drawing to win a cabin getaway vacation in southern Ohio's beautiful Hocking Hills. One hundred percent of all funds received will be donated to the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio for cancer research and treatment.
"This sale is one that Akron Auto Auction looks forward to every year." Said Kalee Robinson, Akron Auto Auction Registration Manager. "Customers and staff are aware of the impact every single donation can make, and we look forward to seeing the lanes turn pink on sale day."
FastLane Auto Exchange Prepares for 41st Annual Turkey Sale
Fastlane Auto Exchange kicks off the holiday season with its 41st annual Turkey Sale. Set this year for November 13th, 2019, the Turkey Sale has become something of a beloved tradition for dealers in the Flint area. Last year the auction recorded record attendance at the event, and was FastLane’s biggest sale to date. Fastlane fully expects this year to be no different as the auction team gears up with 1,000 turkeys to give away to every buyer and seller. The grand prize drawing at the sale will be tickets to the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Classic against the Chicago Bears.
Greenville Auto Auction Launches 4th Quarter Promotions, Donates to Local Charity
Greenville Auto Auction owner Clark Stallings (left) presents a check to the Third Street Education Center. With the help of its generous dealers, the auction made a donation of $10,000 to the Third Street Education Center; the Bill & Faye Family Foundation matched the gift, bringing the total to $20,000.
Greenville Auto Auction is excited to have five sales during the month of October. They are starting two new promotions to begin the fourth quarter. The first promotion is called 10-to-Win. Any dealer purchasing ten or more BB&T/RAC vehicles from October through the end of December will receive a North Face jacket. For GAA's online customers, the promotion is called 12-to-Win. Any online dealer purchasing twelve or more vehicles during the 3-month period also wins a North Face jacket. GAA has its final sale of the month on Halloween, October 31st, when the staff will wear costumes, provide breakfast and have dealers play Pumpkin Smash for Cash.
Every year at its Anniversary Sale, Greenville Auto Auction chooses a non-profit to give back to. This year, the auction chose the Third Street Education Center. The center includes academy, business & workforce development, and community impact. Third Street’s vision is to see generations transformed by the power of the Gospel as they educate and equip people in ways that bring dignity and hope. GAA, with the help from their generous dealers, was able to raise $10,000 for Third Street. The Bill & Faye Stallings Family Foundation matched the gift bringing the total to $20,000.
Greater Rockford Auto Auction Holds 2019 Spooktacular
Customers were urged to Trick or Treat themselves at the Greater Rockford Auto Auction's 2nd Annual GRAA Spooktacular on October 16th. More than 1,000+ vehicles flew through the lanes. All vehicles were available for purchase online via Edge Pipeline beginning at 8:45 A.M. After the sale there were $13,000 in unbelievable giveaways. Customers had the chance to win prizes such as a Kawasaki Dirt Bike, a Beer Fridge, a Yeti Cooler, and much more.
"Last year's GRAA Spooktacular was one of our biggest sales of the year, and this year's event followed suit," said Chad Anderson, GRAA General Manager. "We had a huge selection of inventory, and a variety of prizes in every lane for buyers and sellers to win."