Hall of Fame

Well The Good Just Gets Better...

By Harold Unrein

Not that it was easy. In 2009, Steve Linnebur was a 25 year member of the Colorado Auctioneers Association and was not only recognized by the CAA for his dedication and professionalism in the Colorado auction industry and in his contributions to the CAA. But, his blessings didn’t stop there at the 2009 CAA Conference. Most anyone may share that there is nothing compared to and possibly as difficult as competing / selling in front of your peers. Steve not only did that, but was crowned the 2009 Colorado State Champion Auctioneer! Steve’s love for the auction business began, like it did for many, by traveling with his dad to livestock sales as a small boy. Steve became enchanted with the cadence of the auctioneer. In 1977, he attended Missouri Auction School and began the long road to champion by working any place he could while finishing up his college education. In June 1980, Steve and his wife, Alice, established Linnebur Auctions, Inc., a full service auction company.

The home office is located in Byers, CO. They provide on-site auction and appraisal services to clients in Eastern Colorado. They have continually built a reputation for running an honest and efficient business, specializing primarily in selling farm / heavy equipment, estates / personal property / consignments. There have even been many years that you could have found Steve working in the auto auction industry at Manheim Denver and Dealers Auto Auction of the Rockies. We wanted to know more about Steve, his career, his challenges, victories and advice. Below is answers that he has shared with us and our membership.

What has been his biggest challenge he has faced

growing his business? “The biggest challenge has been to convince yourself that to have a successful business, you have to dedicate yourself to it. What you put into it, is what you get out of it.”

What is one assumption you made about starting

your business that turned out wrong? “I assumed it would be fun and easy. I still love what I do and enjoy going to work every day, but it is getting a little harder to do, as it takes me an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes!”

What is a limitation you have experienced and how

did you overcome it? “Trying to handle more business when you know you can’t. I found out that when we would get overextended, we weren’t able to give 110% to the clients we had at that time. I still haven’t overcome it, as I’m still biting off more than I can chew!! (at least that what my staff tells me)”

What methods of creative advertising / obtaining

clients / public relations have you used? “Just being honest and fair with your clients is the best PR. Word of mouth goes a long way.” What type of marketing has really worked for you? “Website & Online Portals; Fliers and Newspaper ads” Has that changed as your business grew? “Of course, with the advancement of technology, things have definitely changed over the years.”

Best Advice / Wisdom you have received in the

business? “Be transparent with both your sellers and buyers. It is the right thing to do.” And what advice or words of wisdom you would share? “Be honest and fair with everyone. Be Good To One Another, Because It Is The Right Thing To Do”

Having worked in the auction industry for over 42 years, it is easy to ask him Where do you see our

industry going? “In my opinion, the industry will always be here, because we provide a service where we turn assets into cash.” With the annual convention vastly approaching, the CAA Board is always seeking suggestions to provide valuable & desired education to its members. Steve shared with us some of the education topics he is interested in and would like to learn more about in the future along with his view as to why. “I believe as auctioneers we need to be constantly educated and updated on topics that are needed to have a successful business. Examples: Sales Tax Laws; Firearms Regulations; Moto Vehicle Laws for Auctioneers (who are not dealers); Licensing; etc.” We will definitely take these into account to look at for upcoming education opportunities to be provided to our members. In parting, Steve shared with us the best part about being a member of the CAA for him has been, “The camaraderie it offers with fellow auctioneers, educational opportunities and being able to obtain advice from auctioneers who have been around since Burger King was still a Prince.”