10 minute read
Meet the Champions
How long have you been competing in IJAC?
I competed in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Why did you enter this year?
Falling short of holding the champion trophy by half a point in 2018, having strep throat in 2019, and competing anyway. Then, not making finals the year before. That's what lit my fire. On the flight home, I told myself I would never show up unprepared for something that takes such dedication to win. A couple of months later, I started selling more than ever. I had an offer from my uncle to work in the oilfield, and the numbers he showed me drew my attention. A week after graduating high school, I was on a 14-hour night shift, 4 hours away from home. Still constantly practicing that month and a half away is what made my entirely new chant. I did not mention this after receiving my award, but my parents were the only people who had ever heard that chant until preliminary day. Being convinced I would still be out of town working and unable to attend Conference & Show in my home state broke my heart. God's timing is perfect every time. We were told we could return home for a week. Tuesday of Conference week rolled around, and I started thinking about whether I should attend IJAC anyway due to how busy we were. I finally made up my mind after finishing the night very late. Being prepared, having practiced, and smoothly being able to sell and transition from English to Spanish so quickly made me have confidence standing on a stage so big. I will always respect the high level of talent that my competition offered me.
What has competing done for your career/networking?
It's been a blessing to even step foot on that stage. Winning is just a bonus, and it's given me so many connections, and the friendships that have come from it are priceless. This great honor has put me in a position to be offered by several companies I've admired growing up.
What would you say to someone considering competing for the first or the tenth time?
To anyone considering competing at any level, trust me, DO IT. Win or lose, the friendships are worth it alone. The wisdom and advice I've received after every contest and convention are why I'm here today!
Why is the IJAC important for the auction industry?
The IJAC is the future of our auction industry. My duty as the 2023 IJAC champion and ambassador is to bring more interest to this fantastic contest. Even after my year as ambassador is through, I am going to give back to this industry. It is a pleasure to represent the NAA. I promise to do everything possible to attract more young professionals interested in our association.
What are you most excited to do as an IJAC champion and NAA ambassador?
I am blessed to be able to promote my beloved association. I am most excited to excite the future and next generation of the National Auction Association. I've promised myself and the association to do this to the best of my ability, even after my ambassador year is over.
How long have you been competing in the IAC?
My first year competing in the IAC was in 2018 in Jacksonville, FL. From then on, I competed in 2019, 2021, and this year, 2023, so four years total.
Why did you enter this year?
The auction industry is everything to me. It is my very heart and soul. Like all the other years, I entered because I love what I do and the thrill of competition. Competition breeds excellence, allowing you to sharpen your skills and better yourself. I strive for excellence in all that I do. To me, my uncle Paul is the absolute best— just tops in all that he does. I look up to him a lot and have always wanted to follow in his footsteps and make him proud as a champion auctioneer and as a person of integrity. The IAC is the world’s most significant auction stage, and it allows contestants the opportunity to not only enhance their craft but to network, form relationships, and showcase their abilities in their profession to the world.
What has competing done for your career/networking?
Competition has made me into the person that I am today. It has helped me to improve my auction skill set, stage presence, and confidence. Competing has allowed me to meet many incredible people. It has afforded me the connection to lifechanging mentors like Lynne Zink, Dave Webb, John Nicholls, and Kristine Fladeboe-Duinick. The friendships are what fill my heart!
What would you say to someone considering competing for the first or the tenth time?
DO IT! Sometimes, we have to go off the cuff and act on the fly, but if you can help it, try to prepare for as much of this championship as possible. I attribute much of my success to the 5 P’s, which I use in all areas of life—“Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” You radiate confidence when you are prepared and feel ready for any challenge. Whether it is your first time competing or your tenth, know the protocol and come ready to give it your all!
Why is the IAC important to the auction industry?
Preserving our traditional chant heritage and the profession we know and love is essential, and the IAC does just that. All contestants can promote the championships on the day of on social media or with IAC live, etc. It comes down to the champion’s platform for promoting this profession to the public through media like news outlets, public radio, podcasts, and written articles. This promotion is critical to the longevity of our industry and profession. The IAC is our greatest asset in positively promoting this industry to the public, informing them on what we do, and keeping our profession alive and well for generations to come!
What are you most excited to do as an IAC champion and NAA ambassador?
The auction future is brighter than ever. There are so many opportunities that I am unbelievably grateful for that have already happened, like working an auction event for Jeff Martin and being asked to speak at various state associations. I look forward to meeting new people in the auction industry, connecting with old friends, and helping auction professionals in any way possible. I aim to help others, serve, and make people feel good. It is not always the easiest getting started in this business, especially if you are a first-generation auctioneer, so if there is a way I can help, whether it be to provide advice, make a connection, or mentor, I am happy to do so as I was fortunate enough to have my uncle and wonderful mentors do that for me. Life is short, and it all goes by too quickly, so it is essential to be kind and genuine, smile, and help others whenever you can.
How long have you been competing in IAC?
I started competing in the IAC in Orlando back in 2011. Several auctioneers encouraged me to join the competition, even though I had only been out of auction school for a year. I was fortunate enough to make the finals, which pushed me to work harder. This year in Oklahoma City marked the 7th time I competed in the IAC.
Why did you enter this year?
I entered this year's contest because it's just fun to compete. By my nature, I'm a competitive person. I couldn't imagine going to a Conference and Show and not giving it a shot.
What has competing done for your career/networking?
I'll be the first to tell any auctioneer I've made a lot of money not winning auction contests. I say "not winning" because you're not a loser if you take something away from a contest. It might be learning something about how you present yourself. It could be a business contact. Other auctioneers have hired me because of how I've been able to showcase my talents through the IAC. Some of my closest friends in the NAA have come from the IAC. Over the years, we've started families and grown in our careers, and it's enjoyable to have that be a part of my life.
What would you say to someone considering competing for the first or the tenth time?
Your only regret will be if you don't compete. I've competed in the Virginia State Championship, the World Automobile Auctioneer Championship, and the IAC. In my opinion, the NAA is the ultimate crucible for testing an auctioneer. Not only do you have to sell in front of a 600+ person crowd of your professional peers, but you are tested in the interview just as if a potential auction client were considering you for an auction. It's a great way to test your abilities against some of the best auctioneers around.
Why is the IAC important for the auction industry?
When I went to auction school, I went because I wanted to make a career as an auctioneer. Specifically, a live-cry auctioneer. The IAC is a proving ground for auctioneers from all over to test their abilities against other great auctioneers and grow and develop. This contest pushes auctioneers to improve and get better at their craft. Whether it's charismatic bid-calling or a polished presence on the auction block or stage, the IAC demonstrates so many qualities the public thinks of when they hear "auctioneer." Additionally, because of the hard work of the IAC Committee, the production quality of the entire competition has been elevated from when I started competing. People all across the United States and around the world can watch. This exposure is excellent for maintaining the live cry auction part of our business.
What are you most excited to do as an IAC champion and NAA ambassador?
Over the years, I've been able to listen to a lot of great speakers from the NAA at state association conventions. Being invited to give of myself as a presenter and share what knowledge and success I've had in my career with other auctioneers is a gratifying endeavor. The opportunity to represent the auction profession on a national level on behalf of the NAA is humbling. Our industry deserves the best. This association has done so much for the auction profession. Being one of its representatives is a great honor. Plus, continuing to support the IAC, which has done a lot for my career, is exciting. I'm looking forward to being a part of this fraternity of champions who want to keep this competition around for future generations.
