69 Road Runner sells for $42K - National Auto Auction ...
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MAY 20 21
‘69 Road Runner sells for $42K
MILITARY MISSIONS IN ACTION RECEIVES PROCEEDS
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AUTO AUCTION ASSOCIATION
W W W. N A A A . C O M
W W W. N I A D A . C O M
2 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.com
IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE BLOCK MAGAZINE VOL. 8 NO. 3
Departments
04 President’s Message
President Picard welcomes all to start anew at the NAAA Reconnection
Event in Chicago. THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE
NATIONAL AUTO AUCTION ASSOCIATION
06 Cover Story
Dealership remodeling contest raises $43K at the Greenboro Auto Auction
Palace for a worthy cause.
08 Employee Profile
Faces Behind the Block featuring ADESA San Antonio’s General Manager.
read us online
09
www.naaa.com • www.niada.com
Member Notes Click on ads to link directly to their websites.
Auction Edge, Sr. Account Manager reflects on his auction roots.
previous issues
10 Associate Member Spotlight
Beginning to end technology with RunBuggy gets the job done.
Xcira flagship simulcast program expands into fine arts and livestock.
11 Auction Community
Two auctions provide their facilities for community mass
vaccination centers.
Dealers Auction Xchange fosters care and donations to foster families.
March 2021 January 2021
Akron Auto Auction hosts an Olympic-style staff competition to raise funds
and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction answers the call to give back.
17
November 2020 September 2020
Committee Focus
Connecting, building relationships and listening is a component for success On the Block Wants To Hear From You.
according to Education and Training Committee member Toni Williams. Tell Us What You Think!
On the Block encourages its readers to send
17
comments, opinions and suggestions about
Auction News the publication.
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One year later after a tornado, Manheim Nashville shares its comeback. Include your full name, address and phone
number. We may be unable to publish some
Manheim announces promotions of General and Auction Managers. submissions and may edit submissions for length
Nearly $100 Million in 2021 investments are made at Manheim. and clarity. This is a great opportunity to hear
back from our readers on what you think about
the articles and what topics you would like to see
covered in future issues.
Visit us on Facebook & LinkedIn
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Getting Back to Getting Together As someone who loves the great outdoors, I’m always happy when spring arrives to get into the open air, filled with the freshness of blooming flowers, budding trees, and growing grass. And this year, I’m sure we all share the desire to emerge from our COVID caves to (safely, of course) enjoy the season’s renewal and reconnecting with life. Beginning with this May issue of On The Block, you’ll notice several new features that will introduce you to some of the National Auto Auction Association’s members. Through these regular columns, you’ll meet those who work in various jobs behind the block in an auc- tion employee profile, learn about the volunteers who serve on NAAA’s various committees and discover some of the businesses that comprise our many associate members. I believe making these connections is important, especially during the pandemic era’s social distancing. Because more than anything else, our industry is built on — and still depends on — relationships. Whether yesterday, today, or tomorrow, building strong bonds with our colleagues, clients, employees, and vendors is the constant in changing times that allows us to continue to progress and succeed. After nearly 30 years in this business, I still love it because of the people who are part of it. It’s why I enthusiastically took on my new role with Cox Automotive to strengthen our Julie Picard industry partnerships. It’s why I feel strongly about finding ways to retain and cultivate NAAA President the personal connections among NAAA members, even if it means as president conducting virtual auction visits. And that’s why I’m excited to announce that NAAA will return to host an annual gathering this fall in the Windy City! The NAAA Reconnection Event will be held September 28-30 at the Chicago Hilton. Pro Football Hall of Famer, ABC Dancing with the Stars winner, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Emmitt Smith will give the keynote speech. In addition to conducting the business of the association, this occasion will have plenty of time for socializing and networking to renew and re-engage with industry leaders, experts, peers, and friends. We feel returning to an annual gathering is essential to maintaining the continuity of our ritual of coming together for 73 years and restoring some normality in this time of disruption and disorder in daily life. So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. I look forward to this time when we can get out from behind our screens and get back to getting together in person! 4 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.com
COVER STORY
Time to Remodel
When the pandemic slowed the pace of work
in his dealerships, John Hiester filled his
mechanics’ hours with
a competition to fix up
14 classic cars for a
charity auction.
The team members from John
Hiester Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of
Sanford who produced the winning
1969 Plymouth Road Runner take a
moment to pose for a photo. From
left to right: Harold Holt, technician;
Leroy Soule, technician and shop
foreman; Gibb Lum, service manager;
and John Hiester, owner of Hiester
Automotive Group.
The four North Carolina car dealerships of Hiester Automotive Group Hiester realized the challenge was to find something that would not just occupy
always bustled with business, keeping the service technicians hustling their time but that would be an interesting project where they could employ
from when the doors opened to closing time. Then came COVID-19. their professional skills and take pride in the product. His solution? An old
vehicle remodeling contest and charity auction with the dealerships competing
As the pandemic grew without relief in sight, impacting the nation’s against each other to raise money for nonprofit organizations.
economy and slowing the dealerships’ usual fast-paced workload to a
crawl, the mechanics came to owner John Hiester concerned about the “I knew all the mechanics loved classic cars but they never had time to
potential loss of hours or even jobs. He listened and told them he’d find work on them because they’re always busy with our customers,” Hiester
more work for them.
(Continued on page 7)
The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, which won the online Fan Vote for the Count’s
Kulture and Hiester Automotive Restoration Challenge, sold for $42,000. That
money was donated by the Hiester Cares Foundation directly to Military
Missions in Action, the non-profit chosen by the winning team.
6 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.com
COVER STORY
says. “I thought this would be a great way to
provide some work while having fun doing it
and doing something good for the community.”
So he purchased 14 road-worn, weather-beat-
en sets of wheels to divide among the deal-
ership teams — a 1975 Chevrolet Camaro,
1972 Dodge Dart, 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger,
1969 Plymouth Road Runner, 1976 Cadillac
Eldorado convertible, 1978 Jeep J10 Golden
Eagle, 1978 Jeep CJ5, 1965 Chevrolet C10, 1972
Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1972 Chevrolet C10,
1984 Chevrolet K10 4x4, 1970 Dodge D100
pickup, 1988 Dodge Ramcharger, and 1991
Chevrolet K1500.
And from there the automotive group’s intramural
match began to snowball. Hearing about the
friendly competition’s charity goal, Ally Financial
volunteered to help promote it by asking
YouTuber Danny Koker, host of the History (L to R): Gibb Lum, Service Manager, Hiester CDJR of Sanford, John Hiester, President & CEO of Hiester Automotive Group, Harold Holt, service
technician, First Motor Cars in Texas representative who bought the winning vehicle, Leroy Soule, service technician and shop foreman, Russ Williams,
Channel’s popular Counting Cars show, to enlist Senior Account Director, Ally Bank, Mike Dorman, President of Military Missions in Action, Tina Dorman, wife of Mike Dorman, Jeff Jenkins, Executive
his support. He agreed to post regular videos Director, Ally Bank, and Matt Arnold, Senior Vice President of Southeast Region, Ally Bank.
following the project’s progress and highlighting
each of the finished vehicles. His audience of gearheads and
auto aficionados narrowed down the field over the weeks to the top
seven vehicles before casting a final vote to name the winner.
’69 Road Runner sells for $42,000
to First Motor Cars in Texas.
The team of Leroy Soule and Harold Holt from the group’s smallest
dealership, Hiester Chrysler Dodge, Jeep, Ram in Sanford, NC, earned the
honor of the best remodel job with their work restoring the 1969 Plymouth John Hiester added the $1,000 prize he won as one of the day’s five draw-
Road Runner. Now it was time to find out what it would bring on the block ing winners to the charitable proceeds, for a total donation of $43,000 to
for the team’s charity of choice — Military Missions in Action, a nonprofit Military Missions in Action.
dedicated to assisting veterans with disabilities, members of the U.S. Armed
“We always like to help charities and help out in the community any way
Forces, and their families.
we can, so we appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this project,”
To handle the sale of the winner, along with its 13 competitors, North says Greensboro Auto Auction General Manager Jerry Barker. “It was one
Carolina neighbor Greensboro Auto Auction immediately came to mind, of our best sales yet with 94 percent sold. John was good at getting every-
according to Brandon Wright, Hiester’s executive assistant. “They’re thing together; it was a pleasure working with him. It was a fun day.”
well-respected in the industry and the community,” he explains. “And
Wright says watching the hard work of all the mechanics pay off at the auction
with their renowned classic car auction subsidiary GAA, they were the
was rewarding. Still, perhaps the best part was seeing those from the Military
perfect addition to the project.”
Missions in Action “get emotional from the joy of receiving the donations. That’s
Sale day took place on Saturday, Feb. 27, as part of GAA’s three-day vin- what the whole project had been about, providing worthwhile work for our staff
tage vehicle events held several times a year. The 14 Hiester cars joined that makes a difference in the community.”
more than 650 others on the block.
John Hiester, President and CEO, Hiester Automotive Group, checks out the
vehicles on display one final time before heading to the auction block at the GAA
Classic Cars Auction in Greensboro, NC.
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 7
FACES
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
BEHIND THE BLOCK
MEET Clifton Sprenger, General Manager of ADESA San Antonio
People are every auto auction’s greatest asset, with NAAA member
operations averaging a staff of 137 employees in a variety of positions
ranging from service technicians, vehicle inspectors, and condition report
writers, to title clerks, lot managers, detailers, and drivers.
How did you find out about the What part of your work do you
auto auction industry? enjoy most?
I worked for an upscale sporting club in high I’d say there are two things I enjoy the most:
school back in the ‘80s and met a member, Charlie our customers and employees.
Do you have someone who
Massey, who was in commercial real estate and encouraged you in this career
We have deep-rooted relationships with our
I also worked with him on many other projects.
customers; some big dealer groups here have and who continues to be an
We hit it off. A few years later, I was out of high
school, and the real estate market bottomed out been with us from 15 to 25-plus years. The inspiration?
competition envies us because they would
in 1990. Out of the blue, he called and said, “I’m I’ve had several mentors from a young age to now.
love to have some of the accounts we have.
starting a car auction, and I want you to come Charlie Massey got me in the auction business.
We’ve had them for a long time, and it was
and work for me.” So that’s what I did. I left after Jack Smith owned a body shop when I was in high
a testament when COVID hit, and we went to
two years because I didn’t think we’d make it. It school, and he gave me an opportunity when I
digital-only sales via ADESA Simulcast that,
was a very small operation. was young. I would prep cars for the painters the
fortunately for us, the vast majority — both
So I opened a small car lot and detail and me- dealers and commercial consigners alike — next day. Both Jack and Charlie were like father
chanic shop here in San Antonio. Meanwhile, trusted us and stuck with us as we pivoted and figures to me, and they pushed me.
Charlie and his auction team finally got some actively re-invented our industry. And now our Sam D’Amato and I started at the auction
big accounts and started to build the new facil- customers are the ones leading the pack along around the same time and worked together for
ity, which is where we are now. Mutual friends with us. I’m very proud of that and very proud 20 years. He ran the operations, and I did more
in the business kept telling me, “Hey, you need of my people. of the sales. We had tremendous trust in each
to go back; this is a big deal.” I came back in other and our leadership styles, which gave us
Due to the way I came up in the business, I’ve
1994, and we opened the new facility Thanks- the ability to grow. He has since retired and
trained many of our managers. I like to grow
giving weekend in 1995. They sold the auction remains a close friend.
my people. I want to find a person who I can
to ADESA in 1996. Once that happened, I got
mentor and train similar to how I learned. I My mom was a strong figure for me, too. I’m
out of sales to take the general sales manager
want them to understand the facets of this busi- just one of those people who likes to work hard.
position, and when the founder left, I became
ness and this industry. It’s a straightforward
the assistant general manager. Then I was the
business if you do the right thing. You never
sales manager until becoming the general
want to jeopardize your reputation to sell an-
Is there something you would
manager in 2015.
other car. I’ve trained them to avoid the pitfalls. never have imagined doing when
What was your first auction job? It’s all about the customers and growing our you entered the industry?
employees, and taking care of them both. The
In the early days, I did everything. There were auction industry is a relationship business. One When I got into the business, everything was
only a few employees. We checked in cars, and hundred percent of those with the relationships very manual. We didn’t even have a computer.
we washed cars. There was no structure; you did will survive, and that’s one reason ADESA San It was just paper and a pencil. I never envisioned
everything, including taking out the trash. I’ve Antonio has not only survived but thrived. where it would go, technology-wise. But I am here
pretty much worked in every possible job there is for it and look forward to seeing what’s next as
at the auction, outside of being a title clerk. we embrace digital.
(Continued on page 9)
8 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.com
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Is there a particular memory that During difficult days and times,
made you realize the auto auction what keeps you focused and
industry was a perfect fit for you? positive?
I have always liked the interaction with people. Someone I looked up to earlier in my career told
I’ll never forget my first sale day. We went from me he would walk the property when he was
a few people coming in and out to, suddenly, coming apart, and he took me along with him
250 to 300 people showing up for sale day. It one stressful day. Whenever I’m stressed or need
was like someone just flipped a switch. a break, I walk our property and check on my
people. It’s a tension reliever. Sometimes it’s easy
to get caught up in emails and other tasks, but
you’ve got to be visible. I get out of my office and
visit the shops. That’s what keeps me level. What advice or tips would you
give someone new entering the
industry?
If you do the right thing at the end of the day,
work hard, take care of people, and stand up
for yourself when you need to, you’ll go far.
Just take care of people — your customers and
employees alike.
MEMBER NOTES
Auction ROOTS
I recently had the opportunity to go back to my continued evolution of our industry will still be
“auction roots” and participate on-site as an based on live sale day auctions, augmented by
auction converted to a new Auction Manage- technology that exposes live events to buyers.
ment System. Participation in preparation for Additionally, as volumes of vehicles available
Sale Day and conducting a successful sale are for wholesale are lower than ever, displaying
still, after all these years, the most exciting vehicles 24/7 with the transactions facilitated
parts of my job. It made me feel young again by the auction houses that own the valued
and energized, even if my feet are killing me! customer relationships is the next frontier for
our industry.
As much as our industry is experiencing change,
I found that the core experiences at an auction Quality Images, Accurate and Consistent
have primarily remained the same. Competitive Condition Reports, and Accurate Vehicle
Ron St. Denis bid auctions are the vehicle that our industry Descriptions are the “holy grail” for the buyers,
Auction Edge, Inc. Sr. Account Manager has driven through many decades. Customers and technology continues to evolve to improve
value the relationships they have with auctions, these processes. Auction operators remain in
and the services auctions provide. The auction the best position to serve these up and continue
is still the dealers’ preferred partner to get the to create the competitive bid marketplace’s
best money for their inventory and source the excitement, online and in-lane 24/7.
vehicles they need for retail.
Let’s all find that Sale Day Excitement for our
As a technology provider and career-long dealers, with the balance of customer service
early adopter of technology, it is clear that the and technology, and make everyday Sale Day!
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 9
ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
RunBuggy: Transportation Technology That Delivers
traditional paperwork of finding transporters, making payments,
coordinating dates, and mapping routes involved in vehicle
shipping transactions.
“RunBuggy began in 2017 when its three cofounders saw the
inefficiency in the transportation industry and recognized they
could streamline the entire process from beginning to end with
technology,” recounts Ferrara, who was one of the first
employees hired by the fledgling firm. “By creating
an open transportation marketplace, the goal was
to make the logistics faster and easier for anyone to
ship any car anywhere any time.”
Today, the team at RunBuggy constantly improves the
app to make it even more user-friendly. It focuses on
helping their wide variety of clients know all the services
the technology offers as a one-stop-shop for their needs.
“Any car you want to move, we can help,” says Ferrara.
“No car is too big, too old or too exotic. We even move
inoperable vehicles.”
RunBuggy moves thousands of vehicles a month in almost
every state. But unlike other logistics and transportation And the company continues to expand its customer base due to
companies in the industry, “we don’t own trucks, and we the COVID-19 outbreak. “Because people have stayed at home
don’t have transporters on our payroll,” says Chief Marketing more, they’re shopping online for cars, and they need their pur-
Officer Jason Ferrara. chases delivered to them,” Ferrara explains. “Also, the pandemic
has demonstrated the importance of modern technology to work in a
Instead, the Southern California-based business gets the job done social distancing world and made many businesses realize its time for
with technology. them to embrace those advancements and upgrade from the old way of
Transporters and shippers can connect using RunBuggy’s app that doing things.”
can be downloaded for free to their phones. The software digitizes the
Xcira Simulcast Celebrates 25 Years
Xcira broke onto the auto auction scene twenty-five
years ago with its flagship simulcast program,
Online Ringman®. Since brick phones and the
beginning of the Bill Clinton Era, they have
branched out to multiple sectors, including
fine art with Christie’s, Construction with RBA,
and livestock in countries as far afield as South
Africa.
In 1996, Nancy Rabenold, an IBM employee,
had a vision for simulcast auctions and online
bidding. Pregnant and determined, she left IBM
with her eyes set on revolutionizing the auction Automotive auction clerk Michelle Labato tackling a different
industry. She attended auctioneer school and kind of horsepower at the Ocala Bloodstock sale.
launched Xcira with a baby on her hip and a
fax machine in her closet. They have broadened their automotive offering space: bloodstock. The four leading thoroughbred
to include a modern, intuitive auction man- auction houses have now joined the list of those
Twenty-five years later, Xcira still pursues
agement system, a white-labeled buyer portal using solutions powered by Xcira.
relentless optimization, development, and an
that lines up alongside the renowned Online
unwavering dedication to support. They work The next twenty-five years will likely bring
Ringman®.
closely with auction houses to tailor solutions numerous other changes and curveballs. Xcira
to the fast-paced auction world’s ever-evolving Just as Xcira helped usher Auto Auctions into the intends to continue helping auctions across
needs, adding functionalities regularly. digital age in the ’90’s, due to Covid-19 they are all sectors weather the storm of business in the
now guiding a new sector into the online auction digital age.
10 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.comAUCTION COMMUNITY
Auction’s Garages Provide
a Shot in the Arm in
Fight Against
COVID-19
Greater Quad City
Auto Auction
donates space for community’s mass vaccinations
A mile-long line of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs He has known eight people, ranging in age ment has good people working hard, doing
chaotically creeping through Greater Quad from 26 to 82, who have died from the disease. whatever they can to protect the community.”
City Auto Auction on sale day would indicate One of them was a retired 74-year-old man who
Janet Hill, chief operating officer of the Rock
something’s wrong in the traditional fast pace worked as a driver at the auction. “He was fine,
Island County Health Department, says Ander-
and organized lanes of making the short trip in great shape. Then one day he got sick, and
son’s decision to donate space for the weekly
across the block. seven days later he was dead,” Anderson recalls.
mass vaccinations was crucial. The garages
But Larry Anderson, owner and general manager So, like many of his fellow National Auto that people can pull their cars into provided
of the Milan, Illinois, auction, found the Auction Association members, when asked if he some warmth and protection from the weather
slow-motion congestion proof of success — could assist in the vaccination efforts, Anderson while administering the vaccine.
as a COVID-19 mass vaccination site for didn’t hesitate to host the mass vaccinations,
“I don’t think people realize what a burden this
his community. even though it would cause some disruption to
has been for Larry’s business,” notes Hill. “His
his business operations.
“It was nuts, crazy, but I think it was worth it,” crews have to take deliveries all day long and
he says about that first day last winter when “The virus has really impacted a lot of lives work around us. I know this effort is impacting
more than 1,000 people received their shots from and caused a lot of pain,” says Anderson. “So his business, and we can’t thank him enough
the local health department’s drive-through this is a chance to give back, a chance to help. for helping us.”
inoculation stations set up in some of Greater I think it means a lot to our employees to know
Anderson says he’s glad to do it. “We’re all go-
Quad City’s garages. “That gave me hope. This that we’re doing what we can to help. Nobody
ing to have to work together if we want to come
pandemic has been rough for everyone. All of here resents the disruption. The health depart-
out on the other end of this pandemic.”
our lives have been touched by it in some way.”
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 11AUCTION COMMUNITY
Manheim Statesville Partners with the Iredell County Health Department
to Host COVID-19 Drive-Thru Vaccination Clinic
On Sunday, March 14 — nearly one year after Iredell County Health Department Director Jane was able to support the Iredell County Health
the first COVID-19 case was reported in North Hinson shared that one of the county’s biggest Department in this important community
Carolina’s Iredell County — Manheim States- challenges in its fight against COVID-19 was effort. As a result, 1,197 people received the
ville hosted a drive-through vaccination clinic not inadequate vaccine supply, but rather find- one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine safely
for the Iredell County Health Department and ing adequate space to administer the shots. and efficiently.
provided 20 Manheim Statesville employees to
As Manheim Statesville’s parking lot can ac- “One of Manheim’s core values is giving back
support the event.
commodate hundreds of vehicles, the company to the communities in which we live and
“When the Iredell County Health Department work,” added Savage. “I am so proud of our
(ICHD) approached us about hosting this team and the overwhelmingly positive feedback
drive-through clinic, we immediately wanted we received from the county and members of
to help,” said Manheim Statesville General the community.”
Manager Mandy Savage.
12 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.comAUCTION COMMUNITY A House- Sized Closet Full of Care Dealers Auction Xchange has helped George Agovino’s vision of turning an abandoned building into a big closet stocked with supplies for foster children become a reality. Last November, before Thanksgiving, Rachel Nichols spent some time with a good friend in casual conversation. During their chat the friend, a former foster care child, told her about a man in their Florida community who had recently renovated an abandoned property to turn it into a house-sized “closet” that could immediately provide new foster parents with the necessities needed to care for a child — everything from diapers and toys to toiletries and clothing. “After learning about the program, I was all on board to help,” says Nichols, the office manager at Dealers Auction Xchange in Zephyrhills, Fla. “I shared the story with our auction manage- ment, and they were excited to get involved and support it.” From that moment on, the auto auction has partnered with Fostering Change/Foster Closet, organizing fundraisers, collection drives to stock the closet and other events. DAX held a Christmas Parade with Santa on a fire truck, a Mustang convertible, and various other fun sports cars, all dressed up with lights. People all along the 23-mile route came out to donate gifts during the procession’s four-hour trip. Thanks to the charity’s largest event to date, more than 100 children, including those that entered foster care on Christmas Eve, received multiple brand new toys. “Rachel is a godsend, and car people are awesome,” says George Agovino, the founder of Fostering Change/ Foster Closet and owner of All-in-1 Mobile Garage with business partner Josh Gaulden. “My dad was an auto mechanic; I fix cars now. “I knew the minute the DAX team walked through my door, they were family. They are true heroes.” Agovino got the idea to create the closet from professional and personal experience. In his former law enforcement career, includ- ing the FBI, he witnessed the trauma of children being taken from a bad home situation right into foster care, often just with a few items of clothing quickly tossed in a garbage bag. His wife Jennifer, a kinder- garten teacher, was also aware of a large number of foster children in the school district. They also learned firsthand about the need when they began the process of becoming foster parents themselves with fostering classes. The day after they finished their last lesson, and they received a call at 11 a.m. with approval to be foster parents. Twenty minutes later, another call informed them they would be given (Continued on page 14) www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 13
AUCTION COMMUNITY
…Full of Care (Continued from page 13)
the care of a nine-month-old boy with Cerebral “closet.” After a year of hard work clearing the site
Palsy. Not having time to prepare and lacking and renovating the house, Agovino’s concept
basic supplies, the Agovinos posted a mes- became a reality. Today, Fostering Change/Fos-
sage on their neighborhood’s Facebook page ter Closet serves foster families every day and
requesting help. Within hours diapers night. “I’ll get a call at 2 a.m. that a child just
and baby clothes began piling up on the arrived at a foster family, and I’ll meet them to
front porch. help get them anything they need,” recounts
Agovino. “I’m excited that people know there’s
“Experiencing that outpouring of support from
help here. Our mission is to make sure no child
our community made us think about people
is left out. We’re ready to provide them with
who have the love to give and willingness to
what they need from the time they’re born to
be foster parents, but not the resources,”
the time they go out on their own. We even
Agovino explains. “That’s when we decided
have prom dresses.”
to help those who have the heart, but don’t
have funds.” Agovino is embarking on a new mission —
He found a property with a small, rundown building a 5,000-square-foot building on the
home in the middle of the property as a nonprofit child care center
wooded, overgrown lot serving infants to kindergarten youth. DAX
that he thought would be has made a donation to launch the new
a perfect location for his
(Continued on page 15)
Local police officers
help to keep toys
and supplies
replenished.
14 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.comAUCTION COMMUNITY
…Full of Care (Continued from page 14)
project and is participating in the new “Pathway to Change” fundraiser,
where people can buy bricks that will create a path connecting the
original foster closet and the new center.
“Our dealers share our enthusiasm about this program,” notes Nichols.
“They love the foster children, and I know they’ll be ready to pitch in by
purchasing bricks for the pathway.”
Robbie Boson, DAX vice president of business development and sales, says
the auction has gotten to know Agovino and looks forward to being a big
part of what he’s doing for the community. “We also hope other auctions
hear about George’s work and want to join us by getting involved.”
Scan QR code to help
support Fostering Change.
Thank you.
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 15AUCTION COMMUNITY
Akron Auto Auction Relay Race
Raises Funds for MS Treatment
Every April, Akron Auto Auction staff and family To raise money, Akron Auto Auction invited ble for completing at least one leg of the race,
look forward to participating in raising aware- its Dealers and staff into the auction bays to including fun challenges like a football toss
ness for Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic, often witness the action and place dollar amount through car windows, mini scooter race, basket-
disabling, disease of the central nervous system donations on the team they believe will win ball shoot out, and hot dog eating contest.
for which there is no cure. the competition.
The live-streamed event took place on Wednes-
This year, along with their annual MS awareness The team captains included four of the Akron day, April 21, the day following the auction’s
cookout, Akron Auto Auction decided to up Auto Auction owners: Chad Bailey, Tricia Short, annual MS charity cookout Sale. One hundred
the ante and host an Olympics-style relay race Randy Linsted, and Joel Hamsher. They then percent of proceeds raised from each event
between the auction office staff. strategically selected other staff members to join were donated to the Oak Clinic, a nonprofit
their team. Each team member was responsi- outpatient facility for Multiple Sclerosis located
in Uniontown, OH.
Committed to Giving Back
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction is striving to do what
is best for its staff and community.
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction has been honored by Mary Bird
Perkins Cancer Center for donating over 140,000 dollars in the last
eight years.
The Auction is a proud supporter of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
Marketing and Communications Director Rachael Younger says, “I am
proud to work for an organization that answers the call to give back.
The Auction monetarily supports local organizations, but it encourages
employees to get involved as well. I have been able to be a part of several
MBP events since joining the 1st Choice Team.”
Last summer, the Auction and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center partnered
to provide employees with free cancer screenings. Twenty-one employees
were screened, and 62% of the screening participants had never been
screened before. The Auction is proud to announce they have scheduled
another screening event for employees this summer.
16 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.comCOMMITTEE FOCUS
The crucial work of the National Auto Auction Association couldn’t be accomplished without those
individuals who represent, engage, and serve the membership through various committees.
Education and Training Committee Member Toni Williams
Although Toni Williams has been involved with She points to the importance of understanding
various NAAA committees over the years, she dealers’ needs as an example. “By exploring
was still searching for one that would stir in and knowing what dealers need from us, the
her a real passion. When Williams heard NAAA auto auction industry can make better decisions
President Julie Picard’s plans for forming an on our best practices and in strengthening
In addition to the Education and Training
Education and Training Committee, the busy those relationships.”
Committee, Williams brings that vision and
auction manager of Manheim Central Florida
Connecting and building relationships is a critical passion to her other volunteer roles. She
knew that was the place for her.
component for success and that involves listening recently accepted the Boys and Girls Club of
“This committee can provide greater awareness to everyone’s opinion, according to Williams. Atlanta’s offer to talk with 10- to 18-year-old
of the industry — especially to younger people women about “being your own brand,” that
“One area of focus for me is to ensure the industry their opinions matter and deserve to be heard.
— views into the current issues facing the
is diverse and inclusive, and make it known that
industry, and the opportunity to help members
your voice matters to the industry regardless of “I believe that same message applies to our in-
learn new things that sometimes you don’t
your background,” she explains. “As an African dustry,” Williams notes. “Everyone has a voice,
have exposure to,” says Williams. “Part of the
American leader and a female in a dominantly everyone has a value, and no matter what you
group’s mission is to answer questions like:
male industry, I’m passionate about being a voice do in the industry, there is a place for you and
What are the hot topics? What do we know and
to help more people get engaged, and in enhanc- we want you involved.”
what do we need to learn? How do we engage
new people?” ing the way people do business.”
AUCTION NEWS
Manheim Pennsylvania Brings Back Its Annual Xtreme Spring Sale
Looking to fulfill its commitment to raise money Foundation. Of the 398 cars offered during this I have ever spent in my 25-year history as CEO of
for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and sale, 259 were sold. Make-A-Wish, raising an unbelievable $162,000 to
Susquehanna Valley, Manheim Pennsylvania support granting wishes, but it was the sheer joy
“Manheim Pennsylvania was thrilled to bring
brought back its annual Xtreme Spring Sale on that was evident from everyone associated with
back sale day excitement for dealers while also
March 25 after being cancelled in 2020 due to building the spectacular car that made this event
raising money for Make-A-Wish,” said Vice Presi-
COVID-19. Dealers who participated in the physi- so special. In a time when very little of the news is
dent and General Manager Joey Hughes. “Our
cal and digital sale event had an opportunity to positive, this is truly a celebration of all the good
team put their hearts and souls into building the
bid on nearly 400 unique vehicles. In addition, a in people, and the folks at Manheim Pennsylvania
Shelby Coupe, and I could not be more proud
replica 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, assembled should be considered the perfect example.”
of their commitment to helping this meaning-
in-house by Manheim technicians and body
ful organization grant wishes to children with While this year’s Xtreme Spring Sale offered
shop employees, was auctioned off for $154,000
critical illnesses.” in-lane, physical attendance, approximately 90
with proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish
percent of dealers participated via Simulcast.
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Xtreme Spring Sale was a one-time sales
our great friends at Manheim Pennsylvania,” said event, as Manheim Pennsylvania remains unable
Dennis Heron, CEO of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, to offer ongoing in-lane, physical sales at this
Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. “Not only time due to COVID-19. Manheim continues to
was this auction the most be guided by CDC guidelines, Cox Automotive’s
heart-pounding pandemic data and doing the right thing to keep
half hour its team members, clients and communities safe.
“Safety remained at the center of this event, and
we want to thank our dealers for doing their part
to support our safety protocols on this special
day,” said Hughes.
“Manheim Pennsylvania always delivers the best
The assembly of the replica results for buyers and sellers,” said Alan Hillel
1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe took of Alan’s Autos LLC. “This auction is known for
approximately 1,000 hours to build. being the ‘Top of the Market,’ and today’s sale
continues to prove this to be true,” Hillel added.
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 17AUCTION NEWS
ONE YEAR AFTER THE TORNADO:
Manheim Nashville Comes Back Strong
On March 3, 2020, Manheim Nashville took a Juliet. Thankfully, though, none of our employees vehicle imaging and LED lighting throughout
direct hit from a massive, F3 tornado that swept were harmed,” said Sam Chaple, Manheim the shops that not only save on energy, but also
through middle Tennessee. The team had secured Nashville general manager. “I’m proud to report improve the technician’s work environment.
the facility the night before, expecting severe that one-year after the tornado, Manheim Nashville
As devastating as the damage was, the team
weather, but nothing as devastating as what has made a successful comeback due to the enor-
at Manheim Nashville found a silver lining in
occurred. Around 1:00 a.m., everything changed. mous outpouring of support by our team members,
having to rebuild: it gave them the opportunity
clients and the local Nashville community.”
As the sun rose the next morning, the impact to take a step back, analyze what has worked
was clear. All seven buildings on the 275-acre lot In the six months following the storm, the team well and what they want to improve, strategize
were damaged—one a total loss, four requiring worked quickly—even within COVID-19 restric- and implement new technologies and processes.
rebuilds and others that sustained cosmetic tions and the ensuing supply challenges—to Among those, the team was able to reduce the
damage. While it was tough to see, the team at rebuild. Manheim Nashville continued to have location’s carbon footprint—not just through
Manheim Nashville went right to work, assessing digital-only sales during the spring and summer the energy efficient lighting, but also through
the extent of the damage and reaching out to but welcomed dealers back into the lanes for adjusting the operational flow to reduce the
team members to make sure they were okay. Digital Block™ sales, with COVID safety proto- number of vehicle moves.
Two and a half days later, all team members had cols in place, on September 14 of that year.
And now, little more than a year after the
been accounted for. After the $14 million rebuild, Manheim Nashville
tornado, Manheim Nashville is not just back in
now has a bigger body shop, complete with two
“It was heartbreaking to witness the destruction business—it’s stronger than ever thanks to the
state-of-the-art paint booths, Manheim’s Lot
last year’s tornado caused to our community and dedication and resilience of its team members,
Vision, which provides GPS location tracking
our wholesale auto auction business in Mount clients and the community.
on vehicles, two lanes dedicated to enhanced
18 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | MAY 2021 www.naaa.comAUCTION NEWS
Manheim Appoints Two New General Managers and Promotes
Three Seasoned Leaders into Auction Manager Positions
Manheim kicked off the New Year by announcing a new vice president
and general manager for its third-largest auction location, a newly created
Toni Williams was promoted to auction manager at Manheim
Central Florida, reporting to Manheim Orlan-
Market Center and general manager, and the promotion of three leaders do-Central Florida Market Center VP and GM JD
into auction manager positions in Florida and New York. Daniels. She is a 16-year veteran of Manheim
whose career has included assistant GM at Man-
John Eriksen was promoted to vice president and general manager of heim Jacksonville and GM at Manheim Daytona
Manheim New Jersey. He transitions into the new role Beach and Manheim Jacksonville before joining
following the retirement of Pete Sauber, a renowned Manheim Orlando in 2016 as assistant AGM of
auto industry veteran who led Manheim New Jersey Client Services.
since 1991. Eriksen joined Manheim in 2007 and
moved into positions of increasing responsibility
that included general sales manager in the Mid-
Atlantic Region and assistant general manager at
Manheim Orlando. Most recently, he served nearly
five years as general manager of Manheim Baltimore- Roger Teate was named auction manager at Manheim St. Pete,
Washington, where he developed an award-winning reporting to Manheim Tampa Market Center GM
team focused on client service and delivering strong Todd Janego. Sadly, Roger passed away in March
financial performance. 2021. His 30-plus-year career included nine years
with NextGear Capital and, most recently, regional
Craig Amelung has been promoted to general manager of the dealer sales senior director for the Southeast
newly created Mid-Atlantic Market Center that Market since 2014. Roger will be greatly missed
includes Manheim Baltimore-Washington, Manheim by all.
Fredericksburg, and Manheim Harrisonburg, follow-
ing the retirement of Manheim Harrisonburg GM
Karl Kiracofe. Amelung’s nearly 30-year career with
Manheim includes general manager for Manheim
Virginia, four years in director-level corporate staff
positions involving best practices and operations, “Manheim is tapping the broad knowledge and experience of this talented
and a return to field operations, most recently as team of leaders to help position our company for future success,” said
GM of Manheim Fredericksburg. In this role, he led Patrick Brennan, senior vice president, Marketplace. “We are confident they
the auction in achieving new levels of operating will bring tremendous value to our client relationships, team members and
efficiency and client and employee engagement. the communities we serve.”
Also, Manheim announced the promotion of three auction managers. These
new leaders will be responsible for driving team performance and business
results while supporting Manheim’s Market Center operations. They are:
Lauren Sokolowski was promoted to auction manager at
Manheim Albany, reporting to Manheim New York
GM Jesse Nelson. She joined Manheim Albany in
2007 as a marketing manager. She also served as
the location’s office manager and dealer services
and commercial account manager before being
promoted to assistant GM in 2017.
www.naaa.com MAY 2021 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK | 19AUCTION NEWS
Manheim Investing Nearly $100 Million in 2021 to Further its Commitment
to Deliver a More Connected Client Experience
Similar to connecting the pieces of a puzzle, Manheim is investing nearly regardless of where it originated. As a result, the CRC team fielded 1.5
$100 million in 2021 to continue integrating its extensive network of digital million calls in 2020 with a 95% answer rate of 35 seconds. Not only
and physical offerings, connecting them in such a way that they better does this process improvement save time for dealers, it also strengthens
align with the varied needs of its clients. A continuation of its auction relationships and drives increased satisfaction.
redesign effort several years ago that introduced digital tools to create
simpler dealer transactions and helped eliminate excessive paperwork, this • Virtual Block Specialists: Originally created to address the rise in off site
year’s investment aims to connect all of Manheim’s auction processes for auction sales, this solution became critical during COVID-19. When the
greater consistency and efficiencies while positioning Manheim’s teams and CDC’s strict safety protocols disrupted Manheim’s long-standing tradition
services to work better for all client segments. of live, in-person auctions, the company’s 76 locations nationwide
switched to all-digital sales nearly overnight and its virtual block special-
“Our continued focus on process improvements will further drive Manheim’s ists went into high gear to continue serving clients. Today, this flexible
commitment to making it easier for our clients to do business with us,” and vital workforce is nearly 200 strong, supporting multiple Simulcast-
said Grace Huang, president of Manheim. “While our investments in this only sales to keep clients connected and able to continue moving their
area began before the pandemic, it’s been fulfilling to see the benefits they businesses forward.
provide to enhancing our clients’ experience.”
• Market Centers: Introduced in 2019 to collaboratively share resources
Among the initiatives already in place to create a more connected client and support functions across field locations, Manheim’s 24 Market Cen-
experience in 2021 are: ters focus on providing maximum flexibility and efficiencies to deliver
the services clients need to achieve their business goals. The results
• Vehicle Arbitration: Designed to help resolve vehicle purchase disputes,
include a more seamless delivery of team member expertise, improved
Manheim recognizes the importance of having consistent processes, policy
service consistency, and greater time savings.
interpretations, and timely resolutions across its entire auction network.
To deliver on this need, Manheim has invested in a more streamlined “Throughout this year, we’ll be introducing even more initiatives that
solution that combines enhanced technology and digital tools to keep will offer added value to our clients, regardless of how they choose to do
team members connected to each other and to clients. Started prior to business,” added Huang.
COVID-19 and fully implemented in 2020, it supports vehicles purchased
at both physical locations and through digital channels. In addition, Manheim has further invested in its client experience through the
recent acquisition of Fyusion, a computer vision company, expansion of its
• Client Response Center (CRC): The frustration that comes with trying Lot Vision tracking system, land development growth at targeted auction sites,
to find the right person to resolve an issue is universal. Investments in and product enhancements such as its Digital Buyer Protection Program,
cloud technology are now making it possible for Manheim to route calls Manheim Dashboard, Manheim Express Inspection Guarantee and more.
quickly and seamlessly to the right expert who can best resolve an issue,
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