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JULY/AUGUST 2026

The official publication of the National Auction Association

IN THIS ISSUE: CONFERENCE & SHOW RECAP, MEET OUR CHAMPIONS, HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Honoring the Past, Building the Future As I begin my term as President of the National Auction Association, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility. Before we look ahead, it's worth recognizing the generations of auction professionals who built this association. They gave their time, shared their knowledge, mentored future leaders, and created a community that continues to strengthen our profession today. We stand today on the foundation they built. Our responsibility is to build on that foundation by strengthening our profession, creating opportunities for our members, and preparing NAA for the next generation. My own experience has shown me just how powerful this association can be. For approximately the first 12 years of my NAA membership, I was largely unengaged. I attended Conference & Show every two or three years, read the publications, paid my dues, and considered myself a member. I had not truly plugged into the life of the association. Then, I started saying yes and eventually, I decided to become more involved. I attended more events, pursued education, volunteered, served, and built relationships with auction professionals across the country. The more involved I became, the more I realized the greatest value of NAA wasn't found in a program or event. It was found in its people. Those relationships changed my life. They broadened my perspective, strengthened my business, challenged me to grow, and created opportunities I never could have found on my own. They introduced me to people who became trusted colleagues, mentors, business partners, and lifelong friends. In the 13 years that followed, I went from being a mostly unengaged member to having the extraordinary privilege of serving as President of this association. That journey was not about pursuing a title. I simply kept getting involved, accepting opportunities to serve, learning from others, and saying yes when I was asked to help. One of the things I admire most about our profession is our willingness to help one another succeed. We compete in the marketplace, but we also share ideas, refer business, partner on projects, and lend a hand when someone needs it.

That spirit of cooperation is one of NAA’s greatest strengths. The auction business can be demanding. Every auction is different, and every client brings unique challenges. Having a national network of professionals you can call for advice, perspective, or encouragement is invaluable. Sometimes that leads to a referral or partnership. Other times, it's simply knowing someone else understands exactly what you're facing. This is what community looks like in the NAA. Looking ahead, I believe NAA's greatest opportunities are the same ones that have always strengthened this profession: learning from one another, advocating for our industry, embracing innovation, and building meaningful relationships. They only matter if we choose to participate. My challenge to every NAA member this year is simple: find a way to plug in. Attend an event. Enroll in a class. Volunteer for a committee. Introduce yourself to someone you do not know. Reach out to a fellow member. Mentor someone newer to the profession. Ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can provide it.

Mike Fisher, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA NAA President Mike Fisher, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA, is an accomplished auctioneer and real estate professional with 24 years of experience in the real estate auction industry. Throughout his career, he has participated in auctions across more than 40 states, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Fisher is a past president of the Alabama Auctioneers Association, chair of the Alabama State Board of Auctioneers, and a member of the Alabama Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

The value of NAA is not found only in what the association provides. It is also found in what members bring to one another. The NAA has a proud history, and we owe a great deal to those who came before us. Now it is our opportunity to build on their work, strengthen the community we enjoy today, and create an even greater association for those who will follow us. This is not simply my year as President. It's about all of us and what we choose to build together. Together, we can honor the past, strengthen the present, and build the future of the auction profession, one relationship at a time.

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

JULY/AUGUST 2026 VOLUME 78 ISSUE 4

CAI Class 3 receive their pins on stage at Conference & Show.

INSIGHTS

FEATURES 8

Member Spotlight

Investing in the Next Generation

10 Business Insights

Conference & Show Recap

12 Visa's Updated Chargeback Program

Hall of Fame Proﬁles

30 36

Meet the Champions Marketing Competition Winners

The Report that Covers You

“ The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Franklin D. Roosevelt

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”

SECTIONS 03 President’s Column 07 NAA Planner 40 Association Updates 42 Auction Schools 44 New Members 45 Ad Index 46 Board 48 Obituaries 50 50 Years Later

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY facebook.com/natauctionassn instagram.com/natauctionassn x.com/natauctionassn youtube.com/natauctionassn National Auction Association

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE!

IN THIS ISSUE: CCNFERENCE & SHOW RECAP, MEET OUR CHAMPIONS, HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

11900 W 87th St. Suite 120 Lenexa, Kansas 66215 P: (913) 541-8084 | F: (913) 894-5281 Chief Executive Officer Allison Mazzei | amazzei@auctioneers.org (913) 563-5423 Chief Operating Officer Kristina Franz, CAE | kfranz@auctioneers.org (913) 563-5426 Director of Finance & Administrative Services Jordan Crupper | jcrupper@auctioneers.org Director of Communications Joelle Jamvold | jjamvold@auctioneers.org Accounting & Finance Manager Genny O’Niones | goniones@auctioneers.org Education Manager Hope Aspenleiter | haspenleiter@auctioneers.org Events Manager Jennifer Vossman, CMP | jvossman@auctioneers.org Marketing & Digital Media Manager Taven Wohlford | twohlford@auctioneers.org Membership Engagement Manager Rhonda Wiggins | rwiggins@auctioneers.org Partner Manager Shelly Urish | surish@auctioneers.org

Apply for NAA education scholarships all year long! Your generous donations allow the National Auction Foundation to fund scholarships for NAA educational events. We’ve simpliﬁed the process: there is now a single, yearround application form for all scholarships. No more missed deadlines! Apply for any event, at any time, by visiting auctioneersfoundation.org/scholarships.

The Auctioneer (ISSN 1070-0137), Copyright © 2026 by the National Auction Association is published Bi-monthly Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec by the National Auction Association, 11900 W 87th St. Ste. 120, Lenexa, KS 66215. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, MO, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Auctioneer Magazine (NAA), 11900 W 87th St. Ste. 120, Lenexa, KS 66215. Materials may not be reproduced without permission.

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Program Manager Chelsea Pointer | cpointer@auctioneers.org

A Message from Your CEO :

More Than a Conference There are moments during every Conference & Show when you can feel the energy in the room. In San Antonio, it was everywhere—in the conversations between sessions, the excitement backstage before the International Auctioneer Championship, the cheers during the competitions, and the countless reunions between friends who only get to see one another once a year. For me, it meant even more because this was my first Conference & Show as CEO of the National Auction Association. Coming into the week, my goal wasn't to change what makes this event special. It was to build on it by bringing fresh ideas, new energy, and a renewed sense of momentum while honoring the traditions our members love. The numbers tell part of that story. More than 700 people participated in Conference & Show in San Antonio. From educational sessions and competitions to the Expo Hall, networking events, and the Hall of Fame & Presidents Gala, the week was filled with opportunities to learn, reconnect, and celebrate our profession. Among those participants were 551 auction professionals who registered for the conference's educational programming through full registrations or day passes. We watched 76 competitors take the stage in the International Auctioneer Championship and celebrated a record 29 competitors in the International Junior Auctioneer Championship. More than 690 people gathered to celebrate excellence at the Hall of Fame & Presidents Gala, and together our members raised an incredible $220,000 during the National Auction Foundation's Pass It Forward Fundraiser to invest in the future of the auction industry. But what I'll remember most isn't a number. It's the feeling that our association is moving forward. Throughout the week, I heard members talking about new ideas, stronger connections, and excitement for what's ahead. That's exactly what I hoped this Conference & Show would inspire.

2026 - 27

NAA Planner Beneﬁt Auction Summit August 30-September 1 Napa Valley, CA

Designation Academy December 7-12 Las Vegas, Nevada

To everyone who attended, competed, volunteered, sponsored, exhibited, or simply showed up ready to learn and connect, thank you. You are the reason this association continues to grow stronger, and I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together in Orlando next year.

Allison Mazzei, CEO National Auction Association

Advanced Marketing Summit February 14-16, 2027 Overland Park, KS JULY/AUGUST 2026

The Report That Covers You The marketing report proves we did our job. It doesn't answer the seller's actual question, and it lands too late to try. By: John Schultz, CAI, AMM

seller calls a few days after the auction closes. The line of equipment they bought new in 2021 came back at 40 cents on the dollar, and they’re sore. They paid top money for it. They expected more than this. So, you do the thing the business trained you to do. You send the marketing report. You look at the reach, the registered bidders, the ad spend, the page views, and the email opens. We ran the play. We found the market. Every number in the report is true, and not one of them answers the question the seller actually asked.

Two numbers in the room There are two numbers in any disappointed seller’s head, and only one of them is real. The first is what they paid. The second is what it’s worth now. The recovery rate is the gap between them, and the seller reads that gap as a loss the auction handed them. It isn’t. The loss was already there. It got baked in the day they bought. A fellow auctioneer said it almost as an aside at an industry session: sellers are surprised. Equipment bought new during COVID is hitting the secondary market, and recovery as a percent of original cost is coming in lower than owners expected. Not lower than the equipment is worth. Lower than what they paid. The surprise is the whole signal. Surprise means the prior never updated, that they’re still measuring against a 2021 number the market stopped honoring years ago.

A question nobody asked Now look at what the marketing report is built to do. It proves reach. It documents the campaign. It lays out everything we did to find the buyer. That answers a real question, “did we do our job,” and it answers it well. But that’s our question, not the seller’s. The seller is asking why the number is so low, and the report, by leading with how hard we worked, quietly agrees the number is disappointing and then sets out to prove the disappointment isn’t our fault. The report accepts the seller’s denominator and plays defense on it. It concedes that the wrong number is the right yardstick, then spends ten pages arguing we measured well against it. The timing makes it worse. The report lands after the gavel. By the time it’s in front of the seller, the anchor already walked into the room unchallenged and won. The report can explain a result. It can’t reset a basis, because the basis was supposed to be reset before the bidding, not justified after it. So call it what it is. The thing we hand the seller and call insight is closer to insurance. It covers us. Insight tells the seller something they didn’t know going in. Insurance documents something we needed on file going out.

I reached for the easy one Here’s the part I didn’t see until I went hunting for the fix.

History rhymes here. The 2008 home seller anchored to 2006 prices and said the market took their equity. It didn’t. Their basis was set in a bubble, and the recovery only looked low because the denominator was wrong. COVID buyers paid 2021 prices the same way. A scarcity premium baked into the original transaction, recorded as the anchor, carried long after the conditions that justified it were gone. The recovery is the truth. The purchase price was the distortion. Nobody told the seller that going in.

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This wave hasn’t fully landed on us yet. Our window catches equipment at six to ten years, so the COVID vintage is still aging into our inventory. Pharma runs younger and is already seeing it, which makes them a free leading indicator and puts us eighteen to thirty-six months out. So, I started sketching what we’d actually hand a COVIDvintage seller to get ahead of it. The first thing I reached for was a page on our website. Pandemic pricing, here’s the data, here’s what it shows. Clean. Publishable. Something I could point the whole market to.

Then I caught it. I’d reached straight past the hard thing toward the convenient one. The hard thing is our own recovery data by category, the actual hammer record from our own auctions, tailored to the asset sitting in front of one specific seller. The convenient thing is a general page anyone can browse, and no anchored seller ever will. I’d done the exact thing the seller does. The seller anchors to a convenient number and won’t let it go. Handed the fix, I anchored to the convenient artifact. Same gravity, one altitude up. It caught me in the act of solving it. That’s the tell that this isn’t really a reporting problem. It’s the pull toward the easy version of the truth, and it doesn’t spare the person who can see it.

Records before the gavel The fix isn’t a website. It’s the record, made active. We already build annual recovery data by category, real lots and real hammers, years deep, out of our own sale results. Right now, it sits in a file and earns nothing. The move is to put it in the seller’s hands before the gavel, tailored to their category, showing the whole curve their purchase sat on top of. Here’s what this class of equipment normally recovers. Here’s the 2020 to 2021 spike. Here’s where the market sits today. Here’s where your basis lands on that line. Reset the denominator before it walks into the room. Notice the timing flip. The marketing report shows up after the sale to explain the gap. The category report shows up before the sale to remove it. One does damage control. The other makes the damage unnecessary, because a seller who understands the premium they paid going in is a seller who isn’t surprised on the way out. And it changes what we think we sell. The seller believes they’re hiring us to find buyers. Finding buyers is table stakes. What we actually sell is the reset. It’s the appointed day a number someone has carried for years gets laid against a record they can’t argue with, and whatever doesn’t tie gets corrected in an afternoon. The category report is that same reset, run early and in private, before the public one happens at the gavel. We don’t sell the gavel. We sell the number they can finally trust. None of this comes free. Walk a seller through the curve before the sale and you’re telling them their number is too high before you’ve earned them a dollar, which is a strange way to win a listing. Some won’t want to hear it, and it only works if the data is ours and clean enough to stand on. I’d rather lose that argument before the gavel than after it, but I won’t pretend the early version is the comfortable one.

What else are you covering for None of this is unique to recovery rates, and it isn’t unique to us. Every firm has a deliverable it files under client service that’s really self-protection. The report that proves we tried. The update that documents we called. The recap that lands a day after the decision it was supposed to inform. They all pass the same test the marketing report passes: every line is true, the timing is defensive, and the whole thing answers our question instead of the client’s. So, here’s the one I’m sitting with, for our shop and for anyone else running sales for a living: what are you handing clients that covers you instead of informing them, and could the same data, moved earlier, do the opposite? The report that explains the result is insurance. The one that changes it is the product.

WHAT THE MARKETING REPORT ANSWERS

 Did we reach buyers?  Did we market effectively?  Did we generate interest?  Did we do our job? ? ? ?

WHAT THE SELLER IS ASKING Why is the number so low? What changed? What is this asset actually worth today?

BEFORE THE SALE Category Recovery Data Expectation Reset

Seller Understanding

AUCTION AFTER THE SALE Marketing Report Explanation

Too Late JULY/AUGUST 2026

Business Practices

Can auctioneers reduce the risk of being sued for fraud? KURT BACHMAN Attorney and licensed auctioneer from LaGrange, IN.

Answer: There are several proactive steps auctioneers can take to reduce the likelihood of being sued for fraud. Fraud is an issue in both criminal and civil law. Since the question focused on reducing the risk of being sued (a civil matter), this article will focus on civil law fraud. The elements of civil fraud are generally the following: (1) a material misrepresentation of a material fact to the transaction; (2) made with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth; (3) with intent to deceive someone; (4) reliance by the victim on the misrepresentation; and (5) damages (actual harm or loss suffered), resulting therefrom or caused thereby. Auctioneers can reduce the likelihood of civil fraud-related lawsuits by focusing on clear and unambiguous contracts, proper disclosure, veriﬁcation and authentication, secure and proper payment handling, strict procedural compliance, and training and education.

KEY TAKEAWAY Fraud claims often stem from miscommunication, poor documentation, or inadequate veriﬁcation. Auctioneers who emphasize clear contracts, full disclosure, secure transactions, and consistent procedures can reduce risk and strengthen their position if challenged.

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Verify and authenticate all items and documents

raud cases can arise from unclear or misleading contract language. Auctioneers must ensure that all terms—especially those related to reserves, buyer’s premiums, fees, and rights to retain funds—are written clearly. This makes the expectations clear for the seller, buyer, and auctioneer. It also helps make compliance easier for everyone. Auctioneers are agents of the seller and only have the authority given to them. For example, a seller must authorize an auctioneer to charge a buyer’s premium or to accept checks and credit as payment. The contracts should state the duties of the parties and what duties or responsibilities, if any, are waived. Verbal agreements invite costly litigation and violate the law in several jurisdictions. In the event the contract terms are changed in any way, they changes should be memorialized in writing.

Fraud risks include misrepresented titles, liens, or ownership documents. Fraud can also be the result of selling fake or counterfeit goods. In order to reduce these risks, Auctioneers should request documentation or information to authenticate items to be sold. In the age of AI, the documents have to be evaluated carefully. It is also necessary to have procedures to verify the identity of sellers and bidders. Auctioneers should implement verification processes for both sellers and bidders, and authenticate documents before acceptance. For high-value items or real estate auctions, auctioneers should also consider conducting title searches and lien searches.

Full and accurate disclosure

Secure payment methods and finality

Auctioneers must disclose all material terms to bidders and sellers before the auction, including any fees, premiums, or conditions. Failure to fully and adequately disclose can lead to claims of misrepresentation or breach of fiduciary duty. Auctioneers act as agents of the seller and are required to put the principal’s interest ahead of their own interest. Best practices require auctioneers to use standardized procedures or methods to make sure everything is discussed and keep good records of all communications.

Auctioneers should use payment instruments with strong finality to help reduce post-auction disputes. Cash (verified) and wire transfers are the safest. To the extent possible, auctioneers could minimize the use of personal checks or easily reversed methods like ACH, credit/debit cards.

Maintain proper bidding and sale procedures For the sale of goods and personal items specifically, auctioneers must follow proper state and UCCcompliant bidding laws and rules. For example, auctioneers have discretion to reopen bidding for

timely missed bids, but doing so inconsistently or without proper documentation can invite disputes. Auctioneers must refrain from, and exercise proactive measures to prevent, shill bidding, phantom bids, by-bidding, and other bid rigging techniques. If permitted in the State of the auction, and if the seller and / or auctioneer are going to be bidding thereat, make sure there is full disclosure of the seller or auctioneer bidding at the sale. Detailed records of all bids, communications, and decisions must be maintained by the auctioneer.

Implement fraud prevention measures Auctioneers should use identity verification, multi-factor authentication, and segregation of duties to prevent insider fraud or bid rigging. If able, auctioneers should conduct staff background checks and maintain whistleblower channels.

Document everything To preserve the record and to secure evidence for a possible dispute, auctioneers must keep contemporaneous records of contracts, communications, bids, payments, and verifications. This documentation can help your attorney to defend you in the event of a lawsuit for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraud.

Educate and train staﬀ

Conclusion In conclusion, litigation is unfortunately inevitable for auctioneers if they are in business long enough. Civil fraud cases are very prevalent and often used by those with buyer’s remorse in an attempt to recover damages from auctioneers. However, auctioneers can create trust with buyers and sellers and reduce the likelihood of being sued for civil fraud by using clear legal documentation, transparent disclosure, secure transactions, verification of authenticity, and other items specified above. If sued, auctioneers increase the likelihood of success by maintaining good policies, practices, and procedures; and, by documenting communications.

Kurt R. Bachman and Beers Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP appreciate the opportunity to review and answer legal questions that will be of interest to auctioneers. The answers to these questions are designed to provide information of general interest to the public and are not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems. Kurt R. Bachman and Beers Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP do not intend to create an attorney-client relationship by offering this information, and anyone’s review of the information shall not be deemed to create such a relationship. You should consult a lawyer if you have a legal matter requiring attention.

Regular training of auction staff members (clerks, cashiers, ring men & women, etc.) on auction law, fraud prevention, the procedures to follow, and ethical conduct helps reduce the likelihood of mistakes and increases the likelihood of compliance.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Visa's Updated Chargeback Program What Auction Businesses Need to Know Provided by NAA Partner, Electronic Data Payment Systems (EDPS)

Under VAMP, fraud reports and customer disputes are combined into one measurement:

Reported fraudulent transactions + disputes / settled card-not-present transactions This matters because one transaction can create more than one problem. A sale reported as fraud may also turn into a chargeback, which means the same transaction can potentially affect the calculation more than once. VAMP mainly applies to card-not-present transactions. For auction businesses, that includes online bidding, internet payments, telephone payments, and stored-card transactions. Traditional in-person cardpresent payments are generally not included in the VAMP ratio. Beginning April 1, 2026, Visa's excessive merchant threshold in the United States is a VAMP ratio of 1.5%, as long as the merchant also has at least 1,500 combined fraud reports and disputes during the month. Most individual auction companies will never reach that volume. However, that does not mean smaller auction businesses can ignore the issue.

Chargebacks have always been part of accepting credit cards. For auction businesses, though, they can be especially frustrating. A bidder may say the item was not as described. They may claim someone else used the card. They may not recognize the charge on their statement. They may also dispute the buyer's premium, shipping, taxes, or other fees that were added after the auction. Even when the auction company did everything correctly, responding to a dispute takes time, documentation, and money. Visa's updated chargeback monitoring program makes it more important for auction businesses to prevent disputes before they happen.

What Changed?

Visa also measures the performance of the acquiring bank or processor. Because of that, processors may set their own limits below Visa's published threshold. An auction company that appears to be higher risk could face additional scrutiny, delayed funding, a reserve, higher processing costs, or even account termination before it ever reaches Visa's formal threshold.

Why Auctions Carry More Dispute Risk Auction transactions naturally create more room for misunderstanding. The buyer may not inspect the item in person before bidding. Items are often sold 'as is.' The final card charge may include the winning bid, buyer's premium, taxes, shipping, storage, handling, or other fees. In some cases, the bidder and the cardholder are not the same person.

Visa has combined several fraud and dispute monitoring programs into one program called the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program, commonly referred to as VAMP.

There is also a human side to this. Bidders compete to win. After the auction, some buyers may rethink the purchase, regret the price they paid, or decide the item was not worth the final cost. A chargeback can become the easiest way for them to push back.

In the past, Visa generally looked at fraud and chargebacks separately.

Clear auction terms are important, but terms alone are not enough. The

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

auction company needs to be able to prove that the bidder saw the terms, accepted them, and understood the final cost.

Five Steps Auction Businesses Should Take 1. Make the Final Cost Clear Do not rely only on terms buried in a long agreement. The buyer's premium, taxes, shipping, handling, storage, and any other charges should be clear before the bidder completes the transaction. Whenever possible, show an estimated total or clearly explain how the final amount will be calculated. The goal is simple: the cardholder should not be surprised by the amount that appears on their statement.

2. Strengthen Bidder Verification Auction businesses should collect and retain enough information to show who placed the bid and authorized the transaction. This may include the bidder's name, billing address, email address, phone number, IP address, device information, and the date and time the bidder accepted the auction terms. Address Verification Service, card security-code verification, and gateway fraud controls should be used whenever available. For highervalue purchases, it may also make sense to verify the buyer directly before charging the card.

3. Keep Better Evidence A strong chargeback response is built before the dispute ever arrives. For each transaction, auction businesses should retain: • • • • • • • •

The item description and photographs shown during the auction The bidding history and winning bid The version of the terms accepted by the bidder The final invoice, including the buyer's premium and all added charges Emails, text messages, and other communications with the buyer Shipping records, tracking information, and delivery confirmation Signed pickup documentation for items collected in person Condition reports and any disclosures about damage or defects

A signed invoice by itself may not be enough. The best documentation tells the full story of the transaction from bid to delivery.

4. Use a Recognizable Billing Descriptor The name on the cardholder's statement should be a name the buyer recognizes.

If the statement shows a corporate legal name that is different from the auction house, website, or platform name, it can create unnecessary disputes. When supported by the processor, include a phone number in the billing descriptor so buyers can call before filing a chargeback.

5. Respond Before a Complaint Becomes a Chargeback Make it easy for buyers to reach a real person. A fast response, delivery update, explanation, or reasonable refund can sometimes prevent a formal dispute. Every conversation should be documented. Visa also supports pre-dispute tools that may allow transaction details to be shared with the card issuer or allow certain cases to be resolved before they become chargebacks. Auction businesses should ask their processor what tools are available and whether resolved pre-disputes are excluded from VAMP reporting.

The Practical Takeaway For auction companies, the best defense is not a well-written chargeback response after the dispute arrives. The best defense is a transaction record that clearly shows the buyer's identity, authorization, winning bid, accepted terms, fees, item condition, and delivery.Auction businesses should ask their payment processor three direct questions: • • •

What is our current fraud and dispute ratio? What chargeback threshold applies to our account? What pre-dispute and fraud-prevention tools are available to us?

The auction industry depends on trust between sellers, bidders, auctioneers, and payment providers. Clear communication and better documentation help protect that trust and help ensure that a legitimate winning bid remains a completed sale.

The NAA has partnered with Electronic Data Payment Systems to provide our members with exclusive, low-cost merchant processing. By leveraging our collective membership, we can offer you signiﬁcant savings on bankcard fees.

If you have speciﬁc questions regarding the NAA Merchant services program, please contact EDPS at 866.578.9740 JULY/AUGUST 2026

New MEMBER

Q&A

with

KYDEN CUNNINGHAM

Recepient of the 2026 Bob Steffes Rising Star Award Kyden Cunningham is a 19-year-old auctioneer and real estate professional from Owasso, Oklahoma. His interest in the auction industry began through participation in the FFA Career Development Events (CDE) Auctioneering Contest, where he developed a strong passion for the profession. Cunningham recently became an NAA Member in May 2026. He has competed the past two years at the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. Cunningham recently graduated high school and is now a real estate professional.

What sparked your interest in becoming an auction professional? What first sparked my interest in becoming an auction professional was seeing the opportunity to travel across the country while helping people through one of the most important moments in their lives. I was inspired by the impact an auctioneer can have on a client’s success, whether selling assets or raising funds. In many cases, a single auction can provide the income a family or business relies on for the entire year. Knowing I can play a role in that process is what motivated me to pursue this profession.

What road did you take to get there? I got my start in the auction industry through the FFA Auctioneering CDE, where professional auctioneers mentored contestants during the day before we competed that evening. Those experiences gave me far more than a competitive chant. They helped me build confidence, strengthen my communication skills, and develop lasting relationships with industry professionals. Looking back, those contests laid the foundation for my career and inspired me to continue growing as an auctioneer and serving others through this profession.

Were there any challenges you faced? The biggest challenge I faced was my age. I felt many clients didn’t believe that I could get the job done. I didn’t get many jobs because of that factor, and many clients were surprised when they did put their trust in me. 14

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How has your perception of the auction industry changed since you started? My perception of the auction industry has changed tremendously since I first got started. In the beginning, I believed auctioneers only sold livestock. As I became more involved and learned from experienced professionals, I discovered incredible variety within the industry. Today, I understand that auctioneers serve many different markets, including real estate, benefit auctions, equipment, automobiles, estates, and more. That realization opened my eyes to the many opportunities this profession offers.

Why do you love what you do? I love what I do because every day is enjoyable and rewarding. This industry allows me to have fun while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m helping a family sell assets or raising money for a great cause, every auction brings a unique opportunity to serve others. When you truly enjoy your work and the people you meet, it doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like a passion.

What do you find most rewarding about this point in your career? What do you think is the biggest thing auction professionals can do to stay relevant? The biggest thing an auctioneer can do to stay relevant is to be a part of their state and national association. Those associations at the end of the day are just like a big family reunion but also you learn new things and educate yourself further. You also learn about everyday problems that are happening in the auction industry to help better you and your profession.

How has the NAA helped you become a better auction professional? The NAA has helped me be better in my profession because it’s helped network with new people and hear perspectives that I may have never thought about. The NAA has also helped me meet more mentors that helped me with my chant and my day-to-day life.

The most rewarding moment of my career so far has been receiving the Bob Steffes Rising Star Award. That recognition means more to me than I can put into words because it represents the support and encouragement of so many people who have invested in me. It gives me great hope for the future and motivates me to continue growing, serving others, and representing the auction industry with professionalism and integrity. Once I received the award and the news began to spread, the most rewarding part was seeing the reactions from the people around me. Everyone was genuinely proud, excited, and happy for me, which meant more than the award itself. Their encouragement and support reminded me how blessed I am to have so many incredible people in my corner who continue to believe in me, push me forward, and support my journey in the auction industry.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Investing in the Next Generation

“

Just a few months ago, students from across the country submitted applications for the Legacy Youth Scholarship — sharing their goals, experiences, and hopes for what the future might hold. The National Auction Foundation is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Legacy Youth Scholarship after receiving a record-breaking 44 applications, making this year's selection process the most competitive in the program's history.

Each Legacy Youth Scholarship recipient brings a unique perspective, but all share a willingness to learn, grow, and explore the possibilities within the auction industry.

”

The Legacy Youth Scholarship Fund awards $2,500 scholarships to qualified applicants age 25 and younger pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible candidates include graduating high school seniors, GED recipients, and students currently enrolled in auction schools or undergraduate, technical, or vocational programs. Each recipient brings a unique perspective, but all share a willingness to learn, grow, and explore the possibilities within the auction industry. Their interests span business, agriculture, communications, and entrepreneurship — grounded in a desire to build meaningful careers and contribute to a profession rooted in trust, service, and connection. These scholarships represent an investment made possible by donors like you who believe in expanding access to education and by a long-standing commitment to stewarding opportunity with care.

2026 Legacy Youth Scholarship Recipients The Foundation extends its congratulations to each recipient and thanks the donors whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Your support continues to create educational opportunities for young people while helping Jonathan Capozzi, strengthen the future of the Clifton Springs, New York auction profession. Employed by Carrie Hessney-Doran and Joseph Hessney, NAA members

Yazmyn Morris, Aubrey, Texas 16

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Eryn Esquibel, Socorro, New Mexico

Ethan Smith, Olathe, Kansas

Noah Guinn, Jennings, Louisiana Son of Michael Guinn, NAA member

Gentry Upton, Piedmont, South Carolina Son of Jennifer Martin, NAA member

Invest in the Future The National Auction Foundation exists to expand opportunity, support education, and strengthen the future of the auction profession. If you believe in the power of investing in people — from students just starting out to professionals continuing to grow — we invite you to be part of that impact.

Make a gift today: auctioneersfoundation.org

Continuing a Legacy of Learning: The Power of Passing It Forward NAA member, Kathy Kingston (1953-2020), believed deeply in the power of education — not only as a pathway to professional excellence, but as a responsibility to give back and lift others along the way. Throughout her career, she championed learning, mentorship, and the idea that success in the auction profession is strengthened when knowledge is shared. Her influence continues to shape the industry through the many professionals she taught, inspired, and connected. That spirit lives on through the Kathy Kingston Benefit Auction Education Fund, which raises funds during the NAA’s Benefit Auction Summit each August and supports education and training opportunities for benefit auction professionals. It also lives on in one of the Foundation’s most meaningful Conference & Show traditions: Pass It Forward. Held annually during the President’s Gala, Pass It Forward reflects the generosity Kathy helped inspire — a moment when auction professionals come together to invest in the future of their peers and their profession. What began as an idea rooted in shared responsibility has become a powerful and ongoing expression of community and commitment. At this year's Pass It Forward, more than $220,000 was raised through the generosity of each person in the room. The Foundation extends sincere appreciation to every individual who generously gave. From the Legacy Youth Scholarship fundraiser and the Don Shearer Children’s Auction to Pass It Forward, each moment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the profession through opportunity, education, and service.

Why I Give

Laura Mantle-Grunden, CAI, CAS When I ﬁrst attended the NAA Conference & Show over a decade ago, I was amazed to see a room full of auctioneers raise their paddles and donate tens of thousands of dollars in a matter of minutes. Over the following 15 years, I saw ﬁrsthand the profound impact these donors have on our members and fellow auctioneers. From awarding scholarships for industry events to securing top-tier education throughout the year and preserving the museum for easier access, none of these achievements would be possible without National Auction Foundation donors. When I pledge a donation to the Foundation, I know it will directly impact the future of our association and our industry.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Thank You

to Our Pass It Forward Donors

The Foundation extends deep gratitude to this year's donors to the Pass It Forward

campaign. Your generosity helped raise $220,000 to educate auction professionals today and for future generations.

Spanky Assiter Traci Ayers-Dower Dana Balsamo Wade Baer Loren Beachy Linford Berry Barbara Bonnette Merle Booker Joseph Burns Sara Rose Bytnar Jay Cash Chris Davis Jason Deel Tim Dudley Addison Dower Russell Bronson Gangwer John John Genovese Matthew Godbehere Ben Grafe Judd Grafe Martin Griepentrog TiWanna Kenney Christie King Rusty Lane

Laura Mantle Adam Marshall Damien Massart Tim Mast Robert Mayo Jacob McGennis David McLaughlin Carol Miller William Milliken Mark Motley Scott Musser Daniel Newman Andrew Pearce Aaron Pitts Richard Ranft Beth Rose Thomas Saturley John Schultz Isaac Stoller Bradley Stoecker Loren Spann Seth Weiner Dave Webb Dalton Woolsey

List updated as of August 5, 2026

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JULY/AUGUST 2026

NAA'S 77TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AUCTIONEERS CONFERENCE AND SHOW

recap

CAI Class of 2026 Pinning - Willie Baker, Alan Woolsey, Alexander Spann, Cole Morrison, Christine Sawyers, Joshua Rush, Bill Milliken, David McLaughlin, Holli McGee, Michael Parker, Cody Manspile, Rob Knight, Dustin Mallory, Johnny Klemme, Brenda Johnson, Troy Lawson, Dana Balsamo, Dennis Huggins

John Nicholls introduced the Inaugural Paul C. Behr Sportsmanship Award, with Paul C. Behr on stage.

THE Applause has faded, the

Treasured industry veterans Cookie Lockhart and Carol Miller embrace one another at the Women’s Auction Professional Luncheon.

The President’s Gavel passed through the long line of NAA’s Past Presidents to our incoming President Mike Fisher.

champions have been crowned, and another unforgettable Conference & Show is in the books. Now it's time to look back at the moments that defined the week. From championship performances and Hall of Fame inductions to educational milestones and industry recognition, Conference & Show shines a spotlight on the people whose passion and dedication strengthen the auction profession. The pages that follow celebrate the individuals whose accomplishments made the 2026 Conference & Show one to remember. Their stories preserve the moments, milestones, and achievements that will continue to inspire our profession long after the final gavel fell.

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An emotional moment shared between 2026 IAC Women’s Champion Carrie Hessney-Doran and her father, Joe Hessney, on stage after being named champion.

conference & Show

by the numbe rs

700+ TOTAL PARTICIPANTS

551

EDUCATION REGISTRANTS

IAC CONTESTANTS

255K RAISED FOR THE FUTURE

RECORD-BREAKING IJAC CONTESTANTS

JULY/AUGUST 2026

NAA'S 77TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AUCTIONEERS CONFERENCE AND SHOW

awards

NAA Volunteer of the Year Awards Aaron Pitts, Jaci Pitts, and Suzannah Underwood

Inaugural Paul C. Behr Sportsmanship Award Case White

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Chuck Cumberlin Sportsmanship Award Jerran Miller

Bob Steffes Rising Star Award Kyden Cunningham

Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, and committee members who dedicated their time, effort, and energy into Conference & Show. Your service makes this event special.

Presidential Award of Distinction The founders of the Certiﬁed Auctioneers Institute: Hugh Miller, Dennis Kruse, and Marty Higgenbotham, and posthumously to Harvey Lambright and Steve Martin. (Present in Photo is Marty Higgenbotham)

Conference & Show Education Committee: Barrett Bray Matt Ford Wendy Grimm Jodi Reynolds Bradley Stoecker Seth Weiner James Yoder

JULY/AUGUST 2026

NAA'S 77TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AUCTIONEERS CONFERENCE AND SHOW

Memories

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

THANK YOU TO OUR

CONFERENCE & SHOW SPONSORS

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Hall of FAME

“

This year, the National Auction Association proudly welcomes three exceptional leaders into the Hall of Fame: David Hart, Tim Mast, and Chris Rasmus.

”

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HONORING A LASTING LEGACY Every profession has individuals whose influence extends far beyond their own careers. They raise the standard, mentor those who follow, embrace innovation, and leave the industry stronger than they found it. For the auction profession, that legacy is recognized through the National Auction Association Hall of Fame. Established in 1961, the Hall of Fame represents the Association's highest honor, recognizing auction professionals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the industry. Inductees are selected not only for their professional accomplishments, but for the character, leadership, integrity, and service that define their life's work. They are educators, innovators, mentors, advocates, and community leaders whose contributions continue to shape the future of auctioneering. Each year, new inductees are welcomed during the President's Gala at the annual Conference & Show, joining an extraordinary group of individuals. Together, they tell the story of an industry built by people willing to invest their knowledge, their time, and their leadership for the benefit of others. This year, the National Auction Association proudly welcomes three exceptional leaders into the Hall of Fame: David Hart, Tim Mast, and Chris Rasmus. Each followed a different path and built remarkable careers. Together, they represent the values that continue to define excellence in the auction profession and inspire the generations that will follow.

DAVID HART

The Educator and Steward Some careers begin with a carefully crafted plan. David Hart's began by putting up auction signs. As a high school student in rural Georgia, Hart was introduced to a local auction company through his agriculture teacher. What seemed like an ordinary part-time job became the foundation for a career that would span four decades and ultimately earn him induction into the National Auction Association Hall of Fame. The values that shaped Hart long predated his first auction. Raised as the youngest of four children, he learned the importance of faith, family, hard work, and education from parents who modeled integrity and service. His agricultural upbringing and involvement in the Future Farmers of America further strengthened those principles. As president of his local FFA chapter and state vice president of the Georgia FFA Association, he developed leadership skills that would define both his career and his commitment to the auction profession. Determined to continue his education, Hart earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration. During a summer break in 1986, he attended Missouri Auction School while continuing to work with the company where his journey had begun. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Hart joined the firm full time. Over the years, he helped guide its growth while advancing from a young auction professional to President and Chief Executive Oﬃcer of Rowell Auctions, Inc. Along the way, he embraced the belief that success in the auction industry extends well beyond the chant. It is built through preparation, market knowledge, ethical business practices, and earning the confidence of every client. That commitment to professional excellence led Hart to pursue continuing education throughout his career, completing the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) in 1992 and earning the Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE) designation in 1998. Just as importantly, he dedicated himself to helping others pursue the same standard. For decades, Hart has shared his expertise with auction professionals across the country. He helped develop the finance curriculum for the AARE designation and taught the course for 12 years. He also served as an instructor for the Certified Auctioneers Institute, teaching ethics, finance, interpersonal communication, and other coursework, while spending many years on the faculty of Nashville Auction School. His willingness to educate others reflects a belief that knowledge grows more valuable when it is shared. His leadership has extended far beyond the classroom. Hart served as an oﬃcer and later president of the Georgia Auctioneers Association before being inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2015. His commitment to service also reaches deep into his community, where he has served on the boards of United Way, the YMCA, and First National Bank of Moultrie, as president of the local Board of Realtors, and as a supporter of his local arts center and church. Throughout his career, Hart has demonstrated a belief that leadership is measured not only by professional achievement, but by service to both the profession and the community. Those who know Hart describe him as dependable, thoughtful, and unwavering in his principles. He approaches every challenge with careful preparation, expects excellence from himself and others, and quietly mentors the next generation of auction professionals. Married to his wife, Kelly, for more than three decades, he is also a proud father of two and grandfather of one. Throughout his career, Hart has remained grounded in the values that never change: trust, transparency, competition, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Hall of FAME JULY/AUGUST 2026

TIM MAST

The Servant Leader Some careers are defined by the transactions completed or the titles earned. Tim Mast's career has been defined by something far more enduring: service. For more than 25 years, Mast has quietly built a reputation as one of the auction profession's most respected leaders. From his hometown in southwestern Tennessee, he has helped clients navigate complex real estate transactions across more than 30 states and three countries while remaining firmly rooted in the values that shaped him from the very beginning. Growing up on his family's farm, hard work was simply part of everyday life. Feeding cattle, harvesting crops, and sharing responsibility taught lessons that would stay with him long after leaving the farm. His father instilled a strong work ethic, encouraged self-reliance, and challenged him to approach every opportunity without fear. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a career built on integrity, determination, and a willingness to serve others. Although Mast attended auctions with his father from an early age, one experience proved especially formative. As a young person, he watched his own family's belongings sold at auction before they embarked on an opportunity to live internationally. Standing in the crowd, he found himself captivated by the auctioneer's ability to connect with people and guide such an important moment in their lives. What began as curiosity gradually became a calling. That calling eventually led him to the World Wide College of Auctioneering in 1999 and into a profession that would become his life's work. Today, Mast serves as President and CEO of Tranzon, LLC, leading one of the nation's premier real estate auction companies. Along the way, he earned both the Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE) designation and the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation, later returning to each program as an instructor. Whether teaching future auction professionals, mentoring emerging leaders, or speaking about real estate auctions across the country, Mast has consistently invested in strengthening the profession he loves. His leadership has also shaped the National Auction Association. After serving on the Board of Directors, he went on to serve as vice president, president, and chairman of the board, helping guide the association through a period of continued growth and change. Today, he continues that commitment as president of the National Auction Foundation, supporting educational opportunities and investing in the profession's future. Service, however, has never been limited to the auction industry.

Hall of FAME 28

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Mast has devoted countless hours to his local community as chairman of the McNairy County Election Commission, a volunteer firefighter, and an active member of numerous civic organizations. Those who know him best understand that leadership is not something reserved for the boardroom or the auction stage. It is demonstrated through consistent acts of service, often carried out quietly and without recognition. His international experiences also broadened his perspective in lasting ways. Fluent in three languages, Mast has long understood that effective communication begins with listening. Whether working with clients across cultures, teaching fellow professionals, or standing behind the auction podium, he has built relationships through trust, understanding, and genuine connection. While his résumé reflects an extraordinary career, those closest to him know his proudest accomplishments lie beyond professional achievements. Together with his wife, Ruth Anne, he has built a family centered on faith, hard work, and love, raising four children while modeling the values that have guided every stage of his life.

CHRIS RASMUS The Innovator

Long before online auctions became standard practice, Chris Rasmus was asking a different question. Not simply, “How do we conduct the next auction?” But rather, “How do we build an auction business that will thrive for decades to come?” That mindset has defined Rasmus's career for more than four decades and helped reshape the auction profession in ways that continue to influence auctioneers across North America today. His journey began much like many second-generation auctioneers. Raised in a family where auctions were more than a business, Rasmus grew up immersed in the profession from an early age. At just 16 years old, he attended Mendenhall Auction School alongside fellow future industry leaders. While others remember the laughs and camaraderie of those days, they also remember something else about Rasmus: he was always watching, listening, and learning. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in marketing in 1983, Rasmus joined the family business and quickly began looking beyond traditional auction methods. His background in marketing gave him a broader perspective on how auctions could evolve, leading him to focus not only on conducting successful sales but on building systems, improving eﬃciencies, and creating sustainable business models. In 1998, he pioneered one of the industry's earliest online auction platforms, years before online-only auctions became commonplace. At a time when many viewed technology with skepticism, Rasmus recognized its potential to expand markets while preserving the transparency and competitive principles that define the auction method. Today, as CEO and Founder of Rasmus Auctions and Bidcloud, he oversees approximately 1,300 auctions each year across North America. His companies have become recognized leaders in commercial and industrial asset sales, valuation services, and innovative auction technology. Innovation, however, has never been his end goal. It has always been a tool for serving clients and strengthening the profession. Throughout his career, Rasmus has generously shared what he has learned with others. He serves as the Advanced Auction Concepts instructor for the Certified Auctioneers Institute, mentoring auction professionals from across the world as they adapt to changing markets and emerging technologies. He is also a sought-after speaker at state, national, and international conferences, helping others embrace innovation while remaining grounded in the core values of the auction profession. His leadership extends well beyond the classroom. Rasmus has served as president of the Virginia Auctioneers Association, a member of the CAI Board of Governors, and on the National Auction Association Board of Directors through presidential appointment. He was inducted into the Virginia Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Together with his seventh-grade sweetheart, Sue, Chris has built not only a successful business but a lasting family legacy. Married for decades, they have raised three sons, two of whom now work alongside him, continuing a tradition that spans generations. Beyond the auction industry, he serves as a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, reflecting a lifelong commitment to faith, compassion, and service to others. Those who know Rasmus best speak just as often about his leadership as they do his accomplishments. He believes an auction company succeeds because of its people, reminding young auctioneers that leadership carries responsibility far beyond the auction block. Every employee, every family, and every client matters. That philosophy has shaped a culture where people are valued, encouraged, and recognized for the role they play in the company's success.

Hall of FAME JULY/AUGUST 2026

Carrie HESSNEY-DORAN IN HER POCKET

For years whenever Carrie Hessney-Doran stepped onto the International Auctioneer Championship stage, she carried the same thing in her pocket: a business card. More than a decade earlier, after graduating from Missouri Auction School in 2012, Hessney-Doran traveled to visit family in North Carolina. Waiting for her was an overnight envelope from her father. Inside were her very first business cards. On one, her father, Joe Hessney, had written a message. "Carrie, I am so proud of you, and I know you're going to be very special in the auction business. Love ya, Dad." For years, Hessney-Doran kept the card tucked safely in her jewelry box. As she packed for her first International Auctioneer Championship in 2016, she slipped it into her jewelry case. Before taking the stage, she instinctively placed it in her pocket. Seven attempts later, it was still there.

“

CARRIE, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU & I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO BE VERY SPECIAL IN THE AUCTION BUSINESS. LOVE YA, DAD 30

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

When Hessney-Doran's name was announced as the 2026 Women's International Auctioneer Champion in San Antonio, that small business card had traveled the journey with her. Ironically, auctioneering wasn't part of the original plan. After studying fashion merchandising, Hessney-Doran found herself working in retail, searching for a career that felt right. "I hated it," she admitted with a laugh. Meanwhile, her father kept asking the same question: "Do you want to go to auction school?" Growing up in Geneva, New York, she had experienced every corner of her family’s auction business . She sold hot dogs at auctions, clerked sales, ran sheets, cashiered, and helped wherever she was needed. But standing behind the microphone? "I can't do that," she remembered thinking. Still, she agreed to attend auction school, and everything changed. "I didn't think I was going to be an auctioneer," she recalled. "I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but I knew what I was doing wasn't working." By the time auction school ended, the uncertainty had disappeared.

"I can do this," she realized. "And I want to do this." The business cards waiting for her in North Carolina were more than a thoughtful surprise. They were her father's way of telling her he believed she belonged in the profession before she fully believed it herself. Over the next 14 years, Hessney-Doran built an extraordinary career. Alongside her father, Hessney-Doran helped create the largest firearm auction company in New York State. She is a sought-after benefit auctioneer, helping nonprofit organizations raise more than $50 million while earning the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), Certified Estate Specialist (CES), and Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designations.

One of Hessney-Doran's favorite sayings is, "If you can see her, you can be her," a message she often shares with her daughters. As a wife, mother, business owner, and International Auctioneer Champion, she hopes her journey encourages more women and young people to see themselves in the profession. Only after the championship did Hessney-Doran reveal the story of the business card she had carried through every competition. Her father heard it for the first time alongside everyone else in the room.

Yet one goal continued to call her back each summer. She competed seven times in the International Auctioneer Championship, steadily improving, reaching the finals five times, and finishing as First Runner-Up in 2024. When Hessney-Doran walked onto the stage in San Antonio, something felt different. She wasn't trying to be perfect or trying to be anyone else. She simply trusted the auctioneer she had become. “I showed everybody who I am on stage and what I do at home. I had fun! As soon as I walked off the finals stage, I was proud I showed the best version of myself.” Moments later, she heard her name announced as the 2026 Women's International Auctioneer Champion. Standing on stage, trophy in hand, her thoughts immediately turned to the people who helped make the moment possible. "Thank you to my dad and mom for believing in me so much," she said during the championship ceremony. "To my little girls watching at home, Lucy and Evelyn, I love you guys so much. To my husband, Tim, thank you and I love you. You support me every day." She smiled as she acknowledged the sacrifices her family had made throughout the journey. "I've been traveling a lot," she joked. "And I have a feeling I'll be traveling a little more this year."

Long before Carrie Hessney-Doran believed she would become an International Auctioneer Champion, one person already did. For seven championship appearances, she carried that belief in her pocket. This summer, she carried home the championship that proved her father right.

As International Auctioneer Champion, HessneyDoran hopes to use her platform to encourage the next generation to discover the opportunities the auction profession offers. She wants young people to see auctioneering as a career built on communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service, and she hopes more women will see themselves standing behind the microphone.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Cody SHELLEY

THE WEIGHT OF INFLUENCE As applause filled the room following his victory at the 2026 International Men's Auctioneer Championship, Cody Shelley welcomed his wife, Ashley, and their children, Jakup and Bexley, onto the stage. After seven years of chasing one of the auction profession's highest honors, the people who had witnessed every early morning, every disappointment, every practice session, and every comeback were standing beside him. "They've seen the hours, the challenges, and the work that went into this," Shelley said. "Now they watched me achieve a dream." For Shelley, becoming the IAC Champion wasn't simply the culmination of years of competition. It was the chance to show his children that perseverance matters, that failure isn't final, and that dreams are worth pursuing, even when the journey takes longer than expected.

“

I DIDN'T WANT MY KIDS TO SEE ME NOT FULFILL MY DREAMS AFTER FAILING A FEW TIMES. FAILURE ISN'T JUST FAILURE. IT'S PROGRESS, AND IT'S LESSONS.

”

"I didn't want my kids to see me not fulfill my dreams after failing a few times," he said. "Failure isn't just failure. It's progress, and it's lessons." That perspective didn't exist when Shelley first stepped onto the stage in 2019. Fresh off winning the World Automobile Auctioneer Championship in 2019, he admits he came to that year’s IAC with a different mindset. “I came to get one more trophy that year,” Shelley said during the competition’s interview round. “I have been profoundly humbled since then.” The years that followed reshaped far more than his approach to competition. "This contest has changed who I am as a person," Shelley said. "It's changed who I am as a father and who I am as an auctioneer." He describes the process as one of constant self-reflection. "The amount of self-reflection that takes place when you're preparing for the contest and don't succeed has truly changed my life," he said. By the time competition day arrived in San Antonio this July, Shelley knew exactly how he wanted to prepare.

In years past, he'd experimented with different routines, even trying to stay relaxed and simply go with the flow. This year, he spent the day almost entirely in his own world. AirPods stayed in from morning until it was time to compete, playing victory-themed playlists to keep his focus sharp. One song became his soundtrack for the day: the iconic instrumental introduction once used for the Chicago Bulls.

He's equally passionate about supporting the next generation of auction professionals.

"I was laser focused," he recalled.

"It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time," Shelley laughed. "But it's so cool to see they want to follow in my footsteps."

That focus had been shaped by countless people who invested in him long before he became champion. One of his earliest supporters was John Gary Collins, whose son competed alongside Shelley in rodeo. Shelley remembers spending weekends asking questions and soaking up everything he could about the auction business. Collins challenged him to broaden his perspective, encouraging him to seek wisdom from many mentors instead of relying on just one. Later, while Shelley was in college, fellow auctioneer Randy Woodward spent countless hours on the phone helping him refine his chant.

Watching his son compete in his first International Junior Auctioneer Championship this year while his daughter took the stage during the Children's Auction, made the week even more meaningful.

His vision extends beyond his own family. Shelley hopes to create stronger mentorship opportunities for young auctioneers as they transition from youth competitions into professional careers. That desire to invest in others stems from the same lesson competition taught him over seven years. When Shelley walked off the stage after his interview this year, he felt something he had never experienced before: No regrets. For the first time, he knew he had been completely authentic. "I was confident in what I said, how I said it, and I remained true to myself," he explained. That authenticity has become one of the defining lessons of his journey. Winning reminded him that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow. "The trials you face and the failures you overcome are only lessons," he said. "It's all worth it." Today, Shelley sees the championship differently than he once did. The trophy itself isn't the destination. Instead, it represents something much greater: a platform to influence the profession he loves, to encourage future competitors, to strengthen the National Auction Association, and to leave the auction industry “better than he found it.” It's a responsibility he doesn't take lightly.

More recently, 2019 International Auctioneer Champion Trey Morris became a trusted mentor throughout Shelley's journey, offering both technical insight and encouragement. Shelley sees each mentor as someone who helps shape not only the auctioneer he is today, but the person he is. Now, as reigning International Auctioneer Champion, he hopes to do the same for others. Shelley aims to continue strengthening connections between contract auctioneers and the National Auction Association, an organization he says changed the trajectory of his own career after becoming involved in 2019. He believes many auctioneers ask what the association can do for them without realizing how much they gain by investing in the association themselves. "You don't get what you can out of the NAA if you don't give to it," Shelley said. "What you give is what you get in return, tenfold."

"I understand the weight and opportunity that comes with this platform," Shelley said. "The trophy doesn't define me. It puts me in a position of influence." The trophy originally brought Cody Shelley to the IAC stage. What finally won was the shift that happened along the way. Now he's using the title to share the sense of purpose he and his family found and the community they built around them through their involvement in the NAA.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

L ogan SNIDER STAYING JOYFUL

By the time Logan Snider walked onto the International Junior Auctioneer Championship stage for the final round in San Antonio, she had already reminded herself of two things. The first came through the worship music playing as she got ready that morning, helping quiet the nerves before one of the biggest moments of her young career. The second was a simple message she repeated to herself before taking the stage. "Have the confidence to be who you are. Be the star you know you are." Just two years earlier, Snider traveled from Enid, Oklahoma, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for her first International Junior Auctioneer Championship. Although she fell short of the finals, the experience fueled her desire to keep returning until she reached her goal. Snider came back to the IJAC stage in 2025 stronger but still fell short of making the finals. Trusting God's plan, she continued preparing, believing another opportunity would come. This year, everything felt different.

“

HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO BE WHO YOU ARE. BE THE STAR YOU KNOW YOU ARE.

”

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

In the months leading up to San Antonio, Snider worked virtually with 2025 Women's International Auctioneer Champion Abbey Schmid, refining her bid call and competition preparation. More than polishing technique, Schmid helped her find her own voice and rhythm on the auction block. Armed with greater confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, Snider returned to the International Junior Auctioneer Championship for a third time. When her name was announced as the 2026 International Junior Auctioneer Champion, Snider was overcome with emotion. She describes the moment in two words: pure joy. Her thoughts immediately turned to the people who helped her reach that stage. Her journey into auctioneering began with a simple invitation in an eighth-grade agricultural education classroom.

When her agriculture teacher, Wayne Simpson, introduced students to Oklahoma's new FFA Auctioneering Career Development Event (CDE), Snider decided to give it a try. She had no family background in the profession and no idea that one decision would shape her future. Since then, auctioneering opened doors she never imagined. She became Oklahoma's first FFA Auctioneering CDE Champion in 2024, successfully defended the title the following year, and continued building experience through the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association before earning the International Junior Auctioneer Championship. Each step preparing her along the way.

"This year is transformative for me," she said. "I want to connect with people across the industry and learn from them." One piece of advice continues to guide that approach. Justin Kennedy, one of the pioneers of the FFA Auctioneering Career Development Event, once told her, "Don't wait for someone to knock on your door. Knock on theirs." It's a mindset Snider plans to carry with her as she begins exploring every corner of the auction industry. Whether pursuing an internship, building relationships across the country, or one day opening her own business, Snider knows opportunities rarely arrive on their own.

For Snider, the championship represents far more than a title.

For now, she's embracing each one that comes her way.

"It gives me the opportunity to connect with people across the country," she said. "I'm so thankful for this opportunity and this platform."

Behind every championship moment was an equally devoted support system.

It's the same kind of encouragement she received from mentors who invested in her journey, and one she now hopes to pass on to the next generation of auctioneers. As she begins her year as International Junior Auctioneer Champion, Snider isn't focused on where the title will take her as much as what it will allow her to learn. "My biggest lesson from competing is to stay joyful," explained Snider. That mindset carried her through the pressure of competition, reminding her to enjoy the journey rather than become consumed by the outcome. After graduating from high school, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University to study agricultural business while remaining active in the auction industry through every opportunity. She hopes the year ahead will expose her to different sectors of the profession and help her discover where she can make the greatest impact.

Snider credits her family with making countless sacrifices to help her pursue her dreams, traveling across the country to competitions and encouraging her every step of the way. As the drive home to Oklahoma began and the excitement of the championship settled, the family wasn't quite ready to let the moment end. Alongside her parents and brothers, they spent the trip reliving cherished memories and celebrating all they had experienced before returning to everyday life. "It was just a time of joy," she said. "I'll always treasure that car ride." At just 17 years old, Logan Snider already understands something many people spend a lifetime learning: championships are milestones, but character is built along the journey. Rooted in faith, hard work, gratitude, and joy, she's only beginning to discover where that journey will lead.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR

NAA Marketing Competition

THE TRISTAR

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Nicole Pruitt // TriStar Auction Group, LLC

COMPANY (SELF PROMOTION/PRINT) Braden McCurdy – McCurdy Real Estate & Auction

2026

WINNERS 36

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

COMPANY (SELF PROMOTION/VIDEO) Seth Cable – Equip-Bid Auctions COMPANY /SELF PROMOTION/ SOCIAL MEDIA) Braden McCurdy – McCurdy Real Estate & Auction

BROCHURES – PERSONAL ASSETS Chase VanHeel – Steffes Group, Inc.

EMAIL CAMPAIGN – PERSONAL ASSETS Joy Hart – Richmond Auctions

BROCHURES –COMMERCIAL ASSETS Cassie Joe Kasdorf – Steffes Group, Inc.

EMAIL CAMPAIGN – COMMERCIAL ASSETS Kaleb Hurley – Hurley Real Estate & Auctions

BROCHURES – REAL ESTATE Johnny Klemme – Geswein Farm & Land Realty, LLC

EMAIL CAMPAIGN – REAL ESTATE Russell Harmeyer – Halderman Real Estate

PODCAST Larry Garafola – Unovance Global

PAID SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS – PERSONAL ASSETS Megan McCurdy Niedens – McCurdy Real Estate & Auction

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER Jordan Richmond – Richmond Auctions POSTCARDS –PERSONAL ASSETS Matt Hurley – Hurley Real Estate & Auctions POSTCARDS – COMMERCIAL ASSETS Seth Cable – Equip-Bid Auctions POSTCARDS – REAL ESTATE Jesse Meyer – Peoples Company SHORT FORM VIDEO FOR SOCIAL MEDIA Leigh Brown – One Community Real Estate SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN Scott Miedema – Miedema Asset Management Group VIDEO –BENEFITS Keanuu Eraso – Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals VIDEO – PERSONAL ASSETS Jarrod Hines – Farmer Auctions VIDEO – COMMERCIAL ASSETS Nicole Pruitt – TriStar Auction Group, LLC VIDEO – REAL ESTATE Trey Perman – J.P. King Auction Company

PAID SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS – COMMERCIAL ASSETS Seth Cable – Equip-Bid Auctions PAID SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS – REAL ESTATE Matt Hurley – Hurley Real Estate & Auctions PHOTOGRAPHY – AUCTION CROWD Phillip Traylor – Phillip Traylor Auctions & Land PHOTOGRAPHY – REAL ESTATE Braden McCurdy – McCurdy Real Estate & Auction PHOTOGRAPHY – BUYER EXCITED ABOUT PURCHASE/FUN AT AUCTION Nic Smock – Don Smock Auction Co., Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY – AUCTIONEER IN ACTION/AUCTION TEAM/BEHIND THE SCENES Bryce Payne – Steffes Group, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY – CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Phillip Traylor – Phillip Traylor Auctions & Land PHOTOGRAPHY – AUCTION LOTS Chris Schuch – Richmond Auctions

JULY/AUGUST 2026

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

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Beth Upp beth@mitchstuart.com 949-276-9902

Sheryl Kwait skwait@mitchstuart.com 949-276-9903

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Following a successful Conference & Show, the Promotions Cornerstone is turning its attention toward the future of how the National Auction Association tells the story of the auction industry.

The Community Cornerstone begins a new year with fresh leadership, new voices, and a strong foundation of strategic priorities developed in the months leading up to Conference & Show.

Over the coming year, the committee will focus on developing strategic marketing resources that members can easily customize and share with their own audiences, helping elevate both their businesses and the auction method as a whole.

As we make this transition, we extend our sincere appreciation to Naomi Lewis, CAI, AARE, BAS outgoing Chair, and Darron Meares, CAI, AMM, BAS, MPPA outgoing Vice Chair, for their leadership and service. Leading the Community Cornerstone for 2026-2027 is John Beechy, CAI, CAS as Chair, and Justin Kennedy, BAS as Vice Chair. We are also pleased to welcome new committee members Abbey Schmid, CAI and Cotton Booker.

The committee also welcomes new leadership, with Daniel Pruitt, CAI serving as Chair and Jean Roberts, AMM as Vice Chair, alongside new members Jeree "AJ" Ball and Nicole Pruitt. We sincerely thank Abigail McLagan AARE, AMM, CES, PVS for her service and dedication to the Promotions Cornerstone.

COMMUNITY

PROMOTIONS

Your Cornerstones at Work

The Education Cornerstone continues to build on recent momentum, advancing programs that support both immediate learning and longterm professional growth. A key highlight is the continued rollout of the pilot partnership with Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business Executive Education Program (auctioneers.org/ kelley), providing a meaningful “next step” pathway for members to pursue executive-level education. This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to elevating the profession through access to worldclass learning opportunities. Looking ahead, the Benefit Auction Summit in Napa Valley (August 30-September 1) is shaping up to deliver an outstanding experience, with a thoughtfully curated lineup of speakers and topics. Registration is also now open for Designation Academy, returning to Las Vegas December 7-12, where updated CES and AARE courses will debut alongside AMM, BAS, PVS, and the in-demand ICAP program. The committee recently completed its strategic planning efforts, bringing renewed energy and focus to NAA’s education initiatives. As part of this transition, the committee extends sincere thanks to Cammy Theurer McComb, CAI, AMM and Matt Ford, CAI, AMM for their dedicated service as they conclude their terms, and warmly welcomes Alex Bourland, CAI, GPPA and Trae Dudley, CAI, AARE as they begin theirs.

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

The NAA recently submitted formal comments in response to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rulemaking. Our comments focused on clarity. We asked ATF to modernize outdated guidance and clearly define when licensed auctioneers selling consigned firearms are, and are not, considered to be engaged in the business of dealing in firearms.

ADVOCACY

EDUCATION

Together, the Promotions Cornerstone remains committed to strengthening member engagement, expanding industry awareness, and reinforcing the National Auction Association as the voice of the auction industry.

Before Conference, the cornerstone completed a series of strategic planning sessions focused on strengthening the member experience across every stage of an auction professional’s career. Key priorities included improving the new member journey and retention, strengthening relationships with auction schools, reimagining the Ambassador program, and creating stronger pathways for NextGen and emerging professionals.

This year's National Auction Advocacy Week was another strong demonstration of the power of grassroots advocacy. During the week of August 10-14, 45 NAA members representing 32 states met with members of Congress and their staff in their home districts to educate policymakers about the auction industry and advocate for the issues that matter most to our profession. Thank you to every volunteer who took the time to participate and represent the National Auction Association with professionalism and passion. We're excited to welcome our new Advocacy Cornerstone leadership Jay Cash, BAS, CES as Cornerstone Chair, along with new members Wade Baer, CAI, AMM and Addison Dower Russell. Their experience and passion for advocacy will be tremendous assets as we continue building a stronger voice for the auction profession. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Isaac Stoller, CAI, BAS; Isaac Schultz; and Terri Walker, CAI, BES, CES for their dedicated service to the Advocacy Cornerstone.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Auction School Graduates America's Auction Academy Front Row, left to right: Benny Garza, Natalie Dietz, Instructor Cheri Boots Sutton, Savannah Kruse, Cheryl Jackson, Operations Director Grace Kirkland-Lakey, Steven Green Second Row, left to right: Co-owner & President Mike Jones, Caleb Mayes, Arnett Sevier, Kevin Anderson, Tanner Owen, Jeff Kobs, Chad Fisher, Gabe Grissett, Neale Parker, Instructor Phillip Braun, Coowner Craig Meier Back Row, left to right: Eli Pullin, Bryson White, Aubrey Lockhart, Bryant Butler, Roman Rivas

Kentucky Auction Academy Back row, left to right: Co-founder Steve Cherry, Cofounder Steve Henry, Brian Smith, Jacqueline Denton, Bradley Conner, Eli Gingerich, Kathy Nissley, Chris Spears, Casey Mansfield, Instructor Russell Mills Bottom row, left to right: Marcie Bratcher, Warren Adcock, Jr., Alex Combs, Matt Morehead, Rebecca Erven, Jennifer Karlen, Caleb Keith

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

Southeastern School of Auctioneering Front Row, left to right: Elizabeth Rickenbaker (GA), Lisa Blake (SC), Melissa Darr (NC), Charlene Fields (GA) Second Row, left to right: Cassandra Oliver (SC), Dustin Cornell (SC), Kirk Loard (GA), Adam McClain (SC), Amie Grayson (TN), President Larry Meares Back Row, left to right: Instructor Lanny Balentine, Keith Calhoun (NC), Bret McKee (GA), Charles Acree (GA), Tyrun Tilley (GA), Charles Johnson (NC), James Nice (NC)

Western College of Auctioneering First Row: Instructor Jeff Stokes, Instructor Emily Kroul, Ana Rigsby (Amity, OR), Ryelene Fraker (Moorcroft, WY), Heather Sutton (Oregon City, OR), Instructor Katya Peterson, Instructor Rusty Trzpuc, Instructor Pat Busby, Instructor Cole Morrison Second Row: Garrett Monroe (Valier, MT), Chad Nichols (Paris, KY), Jeffrey Levi (Sturgis, SD), Cole Nichols (Paris, KY), Jared Zambrana (Cottonwood, CA), Chance Lindsey (Fargo, ND) Travis Youmans (Gifford, IL) Justin Schrock (Harrisonburg, VA), Gage Wall (West Haven, UT), Cory Smith (Reno, NV), Quincy Edmunds (Kennewick, WA), Barry McCoy (Dillon, MT) Third Row: Cole Wendt (Murdock, NE) Eli Thompson (Greensburg, KY) Conner Armendariz (Scott City, KS) Tyler Leiferman (Pierre, SD), Mike Picerno (Rock Springs, WY), Ty Clark (Parachute, CO), Darren Walker (Olds, AB), Rylan Orton (Levan, UT), Kevin Clark (Ramsay, MT), Cody Olmstead (Rocky Mountain House, AB) JULY/AUGUST 2026

New Members

New members that joined between May 12 through July 12, 2026

Johan Bezuidenhout Suduco Auctioneers Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa

Garin Ward Parker Parker Beneﬁt Auctions & Parker Auctions Carthage, NC

Brian Burke Meshoppen, PA

Jamie Huntington Auction Associates, Inc. Bonduel, WI

Ernest Clark Merced, CA

Brian Kantner Mira Loma, CA

Luke R. Proctor St. Petersburg, FL

Kyden Cunningham Owasso, OK

Mark Manning Entrusted Auctions/Farmer Auctions Salem, VA

Kelli Quinn Beloit Auction Service, Inc. Marengo, IL

Natasha Massey Masco Equipment, LLC Sulphur Springs, TX

Leslie Rice Wellington, KS

Garrett Davis Fort Worth, TX Dani Dotterosa Auctions by Dani Castle Rock, CO Leo Enlow Sapulpa, OK Russell Gibson Mount Pleasant, TX Gabe Grisseyy Milford, TX Susan Hamm Ennis, TX Denny W. Harrison Canyon Lake, TX

Grayson Haydn-Myer Oakdale, CA

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

Lincoln Robert Mayo Mayo Auction & Realty Belton, MO Dewayne McClendon Glencoe, AL Sandy Mills Mills Real Estate & Auction Co LLC Scottsville, KY Wyatt Musser Musser Bros., LLC Pasco, WA James Nisley Crofton, KY

Robert Pasker Toledo, OH

Bob Saunders Integra Asset Solutions, LLC Hoffman Estates, IL Kelly D. Toney Tranzon Asset Advisors Wortham, TX Jerrard Vance Big Stone Gap, VA Sean Vance Lebanon, VA Matthew Vandagriff Tennessee Auctioneers Association McMinnville, TN

ADVERTISER INDEX 1-800-The-Sign ..........................................................................................................................11 Auction Packages.......................................................................................................................39 Auctria........................................................................................................................................49 Charity Booster............................................................................................................................5 Charity Giveaways.....................................................................................................................41 E.R. Munro and Company..........................................................................................................45 GoCharity...................................................................................................................................39 Greater Giving...........................................................................................................................49 Handbid .....................................................................................................................................41 Kiefer .........................................................................................................................................45 Lampi .........................................................................................................................................11 LIFE Event Staffing....................................................................................................................49 Mission First Fundraising...........................................................................................................41

Mitch-Stuart...............................................................................................................................39 Momogood................................................................................................................................38 Pacific Auction Company...........................................................................................................51 Shipping Saint ...........................................................................................................................19 Sojourn Ventures........................................................................................................................49 United Country Auction Services..............................................................................................BC Winspire.....................................................................................................................................41

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025

NAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

President Mike Fisher, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA (256) 413-0555

mikefisher@redfieldgroup.com

Vice President T. Kyle Swicegood, CAI, AARE, BAS, GPPA (336) 751-4444 tkyleswicegood@gmail.com Treasurer Jennifer Mensler, CAI, ATS (845) 635-3169 x102 jennifer@aarauctions.com Board Chair Morgan Hopson, CAI, BAS (903) 271-9933

mhopson@bufordresources.com

Chief Executive Oﬃcer Allison Mazzei (913) 563-5423 amazzei@auctioneers.org Foundation Representative Jason Winter, CAI, AARE, AMM (816) 884-1987 jason.winter@ westcentralauctionco.com

DIRECTORS

Term expiring 2027 John John Genovese, CAI, AMM, BAS (808) 634-2300 col.johnjohn@ malamaauctions.com Erik Rasmus, CAI, AMM (703) 768-9000 erikrasmus@rasmus.com 46

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

Term expiring 2028 Scott Mihalic, CAI (440) 796-4739 scottmihalic@gmail.com Sara Rose Bytnar, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS (239) 213-8685 sara@bethroseauction.com Term expiring 2029 Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM (316) 867-3600

bmccurdy@mccurdyauction.com

JT Rowell, CAI, AARE, ATS, GPPA (229) 985-8388 jrowell@rowellauctions.com

Chair of Promotions Committee Daniel Pruitt, CAI (615) 301-1600

daniel@tristarauction.com

Chair of Advocacy Committee Jay Cash (615) 785-8982 jaycash@me.com Chair of Community Committee John Beechy, CAI, CAS (574) 575-2364 john89beechy@gmail.com Chair of Education Committee Billie Jo Schultz, CAI, AMM (863) 701-6498

billiejo@ AuctionMarketingPartners.com

President Tim Mast, CAI, AARE (731) 610-5436 tmast@tranzon.com Vice President Jason Winter, CAI, AARE, AMM (816) 884-1987 jason.winter@ westcentralauctionco.com Immediate Past President Judd Grafe (800) 328-5920 judd@grafeauction.com Treasurer David Hart, CAI, AARE (229) 985-8388 dhart@rowellauctions.com NAA Past President Morgan Hopson, CAI, BAS (903) 271-9933

mhopson@bufordresources.com

TRUSTEES

Terms expiring 2027 Jason Deel, CAI, AARE, CES, GPPA, PVS (865) 441-8181 info@jdsauctions.com Cammy Theurer McComb, CAI, AMM (620) 399-3364 cmccomb@theurer.net Michael Upp, BAS (866) 540-4993 mupp@mitchstuart.com Terms expiring 2028 Ray Caruso (612) 749-4853 ray.caruso@k-bidmail.com Carol Miller, CAI, BAS (262) 569-8687 carol@baileyshonor.com Terri Walker, CAI, BAS, CES (901) 322-2139 terri@walkerauctions.com

Executive Director Kristina Franz, CAE (913) 563-5426 kfranz@auctioneers.org

Terms expiring 2029 Tim Dudley, CAI, AARE (804) 709-1954 tdudley@ dudleyresources.com

Legacy Youth Chair Tim Keller, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES (717) 879-0110 tim@hkkeller.com

Robert Mayo, CAI, AARE, AMM, GPPA (816) 361-2600 robert@auctionbymayo.com Scott Shuman, CAI (970) 716-2120 scott@hallandhall.com

NAA CORNERSTONES COMMITTEES PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Chair Daniel Pruitt, CAI (615) 301-1600

daniel@tristarauction.com

Chair Jay Cash (615) 785-8982 jaycash@me.com

Chair John Beechy, CAI, CAS (574) 575-2364 john89beechy@gmail.com

Chair Billie Jo Schultz, CAI, AMM (863) 701-6498

Vice Chair Jean Roberts, AMM (330) 234-2236 jean@mastauctioneers.com

Vice Chair Brian Davis, AMM (614) 499-3340 brian@auctionohio.com

Vice Chair Justin Kennedy, BAS (918) 470-9350 justin@okauctionschool.com

EC Liaison Mike Fisher, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA (256) 413-0555

EC Liaison T. Kyle Swicegood, CAI, AARE, BAS, GPPA (336) 751-4444 tkyleswicegood@gmail.com

EC Liaison Jennifer Mensler, CAI, ATS (845) 635-3169 x102 jennifer@aarauctions.com

EC Liaison Morgan Hopson, CAI, BAS (903) 271-9933

Term expiring 2027 Shannon Eason, CAI, AARE, BAS (417) 876-2900 shannon@everythinggala.com

Term expiring 2027 Ethan Vick, CAI, AMM (229) 225-8660 ethan@BidWiregrass.com

mikefisher@redfieldgroup.com

Term expiring 2027 Brooke Gillespie, AMM (320) 287-2890

brookegillespie123@gmail.com

Randall Moyer (716) 937-7493 randy@moyerauction.com Term expiring 2028 Suzannah Underwood, BAS (805) 236-4769 suzannah@sassydiva.com Term expiring 2029 Jeree Ball Milligan (405) 258-8217 auctions@jeree.me Nicole Pruitt (615) 301-1600 nicole@tristarauction.com

Term expiring 2027 Bryce Elemond, CAI, BAS (720) 229-5832 affordableauctioneering@ gmail.com Term expiring 2028 Wendy Grimm, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, PVS (434) 594-4396 wendy@danielauction.com

Wayne Yoder, CAI (304) 931-1285

wayne.yoder@ kaufmanrealty.com

billiejo@ AuctionMarketingPartners.com

Vice Chair Seth Weiner, CAI, AMM, BAS (850) 264-7561 seth@yourrocktioneer.com

mhopson@bufordresources.com

Term expiring 2028 Shane McCarrell, CAI, AARE, BAS, CES, PVS (931) 302-4717 shane.mccarrell@gmail.com

Brad McGovern, CAI (330) 651-2703 bradmcgovern98@gmail.com

Term expiring 2028 Rob Knight, CAI, AARE, CES, GPPA (864) 708-1466 rknight@knight-auction.com

Term expiring 2029 Wade Baer, CAI, AMM (330) 424-2705 wade@baerauctions.com

Term expiring 2029 Cotton Booker (509) 288-9140 crbauctioneer@gmail.com

Term expiring 2028 Alex Bourland, CAI, GPPA (843) 860-7141 alexpbourland@gmail.com

Addison Dower Russell (615) 828-8839 addison.d.russell@gmail.com

Abagail Schmid, CAI (217) 871-5583 abbeyschmid@gmail.com

Trae Dudley, CAI, AARE (804)543-0027 traedudley@ dudleyresources.com

Bradley Stoecker, CAI, AARE, AMM, CES, PVS (517) 927-5028 brad@epicauctions.com

JULY/AUGUST 2026

In Memory DUANE GRAFE Duane Grafe, 91, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and completed basic training in San Diego. His military service instilled in him the values of discipline, patriotism, and perseverance that would remain with him throughout his life. Following his military service, Duane began his civilian career with IBM. On what he often described as a bet, a whim, and a prayer, he then made the decision to attend Reisch Auction School in Mason City. That leap of faith would forever change the course of his life.

In 1959, Duane founded Grafe Auction Company, establishing what would become one of the most respected names in the auction industry. Through vision, determination, and an unmatched ability to connect with people, he built not only a successful business but a lasting legacy. Over the decades, he became well known in the auction community, admired for his integrity, professionalism, and quick wit. He was known for mastering the art of the deal and having an innate ability to build meaningful relationships. His success was never measured solely by business accomplishments but by the trust, friendships, and respect he earned throughout his career. His was a life of service, adventure, leadership, entrepreneurship, and love, a life that will be remembered, celebrated, and cherished for generations to come.

RAYMOND BRACKY ROGERS, CAI, CES Raymond "Bracky" Rogers, 90, of Mount Airy, SC, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. A proud graduate of Beulah High School, Class of 1954, Bracky answered his nation's call to service when he was drafted into the United States Army in September 1958. He served honorably until his discharge in 1960. His time in the military helped shape the strong work ethic, integrity, and sense of responsibility that became hallmarks of his life. A man of vision, determination, and integrity, Bracky founded Rogers Realty and Auction Company in 1964. Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to treating people fairly, he built a business that became widely respected throughout the region.

His reputation extended well beyond his hometown as he was honored to serve as president of the National Auctioneers Association and inducted into the National Auction Hall of Fame in 2010, a testament to the esteem in which he was held by colleagues across the nation. Bracky was a lifetime member of the association, as well. Bracky was a man of deep and abiding faith. A longtime member of White Plains Friends Meeting, he faithfully served as an elder, sang in the church choir, and sought to live out his Christian testimony through humility, kindness, and service to others. Those who knew Bracky will remember his warm smile, his wisdom, his unwavering faith, and the genuine interest he took in the lives of others.

Obituaries for members of the National Auction Association may be submitted to communications@auctioneers.org. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. High-resolution photos, along with information regarding NAA and auction industry involvement, are appreciated. If a photo is not provided, editors will make every effort to locate one for publication.

AUCTIONEERS.ORG

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JULY/AUGUST 2026

NAA HISTORY

50 years later

Innovation in Unexpected Forms

COVER, July 1976 In May 1976, Colonels Bax Walker and Bill Livingston donated their auctioneering services to the PESO dinner in Central Florida, helping raise $40,000 for charity— an extraordinary total for the time. More than 540 guests attended the event, with every dollar supporting the fine arts throughout the region. The article closes with a simple line: "Nothing could be finer than a great dinner followed by a great auction for a great cause." Fifty years later, that sentiment still rings true. Benefit auctions continue to change lives, strengthen communities, and remind us that an auctioneer's greatest impact isn't always measured by the final bid—it's measured by the good that follows.

And if you happened to flip your eyes to the opposite side of the page, you would've found "The Lighter Side," a collection of one-liners and jokes proving that auctioneers in 1976 appreciated a good laugh just as much as they do today. Some traditions, thankfully, never go out of style. AUCTIONEERS.ORG

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The Auctioneer JulyAugust 2026