Wow!  What a ride!  Thank you Lord for the opportunity to work in such an exciting and constantly changing industry!

My friends, there have been so many great experiences over the past few months that I can’t even begin to include them all.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many different professionals in so many different locations.  From industrial manufacturing equipment in Ohio, to wild mustangs in Burns, Oregon, to Bonnie and Clyde’s arsenal in Nashua, New Hampshire.  And perhaps the most difficult auction I have ever conducted…. The toy auction at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Only when you have done it, will you understand.

This year has brought so many new things into my life beginning with the win at the International Auctioneer Championship in Spokane last summer.  The win brought many new sales, new tryouts, new relationships, as well as new opportunities to serve within the National Auctioneer’s Association.

This year’s IAC is sure to be packed with talent, and I can’t wait to crown the new champion and watch a life be transformed.  You shouldn’t enter just to win, you should enter to build your business and create relationships that will last a lifetime.

But the new arrival I’m most excited about…. The birth of our baby girl, Ava Grace, who came into the world on May 29th, 2013.  I cannot wait to show her off at Conference & Show!

Friends, it has been a great year professionally, relationally and spiritually.  I have a group of friends (fellow IAC competitors) who have supported me and campaigned for me all year long.  To those individuals, you know who  you are, and I thank you and I love all of you.  I thank my wife for putting up with the crazy schedule, and I thank my son for patiently learning that daddy has to travel a bit to provide for the family.

And now, as I wrote in my previous “Auctioneer” article, I look forward to becoming the servant leader God has called me to be.  I hope that my continued service to my fellow NAA Members will be remembered long after the championship trophy has gathered dust.

See you soon,

Justin

Justin Ochs, 2012 International Auctioneer Champion, is and has always been concerned about the future and quality of professionals working in the auction industry.  Entering the industry as a first generation auctioneer, Justin knows how difficult it can be to break into the business.  Justin also realizes how important being involved in the National Auctioneer’s Association is to the growth, not only of their business, but the individual auctioneer as well.

This led Justin to challenge the apprentice auctioneers for Diamond Ochs Auctioneers during the summer Tennessee Auctioneer Association Convention.  “I decided I would pay their entry fee into the competition,” Ochs stated.  “These competitions are important to building the bid calling ability, block control and stage presence encompassed by the world’s best live auctioneers.”

Ochs didn’t quit there.  “I was trying to think of ways to better not only the auctioneers I work with, but better the industry as a whole.  It was then that I began to recall all of the benefits I had received being an NAA member during my initial years.”

Justin then approached his apprentices with the following challenge:  “I told them that whomever won the bid calling contest, that I would pay for the following year’s NAA membership.  It was important that they not only work to become better auctioneers, but reap the educational and networking benefits received through NAA membership as well,” Ochs stated.

The apprentices eagerly received the challenge, and when the dust settled Justin Rhinehart, Apprentice Auctioneer for Diamond Ochs Auctioneers, walked away with the 2013 Rookie Bid Calling Championship title!

Rhinehart was quoted as saying, “It was an honor to be counted among the new talent in the Tennessee auction industry.  To take home the title of Rookie Bid Calling Champion is a testament to good mentoring and a true respect for the auction industry.”

“We are proud of Justin Rhinehart’s achievement,” Ochs commented.  “We know that he will be an outstanding representative for the auction industry, and can be assured that he will receive all of the necessary benefits through NAA Membership that are the building blocks of a successful auction career.”

Columbia, TN 6/05/2013 – Columbia auctioneer Justin Rhinehart, of Diamond Ochs Auctioneers, recently won the 2013 Tennessee Auctioneer’s Association Rookie Bid Calling Championship held at Paris Landing in Buchanan, TN.  This prestigious competition is held annually during the TAA’s Summer Convention.

Justin Rhinehart graduated from the Missouri Auction School in 2012 and offers clients services in livestock and personal property sales.  He also serves as a Beef Cattle Specialist for the University of Tennessee Department of Animal Science working from the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill.  “It was an honor to be counted among the new talent in the Tennessee Auction Industry,” commented Rhinehart.  “To take home the title of Rookie Bid Calling Champion is a testament to good mentoring and a true respect for the auction industry.”

Rhinehart is currently an Apprentice Auctioneer for Diamond Ochs Auctioneers headquartered in Hendersonville TN, and owned by the 2012 International Champion Auctioneer Justin Ochs, as selected by the National Auctioneer’s Association.  “We are very proud of Justin’s recent win,” Ochs stated.  “Justin’s commitment to the industry and the clients he serves is paramount in our daily operations.  We look forward to his continued success.

Rhinehart resides in Columbia with wife Rachael  and daughters Emma, Sarah and Jenna. To learn more about Rhinehart, please call (615) 946-9598, email J.Rhinehart@TennesseeAuctioneer.com, or visit TennesseeAuctioneer.com.

Hendersonville auctioneer Justin Ochs, Chairman and CEO of Diamond Ochs Enterprises, recently completed his training at the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI). The CAI program is the industry’s premier training program developed by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) for auction professionals.

The three-year CAI designation program provides auction professionals the opportunity to earn the auction industry’s most respected professional designation. CAI is an intensive, executive development program offering professional auctioneers with instruction and coursework in business management, ethics, finance, communication, strategic planning and marketing.

The NAA conducts CAI every year in March at the University of Indiana. CAI candidates join auctioneers from across the world to learn from some of the nation’s most distinguished and respected leaders in the auction industry.

Justin was honored to be selected as the 2012 International Champion Auctioneer by the National Auctioneer’s Association.  It’s his voice you may have heard at any number of the nation’s major events of their kind… Barrett-Jackson “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Event”, Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers, and the National Powersports Auction to name a few.

Justin Ochs resides in Hendersonville with wife Kelly, and children Weston & Ava. To learn more about Ochs, please call (615) 507-5984, email Justin@TennesseeAuctioneer.com or visit TennesseeAuctioneer.com.

“Choosing the right auctioneer to handle your auction often makes the difference.  With a passion for excellence and extraordinary performance, Diamond Ochs Auctioneers, your Tennessee Auctioneer, works to secure the highest dollar for your assets.  Diamond Ochs Auctioneers is sought after consistently to provided services for the largest organizations of their kind.  These organizations depend on the professionalism, proficiency, and efficiency encompassed by our Auctioneers to produce the first-class work product they strive for.  Whether it be commercial or residential real estate, livestock, automobiles, farm land or machinery, Diamond Ochs Auctioneers possess the expertise and professional networks to serve you in every capacity.”

Lebanon auctioneer Ray Hubner, of Diamond Ochs Auctioneers & Blackwell Realty and Auction, recently completed his first year of courses at the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI). The CAI program is the industry’s premier training program developed by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) for auction professionals.

The three-year CAI designation program provides auction professionals the opportunity to earn the auction industry’s most respected professional designation. CAI is an intensive, executive development program offering professional auctioneers instruction and coursework in business management, ethics, communication, finance, strategic planning and marketing.

The NAA conducts CAI every year in March at the University of Indiana. CAI candidates join auctioneers from across the world to learn from some of the nation’s most distinguished and respected leaders in the auction industry.

Ray is currently completing his auction apprenticeship under 2012 International Auctioneer Champion Justin Ochs. Justin has assisted in playing a vital role in auctions such as Barrett-Jackson, Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers,  American Quarter Horse Association, and National Powersports Auction just to name a few.

Hubner currently resides in Lebanon, TN. To learn more about Ray, please call 615-533-2119, email Ray@TennesseeAuctioneer.com or visit BlackwellRealtyAndAuction.com.

By SABRINA GARRETT
The Wilson Post

City of Lebanon Building Inspector Ray Hubner said he was honored to be named “Building Official of the Year” at the Tennessee Building Officials Association annual conference this past weekend.

The organization, which held the conference in Gatlinburg, chooses one person each year to receive this high honor, he explained.

“It is considered the most prestigious award. It was not something that I expected at all. It is something that people work for several years to achieve and I was one of the youngest to ever have that honor,” Hubner said.

Hubner has resided in Lebanon for the past 21 years, attending both Lebanon High School and Cumberland University. He was been employed with the City of Lebanon since 1999.

Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead said Hubner is quite deserving of the award.

“Our city is starting to get busier and busier,” he explained. “Back when Amazon was on such a fast pace to build and had deadlines – Ray would be up at 2 o’clock in the morning doing inspections so that they could make it happen. It isn’t a normal 8 to 5 job – he puts in a lot of extra time.”

(Memphis) St. Jude Children’s Hospital patients and their families enjoyed the excitement of having the winning bid during the hospital’s 17th annual St. Jude Kids Bid Toy Auction Wednesday.

J.J. Dower is a member of the National Auctioneers Association. Dower and other members presided over the event that gave children the chance to use auction paddles to place their bids and they even learned a thing or two about what it takes to be an auctioneer.

”For these kids it’s just an opportunity today to be a normal kid. They’re out socializing with other kids, it’s a break from their daily routine,” Dower said. The National Auctioneers Association paid for all the toys the children took home after the auction.

January 22, 2013
Written by Barrett-Jackson

Batmobile sells for $4.62 million dollars to a lifelong fan to worldwide audience;
marks second-highest single-car sale at Barrett-Jackson

HIGHLIGHTS:
•1,343 cars sold
•$108,766,069 gross sales – A 17% increase over 2012
•300,000 in attendance
•Charity cars – 21 total for $5,005,000

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Jan. 22, 2013 – Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, generated nearly $109 Million in gross sales of rare, high-end collectible vehicles, exotics, customs, classics, hot rods and resto-mods during its 42nd annual Arizona auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Jan 13-20, 2013. This sale was on par with the 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction that also generated nearly $109 Million in gross sales.

The 2013 Scottsdale auction also set two world records with the largest number of No Reserve vehicles offered at one auction, as well as the largest-ever Barrett-Jackson auction measured by the number of cars sold. In addition to the two auction records, Barrett-Jackson set two world records for individual vehicle sales. (Lot #5034) a 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept Convertible sold for a record $1.375 Million and (Lot #5019) a 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport sold for a record $2.035 Million. Both were among the superb Salon Collection, Barrett-Jackson’s premium selection of blue chip collectible vehicles.

“This has made a mark in history for Barrett-Jackson, both in numbers and in showmanship. There has never been an auction as entertaining or as personal as this one,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO, Barrett-Jackson. “We love that enthusiasts of all kinds have contributed to this sense of charity and community. With a start like this, we can only expect big things for the rest 2013.”

It was clear from the cheers of the crowd and the final sales price throughout the Salon Collection, that the collector car market continues to rise and Barrett-Jackson retains its stronghold within the industry. In fact, reports in 2012 showed a 33 percent increase in the value of collector cars, which was proven once more by the company’s success in Scottsdale.

Overall, the Salon Collection’s presence was far from subtle, selling at a total of $29.2 Million. Within this group of rare and highly coveted vehicles, Hollywood icons such as the 1966 Original #1 Batmobile (Lot #5037) by renowned customizer, George Barris, sold at an astonishing $4.62 Million. Following the Batmobile in top sales was Clark Gable’s breathtaking 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe (Lot #5001), which sold at $2.035 Million, a price also achieved by the record-breaking Talbot-Lago.

Each of the top 10 sales exceeded $1 Million. Additional milestones include:
•Lot #5004 1934 Duesenberg J Murphy LWB Custom Beverly Sedan $1,430,000.00
•Lot #5007 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Castagna Roadster $1,320,000.00
•Lot #5025 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible $1,320,000.00
•Lot #5016 1949 Delahaye Type 175 Saoutchik Coupe de Ville $1,210,000.00

This year also brought the largest offering of Shelby vehicles at one event in honor of one of the world’s greatest automotive icons, Carroll Shelby. 48 Shelby automobiles were auctioned off at No Reserve including (Lot #5036) a 1966 Shelby GT350 Fastback which sold for $225,000, (Lot #5023) a 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback which sold for $220,000 and (Lot #5024) a 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback which sold for $175,000.

Beyond the vehicle sales, a record number of committed attendees from around the world included buyers, consignors and enthusiasts. Despite the unusually cold temperatures, 300,000 attended Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale charity vehicles helped to raise over $5 Million for charities that benefit children, military personnel, medical research and community support. As a result of the company’s 42 years of dedication to philanthropy, Barrett-Jackson has raised a total of over $53 Million to date. Scottsdale highlights included the sale of (Lot #3016), the first production Chevrolet Corvette Stingray which sold for $1 Million to benefit Detroit-based College for Creative Studies. A 1969 Ford Bronco Custom SUV (Lot #3020) also sold for $500,000 to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation.

“We are proud and honored to have sold some of the most unique and impressive vehicles ever offered at Barrett-Jackson, as well as to support some of our nation’s most important causes,” said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “No two auctions are ever the same, and Scottsdale 2013 proved that the quality and diversity of our collections only intensify over the years. We are thrilled that our charitable sales again raised millions, including $500,000 to the Armed Forces Foundation during our Sunday offering, a cause very close to my heart. ”

They are young, they are fresh, they come equipped with the latest technology and marketing strategies. They adapt quickly to changing markets and economies, and can sell anything from real estate, to cars, power sports, personal property, livestock and much more. And above all they are loyal to each other, and loyal to the men and women who paved the way before them in the auction business. They are the next generation of auctioneer.

The past couple months I’ve had the opportunity to work sales with my closest friends, who, believe it or not, were some of the fiercest competition in the IAC. Due to our involvement in the International Auctioneer Competition, as well as CAI, we have developed close friendships, and business relationships that allow us to lend our services when a fellow competitor and classmate is in need.

The true meaning of the IAC competition is not prove you are a better auctioneer than anyone else. It’s a competition that allows you to develop those friendships and business relationships that will last a lifetime. As I’ve stated before, I have been able to pay for my entry fee into the IAC, and tuition into CAI and then some each year with the relationships I’ve built through these experiences.

The Next Generation of auctioneers are not just “fast talkers”. They are business professionals. They are equipped with cutting edge technology giving them the ability to design complex marketing strategies custom tailored to their client’s needs. They not only provide service on a local level, but travel the world as the global marketplace demands their ability to sell assets quickly, efficiently and are confident they will achieve the highest market value. They combine accelerated marketing campaigns with a full arsenal of online auctions, simulcast bidding and live events in order to derive top dollar for their clients.

Below is a video of a few of the faces that will be leading the auction industry in the next few years. They are young auctioneers with the strongest of character, most progressive minds, and some of the best bid-callers in the world. The industry is in good hands!

As I sit and recall the last couple months, I am amazed at the number of strong relationships I’ve built within the industry over the past few years.  I also realize how vitally important those relationships have been in building a successful auction career.  This next year, a stellar group of auctioneers and myself will graduate from the Certified Auctioneers Institute.  This coming weekend, I will have worked three separate auctions in the past 60 days with my fellow classmates.

I began the month of October working the highly publicized Bonnie & Clyde Gangsters & Outlaws auction for RR Auction company in Nashua, NH.  I was contacted to work this sale by fellow CAI classmate Russ Abbott.  CAI classmates Jack Christy and Justin Vondenhuevel were also in attendance and together we sold Bonnie Parker’s revolver, including buyer’s premium, for a total of $264,000 with Clyde Barrow’s 1911 reaching a total of $240,000!  Both weapons sold last in 1986 for $30,000 each.

Next I made my way to Dayton, OH and watched as CAI classmate and IAC Finalist Scott Mihalic worked his magic liquidating an industrial manufacturing plant.  He was joined by fellow CAI classmate Jerry Hall and auctioneer Mike Baker.  Scott’s product knowledge and expertise in coordinating and marketing this type of equipment were instrumental in the auction totals exceeding the seller’s expectations.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving I will be joining CAI classmates Seth Andrews, Andy White, T.J. Freije, and David Taylor in liquidating several semi loads of tools, equipment and household goods in Dalton, OH.

I share these experiences with you to express how much I cherish the friendships I have developed through my involvement with the National Auctioneer’s Association, the IAC competition, and enrollment in the Certified Auctioneer’s Institute.  Not only have I made lifelong friends, I have managed to pay for each year’s tuition, registration fees and more through auction referrals within this network.  If you have not had the opportunity to attend Conference & Show, compete in the IAC, or enroll in one of the many designation courses offered by the NAA, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to make new friends, as well as increase business opportunities.

Finally, I congratulate 2012 Florida Auctioneer Champion Elton Baldy, and Reserve Champion Sara Bytnar, CAI.  I enjoyed judging the competition and spending time with fellow NAA Speaker, and life of the party Darron Meares.

Next time, I’ll be sharing footage from the Massachusetts Auctioneer’s Convention, as well as the huge liquidation auction conducted by best young auctioneers in the business!  And I can’t wait to share my experiences and life changing moments that took place at the St. Jude Toy Auction in Memphis.  Be sure and check out the footage below.  God bless and stay tuned….