August 8th, 2007 - Wisconsin Auctioneer's Competition
What a great
time we had at the Wisconsin State Fair! My wife Bernie and I made the drive
to Milwaukee on August 8th, to compete in the 2007 Wisconsin Auctioneers
Association Championship. This year the contest had a new location, in the
Coliseum at the Fairgrounds. This was the 17th annual contest, and some of
the top auctioneers from throughout the Midwest took part...and I was honored
to be named Wisconsin's 2007 Champion Auctioneer!
This is an actual
auction, open to anyone who would like to attend. A nice crowd was on hand to
watch the competition and bid on items. First, we drew for the order...and I
was lucky contestant number 12. Each auctioneer sold two items, and the five
judges than came up with the six finalists. I was in the finals, and we were
than sequestered into a sound proof room while one at a time we answered three
questions pertaining to the auction industry. After the questions, we sold
two more items.
I was surprised and
honored when my name was announced as the 2007 Wisconsin State Champion
Auctioneer! I look forward to working as a goodwill ambassador throughout the
state within the next year. My first duty as state champ was to work the 2007
Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction at the state fair, held the evening
of August 8th. It was a lot of fun selling champion livestock and meeting the
Governor.
2007 has been a
great year for me, and Johnson Auctioneering. I am now the Minnesota AND
Wisconsin State Champion Auctioneer. Nathan and I will continue to conduct
benefit auctions in both states, and real estate auctions in Minnesota. I
would be more than happy to speak to any group about the exciting industry of
auctions!
I'm already getting
excited about representing the state of Wisconsin at the 2008 International
Auctioneers Championship in Nashville, Tennessee!