Safe Travels!

For an easy, efficient, and affordable way to get around OK City, the Steet Car stop conveniently located steps outside the hotel. For Street Car and other transportation options, go to visitokc.com/ plan-your-visit/transportation.

The conference events are located on the second floor of the Omni Hotel. Once you get checked-in, mosey around the hotel’s first and second floor over to familiarize yourself to where the meeting rooms are located, and locate the emergency exits.

Registration packets are available for pickup beginning at 2 pm, Tuesday, July 18, in the Five Moons Ballroom 4-5.

The NAA is going cashless. Bring various forms of payment so you are fully prepared.

What spurred your decision to run for a position on the NAA Board?

Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving on the NAA Board of Directors, first as a Director and now as Treasurer. It has been a gratifying experience to witness the Association’s progress and the paths we are taking to get there. Although the role has presented its share of challenges, it has been fulfilling to contribute to positioning the Association for future stability and growth. While making an impact in the present is rewarding, the prospect of implementing longterm changes that will drive incredible growth and pave the way for new opportunities is even more exciting. The Board is transitioning into a more strategic role, delegating operational responsibilities to committees that have a more hands-on understanding of their respective communities and how to address their needs.

I am eager to continue working towards positioning the NAA as the preeminent voice of the auction profession, setting the standard for the industry as a whole.

What is the most pressing issue for the auction industry?

Today, just as it was two years ago, change remains a constant force in our industry. From advancements in technology and advertising to shifts in staffing and buyer/ seller demographics, everything is evolving. Technological innovations, workforce adjustments, and regulatory developments have impacted us all professionally to some degree. While all workplaces experience change, the pace and high-stakes choices we face today are unparalleled. However, as an association, we have seen that sharing best practices, adaptations, and solutions can lead to greater success for everyone. Our community is our source of strength, and we must embrace these changes and work together to achieve collective success.

What specific initiative would you like to see included as NAA looks toward 2030 and beyond?

The PACE to 2030 strategic plan, with its four cornerstones of Promotion, Advocacy, Community, and Education, has been instrumental in guiding the Association towards defined outcomes over the past three years. However, like any strategic initiative, it is a constantly evolving process as new challenges arise, and opportunities emerge. At the upcoming Conference & Show, we will announce significant progress made towards achieving these objectives.

Nonetheless, our work is far from complete. To remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing marketplaces and demographics, we must reach out to new spaces and places that have not traditionally had auctions or experienced their success.

We must continue to develop innovative and adaptable educational offerings and explore new methods of delivering them to our members.

Furthermore, as industry consolidation persists, it is essential to engage with strategic partners and enhance our knowledge sharing. By doing so, we can explore new, collaborative approaches and better position ourselves for future success.

The current climate is ripe with opportunities for change and modernization in our industry. Many of our peers have already expanded into new sectors or transformed their businesses into innovative versions of their previous structures. Tremendous strides have been made in adapting to new customer needs and finding fresh avenues to attract buyers and sellers. Integrations within companies and partnerships with other firms are happening at an increasingly rapid pace.

However, amidst these changes, we cannot overlook the significant impact of legislation and regulations on our industry. It is no longer possible to work solely within our intimate bubbles, as we must remain vigilant and informed about external factors that could affect our work. Despite these challenges, the auction method of marketing continues to gain widespread acceptance due to its speed, transparency, and efficiency. As more individuals embrace this approach, it creates a stronger marketplace for our industry to thrive and prosper.

Why did you join NAA initially, and what can a member do to get the most out of their membership?

The Association is a unique community of colleagues, whose collective expertise and experience is unparalleled in our industry. NAA members are making significant strides and innovative leaps forward across all sectors and asset classes. To not tap into this vast knowledge base and network of professionals would be a tremendous mistake for anyone, including myself.

For members seeking to get the most out of their membership, active engagement is essential. This means attending webinars, taking classes, participating in seminars and conferences, and connecting with other members. Those who engage in these activities tend to become lifelong members and firm believers in the value of the Association. They recognize that experts in the field are just a phone call or text away, and that a quick Zoom call can clinch the next big deal or collaboration.

These intangible benefits go beyond the tangible perks, such as the magazine, discounts, blog, reduced fees for education, books, guides, and other resources that many members cite as helpful in their early years and professional growth. Ultimately, it is the personal connections and relationships forged through the Association that can truly take a member’s career to the next level.

Candidates for vice president and director positions were featured in the April/May 2023 issue, pages 22-25.