For Barrett-Jackson’s auctioneers, the job is about more than wordplay By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
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hen Joseph Mast was in his late teens, he saw his family’s Northeast Ohio dairy farm go up for auction. Until he was 18, the farm was all he knew. He was milking 650 head of cattle twice a day, and when the gavel came down, he wasn’t sure what he was going to do. That is, until his father said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice: “How about auctioneering?” Now 39, Mast has been auctioneering for 20 years, since he graduated from Goshen College, completed a one-year apprenticeship and was licensed. He kickstarted his career selling cars for 10 years at the Flat Rock Mannheim Auto Auction in Flat Rock, Michigan. Mast has a much more prestigious role now: auctioneer for Barrett-Jackson, which hosts its annual auction Saturday, January 11, to Sunday, January 19, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, BarrettJackson, is the leader in collector car and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of high-profile estates and private collections. Among the items this year is the late “Fast and Furious” actor Paul Walker’s 21-car collection. Joseph Mast has been auctioneering for 20 The company produces auctions in Scottsdale; Palm Beach, years, half of his career at Barrett-Jackson. (Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson) Florida; at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners MotorTrend and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson features extensive live TV coverage, including broadcasts in more than 150 countries. Barrett-Jackson also endorses track of time, which bid spotter is in or out, and also helps to correct any a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other miscommunication. valued belongings. “We’re on live television, there are the regular lots, timed lots and charity lots,” Mast says. “We’ve got a whole schedule we have to keep How it works up with. That second guy is integral in keeping that schedule together.” Mast is one of between 50 and 55 Barrett-Jackson auctioneers who Mast has been affiliated with Barrett-Jackson for half of his career. rotate positions every half hour or hour. These include bid spotters, He met Barrett-Jackson’s CEO Craig Jackson 10 years ago when he auctioneers, tote board operators, clerks and ticket runners. was selected to audition. The auctioneer is on the main block, flanked by a “color guy” to the “I was lucky enough to get the spot,” Mast says. “I was speechless, auctioneer’s left and a “right guy” positioned on the right. The “color actually. Barrett-Jackson is one of those auctions that’s dramatic. There’s guy” reads the car descriptions, is well-versed in the car business and is real drama. It was humbling just to have the opportunity to try out.” usually a professional announcer. Mast has been with Barrett-Jackson since then, and has seen the The “right guy” is the auctioneer’s second set of eyes. He’s keeping event grow from a “car auction to a complete lifestyle event.” NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020
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