Yesterday I got the opportunity to sell and work in the ring supporting our local FFA and 4H kids. Here is a short compilation of a few animals selling, both working the ring and microphone. We had a 5 hour sale yesterday, I got to sell a third of the items and work in the ring for the rest. It was a great learning experience and inspiring to see the work these kids put into the animals come full circle as they auctioned off there animals. So many businesses stepped up and bought animals and gave generously. The highest selling pig sold for $50 per pound and the highest cow was $10.5 per pound.

The review I received today totally gave me confidence boost. Have you received a review or testimonial that gave you a confidence boost? Google Review: I’ve attended and donated to multiple benefit auctions throughout the Magic Valley over the years, and I can confidently say that having a skilled and experienced benefit auctioneer makes a massive difference. One example really stands out to me. I donated a custom handmade whiskey barrel cabinet to a fundraising event where it was placed in the silent auction. It only reached $350 — well below the actual value of the piece. In the end, I actually purchased the barrel back myself and donated the proceeds because I knew it was worth far more than that. Later, I donated the exact same barrel cabinet to another benefit event where Brian was the live auctioneer. The difference was unbelievable. Through Brian’s energy, ability to engage the crowd, and talent for building excitement and momentum during bidding, that barrel sold for $7,500. The bidding atmosphere became so energized that I offered to build a second one on the spot for the next highest bidder — and that one sold for another $7,500 as well. What once brought in $350 at another event ultimately raised $15,000 because of the environment Brian created and the way he connected bidders to the cause and the moment. That experience alone showed me firsthand that a great auctioneer is not just someone talking on a microphone — they are a true value-add investment that can dramatically impact fundraising success. I would absolutely recommend Brian to any organization looking to maximize both fundraising and engagement at their event.

An Auctioneer friend was in NYC last night helping a long term client and reached out to see if I knew any ringman that could help. I said..."I would love to ring for you!" This was a great opportunity to support a friend, help an organization and keep me sharp in the ring. Here's a little example of how two professionals can join together to make some auction magic happen! $400k raised in just a few moments!

Have you ever had a client not let you have your normal chant? One of my three events last weekend asked me to really slow down. They said they didn't want a normal auctioneer chant. Last year, they asked me to slow down, and I did; then this year, they said I had to slow down even more. They were very happy with this speed, and we blew past last year's numbers, so that was a bonus! Here is my best attempt at a slower chant! What is a request you have had from a client?

Still getting the "We don't have a budget for an Auctioneer" rebuttal...here is the answer!