Home Sweet Home...

What an amazing adventure these past 9 days have been! I still cannot believe I actually completed Auction School, called bids, performed as a bid spotter, and basically conquered several huge fears.

This final day began with our normal drills. Then, each of us did a final job of selling an imaginary item. After a quick review, we took our final exam. (which was not easy!) The final test was graded on a pass/fail basis, and of course, our entire class passed! The results were followed by Mike and Lori distributing our diplomas, class pictures and class rosters. Whew!

Brent took me to lunch to celebrate, and then we began our 5 1/2 hour drive home. All day long I have been close to tears. I still cannot believe I did it!

I have always admired Brent and his colleagues for their talent, but my appreciation goes much deeper now. Not only are auctioneers masterful salespeople, they master their art of breathing, tone and speed. In addition, they manage a team (bid spotters and clerks) with hundreds of people watching. Many of these professionals carry their talents passed bid calling to complete marketing, managing and accounting of their costumer's assets.

I have watched Brent comfort a group of sisters before their mother's estate was sold, and then watched them crying for joy because Brent got such a high price for her items. We watch some liquidate businesses and farms, others are settling estates and some are dissolving partnerships. In every instance, we get the honor of helping these individual's through difficult times and honor them with doing the best job possible for them.

A final note struck me, some auctioneers are in the business to feed their own egos and pocketbooks. Others are in this industry out of respect and passion for the Auction Method of Marketing. They desire to honor the industry with strong work ethics and strong morales. I pray Brent and I will always be the latter. Congratulations November Class of 2011!

Day 7: He Is Here!

My guy got here today! I was so excited to see Brent today! I still miss my girls, but it is great to have my guy here.

Today, I almost had a meltdown. I woke up exhausted and done. Then, as we began work on our chants, Jim Sample arrived. He is a close friend of Brent's, and the reason I am at Auction School. Jim is the current President of the Texas Auctioneers Association, and the leading expert on Texas Auction Law.

As I approached my time, I thought my heart would jump out of my throat knowing Jim was there. Then, I went to the front and nerves won as this "Minnie Mouse" voice took over my body. UGH!!! I can't help but wander if I will ever get this chant thing down!

As I thought about Brent being there, I began to freak out again, so I hit the nerves head on! Tonight, Brent let me practice in front of him, so I could just get it over with. Of course, he was supportive and offered great advice. His best advice, just be yourself!

Will I still be nervous tomorrow? Pretty sure I will be, but it was huge to get it out of the way in front of Brent. Tomorrow will be Brent's classes and the Fun Auction! Maybe tomorrow night I will actually feel some relief.

Good night & I will let you know how the Fun Auction goes!

Day 6: "You Are Right...'

That is what Brent told me last night. (yes, I try to account for each time this is said by Brent to me.) It was after I said that I think it is harder to do the chant in front of all of the instructors we know, as opposed to if I did not know anyone.

I have mentioned before that we have been blessed with numerous friends in the auction industry. Well, I either know, or Brent knows, every one of my instructors. Even when I did not know them, they knew I was Brent's wife. So instead of blending in, the instructors know me. No pressure, right?

Today we did a Progress Report with Mike Jones, one on one. This was very intimidating, close to terrifying. Mike is always supportive and positive, so really I made myself terrified. But, let's be honest. Mike is a major influence in our industry. Thankfully he is a great friend too!

In addition to the Progress Report, we had the crucial classes today. Brandon came from Auction Flex, and showed how any auction software makes the auctioneer's life easier. Then, we went through basic accounting, settlement and sales tax for all auctions. The best part is that I keep coming back with ideas to use. Every class has been very beneficial! We can always learn something, and I have learned a lot of ways to do things better when I get home.

Brent will show up tomorrow, and part of me is excited and the other part is uneasy. I cannot wait to see him! At the same, it will be my first time to call bids in front of him, and he will critique us on Saturday. He has been completely supportive, but this whole idea of calling bids in front him is a little unnerving!

I guess we all have unnerving things on a daily basis. We can choose to stop and give up, or choose to keep moving on to see what God has in store for us. In the past, I have given up a lot. I almost gave up on going to Auction School this week, but I never would seen what I can do! I have faced countless fears this week, and walked away stronger. So if nothing else comes from this week, I know I have much more courage than I ever knew! Just a few more days left!

Day 4: Starting An Auction Business

Today was dedicated to the basics of starting an auction business. Scott Swenson came in, and offered very real advice. I really wanted him to be frank and honest about how hard it is to get started. He was very honest about the difficulties and the trials, but did not sound overly negative.

As he was teaching, I kept thinking back to 11 years ago. That was when Brent came to me saying he wanted to chase his dream of being an auctioneer. I had never even been at an auction, and my husband was telling me he wanted to walk away from a lucrative career to go into straight commission in an industry I knew nothing about. Oh! Did I mention our first child was due in just a few months too?

Many people do not know how hard it was to get this business going. Our closest friends and family watched the whole thing. Some had their doubts. Heck, at times Brent and I had our doubts! The hardest thing (second only to raising our girls) we have done was start this auction business. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it all over again? I am honestly not sure. But, it was the path we needed to take.

The Auction Industry has blessed in so many ways. We have made incredible friends. We travelled across America to conduct and work auctions. We have been able to have flexible schedules to be there for our girls. We have been able to work with some of the smartest and most creative people in the world. We have worked as a team towards a common goal.

I have often said that Brent's only possible mistress is named Auction, but she has been very good us. And with age, Brent has been better at not letting her have all of his time.

P.S. My chant is coming along nicely. I never dreamed I would consider calling an auction after this school, but now I think I may just be able to be a hand on the auction line. Who knows?