What it Takes to be A World-Champion Auctioneer
Welcome back to the No Reserve Podcast! In this episode, your host Tim Peters sits down with Brian Damewood, the 2023 International Auctioneer Champion and second-generation auctioneer with Damewood Auctioneers.
Episode Summary:
After graduating from Virginia Tech and spending several years as a television news reporter, Brian felt the auction industry calling. He joined the family auction company, Damewood Auctioneers, as a second-generation auctioneer and the rest is history.
In 2023, Brian won the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) at the National Auction Association (NAA)'s annual Conference and Show. In 2021, Brian was Reserve Champion (2nd Place) in the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship. In 2012, the Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA) named Brian its “Auctioneer of the Year." He is a past-president and board chair of the VAA, and is a member of the NAA. His company, Damewood Auctioneers, sells real estate, equipment, and personal property. Brian also does auto auction contract work and helps with benefit auctions. In order to develop his skills as a live auctioneer, many of Brian's auctions are run in a virtual webcast format. Brian also stresses the importance of practicing and listening to his chant, which helps him perfect his skills and connect with bidders and donors.
During his tenure as the IAC champion, Brian has enjoyed being able to represent the NAA by visiting state associations. He is passionate about connecting with people in the auction industry on deeper levels. Brian and Tim discuss how the journey is the most important part of reaching the outcome.
Brian's number one piece of advice for auctioneers? Do not lose track of the influence you have as a live auctioneer. Sell as often as possible. Incorporate webcast sales as much as possible. Learn all you can about the industry. "If you want to get to the top of the mountain, you have to concentrate on each step it takes to get there."
Links Mentioned:
