Aaron and Andrew Wilson are part of the featured story and cover of the April 2009 Auctioneer magazine, "The Next Generation of the Auction Industry". The Auctioneer is a publication of the National Auctioneers Association.
Please follow the link below to view the entire article on Page 30 of the Auctioneer magazine. Review Aaron and Andrew's responses below:
http://64.27.82.10/ActiveMagazine/getBook.asp?Path=AUM/2009/04/07
1—How do you foresee the auction industry operating in 20 to 30 years? (For example, some people foresee more online auctions, hybrid auctions, less bid calling, fewer estate auctions, new social marketing methods...) Do you think the business will be radically different than today or much the same?
ANDREW WILSON: My view of the auction industry in 20-30 years is less fragmented, with much more collaboration and more innovation. Many of the principles of the industry will remain the same, but Auctioneers will continue to drive forward and adapt to new methods. Auctioneers have an entrepreneurial spirit, and that spirit will continually bring new innovation to our profession.
2—A common assumption about young people is that you want to incorporate new technologies faster into the auction business than the older generations have. Is this true? If so, which technologies?
ANDREW WILSON: Our generation has been exposed to newer technology at an extremely rapid rate; and therefore must strive to adapt quickly to remain competitive in the world in which we compete. That said, change for the sake of change is not always healthy. There is a balance. However, new technology that enables us to communicate and collaborate in a flat world will dominate the methods that we, as Auctioneers, adapt.
3--Are you conducting your auction business job differently today than older people do? If so, how?
ANDREW WILSON: Our company is a second generation firm, and yes we are conducting business much differently than we were even 5 years ago. Our revenue streams are becoming much more defined. Our focus has enabled us to zero-in on the core of our business, and specialize in what we do best.
4—Another assumption is that young people care less about networking in-person at conventions and attending onsite classroom education, and instead prefer online networking and online education. Is this true, and why yes or no?
AARON WILSON: Social networking commands a lot of my generations time, but only because we choose to make it part of our time. I, personally, still enjoy face to face interaction with Auctioneers. I am continually impressed by what I am able to gain through networking with fellow auctioneers, whether that be electronically or in-person.
5--Some of you are currently board members and officers in state auctioneer associations. Are you advocating new methods ands goals to those groups to reach more young people, and if so, what methods?
ANDREW WILSON: As a members of the Indiana Auctioneers Association Board, my goal has been to provide the tools and resources to our central office necessary to make our Association successful in the “now” generation. Part of that effort has been to improve our technology and communication resources to add value for all levels of membership, especially the younger generations.
6--Do you plan to get involved in NAA in the future, for example on committees or on the board of directors? And how do you suggest NAA should change in the future to appeal to young people?
ANDREW & AARON WILSON: We will remain dedicated NAA members for as long as we are in the profession. We believe if you provide young professionals with a reason to become involved, they will. The NAA should continue to reach out to the younger professionals, but it should not be difficult. Look us up on Facebook, Twitter, and others and follow us. We’ll also be glad to follow you.
7--When you talk with other young auction professionals, what do you hear them say about how the industry should change? (Is there a consensus that business should change, or should it stay the same?)
ANDREW & AARON WILSON: Our fellow Auctioneer colleagues are optimistic about the changes being implemented to advance the industry. There is a sense of excitement about being involved with the progressing profession of Auction.
8--How old are you? And are you a second or third generation auction business person?
Andrew is 29. Aaron is 25. We are both second generation Auctioneer’s.
9--What type of auction work do you do? (Auctioneer, ringman support staff, etc?)
We are both Principal Auctioneer’s for our company, specializing in Estate Settlement, Real Estate Auction, and Fundraising Auctions.
10--How long have you been working in the auction industry?
We both graduated from Reppert School of Auctioneering. Andrew in August of 1998. Aaron in August of 2002. Both, before beginning our fall freshman semesters at Indiana University. Both of us have been working in the firm since we were very young.
