ROBSTOWN, Texas -

Change has been good for auction owner Wade Walker and his wholesale operation along the Gulf Coast.

With a new name and a new general manager at the helm, the Walker Group’s Corpus Christi Auto Auction has recorded steady increases in consignment and sales since the beginning of the year.

When 2016 began, Walker named Hunter Dunn as general manager at Corpus Christi AA, previously known as Sparkling City Auto Auction until February when it was renamed.

The ServNet Auction group member highlighted Dunn’s efforts have resulted in sizeable increases in weekly consignment and record-breaking sales. Walker also noted that the added consignment has also sparked an expansion project at the Corpus Christi facility, which will add five acres of parking.

“Hunter has been an outstanding member of our auction team since coming to work for us in 2010 as our sales manager,” Walker said. "He worked hard from the moment he came on board, 'learning the ropes' of the auction business and really focusing on building strong relationships with the car dealers in our market area.

“When he stepped into the role of general manager in January, he was off and running, and, as a result, the auction has experienced more vigorous growth than ever before,” Walker continued.

Hunter was no stranger to the automotive industry when he came to work for the Walker family. He was well acquainted with the car business, having learned it from his father who owned a dealership in nearby Falfurrias for many years.

Drawing on relationships he had already developed with other dealers in the region, Dunn brought new business to the auction and set a high standard for customer care and personal service.

“From the moment he came on board with us, Hunter showed that he was both a leader and a team player, attributes that make him an excellent general manager,” Walker said. “He values his coworkers and encourages them always, working alongside them to get the job done. He rarely accepts a compliment without giving the lion's share of the credit to the employees who work with him.”

Corpus Christi AA has been operating under the Walker family banner since 2000. With Dunn at the helm as general manager since the beginning of the year, the auction has recorded steady growth.

“As busy as he is with the responsibilities of a general manager, Hunter is committed to maintaining strong relationships with his new car dealer customers,” Walker said. “With the help of his assistant Paul Beuno, he continues to round up cars for the sale each week. If there is a problem, no matter the size, he works on it until he has a satisfied customer.

“Every time I attend the sale in Corpus Christi, a customer makes a point of telling me how much they like Hunter and what a fine job he does for them,” Walker went on to say.

Dunn described what it’s been like to be leading the auction’s team.

“I’m thrilled to be working for the Walker family, and am really proud of the team at Corpus Christi Auto Auction,” Dunn said. “From the day I started working here, I’ve heard over and over that our focus on the individual customer really sets us apart from the competition.

“We work hard to make sure that we know everyone who walks through our front door, and if we don't, we make sure that they know they've found a friend and partner at Corpus Christi Auto Auction before they leave,” Dunn added.

Located in in the Corpus Christi suburb of Robstown, Texas, Corpus Christi AA serves southeastern Texas and Louisiana. Dealer auctions are held each Friday at its new, modern four-lane facility, where consignments from dealers, fleet and lease companies and financial institutions are offered each week.