All but two of the seats of ServNet's board of directors are filled by next-generation auction owners.

First-generation owners Kevin Brown of Missouri Auto Auction and Patty Stanley of Indiana and Carolina Auto Auctions lead the board.

“The remaining five seats are filled by owners who have followed their parents into the auction business and have developed into strong, capable, visionary leaders in their own right,” ServNet said in a press release.

Board members of the next generation include: Eric Autenrieth of Carolina Auto Auction, Beth Barber of State Line Auto Auction, Steve DeLuca of Auto Auction of New England, Ashley Dietze of San Antonio Auto Auction, and Rob Thompson of Mid-State Auto Auction.

Autenrieth is currently ServNet's vice president/treasurer and is set to take the reins as president in 2018

"My parents set the bar high," Autenrieth said. "They have built two great auctions, and have made tremendous contributions to the auction industry. I grew up watching them work and serve, and have been inspired by all they do. What an opportunity and a privilege it is to follow them in this great industry and in a dynamic family business."

Barber is one of the newest members of ServNet's board. She learned various aspects of auction operations accompanying her father, Jeff Barber, at State Line,  where she grew up spending her summers. Currently, Barber focuses on auction administration and her responsibilities include payroll, accounting and employee training.

"I love the auction business, and am excited to participate on an industry level," Beth Barber said.

Barber asserts that the next generation brings fresh eyes and a different perspective to the board, ServNet said.

"We have witnessed first-hand the hard work and sacrifices our parents have made to build successful businesses. We are determined to carry on what they have started, to continue to prosper, to be innovative and to grow in a sustainable way," Barber added.

DeLuca, the general manager at Auto Auction of New England in Londonderry, N.H., is one of the youngest general managers of a major auction facility.

At 12 years old, DeLuca began working within the auction industry part time and during summers. He was named one of Auto Remarketing's 40 Under 40 for 2015 in recognition of industry and community leadership.

Currently, DeLuca serves as president-elect of the Easter Chapter of the National Auto Auction Association.

Dietze serves as fleet/lease manager at San Antonio Auto Auction and she is the daughter of Walker Auction Group founder Wade Walker. She began working in the family business at a young age. Dietze made her mark on the industry in 2010, when the Walker Auction Group launched an operation in San Antonio, according to ServNet.

"Working in a family owned business is an absolute blessing," said Dietze. "I'm not only surrounded by my parents, but I get to work with my husband, my brother and my sister, along with countless employees that I consider family as well. While some might think working in a family business to be a walk in the park, I demand a lot from myself because it's so much more than just a job. I want to do my absolute best to build on my parents' legacy, to honor their ethics and values, and ensure the continued success of our auctions."

Thompson, a second-generation owner of Mid-State Auto Auction, joined his father in the business after graduating from college in 1986. He assumed his role sole owner two years ago following his father’s retirement. Thompson credits his father with extraordinary business acumen in building a thriving business which currently operates as an ultra-modern, four-lane facility, ServNet said.

"I'm one of the older members of ServNet's 'next generation', but am inspired to be part of a group that has such a strong stake in the auction industry and so much passion for the business," Thompson said.

"I admire the skills the younger members of the board bring to the table: their understanding of technology and social media which is becoming a bigger and bigger factor in the business world, their inventive ideas, and their determination to work together to accomplish great things," Thompson said. 

Additionally, the company recently announced that it has expanded its scholarship program designed to help ServNet auction employees and their families pursue higher education through college or vocational school programs

The program serves full-time ServNet employees, their children, stepchildren and grandchildren who plan to continue education.

Up to eight awards will be given this year.

Four awards of $2,500 are for prospective students attending a four-year college or university and four other awards of $1,500 are for those going to a two-year college or vocational-technical school. 

"We are very pleased to announce that we have added two more awards to ServNet's Scholarship program," said Brown, ServNet's president.  "As owners of independent, family-owned businesses, we know how important it is to encourage those who will follow in our footsteps, and we are committed to extending that support to the next generation in our auction families.

The application deadline for this year's ServNet Scholarship program awards is March 31. More information and application forms are available at www.servnetauctions.com.