COLUMBUS, Ohio -

The Columbus Fair Auto Auction recently announced it has brought a new member aboard its sales management team.

Tapped for the position is Gary Burkeen, who brings 25 years of experience in the retail and wholesale car business to the company.

Burkeen, who previously served for eight years as the dealer sales manager for Manheim Ohio Auto Auction, will manage CFAA’s dealer sales team, as well as its “float sale.”

The “float sale” allows dealers to “float” or hold their purchased vehicles for 30 days before making a payment to the auction. The idea is that hopefully the dealer can move the unit before the money is due.

“The "float sale" has created a lot of interest, particularly as dealers are challenged with sourcing inventory and having access to capital,” company officials noted.

Burkeen also offered Auto Remarketing his take on the unique sales approach: "The float sale lets dealers buy units that they would not normally be able to purchase; we give them a chance to remarket the unit before they have to pay for it."

Touching on the recent hire, Keith Whann, CFAA chief executive officer, said, "Gary comes from an impressive background that includes positions on both sides of the auction.

"This change fits nicely with the aggressive position we are taking during a downturn in the market. Columbus Fair has changed their website, marketing, and has organizationally changed to incorporate a variety of technologies,” Whann concluded.

Burkeen also noted he is "looking forward to working with the dealers to help them solve all their automotive needs here at CFAA."