As Auction Academy’s Class 9 heads for the finish line, Class 10 is gearing up to begin its journey.

The current class of the executive development program developed by TPC Management Company has two sessions remaining after completing its sixth in-person session this month in Baltimore.

The class will wrap up its two-year curriculum with its final session and graduation ceremony during the National Auto Auction Association World Remarketing Convention, coming up Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in Seattle.

Meanwhile, registration is now open for Class 10, which will meet for its first session Oct. 22-24 in Nashville. Those interested in joining can find schedule information and register at auctionacademy.net.

“Interest in our next class group has been incredible, and spots are filling up fast,” Auction Academy president Penny Wanna, said. “Students who have completed Auction Academy training are our best ambassadors, and they enthusiastically encourage their colleagues to enroll in the two-year course, which offers them first-hand experience, real industry exposure and authentic connections.

“This program benefits anyone who wants to excel in their auction career, offering superior training by the remarketing industry’s leading experts. It also allows companies to develop key personnel in both leadership skills and exposure to the industry on a national level beyond the location of just their auction.”

Auction Academy’s Class 9, which launched in February 2025, includes students from auto auctions, finance companies and other entities that provide services to the auto auction industry.

The two-year program includes quarterly in-person meetings, alternating with virtual classroom sessions. Both formats include training led by subject-matter experts in the remarketing field.

Class 9’s latest meeting led off with a tour of the Port of Baltimore coordinated by Auction Academy sponsors Lisa Hanmer from Transport Perspectives and Jeff Grandstaff of Gold Star Resources and featured NAAA chairman Craig Amelung of Manheim, NAAA executive director Paul Lips and Tommy Rogers, Manheim Maryland’s assistant general manager and NAAA president elect, as speakers.

The visit also included NADA trainers Michael Hayes and Blair Tyler discussing franchise dealership operations, and Awareness to Action coach Joe Miller covering leadership skills.

The next meeting will be held at McConkey Auto Group’s DAA Northwest in Spokane, Wash., in conjunction with the auction’s annual Rock & Roll Sale, set for July 22-23.

TPC to work with Mid Kansas Auto Auction

TPC Management said it has been retained by Mid Kansas Auto Auction to provide strategic consulting in business development and commercial consignor relations.

Mid Kansas Auto Auction is a family-owned and operated business, headed by Mark Ottley, President.

“I have known Mark for a number of years and observed his success as an auction owner/operator both at his original auction in Hays, Kan., and at his current thriving operation in Wichita,” TPC president Pierre Pons said. “He also has many years of experience in the auction lanes as both a buyer and seller of vehicles, a combination that has given him a unique perspective on the auction process and has contributed to MKSAA’s tremendous growth.

Mark Ottley

“The Ottley family is committed to investing in the facility, technology and ancillary services necessary for a successful auto auction operation in today’s competitive marketplace to deliver the very best experience for their customers, providing customized service for both dealer and commercial accounts at the highest levels.”

Mid Kansas Auto Auction was founded by Ottley in 2005 in Hays. In 2017 he acquired the Wichita location, completely renovating the 20-plus-acre facility. Weekly sales are held on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., with vehicles running in five lanes, all equipped for Internet bidding.

MKSAA offers its customers services that include detail and reconditioning, condition reporting, pre- and post-sale inspections, flooring services, mechanical services and nationwide transportation.

“Our focus is to provide a world-class auction experience to our customers, on par with the best of the best in the auction industry,” Ottley said. “We are looking forward to working with Pierre Pons, Jiles and Ray Wanna and the entire TPC team as we continue that effort, knowing that we’ll benefit from TPC’s many years of experience in the industry coupled with their expertise in business practices and relationship management.”