SPOKANE, Wash. -

The McConkey Auction Group named a national accounts director last week, and appointed to the position for the group that includes DAA Northwest, KCI Kansas City and EPI El Paso was Mike Mikkelsen.

Having started his career with South Seattle Auto Auction in 1980, Mikkelsen has been with DAA Northwest since its 1992 inception.

The longtime DAA Northwest veteran said he is “really excited about taking on this new challenge.”

Mikkelsen added: “It will be good to get out and talk with national accounts around the country on a regular basis. I look forward to building stronger relationships with them on behalf of the McConkey Auction Group.”

Officials noted that TPC Management will provide support for Mikkelsen in his role managing national accounts for the three auctions in the McConkey Auction Group.

“This is a natural transition for Mike,” stated Bob McConkey. “He thoroughly knows this business and is highly skilled at managing details and requirements for national accounts.”

EPI El Paso Celebrates 2-Year Anniversary

In other news from the auction group, EPI El Paso celebrated its second anniversary earlier this month at Rosa’s Cantina, famous for being in Marty Robbins’ 1959 Grammy award winning song, “El Paso.”

The event — which included dealers as well as the auction’s management and sales team —  took place on Feb. 5 and featured a catered dinner, dancing and live music from the Cronkites.

The Spokane, Wash.-based band have opened for such acts as The Doobie Brothers, Pat Benatar, and Huey Lewis & the News at DAA Northwest’s annual Rock & Roll Sale.

“The Tuesday evening party gave us an opportunity to say thank you to our loyal dealer customers in a relaxing, fun environment,” said Lori Pidgeon, EPI’s general manager.

The next day was EPI’s Second Anniversary Sale, which included a four-lane sale and featured vehicles from such consignors as ARI, Auto Portfolio Services, Hyundai Finance, Title Max, and Westlake Financial.

The sale also included special promotions in the lanes and a catered lunch for customers.

“Everyone was in a festive mood, and thanks in part to the success of this promotion, we are looking at a record-breaking month,” said Pidgeon.