Awards Archives | Page 41 of 52 | Auto Remarketing

Brasher’s employee named Auctioneer of Distinction

From commercial livestock to used vehicles, auctioneer Dean Fumasi has sold it all.

Now, after spending the last 30 years with the Brasher’s auction family, he has been awarded the ARI Auctioneer of Distinction award for “his dedication to ARI and the dealers in the auction lane,” becoming one of only six auctioneers to have received the award since its inception in 2011.

“Dean constantly promotes ARI and our online capabilities to provide quick answers to dealers, keeps them engaged during the sale, and truly drives the vehicle’s value in the auction lane,” said Bob Graham, vice president of vehicle remarketing at ARI. “We have noticed Dean’s exceptional auctioneering skills for quite some time, and we believe he is truly deserving of this honor.”

ARI’s vehicle remarketing supervisor Jim Jackson traveled to Brasher’s Northwest Auto Auction in Eugene, Ore., where Fumasi now works, to present the award.

Fumasi’s auction career began with auctioneering commercial livestock in 1981. He joined the Brasher’s family of auctions three decades ago, serving in the Sacramento, Northwest and Portland locations. His experience with auctioneering vary from automobiles to commercial and purebred livestock, estate, farm, specialty and black tie charity auctions.

As for his most memorable auction? A pair of African ostrich, which sold for $80,000, at a purebred ostrich/emu auction. 

NAMAD, IHS reveal Diversity Volume Leadership Awards

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and IHS Automotive have partnered together to create their first Diversity Volume Leadership Awards.

These awards will recognize makes and models that garner the highest new-vehicle volume registrations based on model year for the following consumer segments:

• Ethnic consumers (consumers of African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent)
• Women (of any ethnicity)
• Ethnic millennials (new vehicle registrants aged 18-34)

The recipients of these awards will be determined based on IHS Automotive's new-vehicle registration data from the 2015 model year (registration volumes from October 2014 through September 2015).

IHS says this year’s awards are based on more than 13 million new-vehicle registrations.

"Ethnic buyers represented 28 percent of all U.S. new-vehicle registrations in 2015, and are one of the fastest growing audiences," said Marc Bland, vice president of diversity and inclusion at IHS Automotive. "In the past year, their volumes have grown 150 percent faster than the rest of the industry — and it's important to recognize their influence on vehicle purchases and honor the brands that dedicate resources to diversity efforts."

The Diversity Volume Leadership Awards will include the following categories, according to NAMAD:

"This awards program will recognize the brands that the multicultural community is buying and also recognize manufacturers that are dedicating marketing efforts to this growing segment," said Damon Lester, NAMAD’s president.

The winners will be announced during the Diversity Volume Leadership Awards before the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 10.

Auction roundup: Cox award winner & new GM at EPI

A wide array of wholesale industry news developed in recent days, including a new philanthropic award handed out by Cox Automotive, a milestone at Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest and a leadership change at EPI El Paso.

During the accolade-filled luncheon at the National Remarketing Conference, Cox Automotive presented its inaugural Community Impact Award to Joey Huang of Great Lakes Auto of Ashtabula, Ohio. Presented by Grace Huang, senior vice president of inventory services at Manheim, this award recognizes a remarketing industry leader for their outstanding contributions to their community and the innovative ways they collaborate with community partners to help further their missions and shape better communities.

“Community service and inspiring others to shape a better world has long been a part of our culture,” Grace Huang said. “I’d like to congratulate Joey for embodying these principles and for demonstrating how every person, every organization, every day can make a difference when it comes to serving their community.”

Joey Huang, owner of Great Lakes Auto, was honored by Cox Automotive for distinguishing himself in outstanding service to his community. Top among his many accomplishments was the creation of a program throughout his dealership network that helped raise more than $200,000 for local schools during the past four years.

As chairman of Hyundai Motor’s Hope on Wheels charity, Huang partnered with Cleveland area Hyundai dealers to raise $50,000 for the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital to benefit pediatric cancer research.

In addition to his fundraising efforts, Huang has offered his time to numerous civic and industry organizations over the years, including the Ashtabula County YMCA where he serves as a member of its board of directors and helps guide facility improvements.

“I am honored to be the first recipient of the Cox Automotive Community Impact Award and to be recognized for creating positive change in my community,” Joey Huang said.

For his leadership and commitment to making a difference through community service, Huang will receive a $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

“This will allow us to continue doing the things we are passionate about not only at our dealerships, but throughout our community,” Joey Huang added.

Anniversary in Arizona

Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest general manager Stephanie Gingras recapped how the operation recently celebrated its 13th year with an anniversary month of sales in October, culminating in a Halloween event marked by 700 vehicles crossing the block and a 70-percent sale.

“Since DAA Southwest was opened 13 years ago, we’ve not only grown to lead our market niche but have set a new standard with innovation and efficiency,” Gingras said.

“To mark this year’s anniversary, we focused on thanking our customers for their years of loyalty and support and had a great time doing it with a Halloween costume party and an exciting prize giveaway, sending one of our great buyers home with a Nissan sedan,” she continued

Gingras noted that all customers buying vehicles at DAA of the Southwest during the month of October qualified for the grand prize giveaway.

“We haven’t become number one in our market without a heavy dose of superior customer service,” said auction vice president and past NAAA president Jim DesRochers.

“We have worked hard and successfully to identify buyers who target our specific market niche, and we’ve made those buyers regular auction customers by providing them with all the technology and mobile tools they need to easily and efficiently access all of our services,” DesRochers continued.

Technology features available to DAA of the Southwest’s customers include:

— The DAASW mobile app with integrated digital bidder badge
— Customer online access to account information via the mobile app and auction website
— 100 percent simulcast of every consigned vehicle at every sale
— Direct access to key auction personnel via mobile technology
— Seamless wireless uploads via iPad of all condition reports, images and videos for every consigned unit in every sale

“Our 360 Degree Customer Service Program has changed the way business is handled at DAA of the Southwest,” Gingras said. “Including CARFAX Transparent Transactions, Mexico Ready and digital bidder badges, along with direct access to all areas of our staff and management, our 360 Customer Service tools are all DAASW.com and .MX's proprietary products that you won't see at any other auction.”

In addition to technological enhancements, the auction has also noted steady increases in vehicle volume over the past 12 months, resulting in the opening of a sixth auction lane in January. Gingras explained that increases in consignment volume from both the repo and dealer segments of the market prompted the sale-day expansion.

“DAA of the Southwest provides the best market for buying and selling vehicles in the region, and has the customer service programs to make the process as efficient and convenient as possible,” Gingras said.

“We’re proud of the advancements we’ve made over the past 13 years, and look forward to continued growth, success and innovation in the years ahead,” she went on to say.

EPI El Paso names general manager

Auction president Bob McConkey and general manager Lori Pidgeon shared this news with El Paso customers during the auction’s Touchdown Drive promotional event sale: in a move that was effective last week, Pidgeon transitions from EPI’s general manager into a new role with the McConkey Auction Group.

Luke Pidgeon, who has served as EPI El Paso’s assistant general manager since 2013, assumes the role of general manager.

“Lori came to us with over 20 years of auction experience, and she has done an outstanding job of building a solid team in El Paso,” McConkey said. “As a member of that team, Luke has earned the upmost respect of EPI’s staff and customers; he possesses the knowledge and leadership skills to build upon the legacy that Lori has established.

“We congratulate Lori on her success and we are thrilled to keep her on our team as her role evolves,” McConkey added.

While eager to return to the Pacific Northwest, the operation acknowledged Lori Pidgeon departure from El Paso is bittersweet.

“The past five years have been extremely rewarding, both professionally and personally,” she said. “It was a privilege to guide a team of hard working, caring employees in developing a solid footprint in El Paso.”

Lori Pidgeon’s new position with the McConkey Auction Group will include working on special projects, human resources and more for all four MAG locations. She will be based in Portland, Ore.

2 industry leaders honored at National Remarketing Conference

Cherokee Media Group president Bill Zadeits had a big surprise in store for him during today’s opening remarks at Used Car Week. The industry leader was chosen by the National Auto Auction Association as the 89th Warren Young Sr. Fellow.

The lifetime distinction was presented to Zadeits by Mike Browning, the incoming NAAA president. NAAA will also be donating $2,500 in Zadeits’ name to the Warren Young Sr. Scholastic Foundation.

Ron Smith, owner and principle of Cherokee Media Group, is also a Warren Young Sr. Fellow.

“The Warren Young Fellowship was created in honor of Warren Young Sr., a pioneer of the auto auction industry,” according to NAAA. “The award recognizes major contributions to the National Auto Auction Association and acknowledges sustaining support for the NAAA Warren Young, Sr. Scholastic Foundation Inc. goal of improving access to post-secondary education through scholarships and educational assistance.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Another pioneer in the remarketing industry was honored Thursday at the National Remarketing Conference, as well. Ricky Beggs, the recently retired senior vice president of Black Book, was recognized with Auto Remarketing’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, sponsored by AutoVIN and AFC, recognizes lifetime contributions to the remarketing industry and was presented to Beggs by Tom Cross, president of Black Book, during an awards presentation mid-morning at NRC.

The award is in its second year and was presented to Don Fowler, senior director of business development at AutoVIN, at the 2014 Used Car Week Conferences.

Many more in the industry are being honored today at the NRC event, as well. The inaugural Remarketing & Used-Car Industry 40 Under 40 will be honored during a luncheon, and this year’s Women in Remarketing Class will be on site for an awards ceremony and panel discussion this afternoon.

50 nominated for 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year award

Ally Financial has chosen 50 dealers across the U.S. as nominees for the 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year award.

The annual award is now in its 47th year and serves to recognize the nation’s most successful dealers who also exemplify a commitment to community service.

The nominees — announced by Meredith Long, publisher at TIME; and Tim Russi, president of auto finance at Ally — are part of a group of dealers who will be honored at the upcoming NADA Convention & Expo in Last Vegas on April 1.

For a list of all 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year nominees, click here.

"The TIME Dealer of the Year award nominees are business leaders and pillars of their communities, who have each given generously to support important charitable causes," said Russi. "Ally is proud to honor these dealers, recognize their commitment to local communities, and share their stories of making a difference."

Past winners have included:

• Andy Crews of AutoFair Honda in Manchester, N.H.
• Jeff Teague of Teague Auto Group in El Dorado, Ark.
• Michael Alford of Marine Chevrolet in Jacksonville, N.C.
• Mike Shaw of Mike Shaw Automotive Group in Denver.

These dealers, along with the help of Ally grant funds, have continued to serve their local communities through efforts such as providing supplies to local Boys and Girls clubs, as well as ensuring students can participate in after-school programs and more.

Ally is in its fifth year as the exclusive sponsor for the event, and the company will recognize the 2016 nominees giving $1,000 to each dealer’s charity of choice. In the past, these grants have gone to support community organizations, educational offerings, local nonprofits and more.

The nominees will also be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which serves as a way for the company to showcase the philanthropic contributions of dealers.

Including the grants pledged for this year, Ally shared it will have committed almost $400,000 as part of the TIME Dealer of the Year program.

To learn more about the 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year nominees, click here.

Land Rover & Subaru lead ALG’s Residual Value Awards

Land Rover and Subaru took the podium for overall brands recognized by ALG’s 2016 Residual Value Awards, which annually honor the brands and individual models with the highest retained value.

Land Rover was recognized for the second consecutive year as the premium brand with the best overall residual values, while Subaru was acknowledged for the same metric out of all the mainstream brands.

Overall, ALG’s Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles in 26 different segments, highlighting the individual vehicles that retain the highest percentage of their respective MSRPs after a three-year period. According to the company, this year’s recipients were selected from 2016 model-year vehicles currently on sale that have shown strong value in their segments.

Following are the recipients of ALG’s 16th annual Residual Value Awards.

CARS claims No. 1 spot on Triangle Business Journal’s Fast 50 list

Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems’ fourth appearance on the Triangle Business Journal’s annual Fast 50 list is also its first time coming in at No. 1, representing the top of the top of the fastest-growing private companies in the Raleigh-Durham area.

The company was founded by two software supply chain experts, Steven Norwood and Terry Groves, in 2005.

“We have a long history of growth and profitability,” Norwood said. “Our financial stability in the industry makes us the partner of choice for many service providers such as repossession, skip trace, door knock and auction agents. We are extremely grateful to our employees, customers and partners for helping make us the number one company on this year’s TBJ Fast 50 list.”

The Triangle Business Journal selects and ranks its Fast 50 winners annually based on a formula that counts revenue growth and profitability in the preceding three years – in this case, 2012 through 2014. The results and rankings were analyzed and verified by PwC, an accounting firm.

To find out more about CARS, visit its site here.

Auto companies honored by Fortune, AAPEX

Several automotive companies have been recognized recently for their contributions to their employees and their products.

First off, Fortune and Great Place to Work recently released the 2015 list of 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity. Among the automotive-related businesses honored were Credit Acceptance (19), JM Family Enterprises (47) and CarMax (48).

All of the aforementioned companies were also honored by Fortune and Essence on their list of 10 Best Workplaces for African-Americans, ranked in order with Credit Acceptance (2), CarMax (6) and JM Family Enterprises (9).

The awards were based on surveys of over 128,000 women and 69,000 minority employees nationwide.

“We credit our growth and success to our hardworking, dedicated associates, which is just one reason why providing a diverse environment where they feel valued and good about coming to work is so essential,” said Colin Brown, JM Family’s president and chief executive officer. “Since this ranking is a reflection of what our associates are experiencing, it is an even greater honor to be recognized on such an exceptional list.”

In other award-related news, Solid Keys USA also recently announced that its new product, “Universal Car Keys,” was voted as the Best New Product at the 2015 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo in Las Vegas last week.

Mark Lanwehr, the company’s president, was excited to receive the award.

“We’re glad we did as well as we had hoped,” Lanwehr said. “There were hundreds of great products competing, but the Universal Car Key is such a unique and special product we knew it would be a hit. We’re glad the AAPEX panel of buyers recognized our unique value proposition — the world's first Universal Car Keys and Universal Car Remotes bring automotive key replacement back into the hands of retailers and repair professionals something that’s been absent for decades.”

To learn more about Solid Keys USA, check out its site here. 

Our National Remarketing Executive of the Year

Really, anywhere that Howard Segal has gone, there have been cars.

His job as a youth at the gas station, pumping fuel at age 13. Following the footsteps of his older brother, the southern New Jersey native then became a mechanic in his late teens. That eventually led to the dealership world, auto finance and remarketing.

And now the vice president and national remarketing manager for Wells Fargo is our latest National Remarketing Executive of the Year.

The award, sponsored by ServNet, will be presented to Segal on Nov. 18 at the National Remarketing Conference portion of Used Car Week.

“In just three short years, the National Remarketing Executive of the Year, presented by ServNet, has become a great tradition and generated strong respect within the remarketing industry,” said Bill Zadeits, publisher of Auto Remarketing and Used Car Week conference chair.

“It’s something that we at Auto Remarketing and the National Remarketing Conference are very proud of, and we’re honored to present this year’s award to Howard Segal of Wells Fargo,” Zadeits added.

“ServNet congratulates Howard Segal of Wells Fargo Auto Finance as National Remarketing Executive of the Year,” said Kevin Brown, ServNet’s president and owner of Missouri Auto Auction. “He has long been a respected partner and valued friend to the auto auction community, and we applaud his tireless efforts and the outstanding contributions he has made to our industry.”

R. Charles Nichols, owner of BSC America Auctions and former chairman of the board at ServNet, added: “Howard is one of the giants in the remarketing industry, whose dedication, vision and innovation have established his position as a leader in the marketplace.”

Segal has seen it all when it comes to the car business. He worked for a decade in the dealership world, starting in his early 20s. Starting off as a mechanic in the service department, Segal advanced from there, eventually becoming a used-car manager.

He has been with Wells Fargo since 2003 and held previous remarketing roles with Bank of America and PNC National bank. All told, Segal has been on the remarketing side of the business for more than 20 years, but his experience on the dealership level certainly still helps him today. 

He said that working in the dealership gave him the chance to experience the sales and service process and learn the organizational part of it.

You will be able to learn more from Segal in our Nov. 15 issue of Auto Remarketing, our on-site issue for Used Car Week.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Segal will be a panelist on the “The State of the Pre-Owned Industry” general session at NRC on Nov. 19. Both are can’t-miss events, so make your register for Used Car Week and check out our attendee list, as well.

The next Re3 Executive of the Year

Auto Remarketing and SubPrime Auto Finance News on Tuesday highlighted the winner of this year’s Re3 Executive of the Year Award, which is being presented by Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems.

This year’s winner is Scott Phillips, who is vice president of credit risk and business process at Lendmark Financial Services, which was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Covington, Ga. Lendmark Financial Services offers personal loans, automobile loans, debt consolidation loans and merchant retail sales financing services through nearly 200 branch locations in 13 states.

Lendmark Financial’s growth strategy a year ago focused on making major investments in the build-out of 32 new stores and technology to improve the customer experience. In addition to continued expansion and potential acquisition opportunities, the strategy for this year focused on maximizing customer value and delivering on the company’s commitment to its customers and retail partners, which included significant adjustments in the recovery and remarketing departments.

Phillips will officially receive his honor during the Re3 Conference, which is a part of Used Car Week on Nov. 16-20 at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Congratulations to Scott Phillips as well as the team at Lendmark Financial Services. Recoveries comprise one of the most the challenging portions of the finance business, and the company navigates these hurdles successfully because of Scott’s expertise and leadership,” said Auto Remarketing and SubPrime Auto Finance News publisher and Used Car Week chair Bill Zadeits.

Phillips joins previous winners of the accolade, including Jeff Haynes of BBVA Compass and Karen Nelson of Crescent Bank.

During the Re3 Conference, which is presented by Digital Recognition Network, CARS chief executive officer Steve Norwood will give the award to Phillips. Here’s a rundown of other industry executives and leaders who already made plans to attend.

“Scott is a thought leader who's knowledge and experience in the industry has been essential for Lendmark as they have transitioned to a centralized repossession and remarketing department from that of a decentralized model,” Norwood said.

“The initiatives that Scott has spearheaded have increased efficiency and streamlined the entire process for Lendmark enabling him and his team to consistently exceed their corporate goals on recovery,” Norwood continued.

Norwood also mentioned why it’s important to recognize executives in the recovery space who play a critical role.

“Having innovative leaders in this industry who recognize the importance of compliance and the challenges it poses is key,” Norwood said.

“The auto finance industry doesn't look the way it did three, four or five years ago, and there are many executives in the market who are supporting and driving change in their organizations and the industry as a whole,” Norwood went on to say. “Recognition for their efforts is an important part of inspiring the rest of our industry to adapt and change with the market.”