ServNet auction owners gathered for their fall business meeting earlier this month in Dallas, and in the process decided on the leader who will be its president for the next two years.

Taking on the role of president is Bruce Beam, general manager of Dealers Auto Auction of Oklahoma City. Beam succeeds Eric Autenrieth of Carolina and Indiana Auto Auctions, who moves to the post of chairman of the board.

Beam shared his leadership agenda for the next two years, noting an immediate goal to ensure a seamless transition in ServNet’s executive leadership. John Brasher and Robert Sullivan take over as executive director and administrative director, respectively, following Pierre Pons’ decision to step down as the group’s chief executive officer at the end of the year.

“Pierre and his team at TPC Management have worked tirelessly to fortify ServNet as an organization and to strengthen ServNet’s position in the industry,” Beam said in a newsletter distributed by ServNet.

“With John and Bob’s experience in the industry, we’re looking forward to maintaining our brand and the reputation that ServNet has always enjoyed, building on our previous traditions and events, and expanding our presence in the West,” Beam continued.

High on Beam’s objectives for the group will be a strong focus on the dealer community during his term as ServNet’s President.

“Every week thousands of dealers buy vehicles at ServNet auctions,” Beam said. “I want to make sure that those customers realize how important they are to us, and to know that when they buy a vehicle from a ServNet auction, they have the benefit of our entire network of auctions.

“In today’s remarketing world, auto dealers are sourcing their inventory nationally in ever-increasing numbers. Within the ServNet community, no matter how far away the selling auction is, there’s a ServNet auction near to stand behind the transaction,” Beam continued. “An online transaction at a ServNet auction goes far beyond the computer technology that makes nationally sourcing and purchasing possible.

“It’s important that our dealers know that ServNet’s owners work together, so that following the sale, the customer receives the follow-up and support from their local ServNet auction, working with the people they have known for years and do business with on a regular basis,” he went on to say.

“The beauty of purchasing a vehicle anywhere within ServNet’s national network of auctions is that an online transaction can be made with confidence, with the benefits offered by a dealer’s local ServNet auction,” Beam added. “Within the ServNet community, no matter how far away the selling auction is, there’s a ServNet auction near you to stand behind the transaction.”

In a competitive marketplace, Beam also emphasized that strong customer relationships and superior service remain the key to success.

“We’re seeing a lot of consolidation in the industry, and technology is improving and changing at light speed,” he said. “While ServNet auctions continue to be at the forefront of the industry in terms of the tools and technology, we remain firmly committed to our customers, continually striving to work harder, do more, and offer better services.

“As independent auctions, we have a tremendous advantage: we can make decisions and implement them immediately,” Beam continued. “Our focus has always been and will continue to be on nourishing strong personal relationships with our customers. Those relationships, which in many cases go back years, even generations with franchise and independent auto dealers, have made ServNet auctions consistent leaders in the marketplace and will continue to set our auctions apart from the competition.

“A dealer can buy a vehicle anywhere, but when it comes to experience, dependability and a full range of services, there’s only one choice: a ServNet auction,” Beam went on to say. “With 22 ServNet auction locations nationwide a dealer can be secure knowing that there’s a ServNet auction nearby to help, no matter where they buy. From coast to coast, ServNet has you covered.”