FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

Training on SmartAuction and AutoIMS technology, as well as a course titled, “Condition Report Writing 101,” were part of the sixth class group training from Auction Academy in mid-May.

The two-day session was the first in the two-year program for the new class from Auction Academy, which is a TPC Management Co., continuing education program for auto auction industry professionals.

Classroom training, auction facility tours and meetings with key auction personnel were part of the training, and the meetings featured in-depth discussions about auction operations. Auction Academy’s Pierre Pons welcomed the group. Tony Long introduced IARA CAR Certification, which the academy says continues to be an important part of its curriculum. Academy president Penny Wanna, who administered the first phase, is IARA CAR certified.

Auction Edge senior vice president, auction systems Julie Warpool started the first of eight training modules that are now in Auction Academy’s course syllabus. Each session of the academy’s two-year program will include a different aspect of Auction Edge and corresponding training. According to Auction Academy, that ensures that the class group will get to know key team members and become familiar with Auction Edge and its products.

In the classroom, Brent Ramels led SmartAuction training, Joe Miller covered AutoIMS Technology, and Dan Hinojosa Jr. of ASI Auto Group introduced Condition Report Writing 101.

Two Nashville auctions in Auction Academy’s backyard hosted visits by the sixth class group, which also toured Music City Auto Auction and Manheim Nashville.  It was Auction Academy’s first visit to Music City Auto Auction, and office manager Wendy Barritt and operations manager Brad Baird, discussed what they felt were the most important facets of auction operations.

The sixth class group also toured Manheim Nashville and met with key staff members who discussed their personal journeys in the industry, their specific areas of responsibility, insights on leadership, industry connections and the importance of safety in the workplace.

The two-day session wrapped up with a casual night out for a taste of Nashville at 55 South. At that event, 2018 American Idol contestant Carly Moffa entertained the group.

For its next session, Class 6 will go to Spokane, Wash., in July. Bob McConkey and the DAA Northwest team will host the session during this year’s Rock & Roll Sale. The group then visits the Nichols family at BSC America’s Bel Air Auto Auction, with plans to spend a full day on dealer training with NADA’s Michael Hayes.

“We are pleased to have Auction Edge as a program sponsor and excited that Auction Edge training is now part of each of our class sessions,” Auction Academy president Penny Wanna said in a news release. “Auction Edge plays a significant role in the auction industry, and we feel that this training will add another layer of knowledge to the remarketing process.”

“It is an honor and privilege to host Auction Academy Class 6,” said Music City Auto Auction general manager Tim Sherk while greeting the group. “The executive team at Music City Auto Auction believes in mentoring as well as ongoing education for upcoming leaders in the automotive field. We are committed to the development of the next generation of leaders in an industry which has given us so much professionally and personally.”

“We always look forward to hosting tours for Auction Academy,” said Nashville Manheim general manager Sam Chapel. “When you’re new to the industry, there’s nothing better than getting a snapshot of a brick and mortar facility, and I think the Auction Academy training really launches the participants into a full sense of the remarketing industry. We particularly emphasized safety when we hosted the tour this year and the importance of building a culture of safety at each auction location. Plus, I shared my thoughts on one of my favorite subjects: being comfortable around your competitors.  To me, being open and transparent, and sharing vital information, grows the industry and helps us all to excel in a great business.”

“We are so grateful to both Music City Auto Auction and Manheim Nashville for opening their doors to our sixth class group,” Wanna said. “They were so generous with their time and knowledge, and contributed a great deal to this training session of Auction Academy. Auctions like these represent the best part of Auction Academy’s program, and have certainly played a vital role in the program’s success.”