FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

Auction Academy’s class group 5 recently visited NADA’s Dealer Academy and toured the all-new Bel Air Auto Auction in Belcamp, Md., for a two-day session.

Its third of eight sessions started with a full day at NADA’s Dealer Academy. Students participated in “Through the Dealer’s Eyes,” a program that focuses on covering all aspects of operating a franchise auto dealership, according to Auction Academy.

The program is taught by NADA instructor and former National Auto Auction Association chief operating officer Michael Hayes.

“Our most recent trip to Baltimore gave us an amazing opportunity to experience NADA from a dealer's perspective and our most gracious hosts, the Nichols family of Bel Air Auto Auction, allowed us incredible access to their stunning new location. I am so grateful and excited to be a part of Auction Academy Class 5. I can't wait to see what comes next,” Big Valley Auto Auction general manager and class group 5 student Lisa Franz said in a news release.

On day two, students began with a tour of Bel Air Auto Auction’s 185-acre facility, followed by presentations from Todd August, Avis/Budget Car Rental Eastern regional manager; Will Chandler and Thad Sykes of Next Gear Capital; and Chris Clarke, head of remarketing at fleet management company ARI.

“We were delighted to meet with the Auction Academy class group and particularly enjoyed hearing their observations and answering their questions as we showed them our new auction facility,” said R. Charles Nichols chief executive officer of BSC America, which operates both Bel Air Auto Auction and Tallahassee Auto Auction.

“Auction Academy provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain insights in auction operations and develop crucial skills needed to run an auction in today’s complex and competitive environment.  We have observed the benefits of the program among our own employees, as several are graduates of Auction Academy and one of our own, Christina Shepard is part of the current 5th class group. The training they have received has not only proved a great benefit to each of them personally and but has contributed to the operational and service standards that are vital to our auction’s success,” Nichols continued.

In February, Auction Academy’s next class 5 group session will be in Birmingham, Ala., where they will be hosted by AutoTec companies Auction Insurance Agency and Auction Access.

The session will include a tour of America’s Auto Auction of Birmingham and ADESA Birmingham, according to the Auction Academy.