FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

ServNet auctions in Minnesota and South Carolina have enjoyed an eventful summer so far, with one announcing a new era taking hold and another having another successful annual sale.

First up, Bob and Rob Thompson and the crew at Mid-State Auto Auction celebrated the auction’s 31st anniversary in July, taking the time to review the company's history and to announce the start of a new ownership regime.

Bob Thompson’s passion for the industry led him to make the decision to start a small auto auction in New York Mills, Minn., back in 1983. As soon as his son, Rob, graduated from college, he joined the staff at Mid-State as a sales representative for the auction.

For the past 15 years, Rob Thompson has been fulfilling a much bigger role as president for the auction.

As of July 1, the son’s new role will be that of sole owner of Mid-State AA. Bob Thompson celebrated his 80th birthday this past December. Although he is starting to enjoy retirement a bit more, he still consults and does payroll for the auction.

By both Bob and Rob’s accounts, this father/son duo has truly enjoyed working together for years building the business and, more importantly building the friendships they have with their customers and auction associates.

Even though the ownership (father to son) has changed at Mid-State Auto auction, they said their commitment to customer service and fairness to both buyer and seller will never change.

“The relationships we have built with our dealers, GSA government representatives, leasing companies, financial institutions, service cooperatives and independents are what we hold most dear. We feel those relationships are the true foundation of the success of our auction,” Bob Thompson said.

“Our entire staff is like family, several of whom have been with our auction since the very beginning,” he continued. “They all make it a priority to welcome each and every buyer and seller who comes through our door each Friday.

“We pride ourselves on being known as the friendly auction, and every member of our staff makes sure that we live up to that reputation,” Bob Thompson went on to say.

Mid-State AA is located approximately 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis, and welcomes dealers, fleet/lease accounts, banks and finance companies to its weekly Friday sales.

Carolina Auto Auction Celebrates Summer with Corn Roast

Carolina Auto Auction hosted its annual corn roast on June 25. Bidding on 1,000 vehicles in the sale, management highlighted 550 dealers attended and ate 600 ears of corn. The sale was held in conjunction with CAA’s larger Christmas in July event where dealers have a chance to win $30,000 in cash and prizes on July 10.

As part of the festivities, Exeter Financial Corp. and United Auto Credit Corp. concluded their quarter-long promotions during the sale.

Exeter gave away a Summer Grill Package that included a new propane grill, grill cover, and various other grilling necessities. United Auto Credit gave away a Labor Day NASCAR package that included four tickets to both Saturday and Sunday races with four pit passes.

The auction also introduced a new "Guaranteed Late Bird" drawing at the end of their sales going forward, where one lucky dealer is guaranteed to walk away with $500 cash each week at the sale’s conclusion.

Christmas in July concluded last Wednesday where dealers had the chance to win $30,000 in cash and prizes for vehicles purchased during the seven-week sales event.