It’s All in the Family Auctioneer From Romance Wins 2005 State Bid-Calling Competition

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – It was a battle among the best in the state. And Jason Davis, of Romance, came out on top.

Davis took the coveted title of State Champion Auctioneer during the 2005 Bid-Calling Competition sponsored by the Arkansas Auctioneers Association. The event was held Feb. 11 in Little Rock.

This was Davis’ fourth try at the title and he believes his past experience helped him gain the knowledge and confidence he needed to take the championship spot. But he also believes that his family background had as much to do with his win as anything else. It seems that the Davis family “breeds” champion auctioneers.

Davis’ father, Neal, of Beebe, took the state champion title 20 years ago, and his uncle, Mike, also of Beebe, won 10 years ago. In 1990, his father won the National Auctioneers Association’s (NAA) International Auctioneer Championship.
“My dad has really taught me a lot. He trained me in this profession and gave me the support and guidance I needed,” Davis said. “I’ve been going to auctions since I was little and all I’ve ever wanted to do is be an auctioneer.”

Fifteen professional auctioneers competed in the Arkansas State Bid-Calling Competition where they were judged by a panel of experts for their clear and original chants, body language, eye contact with the crowd, and professionalism.

Also placing in the event were: Kenneth Grady, of Newport, first runner-up; and Steve Thacker, CAI, of Hot Springs, second runner-up. Dale Frady, of Horatio, was named champion in the Rookie Division of the event. Other rookie winners were: Matt Godbehere, of Hot Springs, first runner-up; and Heath Caudle, of West Fork, second runner-up.

Davis has been in the auction business for nine years and is the owner/manager of Davis Auctioneers. The family business specializes in estate auctions, and conducts a number of charity auctions each year as well. But a good portion of Davis’ time is spent working as an auto auctioneer, selling cars for a number of independent groups, including Manheim Auto Auctions and Adesa Auto Auctions. He said he sometimes works as many as four auto auctions in one week.

Davis said his favorite part of being an auctioneer is meeting and working with new people. He also enjoys the travel and versatility.

Along with his title, Davis received a championship ring, a trophy and a $500 cash prize. He will spend the year serving as a spokesperson for the auction industry in Arkansas. And on July 22, he will try, again, to follow in his father’s footsteps when he vies for the International Auctioneer Championship title during the International Auctioneers Conference and Show in Pittsburgh, Pa. The event will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

For more information about the Davis family and their auction business, log onto www.nealdavisauctioneers.com.