Auctioneer
Finds Every Day Excitement in Career
Although Dave Conley won the coveted competition at the state
convention to be named PA Bid-Calling Champion of the Year, the
honor pales in comparison to the everyday delight he experiences.
"I love to get up every morning and go to work," he said.
It's a dream come true for Conley who
aspired to become an auctioneer since he was a teenager. The
opportunity to make a living at a job he loves continues to amaze
him.
Conley has lots of fond childhood
memories accompanying his dad and grandfather to farm auctions.
That was pleasure, a day off from farm work and chores.
So the opportunity to get paid for
similar days every day is like going on vacation. He still
thrives on selling farm-related merchandise.
Nonetheless, Conley said, people would
be amazed to see all the hard work behind the scenes to make an
auction a success. Procuring auctions, signing contracts,
photographing merchandise to and preparing for advertising are some
of the duties involved.
"People often think auctioneers only
work the day of the auction. They would be surprised how many
long hours we put in preparing for it." he said.
Real estate auctions continue to grow in
popularity. Conley thinks that equipment that is power washed
and buildings that are clean inside and outside give a better
presentation and entices more buyer interest. "You don't need
to put a new kitchen in a house or even paint it, but it should be
neat and clean," he said.
Conley attended the Reppert's School of
Auctioneering in Illinois to learn the chant and general skills.
The following year he attended auctioneer classes at Harrisburg Area
Community College and passed the state test to receive licensing.
He worked part time for Rentzel's Auction before going full-time
seven years ago. He recalls one of the highlights of auctions
was helping to prepare for his grandfather's auction in 2005 when he
sold a Hit and Miss engine his grandfather recalled paying $60 for
during the 1960's. It sold at auction for $25,000. Such
spectacular profits are rare, but it's part of what entices the
crowd.
"There's something exciting about a live
public auction that online auctions can't replace, " Conley said.
"It's the chance of getting a bargain and the exciting possibility
of watching an item be sold way above the expected price."
"Old toys are in demand and draw large
interest and good prices. There's plenty out there that remind
people of their childhood and they want it."
He's preparing to sell one person's
collection of 65 pedal tractors. Conley, himself, collects
antique advertising that is farm related.
Conley and his wife, Amiee, have two
children, Noah 3, and Gracie, 9 months.
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