Dealers Auto Auction will be expanding its footprint by adding a new auction in Columbia, S.C., its eighth auction in the group and its first location in the Carolinas. 

New general manager Matt Laughridge has grown up around the car business, with both sides of his family running franchise retail stores. After graduating from Appalachian State University and Walker College of Business he cut his teeth in the auction business in 1999 with Manheim. His career advanced quickly serving roles in the management training program; national sales; government services; transition team for the ADT acquisitions; Hi-line auction supervisor at Manheim Atlanta; AGM Manheim Darlington; lead an eight person sales team in the Carolinas; selected to Cox Executive Leadership Program; regional account executive and major dealer account manager; and GM Mobile accounts across the U.S.

David Andrews, President and CEO of the Dealers Auto Auction Group (DAAG), said, “We are very fortunate to have Matt leading the new auction, especially considering his experience, strong leadership abilities and extensive dealer relations in the Columbia area.”

The new Dealers Auto Auction of Columbia is located at 1416 Atlas Rd, Columbia, SC 29209. Information: www.dealersauto.com.

In an another recent company hiring, DAAG added Harold Chapman to its leadership team. Chapman has been in the automotive industry his entire career, starting work in the retail automotive industry before moving over into the auction side of the business. Chapman has spent the last 17 years working for Adesa, most recently serving as the general manager for Adesa Nashville.

"We are looking forward to Harold bringing his experience and talents to DAAG,” said Dave Diedrich, VP of aales and operations for the group. Having someone with Harold’s industry knowledge, skill set and successful track record on the DAAG team is an invaluable asset.”

Dealers Auto Auction Group was started in 2001, with its first auction in Horn Lake, MS. The other seven auction locations in the Southeast include:  Dealers Auto Auction of Jackson, Dealers Auto Auction of Memphis, Dealers Auto Auction of Murfreesboro, Dealers Auto Auction of Chattanooga, Dealers Auto Auction of Huntsville, Dealers Auto Auction of Mobile and Dealers Auto Auction East Tennessee. DAAG also offers a robust menu of digital venues that include, E Block, DAAG Marketplace and Simulcast.