FRANKLIN, TN - Randall McCathren, COO of Auction Academy, has announced that the owners of Carolina Auto Auction and Indiana Auto Auction will take the lead as executive sponsors of Auction Academy’s initial course offering, which is set to begin in May.

The Next Generation Owner course, a two-year training and development program for the sons and daughters of today’s Independent auction owners, will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on May 4-5.

“We are very pleased to announce that Henry and Patty Stanley, industry leaders and owners of two of the country’s most successful independent auto auctions, will sponsor the first session of the Auction Academy,” said McCathren. “The Stanleys are known for their tireless efforts on behalf of the auction industry and their commitment to building a strong future for the next generation of auction owners.  We appreciate their support for the Auction Academy and the participants in our first course offering.”

According to Henry Stanley, “Patty and I feel very strongly that the ongoing success of the independent auction is vital to the sustainability of our industry. It’s extremely important that the auction owners of the future receive the skills and training needed to run an auction in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.  The Auction Academy provides an excellent opportunity for that training, and we are very pleased to be a part of it.”

 McCathren reports that response to the first class offering has been high, and that the inaugural class has already been filled.  Participants include the next generation from Harrisburg Auto Auction, DAA Northwest, Charleston Auto Auction, Mountain State Auto Auction, Pittsburgh Independent Auto Auction, Sanford Auto Dealers Exchange, State Line Auto Auction, Missouri Auto Auction, Corry Auto Dealers Exchange and Greater Erie Auto Auction.

The course participants will meet quarterly, explains McCathren.  Following the first meeting in Nashville in May, the Summer Session will convene in Spokane, Washington in July, in conjunction with DAA Northwest’s Rock and Roll Sale. Southern Auto Auction will sponsor the Fall Session, which will meet at the end of the September in East Windsor, Conn.  The Winter 2013 Session is slated for February in Birmingham, Ala.

The Auction Academy is continuing education program developed by TPC Management Company (TPC) for professionals in the auction industry.  The Auction Academy provides a training and development experience for automotive auction professionals, structured like an Executive MBA program.  With tracks for the next generation of auction leaders as well as for current auction leadership, Auction Academy’s two-year programs are designed to enhance essential skill sets, promote best practices, and yield better auction performance.

For additional information about Auction Academy, contact Randall McCathren by e-mail: rmccathren@auctionacademy.net, or call (615) 383-1930.