OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 / The National Auction Association (NAA) is proud to announce the 2024 winners of the prestigious International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) and International Junior Auctioneer Championship (IJAC). Held annually during NAA's Conference & Show, this year's competitions took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 26.

Seventy-nine contestants from around the globe competed for the prestigious title of IAC Champion. This event is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the auctioneering profession. The co-champions will serve as ambassadors for the NAA for a year, raising awareness of the power of the auction method.

Shane McCarrell, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate of Nashville Auction School from Clarksville, Tennessee, emerged as the Men's Division Champion. After a traumatic brain injury, Shane found solace in auctioneering, drawn to its unpredictable nature and mission-oriented focus, reminiscent of his military service. Currently, Shane is the Director of Auction Operations at Blackwell Realty & Auctions. Under his leadership, the company is projected to achieve $12 million in first-year auction real estate sales. In 2022, Shane acquired Nashville Auction School, where he now oversees approximately 60 students annually and provides thousands of hours of education instruction.

Marcela Dávila Diez Gutierrez, a bilingual auctioneer from Mexico, was the winner of the Women's Division. Her involvement in the auction industry began in 2012 as a ringman at ADESA Mexico, where she quickly advanced to become a lane auctioneer and eventually the head auctioneer. She is also the founder of Lucerna Auction, the first company in Mexico dedicated to benefit auctions and auction fundraising consulting. In 2021, Marcela established residency in New Mexico, where she has continued to excel in her field by expanding her contract work.

IJAC showcases the emerging talents of young individuals between the ages of 12 to 18 years old, highlighting their auctioneering expertise. The competition is an important facet of NAA's NextGen Program, which aims to ensure the future of the auction industry.

Caleb Taylor, a student at Harvester Christian Academy in Douglasville, Georgia, was crowned the 2024 IJAC Champion. Inspired by his father, a car wholesaler, Caleb discovered his passion for auctioneering at a young age. After attending an automobile auction, he developed an affinity for bid calling and dedicated himself to mastering the craft through online resources like YouTube. In Caleb's role as Champion, he is inspiring other young auctioneers to pursue their passions within the industry.

To view video of the champions, visit https://www.auctioneers.org/iac-video-archives. For rights to rebroadcast video content, please contact Katie Mechlin at kmechlin@auctioneers.org.

Contact Information

Katie Mechlin
Manager, Public Relations/Communications & Advocacy
kmechlin@auctioneers.org
913-563-5429

SOURCE: National Auction Association

View the original press release on newswire.com.