Franklin, TN – Auction Academy launched 2025 with a high-energy first quarter that included two key sessions for Class 8—culminating in graduation—as well as the kickoff of Class 9. The quarter reflected the Academy’s ongoing commitment to industry education, leadership development, and peer collaboration.
Class 8 gathered for its seventh session in Birmingham, Alabama in early February. Hosted by AutoTec & Companies and ADESA Birmingham, the session presented a robust agenda of industry speakers. Day 1 included discussions led
by Keith Whetter and Kelly McAllister of Liquid Motors; John Poteet of Auction Academy. Day 2 included Chuck Redden of AutoTec; John McElrath & Joel Beck of AutoCheck Auctions; Ben Puckett and Brandon Walton of Auction Insurance Agency; Charlie Adams of AuctionACCESS; and Mike Roy of Arthur J. Gallagher Commercial Insurance. Speaking to the Group on Day 3 of the session were Charlie Vogelheim of Auction Academy; Dusti Daniels, Bo Boshell and Ken Goodwin of AutoIMS; Bryce Beckstrom of ConditionReports.com; and Penny Wanna of Auction Academy. Auction Academy extends its gratitude to AutoTec, and to General Manager Alfie White and the team at ADESA Birmingham for graciously opening their doors and providing a top-tier experience.
Following Birmingham, Class 8 completed its two-year Academy program with a final session and graduation in San Diego, California in conjunction with the CAR/ARA Spring Conference. This session began with a tour of ADESA San Diego, led by auction General Manager Jeff Hyde and key member of his team Denice Sanchez. Class time included presentations by Pierre Pons of Auction Academy, Larry Dixon of NAAA, Cody Boswell of Missouri AA (and Auction Academy Class 1 Alumni), Rich Levene of EBlock Houston and author of leadership book “You are Doing it Wrong!”, and Dale Ainsworth, PhD, MSOD, Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento. The graduation session featured a memorable ceremony and gala attended by a wide network of alumni, sponsors, industry associates, leaders and supporters. It was a fitting send-off celebrating the growth, commitment, and camaraderie developed by the class of 30 students over the course of the two-year program.
Said Pierre Pons, CEO of Auction Academy, “We are extremely proud of the dedication and accomplishment of the Class 8 group as they completed their two-year Academy curriculum and are equally appreciative of the outpouring of support from the Remarketing Industry – as witnessed by a fantastic Graduation Gala.”
Auction Academy’s newest group, Class 9, kicked off its journey with a successful first session in Nashville, Tennessee in February, hosted by Auction Edge and Manheim Nashville where General Manager Steve Robinson and his team led the group on a tour of the auction operation. The session welcomed a new group of industry professionals and included engaging discussions and leadership segments. Speakers included Pierre Pons, Penny Wanna and Charlie Vogelheim of Auction Academy; Julie Warpool, COO of Auction Edge; Penny Wanna on behalf of Mark Coleman, ARA Executive Director; and David Andrews, CEO of Dealers Auction Group; Eric Stevens from Littler Labor & Employment Law Solutions; Becky Anderson, President of CARS Recon; and Jeremy Robb, Lead Economist for Manheim.
Added Penny Wanna, President of Auction Academy, “Class 9 moves the Academy program into our 14th year and continues the development of industry leaders. This first session laid a solid foundation for the two-year journey ahead.”
Each session within Auction Academy is crafted to deliver high-impact learning experiences, combining classroom-style education with real-world exposure, strategic insights, and invaluable networking opportunities. The curriculum includes site visits, field trips, technical certifications and work with industry experts in all areas of auto auction operations. Detailed session schedules, agenda items, and speaker names can be found on the Auction Academy’s website.
“This first quarter of 2025, with three back-to-back sessions, has been one of the most energizing in our program’s history,” said Wanna. “We are so proud of Class 8 and everything they’ve accomplished, and we’re equally excited about the momentum that Class 9 is already building. Our host auctions have been, and continue to be, exceptional partners on this journey, and we thank them for their unwavering support.
“At Auction Academy we look forward to continued growth and innovation throughout the year as we help build the next generation of leaders for the auto auction industry,” Wanna added.