Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Attorney and the Auctioneer

Most successful attorneys are disliked, most auctioneers have to be liked to be successful. So how is it that Richard Spear, auctioneer, and Richard Peel, attorney, are such good business partners? Despite the apparent incongruity in job requirements Spear and Peel have had a successful working relationship for over 15 years, and maybe it's precisely those qualities that have made them both successful in their respective trades and such a productive pair.

I don't know Richard Peel very well but I've heard stories from Spear regarding, and can personally vouch for his no-nonsense approach to business (and conversation) based on my phone interview with him. He's precise, he answers questions succinctly and without hesitation, there are no "um's" and "ah's" to fill the gaps as he thinks of the right word, he's got the right word, and when the conversation is over you get the impression that he moves seamlessly on to the next activity with the same focus and intensity, as if the conversation had never taken place. I can sense immediately why he's the lead attorney at one of Russellville's most successful law firms.

Peel handles a lot of cases in which a division or liquidation of property is required. When these cases come up he always turns to Spear Auctioneers to get the most out of the property for his clients. He said that the auction method "has been wonderful."

At a Spear Auctioneers auction all clerking is done using a computer system. Buyer and seller information is recorded as the auction proceeds and is transmitted via wireless modem to the check-in/out trailer, which streamlines the process as opposed to the old "pen and paper" clerking system.

"Richard is the only auctioneer that I know of in this area with the computer clerking system which allows for immediate purchases and immediate payouts," Peel said.

The prompt service and past performance were also cited by Peel as reasons why he uses Spear Auctioneers.

"He has a large following that provides you with a ready group of prospective buyers," he added.

As for the benefit of the auction method in general, "I'm always surprised at how much property brings in relation to how much I think it's worth," he continued.

Like Peel, Spear is perfectly suited to his profession. He knows how to put on a show and make an auction not only profitable but entertaining. He's been in the business for over 20 years, which is part of the reason Peel can say that "Richard has an unequalled knowledge of the value of personal property. He can tell you how a sale should go in advance."

Many people would not think that an attorney and an auctioneer would have a whole lot in common, but their dedication to their respective professions and their commitment to their clients is commonality enough to form a strong working relationship. Of course, Spear said, smiling, "I wouldn't want Peel against me in court."

1 comment:

  1. It’s just like the real thing. Simulate the excitement of live bidding, or acting as the fast-talking auctioneer. An interactive group activity that everyone will enjoy.

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