A long time love of antiques and the auction process was fostered by my late grandfather George Smith of Cocke Co. Tennessee. I remember being 4 or 5 years old and being mesmerized by the chant from the auctioneer in the hillside barn auction and wanting to learn how.
Sadly my dream of becoming an Auctioneer came later than I wished. 10 years in the US Navy (1971-1981), College at Francis Marion in Florence SC took another 3.5 years , then working for the OTASCO corporation as a regional manager took another 6 years and after OTASCO owning and operating Volunteer State Trucking and Intercontinental Express both Interstate trucking companies took me into 2000.
Throughout all these years I attended, worked as bid assistant, clerk, cashier, and was a consignor in hundreds of auctions. Finally in 2000, I made time and attended the Nashville Auctioneer School, after which I obtained the Tennessee Auctioneer Apprentice license and studied under Colonel Gerald Smith (no relation) who is now retired. I took all the tests and all the mandated education and did the two years of work required to obtain my Tennessee Master Auctioneer License #5576 in Aug of 2002 in Tennessee. During all this time in Apprenticeship and until moving to NC in 2005 I operated the Maryville Auction Gallery in Maryville TN and sold 4-6 hundred lots twice a month and worked a new merchandise dealer type sale twice a week. Also During this period I was the Lead Auctioneer and Auction manager for Land's End Real Estate and Auction.
With all the varied interests and job assignments my knowledge base is very broad ranging. My personal experience range includes Class 8 equipment, industrial parts production, HVAC, Air Compressors, Cryogenics, Primitives, Antiques, Pottery and more.
I am accredited by The Certified Appraisers Guild of America and able to appraise most any Antique, Estate, Farm, or Business Asset using the guidelines as required by USPAP.
I am also a member in good standing of the National Auctioneers Association. My company adheres to the Codes of Conduct of each organization.