Following the retirement this month of former XLerate Group Auctions’ Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction owner and general manager, Eric Wagner was named the new general manager of GKAA.

Wagner brings more than 30 years of auto auction experience for independent and corporate-owned auctions to his new role as general manager. Wagner is originally from Toledo, Ohio, and has managed sales teams and auctions in major markets such as Michigan, Georgia and Florida.

XLerate Group chief executive officer Cam Hitchcock described Wagner’s management approach as a strong fit for the GKAA team.

“His experience with growing consignment and improving technological capabilities are 100% aligned with our strategy for Greater Kalamazoo,” Hitchcock said in a news release. 

Hitchcock added that Don and Harriett DeVries founded Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction in 1976, and XLerate Group auctions acquired the auction in 2015.

“The DeVries family, and Daryl in particular, created a lasting legacy of success and progress at GKAA.  Daryl has set the course for Eric Wagner to continue that trajectory,” Hitchcock said.

Wagner said he was honored to join Greater Kalamazoo, “and humbled to take the reins from a man who is so respected in this industry.”

He continued, “Daryl and his family built a strong and capable team, running an exemplary, highly regarded auction.”

Myrick new GM at Tallahassee Auto Auction

In additional auction news, Tallahassee Auto Auction named Timothy Myrick general manager. BSC America president R. Charles Nichols announced Myrick’s move to the general manager position.

The company said Myrick has worked in operations and, more recently, fleet/lease at Tallahassee Auto Auction. Myrick plans to lead the auction team in continued ongoing growth and expansion projects. He previously worked in his family’s heavy construction business before joining the auction industry.

"Tim will lead the operations and sales teams to the next level with excellent service and the latest offerings in technology,” Nichols said, adding that Myrick will report to BSC America management team member Tommy Rogers.

“BSC America's Tallahassee Auto Auction has seen continued growth in both the dealer and commercial segments of our business,” Rogers said. “Tim's vast auction knowledge and steady approach and familiarity with the Florida Panhandle market will be instrumental as we move forward with our plans for growth and expansion. The additional acreage adjacent to the Tallahassee facility that is currently being developed along with plans for lane expansion and lot improvements will serve us well as we continue to solidify our position as the leading independent auto auction in the Florida Panhandle.”

Myrick said, “Focusing on the customer experience with a down-home approach and family atmosphere will create the best environment for current and new customers alike to do business with Tallahassee Auto Auction. I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate with BSC America's team in the Bel Air, Md., region and incorporate that same attitude of growth and expansion in the Tallahassee region. Continual investments in technology and the latest ideas are a testament to the success and values that we want to bring to our dealers."

BSC America vice president Michelle Nichols-Neff said the company is excited for Myrick to expand his role at Tallahassee Auto Auction.

“His experience and auction knowledge will serve us well as we continue to grow our footprint and develop the relationships that will add to the success in the Florida market,” Nichols-Neff said.

Houston Auto Auction: Strong activity at new facility

In other auction news, Houston Auto Auction said it has seen an “uptick” in consignment and attendance since it marked its 55th anniversary with a grand opening and sale at its new facility three months ago.

Houston Auto Auction said that despite reports of a quiet summer market in other areas of the county, Houston Auto Auction is seeing strong activity in the lanes. Since early May when the auction opened its new facility at 2000 Cavalcade in Houston, it has seen 15% growth in consignment and attendance.

“It has been a busy and exciting summer for us at Houston Auto Auction,” assistant general manager Greg Lawson said. "We moved into our new facility without missing a beat, and both our customers and our auction team members are delighted with all the benefits this great new location affords. With more space, improved efficiencies and exceptional technology, we have the ability to entertain larger clients, add new accounts to our consignment base and offer a superior auction experience to every customer.”