Jacob Warren has been named vice president and chief operating officer at Central Arkansas Auto Auction. In making the announcement, auction owner Cole Hooten noted that Warren has been involved in the remarketing industry for 20 years, with a strong background in team leadership and auction operations.

“All of us at CAAA are excited to welcome Jacob to our team,” said Hooten, a third-generation auction owner who, with his wife Brooke Hooten, are managing partners of the auction facility. “His energy and enthusiasm for the auction industry are matched by tremendous skill and experience. We are confident that he will make great contributions to our auction as we build and strengthen our team, our relationships with our customers and our operation.”

Warren’s experience in the remarketing industry began in 2004, when he began working for Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auction as an overnight security guard. From there he moved through various positions and departments and rose to the post of vice president and chief operation officer. He worked as that auction’s general manager for two years following its sale to EBlock in 2022. He attended the National Auto Auction Association leadership institute in 2014, and in 2015 he graduated from Advanced Management Leadership Program. Warren most recently graduated from Auction Academy with top honors as class valedictorian, where he also obtained his IARA CAR (Certified Automotive Remarketer) certification in 2018.

“I’ve admired CAAA as one of the strong auctions in the region and am both honored and excited to join forces with the Hooten family as I move in my new role at their auction,” said Warren. “We share a similar vision and know that the key to an auction’s success is a team of people who feel that they are being led, rather than managed. The Hootens know that people are their most valuable asset, and their genuine regard for personal relationships is evident in all that they do. I am looking forward to great things for CAAA as we move forward.”

Hooten reports that Warren joins the CAAA team as it prepares to expand, having recently purchased 15 additional acres and begun construction of a new auction facility. He targets the opening of the new 8-lane auction and office complex for June of 2025, to coincide with the CAAA’s 21st anniversary.

“We’re ready to take CAAA to the next level, and we know that Jacob will help us to do just that,” said Cole Hooten. “All of us at CAAA are pleased to be working with Jacob and look forward to an exciting future.”

McConkey Auction Group celebrated a successful Rock & Roll Sale hosted by DAA Northwest. The event saw a strong turnout of dealers and industry guests from across the United States, with the highlight being a high-energy performance by Sugar Ray. 

DAA Northwest’s Rock & Roll Sale is the signature event of McConkey Auction Group (MAG). This year’s event, held July 17-18, began with a Wednesday morning sale featuring fleet and dealer vehicles. The appetite for consignment was evident as the sale concluded with an impressive 85% conversion rate. 

The excitement continued as guests returned to DAA Northwest on Wednesday evening for a private party and concert. Sugar Ray had the crowd of 2,100 singing along to their ’90s hits and an array of covers. Mark McGrath, the frontman of Sugar Ray, interacted with the crowd, further amplifying the energy.  

On Thursday morning, dealers and the DAA team returned to the lanes for more consignment. In all, 66% of 2,900 vehicles were sold during the two-day event. “We witnessed synergy between the enthusiasm in the lanes and the energy of the concert,” said Collin McConkey, General Manager of DAA Northwest. “The Rock & Roll Sale isn’t just an event – it is a testament to the relationships we have built with our customers and industry friends.”  

Auction Academy’s Class 8 was also part of the festivities. With staff and 33 of its 35 enrollees making the trip to Spokane, the Academy’s presence bore witness to its continued partnership with MAG and the industry. “The Rock & Roll Sale allowed our students to experience one of the auction industry’s premier events,” said Penny Wanna, President of Auction Academy. “The energy and excitement of this legendary event served as a demonstration of the vibrancy of our industry.” 

The Rock & Roll Sale is more than an auction event – it is a celebration of the strength and vitality of the dealer community and a testament to MAG’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and service. “It has become synonymous with our brand and culture,” says McConkey. 

Monterey Motorsports Festival will return to the beautiful California peninsula this year with another round of engaging, interactive and cutting-edge exhibitions, displays and more. After a harmonious partnership last year, Mecum Auctions, host of The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction, will once again be a sponsor of the event, specifically sponsoring the classic cars area. The 2024 Motorsports Festival will be held on August 17 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. The event will offer a variety of experiences for automotive enthusiasts and will be open to individuals of all ages and interests with the purchase of a single admission ticket. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to select charitable organizations.

“Sponsoring the Monterey Motorsports Festival again this year was an easy decision, as the event proved its industry relevance and ability to engage, impress and educate attendees at its launch in 2023,” said Dave Magers, the CEO of Mecum Auctions. “The festival offers a fascinating and informative arrangement of activities and exhibits that complement Mecum Monterey and other Car Week events. We are excited to be a part of the Motorsports Festival’s assured continued growth.”

This year’s show will feature 22 acres divided into 15 areas of focus, including an impressive collection of classic and modern cars encompassing rare and exotic models from around the world, with special surprises from the aviation sector. Other areas will include large family fun zones, live entertainment including performances by The Globe of Death Squad in the arena, various live music acts, surprise drive-ins during the event, a kids’ area with bounce houses and interactive games, and more. Food and drink options will also be available for purchase, ensuring a welcoming one-stop shop for anyone who loves cars and the automotive industry. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey, Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation and the Monterey County Family Justice Center.

Mecum Auctions has been hosting its live-auction event during Monterey Car Week for over 15 years and will bring 600 vehicles and 100 motorcycles to the auction block at the Monterey Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course this August 15-17. 

America's Group announces the acquisition of Corpus Christi Auto Auction, marking another significant footprint in the company's expansion strategy. This acquisition comes on the heels of the recent purchase of San Antonio Auto Auction, signaling a strong growth trajectory for America's Auto Auction for the next 18 months.

Corpus Christi Auto Auction boasts a 20-acre facility complete with a four-lane auction arena, comprehensive reconditioning facilities, and mechanical services. The auction takes place every Friday at 10:00 AM.

"Acquiring Corpus Christi Auto Auction highlights our commitment to growth and excellence," emphasized Chuck Tapp, CEO of America’s Auto Auction. "We are enhancing our service offerings and strengthening our presence in Texas to ensure our clients receive the best in auto remarketing services.”

BA&W Enterprises Ownership Group, the previous owner of Corpus Christi Auto Auction, expressed positive sentiments about the acquisition. They said, "The sale of Corpus Christi Auto Auction to America’s Group is not just a business transaction, but a merging of shared values. We are confident that it will continue to thrive and offer unparalleled service under the America’s brand.”

This acquisition underscores America’s Auto Auction’s ongoing commitment to growth and innovation. By consistently delivering exceptional service and operational excellence to dealers and institutional customers, America's Auto Auction continues to solidify its leadership in the industry.