Taylors Businessman Named 2006 South Carolina Champion Rookie Auctioneer

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Being a rookie has its advantages. Such is the case for Scott Ray, CES, of Taylors, S.C. He recently was named Champion Rookie Auctioneer in the 2006 Bid-Calling Contest sponsored by the South Carolina Auctioneers Association (SCAA).

The competition took place in Greenville as part of the SCAA’s Annual State Convention.

An auctioneer for only two years, this was Ray’s first time to enter the competition. Though he is modest about his skills, he said audience members complimented him on his smooth chant and his ability to engage the audience.

“You can memorize a chant or a pattern, but really being interactive is what makes attendees of an auction appreciate you as a bid-caller,” he said.

Ray’s business, Holiday Auction & Realty, specializes in real estate auctions. He became interested in auctioneering as a profession when he was managing his own antiques business in New Orleans. After attending Florida Auctioneer Academy, while on his honeymoon, he and his wife moved to Taylors. He said auctioneering is more engaging and fulfilling to him. His favorite part about it is working with the clients and being able to help people with his skills.
Ray is an active member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS® (GGAR). He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg.
There were two rounds of bidding in the competition. The contestants sold three items during each round and were graded by a panel of judges on the speed, clarity and rhythm of their chants, their eye contact with the crowd, and appearance, poise and body language, among other elements.

As the winner, Ray received a $250 cash prize and a trophy. He also received a paid entry fee for the International Auctioneers Championship, sponsored by the NAA. The event will take place in July as part of the 57th International Auctioneers Conference and Show at the Caribe Royale Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

For more information about Ray and his company, log onto www.auctionSC.com.

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Founded in 1976, the South Carolina Auctioneers Association is a non-profit organization that exists to promote the auction method of marketing through professional and ethical auctioneering practices in the state of South Carolina. Membership is open to auctioneers, auction companies, and associates with an interest in this age-old method of marketing. For more information about the SCAA and its programs, log onto www.southcarolinaauctioneers.org.