As ServNet auction owners gathered for their Fall Business Meeting earlier this month in Dallas, they marked the changing of the guard as Bruce Beam, General Manager of Dealers Auto Auction of Oklahoma City, assumed the post of ServNet's President for the next two years. He succeeds Eric Autenrieth (Carolina and Indiana Auto Auctions), who moves to the post of Chairman of the Board.
As Beam lays out his leadership agenda for the next two years, his immediate goal is to ensure a seamless transition in ServNet's executive leadership, as John Brasher and Robert Sullivan take over as Executive Director/Administrative Director following Pierre Pons' decision to step down as the group's CEO at the end of the year.
Bruce Beam
General Manager, DAA/OKC
President, ServNet
"Pierre and his team at TPC Management have worked tirelessly to fortify ServNet as an organization and to strengthen ServNet's position in the industry," said Beam. "With John and Bob's experience in the industry, we're looking forward to maintaining our brand and the reputation that ServNet has always enjoyed, building on our previous traditions and events, and expanding our presence in the West."
High on Beam's goals for the group will be a strong focus on the dealer community during his term as ServNet's President.
"Every week thousands of dealers buy vehicles at ServNet auctions," said Beam. "I want to make sure that those customers realize how important they are to us, and to know that when they buy a vehicle from a ServNet auction, they have the benefit of our entire network of auctions."
"In today's remarketing world, auto dealers are sourcing their inventory nationally in ever-increasing numbers. Within the ServNet community, no matter how far away the selling auction is, there's a ServNet auction near to stand behind the transaction," says Beam. "An online transaction at a ServNet auction goes far beyond the computer technology that makes nationally sourcing and purchasing possible. It's important that our dealers know that ServNet's owners work together, so that following the sale, the customer receives the follow-up and support from their local ServNet auction, working with the people they have known for years and do business with on a regular basis."
"The beauty of purchasing a vehicle anywhere within ServNet's national network of auctions is that an online transaction can be made with confidence, with the benefits offered by a dealer's local ServNet auction. Within the ServNet community, no matter how far away the selling auction is, there's a ServNet auction near you to stand behind the transaction," says Beam.
In a competitive marketplace, strong customer relationships and superior service remain the key to success, Beam explains.
"We're seeing a lot of consolidation in the industry, and technology is improving and changing at light speed. While ServNet auctions continue to be at the forefront of the industry in terms of the tools and technology, we remain firmly committed to our customers, continually striving to work harder, do more, and offer better services.
"As independent auctions we have a tremendous advantage: we can make decisions and implement them immediately. Our focus has always been and will continue to be on nourishing strong personal relationships with our customers. Those relationships, which in many cases go back years, even generations with franchise and independent auto dealers, have made ServNet auctions consistent leaders in the marketplace and will continue to set our auctions apart from the competition."
"A dealer can buy a vehicle anywhere, but when it comes to experience, dependability and a full range of services, there's only one choice: a ServNet auction," concludes Beam. "With 22 ServNet auction locations nationwide a dealer can be secure knowing that there's a ServNet auction nearby to help, no matter where they buy. From coast to coast, ServNet has you covered."