On Friday, December 13th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort embarked on an insightful journey to Dinky's Auction Center, hosted by Levi Raber. This visit offered a rare behind-the-scenes look into managing a top-notch auction facility, shedding light on the dedication and expertise required to make such a venture successful.
His passion for auctioneering has been a lifelong pursuit, sharing his personal story and the history of Dinky's Auction Center. Originally established in 1996, the center entered a new era of growth and innovation when Levi and his family took over its operations in 2003. Under their stewardship, the auction center has become a cornerstone of the community, known for its vibrant atmosphere and efficient operations.
He provided the cohort with invaluable advice, particularly on leadership and effective management. He underscored the importance of leading by example, reminding the group, “Don’t ever ask an employee to do something that you would not do yourself.” This principle, he explained, fosters a collaborative and motivated work environment.
Diving into the world of advertising, Levi highlighted a range of strategies to capture and retain customer interest. From word-of-mouth recommendations to leveraging platforms like Facebook, traditional newspapers, and billboards, he shared tips for maximizing impact. In a lighthearted moment, Levi introduced the acronym K.I.S.S.—“Keep It Simple, Stupid”—as a rule of thumb for effective billboard design. His advice extended to always having a backup plan, selling yourself confidently, and the importance of consistent follow-up. Levi encouraged the group to view challenges as opportunities, saying, “Be thankful for your problems; we learn more from our mistakes.”
His conversation touched on several critical elements of success in the auction business. Presentation, he revealed, could boost sales by an impressive 75-90%. He discussed the dynamic differences between live and online sales and stressed the value of cultivating a loyal customer base. Encouraging innovation, Levi urged the cohort to think creatively while cautioning against the assumption that "bigger is always better." He also highlighted how resistance to change often holds people back, urging them to step out of their comfort zones.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort expressed deep gratitude to Levi for his generosity in sharing his time, knowledge, and passion. The visit to Dinky's Auction Center not only provided valuable business insights but also inspired the young entrepreneurs to embrace challenges, think critically, and lead with purpose.
As the cohort continues their journey in the business world, Levi's words and example will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, reminding them of the values of integrity, hard work, and continuous learning.
