Small Town, Big Bids with Phillip Via of Lucky Dog Auctions
In this episode of The No Reserve Podcast, host Tim Peters sits down with Phillip Via of Lucky Dog Auction & Realty in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Phillip shares how he went from working at UPS, then in landscaping, and then in wireless retail, to starting and selling a buyback business. After that, Phillip attended a local auction, became inspired to start his own auction company, then headed to auction school. He found a facility, renovated it, and launched his first auction in 2017. Phillip also discusses how he switched from live auctions to online-only auctions after the success of a die-cast NASCAR collection auction.
Since then, what began with monthly consignment sales has grown into a five-person team that now leans into equipment auctions, regular firearms auctions under an FFL, and steady local consignments. Soon, their team will be moving to a 14,000 square foot facility on four acres.
Phillip explains how their rural bidders adopted online auctions quickly and why starting with a white label platform helped him build his own audience from day one. For newer auctioneers, Phillip advises to keep things simple. Go online early. Get your real estate license sooner than you think. Say yes to opportunities and bring in partners when needed. Invest in education and relationships through CAI and state or national associations.
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