John Magnus has been a licensed auctioneer since September 2009, and is a member of the Indiana Auctioneers Association (IAA) and the National Auctioneers Association (NAA).

With over 20 years of professional experience in another field, John ran his first auction in the state of Indiana in September 2010. Since then, he has held numerous auctions, included Live Auction functionality on his website, added credit card processing, and performed his first "Internet Only" auction.

As a former vice-president for the Business Networking International Association, John understands the importance of successful marketing. Though he knows how to advertise using printed materials such as signs and billboards, John is also Internet savvy. When appropriate for the budget, he combines traditional marketing materials with search engine optimization and online advertising to draw the attention of interested bidders.

From the food industry to auctions.

John’s interest in auctioneering was influenced by his career in the food industry, as well as his membership in many professional organizations such as the Club Corporation of America and the American Culinary Federation.

As a former corporate “Chef of the Year,” he knew how to produce high quality products and services that appealed to a discerning audience, and experimented with creative and award-winning approaches to food and presentation.John also held multiple executive positions. Managing food operations in country clubs and fine restaurants in Kentucky, North Carolina and Indiana, he exercised a talent for managing people, thinking-on-his-feet, innovative problem-solving, and decision-making.

Learning and licensing.

With an interest in lifelong learning, John saw the possibilities in setting up and managing auctions, knowing he could draw upon the skills he developed as a food industry executive. Challenged, John enrolled in, and completed, the 80 hours of coursework required to become licensed. In September of 2009, he passed the Indiana state exam, and is currently licensed in five states: Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan.

Adding depth to his experience, he joined the IAA and the NAA and currently attends regional meetings to soak up knowledge and gain new contacts. John also enrolled in continuing education courses offered by the associations, and attended a joint summer conference hosted by Indiana and Michigan.

For information on upcoming auctions, visit John’s Auctions page. To view a history of auctions worked, visit the Past Auctions page.