Welcome to our latest '5 Questions with...' article, where we interview the Manheim Specialty Auctions staff who serve our customers every day. Today's interview is with David Thompson, Manheim Specialty Auctions manager at Manheim Southern California.
How long have you been in the auction business, and what sparked your interest in auctions?
Although I've only worked at an auction the last 5 years, I've been in remarketing for about 15 years now. I worked for a major rental car company in remarketing in Chicago and New York. I sold a
portion of my units at auction and in almost all cases the auction was a Manheim auction location. I always had great experiences. What really made me want to work for Manheim came down to a handful of instances. I was at a conference and heard Tom Webb speak and describe Manheim. It sounded like a company I really wanted to work for. Denis Worthy, the GM at Manheim Milwaukee, had a lot to do with finalizing my desire to work with Manheim. I admired the way Denis ran his business. That sold me that Manheim was a company I really wanted to work for. Ed Pullen, now retired GM for Manheim, invited me out to visit his auction and possibly work for him. During my visit I got up on the block and feeling the energy, knew I had to work for the auction. Ed gave me an opportunity and here I am.
Manheim Southern California offers all Specialty categories as well as Heavy Trucks. How do you handle the logistics of so many sales?
I am incredibly lucky to have outstanding support from management, the other departments and a team I would put up against anyone. The desire to perform and work as a team runs very deep at our auction. That coupled with constant, meaningful communication to the right people and working as far into the future as our accounts enable us to it actually runs very smoothly. Sale day is the most relaxed and fun day of the week in many ways.
What are the pressing needs and concerns you hear from customers these days?
The easy answer a customer may shoot off the cuff is often about profit or lot traffic but the real answer is a bit more. Both our 
buyers and sellers are always concerned about leveraging technology to meet their goals. Buyers are especially concerned about finding enough inventory and finding financing sources. All customers also want to make sure they are being treated fairly. So much of what we do is about assuring buyers and sellers are getting a fair deal. It could be run order, taking internet bids v. in lane bids, proper announcements and many other things. Buyers and sellers really want to make sure Manheim and the location(s) they deal with have their best interest at heart.
What is the best part of working at Manheim Southern California on sale day?
The energy and seeing the end result of the efforts of a great team. I mean more than just the auction team here too. I count our buyers and sellers as part of the team. If we don't work together and think of it holistically I think we jeopardize everyone's future success.
Tell us a little about yourself we might not know from seeing you on sale day - hobbies, interests, family, etc.?
I am exceptionally lucky to be a part of a great family. My wife and I have a 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter. There is a lot of energy at our house! Every chance we get you'll find us all at the beach. I really enjoy reading and working out when I can.
Chris Hood is a Senior Marketing Manager at Manheim and has 15 years' experience in auction, sports and event marketing