The Auction Advocate

To begin a new season of The Auction Advocate, host Taven Wohlford sits down with newly installed National Auction Association President Mike Fisher and Vice President T. Kyle Swicegood for a wide-ranging look at the state of the auction industry. Together, they discuss the changes shaping the profession, the strength of the auction community and how professionals can turn NAA membership into meaningful relationships, greater credibility, continued education and new business opportunities. Mi...

National Auction Association’s Taven Wohlford sits down with the 2025 International Auctioneer Championship Champions Abbey Schmid and Tanner Roberts for a conversation centered around the journey to auctioneering’s biggest stage. From growing up in the industry to handling the pressure of IAC Friday, Abbey and Tanner share insights on preparation, mentorship, authenticity, competition nerves, and what truly separates strong competitors from champions. Plus, the champs get thrown right back i...

The National Auction Association's Certified Auctioneers Institute turns 50 years old in 2026, and on this episode of The Auction Advocate, we’re taking a deep dive into the program that has helped shape leaders across the auction industry. Host Taven Wohlford sits down with John Schultz, CAI, AMM, and Taylor Kent, CAI, members of the 2025 graduating class, to talk through the full CAI experience. From the multi-year structure and business-focused curriculum to the projects, relationships, an...

National Auction Association's Marketing & Digital Media Manager and host of The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, sits down with two women whose work spans fundraising, estates, livestock, real estate, and state leadership. Carol Miller, CAI, BAS, and Suzannah Underwood, BAS, bring different paths and perspectives together in a conversation about building credibility, finding your niche, leading with confidence, and why experience still matters in a changing auction industry. This episod...

National Auction Association’s Marketing & Digital Media Manager and host of The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, talks with three leaders at the center of the NAA Marketing Competition: Susan Campbell from the American Marketing Association of Kansas City, 2025 Campaign of the Year winner Braden McCurdy CAI, AARE, AMM, and Marketing Competition Task Force Chair John John Genovese CAI, AMM, BAS. They share what makes strong auction marketing, how judging works, what trends to watch in 20...