Meet NextLot’s Account Associates
NextLot’s live webcasts make online bidding stress-free and user friendly with the help of the people working behind the scenes to ensure client and bidder satisfaction. The company cherishes the energetic and hands-on approach that NextLot’s Account Associates bring to its clients’ auctions. While traveling far and wide, the company’s four Account Associates have experienced the lively and bustling culture of the auction industry. With their flexible attitudes and their innate sense of adventure, the Account Associates set up and facilitate online bidding for auctions in a variety of industries, making the auctions come to life online.
Account Associates travel across the globe to auction sites to assist NextLot’s clients. A crucial component of their day’s work includes cataloging lots. Their pivotal contribution results in the swift upload of online inventory which generates more interest in the auction. A typical day for an Account Associate would also include double checking descriptions, working closely with auctioneers, and running the auctions on-site. When traveling to clients, the Account Associates come prepared with the technology and equipment provided by NextLot to ensure the ease of running online auctions.
Without further adieu, let’s meet the team!
Michael McLaurin
Michael graduated from Appalachian State University and joined NextLot in the spring of 2017. Michael thrives in the auction industry’s competitive and exciting environment. When reminiscing on his travels, Michael shared that he was captivated by an auction he worked in Vermont for a NextLot client in the logging industry due to the beautiful scenery and the unique equipment. His admiration for the outdoors continues in his free time. When he is not working, he spends time with friends by enjoying an outside or mentally stimulating activity.
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve
ever sold at an auction?
A large Caterpillar excavator, for over $150,000.
What part of being an Account Associate do you most enjoy?
It's a toss up between the travel and the freedom. I was seeking a job where I could travel, and the Account Associate position allows me to travel and takes me to destinations I wouldn't necessarily have visited on my own but often times I enjoy. The flexible schedule is invaluable. I believe that everyone should be able to vacation regularly.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
I'm an animated hard-worker who relishes flexibility.
If you won 10 million dollars what would you spend it on?
I would buy a house in Colorado, a mountain bike, a pair of skis, and save the rest.
Stephen Culpepper
Stephen Culpepper graduated from North Carolina State University and has been with NextLot for three years. He values the company culture as well as its innovative way to attract online bidders to auctions in remote locations. While working at auctions, he enjoys collaborating with auctioneers while showcasing his easy-going and social personality. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys to surf, play golf, and fish in warm weather.
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever sold at an auction?
A 2003 LINKBELT LS-248H II Crawler crane for $530,000.
What part of being an Account Associate do you most enjoy?
The flexibility and the travel. I have time off and take great vacations. Also, the job is very character-building.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
I’m reliable, hard-working and an independent worker.
If you won 10 million dollars what would you spend it on?
I would give 3 million away to a really small charity. I got a laptop from my church coming out of high school. It definitely changed my life. I was thinking about creating a scholarship, but I know I definitely want to give back to my church community back home.
Richard Thomas
Richard was born in Greenville, North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University. He has been with NextLot since spring of last year. Richard believes that online bidding is the purest form of sales due to the buyers’ full control and the competition amongst buyers within the industry. He considers himself a virtual auctioneer with the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful places such as Montreal, Quebec, Canada. While working at the auction in Canada, Richard learned how to say numbers in French without any prior experience with the language. When Richard is not traveling for NextLot, he enjoys being outdoors to mountain climb and hike.
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever sold at an auction?
A 2014 John Deere combine for $250,000.
What part of being an Account Associate do you most enjoy?
The opportunity of seeing the continent and traveling. Before the job, I haven’t really traveled very much. Since starting to work at NextLot last year, I have been to 18 unique states, two provinces of Canada, and Mexico.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
Competitive-nature and heavy attention to detail.
If you won 10 million dollars what would you spend it on?
If I didn’t have to spend it, I would invest it and live normally with a lot of savings. If I had to spend it, I would buy a few apartments and houses all around the world. A place in the Rockies, New Zealand, and somewhere in Europe.
About NextLot, Inc.: NextLot provides auctioneers with a fresh approach to online-timed and live webcast auctions by providing extremely easy-to-use, privately branded software for three main auction formats: Timed Auction, Webcast, and Pre-Bid. NextLot believes that auctioneers’ most important assets are their buyers and that these assets should not have to be shared with their competitors on a public portal. NextLot users build brand loyalty while enjoying full control of their customer base, and avoiding exposure to competition. For more information on NextLot, Inc and services offered please visit www.nextlot.com.