Richmond, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA) crowned its 38th Annual Grand Champion Auctioneer in Powhatan, Va Saturday night. This year’s champion is Josh Puffenbarger from Mt Solon, VA. Puffenbarger competed against 13 other auctioneers from across the Commonwealth to take this year’s championship.
“I’m very blessed to win this as a young auctioneer. I’m very excited about that,” says Puffenbarger.
Puffenbarger operates Allied Auctioneers & Assoc., a Virginia-based company serving Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg, as well as Augusta, Rockingham, and Rockbridge counties. This is his fourth time competing in the event.
“This is just complete excitement,” says Puffenbarger. Going forward his thoughts are, “how can I help other auctioneers and how can I become a better auctioneer?”
Puffenbarger is an active member of the Virginia Auctioneers Association, and credits its membership with his career success.
“Every auctioneer that I can think of that has helped me in any way whatsoever has come from the VAA. It’s phenomenal the professionalism that we have here in this association, and the willingness to help.”
The event grades auctioneers on chant, rhythm, presence and auction ability. Competitors also face an interview question to measure their industry knowledge. For decades, this event has brought bid callers from every corner of Virginia to compete for the title. A total of six auctioneers advanced to the final round. They finished as follows:
2nd Place – Daniel Lanier, Hurt Va
3rd Place – Josh Barfield Hallwood, Va
4th Place – James Anderson, Bristol Va
5th Place – Allen Barfield, Hallwood, Va
6th Place – Brad Austin, Glade Hill, Va
Puffenbarger says he competed against great bid-callers. “There should’ve been eight guys in the top six. They are unbelievably good auctioneers, I just had a really good day today and ended up on top.”
The winner will go on to be the face of the Virginia Auctioneers Association for the next 12 months.
“He is a well-deserving champion that will be a great ambassador for the VAA,” says Kelly Strauss, V.A.A. President.
Dixon’s Auctions and Estate Sales in Powhatan hosted the contest. Members of the public attended Saturday’s auction to bid on the items for sale ranging from coins, jewelry to a New Holland tractor.
