Page 59 - GIADA-May-2018-Final

FEATURE

Donnie Bazemore: ‘Til the Wheels Fall Off

By Jordan Head, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for GIADA

Donnie Bazemore, General Manager of
Southeastern Auto Auction and GIADA
Board Member, is the essence of longevity
in a career. Having worked at the auction
for over 20 years, he knows a great deal
about holding a successful auction.

“I started working for the auction in
1996 and I’ve been here ever since,”
said Bazemore. “Before that, I was an
independent dealer for 10 years.”

Long-time GIADA member, Bazemore has
benefited from the association as a dealer
and general manager. He explained that he’s
established relationships that he couldn’t
have without GIADA.
“My wife, Becky, worked at my lot when approach. We’ve been very successful.”
“Initially, I got involved with GIADA as a I had it," said Bazemore. “She started
dealer for the coupons,” said Bazemore. her own title business and has been very According to Bazemore, the Southeastern
“Once I became a General Manager, successful in it. Now, she does title work for Auto Auction’s Annual Invitational wasn’t
the membership allowed me to have several franchise stores and independent always the big event it is today. A seasoned
relationships with dealers and meet people businesses. My daughter, Sandy, also does veteran at the Southeastern Auto Auction,
outside of my network. I’ve been with title work with her.” he’s watched it grow over time.
GIADA for nearly 20 years and I’ve gotten
heavily involved for the past five years. Bazemore said he takes “We started the tournament eight years

“I began listening to board meetings and I pride in doing things the ago and have around 125 players already
committed,” said Bazemore. “The first two
saw what they do for dealers,” he continued. right way. When you work years we had people bring their buddies but
“Being a member helps me learn about with a group of hardworking now, it’s invitational for specified dealers.
different scenarios that I can interpret to We’ve gotten a lot more support and
our dealers and customers. I’m very proud individuals, this goal is sponsorships by doing that.”
to be involved with GIADA.” nothing short of attainable.
As for the future, he mentioned that they’ve
Undoubtedly, Bazemore’s love for the “I’m motivated by the group of people that acquired additional property which they
automotive industry surpasses his work. He I have here,” said Bazemore. “Seeing them hope will improve business.
said he’s participated in several races, many grow and learn the business the way I’ve
of which he’s won. learned it is the most rewarding part of my The Southeastern Auto Auction’s 8th
job. We’re one of the most highly regarded Annual Invitational was held May 3, 2018
“I’ve raced for about 25 years,” said in the auction and we take a lot of pride in at Bacon Park Golf Course in Savannah,
Bazemore. “I’ve won a lot of races and that. GA. n
championships. I met a lot of good people
there. Now, I’m just a car owner and my son “I have a passion for both cars and people,”
Donnie drives the car.” he continued. “I believe our employees Please visit our
are the bread and butter of our operation calendar of events
Speaking of his son, working in the and I’m high on them. The owners of the
automotive industry has become a family auction have given me the privilege to do on page 30.
affair for him and his family. what I want and I try to take a hands-on

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