On this day on Thanks, our thanks to You

November 26, 2009

Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Friends,

We hope this day finds you safe and sound, and that you are surrounded by those you care about. We know for many, those loved ones may be far away in body, but side-by-side with you in Spirit. As Auctioneers, we have much to be thankful for this year. Our business has stayed strong during difficult times, and we owe our continued success to both the wonderful customers and clients that support us, and the terrific team we have making each sale and event possible. We are truly blessed on many fronts. Thank You for making this day possible for us.

We are thankful for those who stand guard over us, so we may have this day of thanks with our family. To Michael serving overseas in the military; to our good friend Scott manning his firehouse; to all those in public service who put others before themselves… Thank You.

We are grateful that this day our own family will gather here in our home from across the country. We are thankful for the bounty we will have before us as we enjoy the love and laughter that our family brings.

To all of you who made this day possible for us, our deepest thanks. We are only here today because of others.

From Rich and Shannon Schur, and the entire Schur Success Team, Happy Thanksgiving, and God Bless.

A word about our Vets… in addition to “Thanks”

WHAT IS A VET

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity. Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking.

What is a vet?

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

She or he—is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another—or didn't come back

AT ALL.

He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat—but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.

He is the parade—riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.

He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.

He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket—palsied now and aggravatingly slow—who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being—a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You.

That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU."

Remember November 11th is Veterans Day.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It
is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the
soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose
coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

What will tomorrow bring?

No, this is not another political commentary. I was FB IM'ing my brother-in-law, who will soon be a grandfather for the first time. We were chatting about the world that his granddaughter will grow up in. A world that will be very different from the one we grew up in. Here are some of the things we were thinking… what do YOU think tomorrow will bring?

She will miss a world where…

• Cars had gasoline engines
  
• Doors were locked and unlocked with actual keys
  
• Computers had big boxes and cables hooked to them
  
• Telephones sat on desks
  
• Microwave ovens took a full minute to cook food (how awful that wait must have been)
  
• People actually went to stores to buy things
  
• Money was printed on ugly paper and had to be counted by a person
  
• Consumer electronics were mass-produced and not made just for you
  
• Some people actually didn't have cell phones
  
• You sometimes got to put your luggage on a plane without paying extra
  
• People used full words and sentences to communicate
  
• Some people didn't text message each other
  
• Refrigerators didn't have TV screens (the horror)
  
• We only had 3,500 cable channels (what to watch???)
  
• Speeding tickets were actually written by a live police officer
  
• Postage costs less than $1
  

 

What else do you think she will miss?

Reserve or Absolute? What’s the Difference

An excellent question, and one we hear often. In reality, there are several other names that auctions go by (reserve, subject to confirmation, minimum, right to refuse, etc…), but these are your only two categories. According to the UCC (Uniform Commercial Code), all auctions are considered "reserve" unless marketed or publicized as "absolute".

Reserve auction means that the seller has "reserved the right" to establish a minimum price that he will accept before completing the sale. In other words, if the bids don't reach the reserve price, the seller won't sell the item. The reason behind this is simple – it protects the seller. Let's say we're selling a huge excavator for a client, and the client still owes some money on the loan. He needs to make at least a certain amount of money on the item or he won't be able to pay his debt. Rather than let it go for less than he wants, he simply won't sell. Normally, it's not an issue. Auctioneers are pretty good about bringing the buyers to the sale, and pretty good at bringing a price that's fair and reasonable. However, there are some things beyond the control of the seller or the auctioneer.

For example – and I know this is rare in Colorado – a blizzard hits. The sale is set for 2:00, and no one can get there because roads are closed. 2 bidders show up instead of the expected 200. The odds of getting the best price for the seller have now been significantly reduced. If the bids don't reach the minimum amount, the seller is protected and can avoid letting the items go at a loss. The plus side of the "reserve" option is that it protects the seller.

There is another advantage too, in that by not disclosing the reserve to the bidders, the seller can change his mind. He might let the item go for a lesser amount that he thought, if the bidding stalls or falls short. Again, the seller "reserves" the right to sell where he wants to.

There's a downside as well.

Some bidders may be reluctant to attend if there's a chance the items won't sell. It's a risk we take, and a calculated risk. It's right for some sellers and some situations, and not right for others. As a buyer, you may or may not know what the reserve price is. It might be published, or it might not. The theory is that by disclosing the reserve, the seller may end up placing a cap on the bids. If you say the reserve is $7,500, someone who was willing to bid $9,000 may think twice. The flip side is some bidders may not even be thinking their top bid is anywhere close to the reserve, so by publishing it, you may prevent them from bidding. This is not a bad thing in some cases, because you won't be wasting your time or theirs with bids that are beyond their reach or their desire.

In some cases, the opening bid is the reserve price. If the opening bid is met, there's a pretty good probability the item will sell. Again, the seller has the right to accept or reject the top bid.

The other auction type is an "absolute" auction. This means that if there's a bid, the item will "absolutely" sell. No matter the bid. There are pros and cons to this too. An absolute auction is likely to bring a much larger audience to bid, and bidders know that someone (hopefully them) will go home with the item. The seller may actually realize a greater price that what they had hoped for, or what they may have been considering as a reserve. For a motivated seller, this is an excellent option. However, there's one big risk to an absolute. The item will sell, and MUST sell, if it's advertised as absolute. That means if the bids are well below what was anticipated, the item must sell regardless. It's a risk, and one that many sellers are willing to take.

The next question is: "Which one is right for me as a seller?". The answer is: "It depends". It depends on a lot of factors, and these are things we can discuss with you when you are getting ready to sell. Reserve works great in some cases and absolute in others. There's no magic formula, just good old fashioned pros and cons that you need to consider as a seller. Don't worry. We'll help guide you through the questions. Just ask us.

How does a person become an auctioneer?

September 13, 2009

Denver, Colorado

This is a question that we hear quite frequently. It's a good question with a variety of answers. Some people grow up in the business and learn it as a family tradition. Some people simply heard an auctioneer somewhere and decided they could do just as well – and then they do. Others, myself included, learned some by being around auctions, and learned more by going to auction school.

Yes Virginia, there really is an auction school. There are several in the US, and they are all very good. I happened to graduate from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering, based in Mason City, Iowa. The natural follow-up question to that is "what's it like to go to auction school?" I have my opinions and answers, but I have a much better way of showing you.

A good friend of ours, Chris Longley, is going to auction school. Although he works for the National Auctioneer Association (NAA), he's not an auctioneer. But he wanted to learn what it was like, He wanted to experience auction school. This week, Worldwide is hosting a class in Denver, and Chris is attending. And he's blogging. He's added some personal insights, some video, some interviews, and I'm sure a lot more as the week progresses.

Here's your chance to see what it's like, as it happens. You can view Chris' blog at: http://nationalauctioneersassociation.blogspot.com/?spref=fb. I encourage you to watch. It's a glimpse into something very interesting.

In Response to the Article Published in the Boulder (CO) Daily Camera on July 6, 2009.

On July 6^th, Elizabeth Miller of the Boulder Daily Camera published what I thought was a well-written and informative article about storage auctions; including specific information about an auction we had conducted a few days earlier. The article was great – no worries. But the Camera allows people to post comments. Some of the comments showed me that people didn't understand the whole process. Some were downright nasty comments from what I can only consider ignorant, judgmental, and weak people.

To the folks who simply need more information, I have written the following explanation for you. If you need more information, please call me. I'd be happy to answer your questions. For you ignorant, hate-filled people; you can just skip to the last few lines, since knowing the truth and the facts clearly has no bearing on your opinions.

Storage Auctions 101
By Rich Schur, Auctioneer
Schur Success Auction Services

Let's get the rest of the story out in the open. Storage Auctions are a necessary evil. We know, and our clients know, that when we show up to an auction, that EVERY possible effort has been made to settle the renter's debt and that those efforts FAILED. We don't randomly select units and say "gee, let's sell this one". Units that ultimately end up at auction are there for one reason and one reason only: The renter has failed to comply with the terms of an agreement that THEY CHOSE TO SIGN, and that all reasonable collection & settlement efforts have failed.

Let's start at the beginning. Colorado law (38-21.5-101), is very specific when it comes to storage liens. Our clients follow the law and follow standard industry practices, or we will NOT work for them.

1. When a renter enters a storage facility and asks to rent a space, he does so willingly and by choice. No one from my company or the storage center forced the transaction.
   
2. When they enter the facility, they will see a large sign that says "All articles stored by a rental agreement, and charges not having been paid for thirty days, will be sold or otherwise disposed of to pay charges."
   
3. They then sign an agreement in which they promise to pay a monthly fee in exchange for the privilege of storing their possessions on the property. This agreement says very clearly that there are penalties for late payments, and that should late payments exceed 30 days, the center has the right to sell the contents at auction.
   

Considering the above, there's no reason why a renter should be "surprised" that their unit might be up for auction. Having said that, lot's more activity takes place before a unit is sold.

I can't speak for all storage centers. I can only speak from the experience I have with my clients. Most facilities send monthly reminders that payments are due. Once payments are late, additional emails are sent or personal phone calls are made. If those efforts are unsuccessful, management may "overlock" or lock-out the renter so they must come to the office before they can enter the unit.

If these efforts fail, then letters are sent to the renter's address (the address that they provided on the rental agreement). If these letters fail to solicit a response, then Certified letters are sent to the renter. These letters warn that if the renter fails to take care of their obligations, the storage center has little recourse but to proceed to auction.

But wait, we still don't go to auction yet. Despite emails, letters, phone calls, and certified letters, more collection efforts are made. Additional phone calls. Additional emails. If these attempts fail, then the storage center sends notice to the local Sheriff of the pending auction, and publishes warnings in the legal notice section of the local paper. This legal notice has to be published for two consecutive weeks before the auction takes place.

So, at minimum, it takes 30 days of being late before a unit goes to auction. That's assuming we have room on our schedule for the sale. Usually, we book auctions more than 60 days out. During this 60 day period from the renter being late to the auction, management continues to make collection efforts.

Let's understand a very basic principle. Auctions rarely generate as much money as the renter owes. Therefore, it makes much more sense to collect than to sell. In most cases, management delays going to auction for much longer than 60 days. Some of our clients will wait months and months before they resort to an auction. It's not uncommon for units to sit for 6 months to a year before we go to sale.

Remember this too. Storage facilities are a business. Like hotels, like apartments, like retail space. Facilities are built so that others could rent the space. No one goes into ANY business to work for nothing. People who don't pay their bills are a) defaulting on a contract that they chose to enter, and b) depriving the property owner of their rightful rents. Spaces that are in default cost the facility money. Why shouldn't they be permitted to empty the unit and get a PAYING renter in the space? If you rent an apartment and don't pay your rent, you get evicted. Liens are placed against your property. This is no different.

But wait, there's more. Most facilities would rather negotiate with a renter and reach a settlement, than go to auction. There's less liability, and more debt recovery. If renters simply make this effort, they could very likely avoid auction, and also avoid going to collections. When a unit goes to auction, the difference between what's owed (a lot) and what's recovered (much less) is sent to collections.

Do I feel bad? No. I don't like seeing people lose their personal keepsakes, and many of our locations will collect them from the auction buyers so they can be returned to the renter – even when the renter has failed to pay their bills. Most storage auction buyers are good, understanding folks, who will do what they can to return important papers, photos, and personal keepsakes.

The problem is, most renters who let their units go to auction can't be found. They don't answer calls. They ignore emails. They fail to respond to letters and publication. They make no effort to contact storage management or make arrangements to settle their debts. What choice does management have? Usually – none.

Remember this too: Since the auction is designed to recover debt, the greater the unit sells for, the less money the renter will still owe. That's where we come in. We're experts. We run a clean operation. We bring in more bidders and more revenue than any other auctioneers. If anyone can help these renters come close to settlement, we can.

No one in an auction crowd caused the situation. It is an unfortunate circumstance, but a circumstance in which the renter has tremendous control. This is ultimately a result of choice, not mine, not the facility, but a choice by a renter to not honor their obligations.

As to your comments about me and Twinkies… I like Twinkies. I'm 6'0" and 250+. I'd like to see you say that to my face. You know how to find me. My schedule is posted on my web site.

As to your ignorant comments equating what I do as a professional auctioneer to the Nazi SS: I spent years putting my life on the line protecting my community. I have relatives that survived the Holocaust. I DARE you to make those comments to my face. That's what I thought. It's easy to insult people anonymously with a hidden identity. You don't have the courage to own up to your hatred. I guess I'll never see you at my auctions. What a relief.

Sincerely,

Rich Schur

Professional, licensed Auctioneer

Realty or Auction? Why choose? We’re now fully up and running to do both – even better than before.

It's Official!

We've joined forces with our good friend and Realtor, Larry Deaton, and we've opened Schur Success Realty & Auction, LLC an auction company specializing in real estate. Or, if you prefer, a real estate company specializing in auctions. Either way, we'll be selling real estate through the auction method of marketing.

In 2007, auctioneers sold more than $58 billion in residential, agricultural, and commercial real estate. Despite the hard economy and the dip in traditional real estate sales last year, real estate auctions actually increased by five percent. We believe in the auction method of marketing for real estate so much that we formed a new company to specialize in it.

Although we've been auctioning real estate for many years, it's always been through informal agreements with realtors or brokers. Now, we have a formal structure and a true professional at the helm. Larry has been selling real estate through auction for many years. He came to Colorado about two years ago from Memphis, where he sold properties of all types. Since Larry has been here, he has become a trusted member of our regular auction team and a good friend. We've worked jointly on the last few real estate auctions we conducted, but it was his company partnering informally with our company.

With the new partnership and company, Schur Success Realty & Auction will be able to tap into the nearly 30 year history of Schur Success, as well as our marketing and logistical support abilities. We'll also be able to tap into Larry's tremendous ability to network and make friends, combined with his experience and expertise in realty auctions. Combined we're a powerful marketing and sales company. Larry (who has his AARE – Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate), is not only a realtor, auctioneer, and broker, but he's the new company president.

When we contract to sell real estate that also has assets to sell, we have a ready-made company all set to step in and handle the whole liquidation – land, buildings, and contents. The whole nine yards (or at least the front and back yards).

The auction method eliminates several awkward aspects of traditional real estate transactions. The "make an offer, wait for a counter, counter the counter, wait for another counter" timeline disappears. Everyone makes their offers at one time – by bidding. If you want the property, your offer (bid) will be higher than the other offers (bids), that of course, you will hear immediately. You'll know by the end of the sale if you get the property of not. The mystery is gone. The bidder across the room just "countered" your offer. Now you can "counter" his all you want.

Another great aspect is that the closing and sale is on a set time line. The auction will be on a certain date. The closing will be within a short time frame from that point (usually 30 days or less). That means you don't have to list your property and wait 3, 6, 12 months or more to see if an offer will come in. It will come in on auction date. A date that you choose. This means significantly reduced holding and carrying costs, as well as reduced liability and risk.

If you'd like to learn more about realty auctions, just call or email Larry. He'd be happy to speak with you and help you learn all of the pros and cons of real estate auctions. We love working with other realtors, and pay cooperating commissions when you participate in the sale. Want details? Call Larry.

See you at an auction soon!

You can reach Larry toll-free at (877) 975-6789, or via e-mail at Larry@SuccessRealtyAuctions.com.

Storage Auctions – NOT a “get rich quick” scheme

We had an interesting phone call yesterday. Someone was asking questions about storage auctions. That's not so unusual. We get those calls every day. This call lasted more than ½ hour. She was asking great questions, like "how can I make thousands of dollars on each unit?" and, "Who will help me move all the heavy stuff?"

The good news is she listened and asked lots of questions. She learned that it's not a slam dunk.

Here are a few key tips to being successful at storage auctions:

• You won't make thousands of dollars on each unit. If you buy right, you'll make a few bucks.
  
• You won't make your money overnight. You need a place to sell your stuff, and people to buy it. That means Craig's List, E-Bay, Garage Sales, Yard Sales, and other similar outlets.
  
• Not everything you buy is worth money. You're buying things other people have stored, and then didn't pay for. Maybe they hit some trouble and couldn't pay for their prized possessions. Maybe they chose not to pay because their stuff wasn't worth the rent. You won't know until you go through every box, bag, drawer, and item.
  
• You'll throw a lot of stuff away. Think about who's going to help you carry it, where you will dump it, and what dumping it will cost you.
  
• You can't see everything you're bidding on. You're not allowed in the unit, so you should bid on what you can see. Is there a Ferrari hiding behind the boxes? Maybe. Probably not. I wouldn't bet on it and neither should you.
  
• I don't need a lot of money to get started. Maybe, define "a lot". True, some units sell for $5. Some sell for more than $5000. On average, a decent unit will cost you around $200, maybe more. And you'll have to put up a cash deposit for your unit, usually $50 for the first unit, and $100 for 2 or more, at each location. Do the math. You buy three units, and two different locations in a day. That's $600 for the units, and another $150 for the deposits. That's $750 in a single day. And it is all cash. NO checks, NO credit cards, and no, you can't go to the ATM. Cash in your pocket, when you bid. Don't worry. Get all three units cleaned out in the next 48 hours, and you'll get your deposit back.
  
• There's more details to think about, such as "Where am I going to put this stuff?", and "Who will help me move this stuff?", and "do I have a big enough vehicle to haul it all?". Answer those questions and you're on your way.
  

The good news is that you can make some decent money buying storage units, and there are bargains to be found. But it's not a "get rich quick" plan. It's a business plan. Buy the units smartly, go through them thoroughly, sell them well, and you can make a profit. We have sold almost 700 units in the past six months, so someone is making a buck or two. And yes, sometimes you'll find that coin collection, or that nice Rolex watch, or a case of DVD's that have some value. That's the fun.

As a bonus, the folks who go to storage auctions are great people. Our advice is to come and watch a few auctions before you ever bid. We have over 100 locations, so you should be able to find one close to home. Leave your money at home the first time or two, that way you can't make any mistakes bidding. Then venture out and buy a unit or two. It's a treasure hunt, and you'll enjoy it if you do it right.

Still have questions? Ask them. We're glad to help.

As much as we love auctions, this is better…

April 4, 2009, Denver, CO

We have a pretty darn good crew. In fact, we kind of feel like we have a family. In a real sense, we do. Pat & Randy Evans are two incredibly valuable crew members, with Pat running the office for us at sales, and Randy taking charge on set-ups and working as a ringman, spotter, runner, crew chief, cook, transport engineer, and a host of other things. Pat & Randy have three very sweet daughters. While all three girls work for us on occasion, Alicia, the youngest is a regular part of the crew.

This morning, at 6:27 am, Alicia became the proud mother of a beautiful little girl, that she and the father Phil named "Madelyn Mae". The little tyke, well the 9 lb tyke, wasn't too keen on the idea of coming into the world the normal way, so she was delivered by c-section. Mom and baby are doing fine. Proud Father, Grandpa, Grandma, aunts, and extended family are all fine also, and I'm sure they're all tired.

Although they are not "our" kids and grandkids, we're grateful none the less for this blessing in our lives. Madelyn will most assuredly be spoiled as only a grandchild can be. Side note to our kids: we're quite satisfied at this point in time as adopted grandparents. We don't need any of our own yet. As another side note, Pat, you lose the bet… you became a grandma first!

So, as the business world flies by us each day in a flurry of activity, we're thrilled to remember what makes us truly happy – family.

Welcome to the world Madelyn… And welcome to the Schur Success Auction family. You'll be clerking sales before you know it.

What’s a CAI?

March 22, 2009

What's a CAI? Simply put, it's the most advanced industry certification an auctioneer can earn. Like most professions, those who seek to advance their learning and ability attend continuing education. In our industry, it's the pinnacle of training. Less than 10% of NAA (National Auctioneer Association) members have earned this title, and less than 1% of all auctioneers have earned the coveted CAI.

CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute), is a three-year program hosted by the National Auctioneers Association Education Institute that requires auctioneers to attend intensive training, for one full week a year, over a three year period. The training includes finance, technology, legal, marketing, sales, and a host of other topics that address the business side of the auction industry. Until an auctioneer completes all the requirements of the course, they are considered "candidates". Candidates must complete an intensive project each year to qualify for certification, and must pass daily exams. Once a candidate earns the designation, they need to complete continuing education each year.

So what? So, it means a CAI graduate has dedicated themselves to staying abreast of industry changes. It means that a CAI graduate is doing everything possible to provide their clients the best service in the industry. It means that as a buyer or a seller, you're working with a true professional that is dedicated to doing the best job possible to make your auction experience a positive one.

Why do we discuss this? Because Rich is a candidate in his second year toward his certification, and Shannon earned hers in 2004. This means that Schur Success Auction Services is an industry leader and works hard to do right by you, our buyers and sellers.

Questions? Ask us, we'd love to tell you more.

Schur Sets New Record for Self Storage Auctions!

Colorado Springs, CO

January 30, 2009

Schur Success Auction Services has set a new record and is "leaps and bounds" ahead of last year's record-setting storage auction sales, according to CEO Shannon Schur. Schur said that she had record growth in self-storage unit auctions in 2008, with a year-end figure of well over 1200 units sold. She said that 2009 is already off to a record-setting pace. "In 2007, we finished the year with a record of more than 900 units sold. In 2008, we shattered that record with just under 1250 units sold, or an average of about 104 units a month. We finished the first month of 2009 with 235 units sold, more than twice the average of last year, and a 60% increase in units month-month over January of 2008".

Schur credits the growth to both higher levels of non-payment, most likely economy related, and to the increased number of clients that the company serves. "With three full-time auctioneers handling storage units, we're able to serve a broader client base" she added. The company handles accounts as far south as Pueblo and as far north as Cheyenne, with 99 locations currently under contract. Schur Success Auction Services schedules storage auctions in groups or "runs" that allow buyers to make a full day of buying, making the buying process easier and more efficient. According to Dax Gillium, Senior Auction Manager for the company, new buyers show up at nearly every sale, and the crowds have grown some in the past two years.

Bargain-hunters often attend storage auctions looking for that "hidden treasure" that may be lurking behind a bag or box. New buyers tend to bid a little higher than the experienced buyers, but learn the hard way that there may be hidden costs in the process including labor, dumping, and extended storage fees. Experienced buyers have learned to "read" the unit to help them determine value. Veteran buyer Randy Evans said "there are always clues to the value or hidden cost of a unit – it just takes a little time to learn what to look for".

Schur said that new buyers are encouraged to attend and watch before they start actually buying units. "They can learn a great deal by watching the professional buyers" she said. Wise buyers can make a great deal of money on E-bay, Craig's List, or through garage and yard sales. Schur added that "auctions do occasionally cancel, and buyers should check website schedules the night before they plan to head out". Renters may pay their outstanding bills and fees anytime up to the start of the auction.

For a list of storage auctions and other information about the process, click on the website for Schur Success Auction Services.

Schur Success Auction Services: Winners Again! What it means to you…

Denver, CO 1/13/2009

This past weekend was the 2009 Annual Conference for the Colorado Auctioneer Association (CAA). Not only did more than 60 of the State's finest auctioneers and staff attend great seminars, enjoy wonderful food and social time, but new champions were named. We have a new Colorado State Champion Auctioneer, Steve Linnebur, and the Runner-up is our very own Adam Kevil. We're very proud of both of them.

In addition to the auctioneer championship, there was a marketing contest. Auctioneers submitted advertising and marketing materials which were displayed throughout the conference. Fellow auctioneers reviewed the materials and casted their votes. This means the winners were selected by our peers. For the second year in a row, we came home with multiple awards for our marketing!

This year, we won the award for four-color marketing (industrial or commercial equipment) and for our website (www.Success-Auctions.com). This means our peers chose us over our competitors as the best in each of these categories. For us, it means we get to take home a beautiful plaque for each award, and the pride that come with winning.

For you, it means our marketing efforts work, and your sales will get the best possible exposure. Marketing is what makes auctions work. It allows people to know that you have something to sell, and gives them a chance to get excited about buying. The better the marketing, the better the sale. It's that simple. When our peers recognize our efforts, it just shows that we're doing things right.

Our website is in a constant state of improvement. It's designed to allow buyers to navigate easily and find the sales and items they're looking for. Our print marketing materials are designed one at a time, to ensure each sale gets the best possible exposure and layout. We work hard to make your sales special, that's why we do it. Everything from our logo and colors, to our layout and the "look and feel" of each piece or web page, is designed for maximum exposure.

We're very proud of our awards, and we'll work hard to keep winning them. Our competition does good work. So do we. As we improve, so do they. As they improve, we'll improve more. One of our company missions is to win every possible marketing category each year. We want our efforts to stand out above the rest, and we think they do. Personally, I think we could have won more awards this year, but we were not allowed to win the same category two years in a row. But next year, who knows.

Looking for an auction company that will bring the buyers and give you the personal attention that you deserve? Call us. When we say "Our Process is Personal", it's more than a tag line – it's our way of doing business.

Have a safe and happy new year!

We’re the Lucky ones, for having had the honor of knowing Robert “Lucky” Luedke, 1923-2008

Lucky has been coming to our auctions for years. He was a regular fixture who had a kind word and a smile for everyone he met. There isn’t a buyer in the crowd who didn’t know Lucky. We are as fond of him as he is of us. Well maybe. He did give Shannon a bit of a hard time when we got married, because he felt Shannon should have chosen him instead of me – all in fun of course. Lucky was a faithful husband to Lucille, his wife of 60 years.


To look at Lucky you’d never know the full story. White beard, slow-moving, and mostly rolling about the auction in a wheelchair, you’d never know the story behind Lucky, and how Lucky got his name.


Lucky served our country as an Air Force pilot for 20 years. He survived not one, but four plane crashes, including the now-famous 1947 crash if the B-29 “Kee Bird” (click here for more). The Kee Bird was later located and the subject of several recovery and restoration efforts.


Lucky left the military and later became the Sultan of Scrap, finding treasures in old buildings and of course at auctions. If he couldn’t find a new home for something, he’d scrap it and recycle it. He loved what he did and it showed.


We won’t have the pleasure of Lucky’s company any more. On November 15, 2008, Lucky left this world for another. He will always be with us in Spirit. We’re honored that he chose to buy at our auctions, and share some of his amazing life with us.


You may have earned the name Lucky, but we’re the lucky one for knowing you.
Happy Landings Lucky – We’ll miss you.


For more information about Lucky and his amazing story, see the following websites:

http://www.allstatescremation.info/Obit.aspx?obitID=406&BLT=67c0b267-a354-4520-9188-875c158249b1

http://tripatlas.com/Kee%20Bird

Wonderful Westword article on Lucky: http://www.westword.com/1998-03-19/news/lucky-strikes/

Schur Success Auction Services surpasses 1,000 Storage Units Sold in a single year!

November 7, 2008, Colorado Springs

Schur Success Auction Services C.O.O. Rich Schur announced today that for the first time, the company has sold more than 1,000 self-storage units in a single year, well ahead of projections. "Based on our continued growth and expansion of services to new Self-Storage Clients in Colorado, we've experienced more than 25% growth in storage auctions this year". He added "with positive customer referrals and a more aggressive marketing campaign, we're now serving nearly 100 locations". "With 2 months left in the calendar year, we're likely to hit the 1100 unit mark, clearly making us the largest self-storage auction provider in Colorado".

The economy is surely a factor in the need for more auctions, and despite the tremendous growth in the number of units sold (compared to this same period last year), the average sale price per unit has dipped by about 15%. 'That's good news for auction buyers, and a reality check for storage center owners and managers" said Schur.

Storage units go to auction only when all other collection methods have failed. The clients that Schur provides service to pride themselves on working with their renters to collect payments and avoid auctions. Knowing that auctions tend to bring in significantly less than what the renter owes, auctions become the last resort. However, once the auction is completed, the storage facility still has the right to pursue collections – and many choose to do so.

Schur Success Auction Services (formerly Ray Fenter & Associates), has been providing auction services to self-storage centers for more than 20 years. In the last four years, it has become a market niche that Schur has targeted. In 1995, the company served less than 40 facilities. Since that time, the company has expanded its services to 96 locations. In addition to providing the on-site auction services, the company also provides a lock-cutting and inventory service to more than half of their clients. This service provides an extra layer of protection to the renter and the self-storage facility by providing a third-party witness to ensure the procedure is done properly. By providing both the lock-cut and the auction services, Schur can ensure the integrity of the unit from the time it is locked-out until the time it is sold.

Schur Success Auction Services Awarded 5 Year Contract with CSU!

Ft. Collins, CO

October 15, 2008

Schur Success Auction Services has been awarded an exclusive 5-year contract to provide auction service to Colorado State University (CSU) in Ft. Collins. The company conducted a surplus equipment auction for the University in August which brought out more than 150 bidders. Since then, CSU posted a bid notice through the State Bid system that they were looking for a long-term contract with an auction services provider. Schur Success Auction Services completed the bid process, and after rigorous review, was awarded the 5-year contract.

"CSU will hold three or four auctions each year" said Rich Schur, auctioneer, "consisting of vehicles, furniture, computers, electronics, tools, lab equipment, and other surplus goods that the University no longer needs". The sales are open to the general public and there are always bargains to be found.

The next auction has not yet been scheduled, but should be shortly.

Details can be found at the Schur Success Auction Services website, www.Success-Auctions.com

But no one told me the auction rules!!!!

September 3, 2008

But no one told me the auction rules!!!!

I heard that comment today from a bidder who had never been to an auction before. I can see where not knowing the rules would lead to confusion and even frustration. But there is a solution. Auctioneers want you to know the rules. The more you know about the rules, the more likely your auction experience will be a pleasant one. There are no "secret" rules. We'll tell you what you need to know. In fact, we usually tell you everything in more ways than one.

All auctions have rules, and they are commonly referred to as "terms and conditions". We'll tell you the terms and conditions at the beginning of a sale through our announcements. We'll provide you with a copy of the terms and conditions when you accept a bid card. In fact, the bid card is actually a contract. Yes, a contract. It tells you what the rules are, and it tells you what is expected of you. By signing for a bid card, you have agreed to accept these rules and abide by them. So, your signature on a bid card means you have signed a legal contract with the auctioneer and the seller. Like most contracts, a bid card has terms and conditions that will usually explain the consequences of not abiding by the contract.

Here's the most important part of a contract – READ IT! If you wouldn't sign a contract without reading it completely, then don't sign a bid card without reading it. We'll gladly let you look it over before we ask you to sign. In fact, we prefer it. We'd be happy to explain anything you have questions about. If you don't like the terms, then don't sign the contract. Of course, that also means you won't be able to bid or participate in the sale.

We try to give you other ways to know the rules as well. Many of the rules are posted on signs when you register or where the sale auctioneer is conducting the sale. We usually put the full terms and conditions on our website for each sale as well, so you have an opportunity to review them before you even choose to attend the sale.

Still not sure what the rules are? ASK! Our staff wants you to have a positive auction experience. We'll do our best to help you understand BEFORE you bid. However, we'll assume that because you're bidding that you know the rules. If you're really not sure, then the only answer is "don't bid".

The bottom line is that rules exist at auctions – most are in place to ensure that the sale runs smoothly and that there are no disputes. But one rule is universal: by entering or offering a bid, you're telling the seller and the auctioneer that you agree to the rules. So, unless you know what the rules are, find out before you bid. We'll all have a more pleasant experience this way.

If you have questions about these rules, feel free to send me an email at rich@success-auctions.com. I'll do my best to help you understand.

We'll see you at our next auction.

Mystery Shopping at Casinos – nothing to do with Auctions

August 4, 2008 – Denver

Do you like to gamble in Central City? Do you like good customer service? Do you like good food? If your answer is YES, then we may have a connection for you. Magnum HR conducts mystery shopping inspections of a casino every week, and we need some new shoppers. Shoppers evaluate the service they receive from individual employees, as well as the overall service and quality of the casino, hotel, and restaurants.

In return for submitting a minimum number of evaluations, we pay most expenses for you and a guest, including meals, tips, and hotel fees. Gambling is required at your own expense = but you keep what you win.

You must be 21, have good writing skills, and be able to complete on-line survey forms in a timely fashion. You must provide your own transportation.

PS. You'll also receive a check for conducting the surveys.

If you are interested, send an e-mail to: rich@magnumhr.com and you'll get more details by email. Shops are available for overnight trips any day of the week, or single day trips any day of the week.

Good luck!

City of Denver to Auction Toyota Prius Hybrid Sedans

July 29, 2008 Denver, CO

On Saturday, August 2, the City and County of Denver will sell 8 Toyota Prius Hybrid sedans, all 2001 model year vehicles. The cars range from 73,000 miles to 100,200 miles, and will be sold at public auction at the City's Surplus Equipment sale along with other cars, trucks, tractors, lawn equipment, and other surplus items.

"We expect these vehicles to sell well" said Shannon Schur, CEO of Schur Success Auction Services, "but we don't expect to see any record-breaking prices" she said. "The City is selling these vehicles to make room for newer replacement vehicles that are joining the fleet" she added.

The auction is open to the public, and starts Saturday, August 2, at 9:00 am. The sale will be held at the Public Works Maintenance Facility, 5440 Roslyn, Denver. The vehicles may be inspected on Friday the 1^st from 9-3. Payment for these vehicles or any purchase made at the auction will be due immediately, and prospective bidders should check with the auctioneer for the full terms and conditions. Details can be found at http://success-auctions.com/?Auction=8

Just to be clear… There are only a few Red Rocks Benches available

10:13 pm, July 15, 2008 Denver

The media has given a great deal of attention to the sale of benches from Red Rocks Amphitheater. We appreciate the coverage and their help in getting the word out about these valuable pieces of history. Just to be clear, for right now we have only a limited number of benches available. What you see on the on-line site (www.Success-Auctions-Online.com) is ALL we have right now. We can't find row 1 for you nor can we find seat 77. Just what's on the auction site.

This is the first time we've offered Denver memorabilia online like this. However, perhaps with all of this demand, we might get more benches to sell. In the meanwhile, there's just a few, so don't miss out.

Thanks for your interest, and we hope to see you on-line!

Red Rocks Amphitheater for sale – one piece at a time!

July 13, 2008 Denver, CO

Well, not the whole theater. The City & County of Denver is selling a few of the original old-growth benches to hobbyist or collectors who want to own a piece of history. Red Rocks is renovating and replacing the old wooden benches. In order to make the pieces available to the community, the City has chosen to sell a limited number of the seats through its on-line auction site, http://www.success-auctions.com/.

The pieces, sold in small lots, all measure approximately 2 ½ x 5 1/2 inches, and range from 5 feet to 10 feet in length. All are original, old growth, clear heart lumber, and many still have the original seat numbers on them. There are only a few lots available, and the auction ends this coming Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 5:00 pm Mountain.

According to Kris Deutmeyer, City of Denver Purchasing Dept., “The City wants to make sure we do what’s right and dispose of these items properly”. He added “we’ve had lots of inquiries from people who want to own a piece of Red Rocks, and this is the best way to do it”.

“We’ve sold Denver artifacts for years” said Shannon Schur, CEO of Schur Success Auction Services. “This is just another piece of Denver History being made available to the pubic – it’s just the first time we’ve done it exclusively on-line” she said.

The wood can be milled and used for other projects, or simply saved as-is for a memento. Anyone who's ever been to the beautiful outdoor theater will appreciate the memories such a piece will bring. Will it have collector value? Who knows? All we know is, if you want it, you can "get a piece" for just a short time.

For Here or to Go? A lesson in customer service.

I stopped at a popular fast-food restaurant today, and ordered a soda and an ice-cream cone. Not a difficult order by any means. The rub came when the cashier asked "for here or to go?". Really? Does it matter? Are you going to respond differently when I say "here" as opposed to "to go"? Are you going to put he cone in a bag?

The point is, customer service has become substandard, and we, all of us, have accepted that fact. We are ok with pitiful service. We're ok with being ignored. If the cashier looks at us, we feel honored. If they get most of our order correct, we're happy. "Have a nice day" has become cliché. I don't know about you, but I don't like it. Not one bit.

I've chosen to do something about it. If I get poor service, I'll let management know. If they don't seem to get it, I let their bosses know. But I also let management know when I get good service. I'll thank the server, and ask for the manager. I'll explain why I'm pleased. I'll tell them why I appreciate the care I was given. It's not a matter of how much I spend, but rather a matter of the attitude of the person taking care of me.

Our tag-line at Schur Success Auction Services is "our process is personal". That means we should be paying attention to you as an individual. We should be listening to what you say, answering your questions, and generally make you feel valued as a customer. You are important to us. We should demonstrate this attitude with every interaction we have with you. Every time. Without you, we're out of business.

You're entitled to be treated as an individual - an individual that matters to us and our staff. I want to make sure we are doing just that. Please let me know how we're doing - good or bad - because what you say is important. Call me. (866) 290-2243, x 2. And thank you.

Rich

Why Auctioneers prefer not to quote rates over the phone…

The answer's simple really. We want to make to make sure we price our service properly, and since every sale is unique, our pricing structure needs to be customized for each seller. Let's start with the basics.

Auctioneers are commissioned sales people. By and large, we earn our money by doing a good job of selling your assets. What we sell, who we sell it to, how much we have to sell, and how much it will bring are all questions we ask before we set a fee or a rate. Here are a few of the key issues we need to explore before we set a price.

Labor: In order to sell your assets, we need to determine how much labor it will take to set up or stage your property. It takes a lot more time and effort to set up a restaurant for auction than it does a small fleet of vehicles. Will your auction attract a small crowd or a large crowd? Labor is one of our biggest expenses, and we need to have a pretty good idea of what it will take to make your event a success, whether it's 2 people or 15.

Assets: What we're selling makes a difference. An all day sale that nets $10,000 will have a significantly different price structure than a 2-hour sale that nets $250,000. Larger revenue sales don't necessarily mean higher costs. Will we be selling just a handful of items or will we be selling hundreds or thousands? Are the items fairly common or extremely unique? What you're selling, and how much it could potentially bring, is a huge factor in how we set fees.

Location: Are we selling from your location, or are we moving your merchandise? There are costs involved in moving things, and we need to calculate the pros and cons of selling on-location versus selling elsewhere.

Technology: Will this auction be simulcast on the internet? This option might bring more bidders or larger bids, but there's a cost involved in bringing reliable technology to the sale. There's also a cost of having the staff available to operate the systems, whether we use our staff locally or outsource it.

Will we need to bring in audio or visual equipment for the sale to be a success? What about pre-catalog inventory? How much time will be needed to photograph each item? Technology adds an element to sales that needs to be factored in.

There are dozens of questions we need to ask to make sure we're conducting an auction event that meets your expectations and brings us both a valuable return on our investments. We prefer to ask you these questions in person, or somehow get an idea of what we're dealing with before we tell you "how much".

Some auctioneers will quote their rates to you over the phone, without knowing all of the details of your sale. They may be very confident that their rates will be appropriate to cover their expenses and earn their profits. Some auctions are so similar to other auctions that we can do that without hesitation. For example, we conduct storage auctions at more than 70 locations, and we know from experience that our standard rate works just fine. Each and every one of our clients gets exactly the same rate.

However, unique sales need unique approaches and therefore the more we know upfront, the better we can quote a fair rate for each client. If you're having just one auction, then we need to treat that pricing as unique.

One thought about auctioneers discussing commission rates. It's against the law for us to discuss rates with each other. Having that conversation, even in generalities, could be considered price-fixing, and is a clear violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust act. That doesn't mean you can get comparison quotes, but it does mean we can't help you with what someone else might quote.

Will we ever quote a rate over the phone, sight unseen? You bet. Somewhere between 2% and 98% plus costs. We'll narrow it down for you once we meet in person.

Carmine’s Cucina – SALE CANCELLED

May 13, 2008, Denver, CO

The Denver Department of Finance cancelled the May 16^th sale at Carmine's Cucina on Jersey Street. The taxpayer has settled with the department of revenue, and the lien has been lifted.

Please come see one us at one of our other auctions!

Thanks!

Carrie Underwood – Dinner for 2 – and you’ll be helping transform lives!

May 4, 2008 – Colorado Springs, CO

At Schur Success Auction Services, we believe in taking care of our community. Both Shannon and Rich serve on the Board of Directors for the Youth Transformation Center. The organization is part of the Restorative Justice movement, and focuses on alternatives to school suspensions and long-term incarceration. It gives at-risk and at-promise youth some of the tools they need to be responsible members of the community and gives them alternatives to some of the negative behaviors they have learned or adopted.

Our Board and our Staff work hard to deliver services to the community, but we could always use more support. We could use your help, and we could use your money. To that end, we've put together a little on-line auction to introduce you to our mission.

OUR MISSION
The Youth Transformation Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering youth to generate new possibilities for their lives through personal accountability, empathy, and leadership skills that shape positive social behaviors.

OUR OBJECTIVE
Statistics and studies clearly show that banishing and ostracizing children through suspension, expulsion, and juvenile incarceration has done little to build strong characters in our young people that will lead to responsible and productive adulthood. The restorative justice movement, now reaching critical mass around the world, provides an effective alternative that promises long-term, positive results.

The Youth Transformation Center is proud to offer cutting-edge restorative justice training for youth and their adult leaders, alongside programming services that open a pathway to a reduction in juvenile crime and violence to build stronger, safer communities.

To support this mission, we have donated 2 tickets to see Carrie Underwood at the World Arena in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Our friends at Classic Transportation have donated a Limo ride for you and a guest to take you not only to the concert in style, but to dinner courtesy of the Olive Branch in beautiful downtown Colorado Springs.

Please, help us spread the word about our important mission. Know that if you're the winning bidder, you'll have a fantastic night to remember, and you'll be making a lifelong difference to a young member of our community. If you can't go to the concert, pass on the information to someone who could go. Pass it onto your friends. Make a tax-deductable donation to the Youth Transformation Center, PO Box 38074, Colorado Springs, CO 80937. Tell them Rich and Shannon sent you.

Thanks so much.

To see details about the event and the on-line auction, click here.

Understanding the “Bulk Bid” in a Dept. of Revenue or tax lien Auction

May 2, 2008 Colorado Springs, CO

Whenever Schur Success Auction Services conducts an auction for the Dept. of Revenue, or the Dept. of Finance, the sale is always conducted in the same format.

We start the sale by asking for a bulk bid or a single bid to purchase everything for sale in the auction. We'll ask for increasing bids for the bulk purchase the same way we ask for increasing bids on a single item. For example, we'll ask for $20,000 and then $25,000, and then $30,000 etc. Once we get to the top bid, we give that bidder one last chance to increase his or her bid. At that point, we lock in the bid at that top amount, and announce the "bulk bid" price. For example, let's say its $35,000.

Even though we lock in a "bulk bid", that doesn't mean that bidder wins and gets everything. The next step is to sell each item individually. We'll go item-by-item and get the top bid for each item. As we go along, we keep track of the total of all the individual bids. If the individual bids total more than the bulk bid, (for example, $35,000) we declare that the bulk bid is "null and void". That means each individual bid is a finalized sale, and the individual bidder wins the items they were bidding on. They can then pay for and remove the items they won.

If we sell all of the items individually, and we still don't reach the total amount of the bulk bid, then none of the individual bids are valid, and all of the items in the auction go to the bulk bidder.

To demonstrate:

Bulk bid = $35,000 / Individual bids = $29,500: Bulk bidder wins it all for $35,000

Or

Bulk Bid = $35,000 / Individual bids = $35,200: Bulk bidder loses, and each individual bidder wins.

Sometimes, the bulk bid is so low, we'll exceed it very quickly. Sometimes, the bulk bid is so high, that we may "call" the sale after just a few minutes – in other words, we know that we'll never reach the bulk bid price by selling items individually, and we'll declare the sale over in favor of the bulk bidder.

Most of the time, we need to go through the whole sale to see which way it will go. If you decide to place a bulk bid, it is still wise to bid on the individual items that you want – that way if you lose the bulk bid, you can still be the winning bidder on the items you really want to purchase.

The process to obtain a bulk bid only takes a few minutes. But the process to see of the bulk bid wins may take a long time. The benefit to being a bulk bidder is that you get everything in the sale, and can turn around and sell off the things you don't want – but have guaranteed that you keep everything you do.

The drawback to the bulk bid process is that nothing is officially sold until we declare which way the sale will go. That means nothing can be paid for or removed until we make the declaration.

Sometimes, we're asked to help people establish a bulk bid amount. Understandably, we can't do that. Nor can we advise people on how much to bid on individual items. We don't mind sharing with you information about sale prices for similar items, but beyond that, you'll need to decide what level of bidding you're comfortable with.

If you have specific questions about this process, please feel free to call us at (866) 290-2243, or email us at contact@success-auctions.com .

We'll see you soon!

Auction Dates do Change – We apologize for the Inconvenience – Especially those who came to the Cold Stone Creamery

Colorado Springs. Tuesday, April 29, 2008

To those of you who showed up on Monday to the Cold Stone Creamery Auction for the Department of Revenue – we're sorry. Sometimes, auction dates and schedules do change, especially with Dept. of Revenue or Self Storage Auctions. People have the option to pay their debts right up to the minute the sale is scheduled to begin. Because this does happen, auctions may be cancelled.

We can't speak for other auctioneers, but we make every effort to keep our website current with cancellations and changes. It's a wise practice to check the website before you attend any auction, especially these kinds of sales. Most consignment auctions, or auctions held for reasons other than tax liens, usually go as scheduled. But if you'd like to save yourself a trip, check the website before you leave. Check OUR website – we keep it as current as possible. There are many other websites that carry our auctions, but we don't have control over them. Our site will always have the most current data.

When in doubt, feel free to call us at (866) 290-2243. We'll gladly tell you if there's been a schedule change.

To those of you who came to the Cold Stone Creamery in Colorado Springs on Monday. We understand that there was mention of the sale in the press (on radio, TV, and the papers). We supplied updated press releases to those outlets with the changes, but not every press release gets picked up. We posted a sign in the window with the correct date, and of course our website was updated. We're sorry you didn't get the word before you made the trip. We'll do everything possible to prevent that from happening again.

In this particular case, the State had to move the auction date to comply with notification rules to the taxpayer. We'll see you on the 6^th for the Cold Stone Creamery Auction – and of course, you'll check our website the night before.

Auctions? Frogs? Organic Tomatoes? Peppers? Huh?

I know, it sounded weird to me too. But here's the deal. Our good friend and auctioneer Linda Tegtmeier has an incredible green thumb, and is very active with the Front Range Organic Gardeners (FROG). This Denver-based gardener group is hosting an auction and sale on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Denver Presbytery Hall at 1710 S. Grant Street, Denver, CO 80210.

There will be more than 60 varieties of tomatoes (I didn't know there were 60 varieties of tomatoes) for sale. There will be vegetables, herbs, berries, even flowers, vines and ground covers. Now here's the neat part – it's all organic! ALL of the plants and vegetables were either seed-started by these Organic Gardeners, or were divided from their own organic gardens.

The sale will start at 6:30 pm, and the auction will start at 7:30 pm. Want to see something different and get some wonderful veggies at the same time? Don't miss out. Contact Linda for more details. You can email Linda at frogardeners@comcast.net or call her at (303) 744-7871.

You can also check out the Colorado Garden Clubs website.

Cold Stone Creamery – Colorado Springs – AUCTION POSTPONED – Now May 6th.

April 22, 2008

The Auction scheduled for April 28, 2008, at the Cold Stone Creamery in Colorado Springs, has been POSTPONED to Tuesday, May 6, 2008. The sale will start at 10:00, and the preview will begin at 9:00.

The equipment and furnishings here are very clean and in excellent condition. As with all tax auctions, this sale is subject to change without notice. It's always best to check the website for changes the night before the scheduled sale.

For questions about this sale, please call Rich at (866) 290-2243, ext. 2, or email Rich at Rich@Success-Auctions.com.

The full inventory is listed on our website under Cold Stone Creamery.

Colorado Springs Auctioneer earning Certified Auctioneers Institute designation

Colorado Springs, CO, April 17, 2008 – Colorado Springs Auctioneer, Rich Schur of Schur Success Auction Services, recently completed his first year of courses for the highly honored National Auctioneers Association (NAA) Education Institute’s Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation. The CAI designation is one of the most respected education programs in the country for Auctioneers. The CAI program is an executive developmental program offering coursework in management skills, business ethics, finance, marketing, etc. The nation’s most distinguished and respected leaders in the auction industry provide instruction to CAI students throughout the program. A three-year program, Rich joined fellow Auctioneers from across the country at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in March for the educational seminars.

Founded in Arvada more than 25 years ago by Ray Fenter, Schur Success Auction Services is Colorado’s Largest On-Site Auction company, and is the exclusive auctioneer for the City & County of Denver, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The team conducts auctions across the country, and serves more than 75 local clients including the Department of Revenue.

Rich works the business with his wife Shannon, who owns the auction company and completed her coursework in 2004 earning her CAI designation. Both Rich & Shannon were the first auctioneers in Colorado and among the first in the nation to earn the designation of Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS). Benefit and Charity auctions are a focus of the husband and wife team.

Shannon is a Past-President of the Colorado Auctioneers Association (CAA), and Rich is currently on his second term as a Board Member of CAA.

To learn more about Rich or Shannon, please contact Rich at: (719) 667-1000, or view the website at http://www.success-auctions.com/.

We'll miss you Kelly Fenter

Alma "Kelly" Fenter. 1939-2008

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Fenter on April 7, 2008. Kelly is the wife of our founder Ray Fenter, and mother of our President & CEO Shannon Schur. With her family at her side, Kelly finally lost her battle with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ray and Kelly were married in 1956, and together helped build our family business. When Ray was first starting in the auction business, Kelly served as the office manager, set-up crew, clerk, cashier, and helped in every capacity possible. She also maintained full-time employment to ensure there was enough income to keep the young business afloat. She worked as a Stewardess for Ports-of-Call Airlines, and retired from State Farm Insurance after many years of dedicated service.

Kelly was an avid antique collector, and thoroughly enjoyed learning about and acquiring interesting pieces. She loved to play golf and to be outdoors. A smoker for many years, she developed emphysema and COPD that took a toll on her health in recent years. Rather than stopping for the roadblock these illnesses presented, she simply maneuvered around her health issues and found other ways to pursue her passions. In part to her health, Ray & Kelly retired to Arizona in 2000. Kelly enjoyed traveling, and would often join with Ray and their friends on motorcycle rides.

Kelly enjoyed spending times at casinos, and was a very devoted poker player. She also was a member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary in Lake Havasu City.Calling to speak with Kelly was always hit or miss. If she was in the middle of an on-line poker tournament, or one of the many other on-line games she enjoyed playing, we knew it was better to call back later.

Kelly is survived by her husband Ray, daughter Shannon and husband Rich, son Alan and wife Patti, and 2 grandchildren, Virginia and Sean. She is also survived by her 5 sisters.Kelly will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps League Auxiliary; JoAnne Sullivan, Treasurer, 595 Burkemo Dr, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406.

Schur Success Auction Services - Marketing Contest Winners

January 6, 20008, Denver, CO.We're Winners!!!

The Colorado Auctioneer’s Association (CAA) held its annual conference this past weekend in Denver. In addition to the great educational programs and networking opportunities, there were several contests.

The first contest was the annual State Auctioneer Championship. We congratulate the new State Champion, Shawn Hagler, and we’d especially like to congratulate our very own Adam Kevil, who took the #2 spot in the state. Way to go Adam!!! We’d also like to thank all of our friends and customers who came out to participate in the auction and cheer on our contestants Shannon and Adam – thanks so much for your support.

A second contest was the CAA marketing and advertising contest, where our efforts to market are voted on by our peers. We’re proud to say that Schur Success Auction Services took First Place in the Fundraising category, and tied for First Place for our company image and general marketing.

So, if you would like award-winning auctioneers and an award-winning auction company to take care of your sales and appraisal needs, you’d Schur be making the right choice with us.

Schur Success Auction Services

Schur Success Auction Services staff joins board of the Youth Transformation Center

November 13, 2007 – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rich and Shannon Schur, of Schur Success Auction Services in Colorado Springs, were both named to the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs based Youth Transformation Center, with Rich serving as the Vice-Chair. The Youth Transformation Center is a restorative justice organization designed to help youth, young adults, and the community at large. Here are some details about the organization:

OUR MISSION
Youth Transformation Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering youth to generate new possibilities for their lives through personal accountability, empathy, and leadership skills that shape positive social behaviors.

OUR OBJECTIVE
Statistics and studies clearly show that banishing and ostracizing children through suspension, expulsion, and juvenile incarceration has done little to build strong characters in our young people that will lead to responsible and productive adulthood. The restorative justice movement, now reaching critical mass around the world, provides an effective alternative that promises long-term, positive results.

Youth Transformation Center is proud to offer cutting-edge restorative justice training for youth and their adult leaders, alongside programming services that open a pathway to a reduction in juvenile crime and violence to build stronger, safer communities.

For more information about the organization, contact Jeannette Holtham at (719) 440-1983.