As the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) celebrates 20 years, there is great momentum in the organization as members really begin to appreciate the value our alliance brings to the multi-billion-dollar remarketing industry.

The IARA is comprised of consignor members, auction members representing the major chains, independent auctions, digital marketplaces, and other industry providers. 

Formed in 2001 by several vehicle remarketer organizations in Southern California to provide direct representation of common concerns within the industry, our alliance has grown significantly. The IARA is constantly evolving, playing a role in educating, certifying, encouraging, and supporting our members, and giving a voice to the views of most consignors within the remarketing realm.

We’ve been planning for and looking forward to the 20-year milestone for a long time, and we’ve exceeded even our own expectations! We have consistently had the right people in the right place at the right time to address the constantly changing remarketing landscape. There is a sense of continuity in the IARA, and you can see it in our direction and growth driven by past and future leaders and members.

As IARA’s newest president, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank and recognize those who paved the way. In the last three years, we have gone through a major evolution similar to what our industry is undergoing.

Paul Seger, who passed the leadership gavel to me, has talked a lot in the last 12 months about how we’ve had to adjust the way we function because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At our Summer Roundtable in August, keynote speaker Josh Linker, founding partner of Detroit Venture Partners, spoke about the speed of change and innovation we are all facing every day — much more than at any other time in history. That is what is so interesting — at a time in our history when the world seemed to slow down almost to a standstill due to the pandemic, our members continued to drive forward.

What I have noticed most of all is the desire to get involved. It’s not just numbers of attendees or members, but the true spirit being shown and overwhelming support and momentum from so many of you. Our consignors and vendors are looking for ways to engage, and our committees are all doing such great things.

My vision is to ensure the IARA, as the voice of the consignor, not only influences ongoing changes, but actually drives this evolution of the remarketing industry. I’m honored to be asked to lead such a great group of people who volunteer their time to make this happen.

We have had a lot of success over the past few years, and the momentum is strong. If you want your voice heard and think it is important to be part of shaping the future of remarketing, then the IARA is the best place to do it.

Everyone has an equal voice regardless of portfolio size or what segment of the industry you represent. As we look toward many more years to celebrate, I welcome you to get on board, get active, and give back to our great industry. There is no better time to belong to the IARA.

Note: This article appeared in the IARA 20th Anniversary Commemorative Issue published in November 2021