Longtime auction industry business owner, executive, and NAAA leader Charlotte Pyle scaled the twin peaks of industry prestige Sept. 28, winning the Ed Bobit Industry Icon Award and being inducted into the National Auto Auction Association Hall of Fame.
Pyle, praised for her selfless hard work for the NAAA throughout her career, took the honors during the NAAA's annual formal awards gala under the high chandeliers of the historic Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton, site of the NAAA World Remarketing Convention.
Pyle is the longtime owner of Capital City Auto Auction and Mountain State Auto Auction of West Virginia and co-chair of the Independent Auction Group.
She previously served for as the NAAA president in 2012, now serves as a member of the NAAA Executive Committee and as NAAA’s Southern Chapter secretary/treasurer, and sits on the NAAA’s Legislative, Membership, and Governance Committees. Pyle is a licensed real estate agent and broker and a licensed auctioneer. In 2016, she earned the prestigious Certified Auctioneer Institute designation.
"It is my hope to continue to be a relevant leader in the industry while representing our Independently owned auction," said Pyle in her acceptance remarks. "My hope by receiving this award is that I will inspire others to push for excellence and settle for nothing less."
The Ed Bobit Industry Icon Award recognizes automotive industry leadership, dedication, service, and devotion to excellence that was exemplified by the late Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Business Media in 1961 and a legendary presence in the U.S. automotive fleet industry.
Pyle praised Ed Bobit, an industry leader she knew personally. "I enjoyed spending time getting to know him and what this award truly stands for. One thing Ed could never be accused of is being part of the status quo. He consistently pushed his employees and committees to reach outside the box and always pushed for bigger and better in his organization. This award is a symbol of a man who lived a fulfilled and happy life and never settled for the mundane."
NAAA and the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance jointly created the annual Ed Bobit Industry Icon Award in 2015. Pyle is the 10th recipient of the award and the first woman to receive it.
"When two trade associations unanimously agree on a recipient for this award, you know that person is greatly admired," said IARA executive director Mark Coleman. "Tonight’s award recipient has been a leader in our industry for many years, is dedicated and committed to service, and fully embodies all of what Ed Bobit stood for."
"What’s more, Pyle stepped up to have her auction be the inaugural host of the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship and ended up creating a blueprint for NAAA member auctions to run a successful event in the future," added 2022-23 NAAA President Garrison Hudkins.
Shortly after the icon award, Hudkins announced Pyle as an inductee into the NAAA Hall of Fame. Established in 1968, the exclusive honor recognizes individuals whose long-term service to the auto auction industry and NAAA has contributed improvements to remarketing, has worked with the trade organization to benefit its members, and has consistently followed the high standards of the association’s Code of Ethics.
In her acceptance remarks, Pyle thanked a long list of industry figures and leaders over the years for inspiring, mentoring, and motivating her to develop as a professional and serve the industry through the NAAA.
"Receiving this gift on the 75th anniversary of NAAA and in a room full of such legends is a little overwhelming," said Pyle, who at times halted with emotion. "So many of you in this room have made such an impact on my life and career. I have given countless time and energy to this association because I believe in what it stands for and I have love and passion for it.
"Our industry needs fresh, innovative, and engaging members to sustain it for years to come," she said. "None of us can achieve anything worthwhile in life if we don’t put our best foot forward. Say yes to committees, chapter seats, and yes to your association. You will never regret the things you attempted to do with passion; only the ones you said no to."
