Kirk Witcher of Witcher Auctions joins hosts Tim Peters and Andy Harbick on location in Wynne, Arkansas for this episode of the No Reserve Podcast. Kirk shares how Witcher Auctions grew from a small family business founded in 1972 into a fully modern, online-only operation.

Kirk helped grow the company by focusing on farm and heavy equipment, seller trust, and the buyer experience. He explains why they shifted from simulcast and drive-through events to timed online sales that often close at night, and why convenience and clear communication beat a long day under a tent.

Kirk discusses moving from marketplaces to a white-label platform to control brand, data, and the customer journey. He talks about replacing expensive print ads with targeted digital marketing, turning satisfied customers into paid “auction advocates,” and why the quality of registrations matters more than the raw count. You’ll hear practical coaching he gives sellers, like ignoring early bid totals and trusting the late surge, plus what his team watches to gauge auction health.

The conversation closes with where AI fits in the auction world, from quick valuation checks to training models on your own sold data. There are risks to manage, but the upside is real for bidders and auctioneers who learn by doing and keep their focus on honest descriptions, clean processes, and relationships that last.

In this episode of The No Reserve Podcast, host Tim Peters sits down with Phillip Via of Lucky Dog Auction & Realty in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Phillip shares how he went from working at UPS, then in landscaping, and then in wireless retail, to starting and selling a buyback business. After that, Phillip attended a local auction, became inspired to start his own auction company, then headed to auction school. He found a facility, renovated it, and launched his first auction in 2017. Phillip also discusses how he switched from live auctions to online-only auctions after the success of a die-cast NASCAR collection auction.

Since then, what began with monthly consignment sales has grown into a five-person team that now leans into equipment auctions, regular firearms auctions under an FFL, and steady local consignments. Soon, their team will be moving to a 14,000 square foot facility on four acres.

Phillip explains how their rural bidders adopted online auctions quickly and why starting with a white label platform helped him build his own audience from day one. For newer auctioneers, Phillip advises to keep things simple. Go online early. Get your real estate license sooner than you think. Say yes to opportunities and bring in partners when needed. Invest in education and relationships through CAI and state or national associations.

Links:

• Lucky Dog Auction & Realty

In this episode of The No Reserve Podcast, host Tim Peters sits down with Ryan Brechlin of Connecticut Firearms Auctions and Good Bottle Auctions. Ryan shares how he went from helping his father run general estate sales in the 1990s to becoming one of Connecticut’s top auctioneers. What started with antiques and firearms eventually expanded into the rare and highly competitive world of whiskey, wine, and spirits auctions.

Ryan discusses the unique challenges of building Good Bottle Auctions, including the uphill battle of lobbying for a one-of-a-kind permit to legally sell alcohol at auction in Connecticut. He explains how his team combines innovation with tradition, experimenting with podcasting and live streaming during auctions to create an engaging experience for bidders.

The conversation dives deep into the world of collectible whiskey—why certain bottles like Pappy Van Winkle fetch sky-high prices, how rarity and hype affect value, and the balance between bottles meant to be savored and those destined for investment. Ryan also shares insights on the wine market, future expansion plans, and what’s next for Good Bottle Auctions.

With stories of snowstorm auctions, interesting tasting segments, and the thrill of rare finds, this episode is packed with lessons on creativity, perseverance, and the evolving auction industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The origins and growth of Connecticut Firearms Auctions
• The legal hurdles behind starting Good Bottle Auctions
• Creative innovations like live podcasting during auctions
• Rarity and value in collectible whiskey, including legendary bottles
• Future plans for expanding alcohol auctions (and other types of auctions)

Special note:

• Good Bottle Auctions' next auction is currently open for bidding, and will start to close during a live stream podcast on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 at 1 pm Eastern.

Links:

• Good Bottle Auctions