Evolution of the Professional Ringmen's Institute

Brian Rigby of Springfield, Missouri served as a Professional Ringman for many years—with his initial experience in 1979 and 80, as Associate Director of Advertising for the Quarter Horse Journal. Brian states: the Journal would send three staff members to work sales for qualified advertisers, where we would serve as Ringmen for the best Equine Auctioneers in the industry. It was not unusual to work 35 to 40 weekends each year.

With no formal training as a Ringman, Brian explains it was quite awkward to stand in front of a crowd of buyers and not really have a good understanding of who, what, where, why, when, or how. After several sales and a lot of advice from Professional Ringmen and Auctioneers, I began to feel much more comfortable. It didn't take long before I thoroughly enjoyed working the Ring. However, it would have been extremely beneficial if a training institute such as PRI had been available back then. I would have been prepared, much more knowledgeable, and a great deal more productive for the Auctioneers and sellers I was working for.

After leaving the Journal, Brian returned to Missouri and went into business for himself—serving as Ringman at Registered Horse Sales and several types of Auctions. In February of 1981, Brian attended Missouri Auction School with aspirations of someday becoming a successful Auctioneer. I think my patience and persistence paid off, as I have had the opportunity to sell 6 to 7 Auctions per week, for several years. The numerous contacts I made while serving as a Ringman have been a definite asset. In our industry, it's not always just what you know that's important; who you know can be equally significant.

Brian's company, Brian Rigby Auctioneers, conducts Real Estate Auctions,  Liquidations and Purebred Livestock Sales throughout the U.S., where Brian serves as Auctioneer and Announcer at many of the nation's major Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred sales as well.  Brian has also competed in—and won—two Championship Auctioneer contests. I enjoy the challenge, Brian comments, but even more important is the fellowship and camaraderie. This is a unique industry, where your fellow Auctioneers and Ringmen are like a fraternity; they're almost like family.

For the past several years, however, Brian and many of his associates have seen a serious need and a growing demand for good Professional Ringmen. There still seems to be a void in our industry with entirely too much emphasis placed on Auctioneers alone. We don't give enough credit to a very imporant part of the team—our Professional Ringmen. But that is changing with the acceptance and recognition of the contributions of Professional Ringmen.

The natural sequence of working knowledgeably in the Auction Industry, is to learn the basics and fundamentals of the business by beginning as a Ringman, as so many successful Auctioneers have. Brian explains that almost any experienced Auctioneer will agree that a good Ringman makes a better Auctioneer. Most of those who attend an Auction School experience a degree of disappointment and frustration after attending. The aspirations each student had were valid and his/her desire is usually apparent, but without a realistic place to begin and a good working knowledge of the basics—combined with the necessary skills—it just won't happen.

The percentage of those in the Auction business 5 years after they leave Auction School is less than 5%; that's quite a failure rate! "It's because too many aspiring Auctioneers envision starting at the top. When you're essentially inexperienced in all phases of the business, it just won't come together." As in any business, it's imperative that you know the basics of 'how the business works'. At the Professional Ringmen's Institute, candidates are taught just that, and have an opportunity to learn from World Champion Auctioneers and Ringmen who consistently work 4 to 6 Auctions every week.

After three days of individual and group training—amidst lectures and intensive live training—candidates have a good understanding of the difference between a "bid spotter" and a Ringman, and how a Professional Ringman serves as an important team player in nearly every successful Auction. The Institute's primary objective is to provide essential training that will prepare graduates for a wide range of opportunities in today's expanding Auction industry.

Here are a few typical responses from PRI Graduates:

The Professional Ringmen's Institute offers Three terms annually, which includes training at the annual NAA Conference & Show. Information about PRI and Enrollment Applications can be obtained by clicking here. Please direct all inquiries or comments to our Chairman, Brian Rigby at 417.753.7653, or send an email to Brian@ProRingmen.com The staff at PRI looks forward to working with you and your Auction Team!