Forging Strong Relationships: McNamee Auction Company embraces traditional auction format, values personal connections

From growing up on a family farm and cow/calf operation in Pine Bluffs and serving as a state FFA officer back in the day, Michael McNamee has always had a soft spot for the ag industry and the people involved in it. 

Today, through his business McNamee Auction Company, a live, onsite, family-oriented auction service based in the heart of Torrington, Michael is able to stay in touch with his ag roots and serve the community he has grown to treasure. 

Family-oriented business

Started in 1997 by Michael and his siblings – his brother Mark and his sister Susan – McNamee Auction Company has been a family-oriented business from the beginning. 

“Mark came up with the idea. He was already in real estate at the time, so he could see the potential connection between the auction business and the real estate business,” Michael explains. “He went to school, and we all started the business together. However, everybody has kind of gone their own direction since then, and I’m the only one who’s still considered full time in the auction business.” 

Both brothers still sell real estate through Clark and Associates Land Brokers, LLC, although Mark, who owns a one-third share of the company, has turned his full attention to this venture. Michael and his wife Jonette have taken over all auction company operations. 

Despite the McNamee siblings’ dispersal, McNamee Auction Company continues to be family-oriented. 

Michael notes his two children and their respective families – Mikayla, Jory, Korby and Rhen Zurcher and Jace, Georgia, Creighton and Thurston McNamee – are a big help with the business. 

“We’re very fortunate both of the kids still help on occasion. Either Mikayla or Jace or both of them are involved with every auction,” he says. “Family was key for us from the very beginning, so we’re glad they are both still very involved with it.” 

Additionally, the McNamees employ individual crews of anywhere from 12 to 20 people based on the size and scope of the auction.

“We’re very fortunate,” Michael reiterates. “I can’t say enough about the people we have working for us. They’ve all been with us for a long time. They are a very loyal group, and we’re lucky to have them work for us.” 

Traditional auction format

Forging strong relationships with customers is another of Michael’s priorities, which is why, in a world of advanced technology and internet convenience, McNamee Auction Company has upheld the timeless in-person, onsite auction format. 

In fact, the McNamees boast one of the only onsite auctions left in the country. 

“And, we have a lot of success with it,” Michael states. “We’re very fortunate to have a good following of customers who attend our auctions.” 

Michael admits one of the challenges he has had to overcome is countering the current trend of the “inevitable crossover to all online auctions,” and while he admits there is value in online auctions, he believes the connections made through in-person interactions during onsite auctions are invaluable. 

“There are a lot of people who believe online actions are the way to go, and not that they don’t have their place, but we are going to continue to host live onsite auctions as long as we physically can,” he says.

“There is such a huge social aspect of in-person auctions, and we like to embrace those traditions,” he adds. “If we feel we need to bring in an online audience, we can offer both. Buyers are able to participate online or bid live. We don’t do this with every auction, but if we feel it is necessary we certainly will.” 

Although building a customer base to reap the rewards of holding onsite auctions was one of Michael’s greatest challenges in the beginning, he notes the McNamees’ reputation and strong relationships with repeat buyers – sometimes over 9,000 strong – are now some of his greatest accomplishments. 

“We are very proud of our reputation and what we believe is a very important calling to be able to help people in a situation where they need to liquidate, regardless of what they need to get rid of,” he says. “I think the relationships we’ve built over the years with buyers and sellers and the crossover we have had in the community are all things we are very proud of.” 

He continues, “We also pride ourselves on the fact we can sell just about anything. The majority of our time is spent auctioning off estate liquidations, which includes everything from equipment to personal property and everything in between.” 

For more information about McNamee Auction Company, visit mcnameebrothersauctions.com or call 307-532-4976 or 307-534-5156.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.