Name: Kris McCormack
Company: Ultimate Auctioneers
Title: President, CEO and auctioneer
Address: 680 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson, 89015
Website: www.ultimateauctioneers.com
Phone number: 808-5177
Describe your business.
We liquidate assets on behalf of business owners, banks, lien holders, government agencies and private parties.
The company just moved to a new, permanent facility at 680 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson, across the street from Fiesta Casino. We have just short of 6 acres of paved and fenced property with approximately 10,000 square feet of indoor auction arenas. We are now able to facilitate the largest fleet and HD equipment collections.
What items do you typically auction?
Anything that does not eat.
Tools and shop equipment, HD construction equipment, home and office furnishings, vehicles, firearms, boats, business equipment and business assets. It is normal to have fork lifts, trucks, manufacturing equipment and other high-value assets.
Where do the items come from?
Banks, lenders, corporations, government agencies, private parties, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Who buys them?
Private individuals, business owners, wholesalers. We are open to the public, and no special licenses typically are required.
You recently auctioned a jet?
It was a private corporate jet, specifically a Cessna Citation II. It was an eight-passenger aircraft with an onboard beverage bar and restroom.
How much did it sell for?
The jet sold for $225,000, plus fees. A private pilot is flying in to take it to its new home in Ohio.
How did it feel to auction such a unique item?
The satisfaction of putting a buyer together with a seller is always a great feeling. With these special or unique assets, the task of finding that buyer is much more difficult.
It does feel good knowing our staff and ourselves have the talent, ability and experience to handle these one-of-a-kind assets. We are very proud of our people. Few auction firms are able to duplicate what we do.
Is it rare to be a female auctioneer? Have you faced challenges because you are a woman?
Successful, hands-on female auctioneers are few and far between.
In my case, I take a very active role in the industry. I have operated backhoes, forklifts, water trucks and a vast array of HD equipment.
Of course, many males in HD industries are reluctant to have a female represent them. But once they meet me, they feel much more confident.
What challenges do you face doing business in Las Vegas?
The same as everyone else who has a large outdoor presence — the weather is unforgiving.
What’s the best part about living here?
The availability of first-class shows and dining.
If you could change one thing about Las Vegas, what would it be?
The county process for business starts and expansions are difficult. The process of doing building projects, especially on unimproved land, is virtually impossible financially.
What is the best business advice you received, and whom did it come from?
I don’t remember where I first heard it, but it is, “Do something every day to improve.”
Describe your management style.
Hands-on and goal-oriented.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
Travel expert and adviser.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Government waste. Misuse of tax dollars.
What is something people might not know about you?
I have a soft spot for animals. I was raised on a farm.
Anything else you want to tell us?
All is not lost. Our company is a shining example of perseverance and hard work. If everyone bands together and carries their own weight, our country can regain the status it truly deserves.