America's Auction Academy

Tim with BidWrangler interviews Mike McGavel Jones about his 50 years in the auction profession and where he sees the industry heading.

Mike "McGavel" Jones on 50 Years in the Auction Business In this episode of the No Reserve Podcast, host Tim Peters sits down with Mike "McGavel" Jones. Mike is the owner and driving force behind the Auction Academy Netwo…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TEXAN WINS IAC - Cody Shelley Named 2026 International Auctioneer Champion, Men’s Division. Cody is a November 2011 Graduate of Texas Auction Academy, now America’s Auction Academy.

Shelley earned the title Friday, July 17, in San Antonio during the National Auction Association’s annual Conference & Show.

The championship marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2019, when Shelley first stepped onto the International Auctioneer Championship stage. He entered that year shortly after competing in the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship, initially viewing the contest as another opportunity to earn a trophy.

Seven years later, Shelley said the experience had reshaped both his understanding of achievement and the person he had become along the way.

The International Auctioneer Championship recognizes excellence in bid calling, professionalism and service to the auction industry. Contestants advance through multiple rounds of bid calling and participate in an interview designed to evaluate their communication skills, industry knowledge and ability to serve as ambassadors for the

As champion, Shelley will spend the coming year representing the auction industry as an ambassador, raising awareness of the auction method of marketing and bringing greater attention to the work of professional auctioneers. He will also speak at various state and national conferences.

Shelley said he intends to use the platform to strengthen connections within the profession, particularly between contract auctioneers and the National Auction Association.
“Since 2019, I am a product of this association, and it has allowed me so many more opportunities for my family and me,” Shelley said.

He also identified mentorship for young auctioneers as a priority. Shelley noted the strength of the association’s youth competition and the need to continue supporting those contestants as they enter adulthood and begin building careers in the auction industry.

“We had 29 IJAC contestants this year, but we all know that once they’re 18 or older and they’re in the real world, they’re going to need support,” Shelley said. “I would love to see us create an asset-specific mentorship program of some sort, and I want to be a part of that; to be there when it does get tough.

Shelley said he is honored by the opportunity to represent the profession that has created meaningful opportunities for his family and shaped his growth both personally and professionally.

“I’m unbelievably honored to be your 2026 International Auctioneer Champion,” he said.

His professional credentials and accomplishments include Inaugural Mile High Bid Calling Competition, 2019 World Automobile Auctioneer Champion, 2020 Oklahoma State Champion, 2020 Texas State Champion, 2025 Battle of Bluegrass Auctioneer Champion, and has served on the Board for the Texas Auctioneers Association where he is currently president-elect.

Shelley began competing in the International Auctioneer Championship in 2019 after winning the World Automobile Auctioneer Championship the same year. He and Ashley live in Burleson with their children, Jakup and Bexley. To Learn More About Attending Auction School, Go to AuctionAcademy.com

Mike Jones & Auction Academy present St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a $40,000 check during the 2026 International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) at the National Auction Association (NAA) Conference & Show in San Antonio, Texas.

Last week I ran into 100’s of America’s Auction Academy (Texas Auction Academy) graduates. Additionally I ran into graduates Chris Gunn who was staying at the Marriott Rivercenter San Antonio during the NAA Conference & Show while Jeff Cheatham was attending Dailey & Vincent at the Arlington Music Hall Saturday night. I love our graduates and I love my life!

Congratulations to 1988 IAC Champion Paul C. Behr on being honored by the NAA and the International Auctioneers Championship by establishing the International Junior Auctioneer Championship - Paul C. Behr IJAC Sportsmanship Award.

Calling all World Wide College of Auctioneering, Nashville Auction School, and America's Auction Academy alumni.

If you're in San Antonio for the NAA Conference & Show, come see us. We're hosting an alumni happy hour at the Auction Academy booth on tonight at 5:30. Drinks are on us.

This is a great chance to reconnect with old classmates, meet alumni from all three schools, and catch up with your instructors.

See you there!

Congratulations to Colvin Connell, Willard, NM. Colvin graduated from our Auction Academy partner World Wide College of Auctioneering!