Time With The Boss - Nancy Cripe, GRS Auctions

Nancy Cripe
GRS Auctions

Website: www.GRSauctions.com

What is your mission?
GRS is an auction, appraisal and liquidation firm. We provide a relevant and meaningful service to our sellers and buyers. Our sellers depend on us to respect them and their business objective. It is our focus to be fast, accurate and confidential in the disposition of their assets. For both our sellers and buyers, it is our goal to provide an experience that is positive and beneficial to their business. Auction is a method that is no longer just about farms or estates but a mechanism where corporations and small-business owners can obtain market value for their assets.

What was your first job?
I always tell people that my first sales experience was selling Girl Scouts cookies door-to-door. My dad would not take them to work but coached me on a sales pitch, and off I went. But my first real job was filling orders for my dad’s office supply company.

What was your worst job?
Airline reservationist. I worked at a small airline right out of college named Britt Airways making reservations and came to believe that travelers were some of the unhappiest people who were confused by the reservation process.

What led you to your industry?
Auction is a unique industry. When I first looked at this industry, I looked at potential competition and the business model and saw that the Midwest could use a company that was taking a corporate approach to commercial auction. Ethics, professionalism, accuracy, strategy and empathy all come together to create a successful auction or liquidation.

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
That is easy: We rebranded and got an app. I am so excited when I see the app and how easy it is to do business with our new technology. Bidding anywhere, anytime is now fast and easy. We are targeting a fresh audience with this new technology.

How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?
It’s all about providing an experience of respect. Some of our clients had a bad time and had to make tough decisions. We are there to be a resource, providing confidence in the process and respecting what they are going through. It is our job to create new markets for their assets. At GRS we understand that auction is “serious fun.”

What’s the hottest trend in your industry, and are you going to jump on board?
The trend is for online auctions, and we have invested to have relevant technology that is mobile and easy to use.

What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?
I am a member of Black Dress Partners, and Erin Joy gave us a saying: “Make new mistakes every day.” Take strategic risks, believe in your ability to perform, and don’t forget the basics: Take care of your team, manage your cash, provide your customers a winning experience, and never stop developing your network.

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
This is a hard question, but it has to be the art museum. I was an art major and can spend hours engaging in the works at the museum.

What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?
I have an incredible network and am always working to build that resource.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Fly fishing with my husband. The beauty, movement and colors in the water captivate me, and it is always fun to land a trout. n