CEG photo
(L-R): Bar None Auction President Josh Seidel and Founder Zeb Seidel.
Bar None Auction announced the opening of its third location in the western United States, adding Fontana, Calif., to existing sites in Sacramento, Calif., and Woodburn, Ore.
The company said the expansion solidifies its presence with staggered monthly auctions at each location, providing greater accessibility for buyers and sellers alike.
The inaugural auction at the Fontana site was held on Oct. 4 and was preceded by a preview days on Oct. 2 and 3, allowing potential bidders to preview items up for auction.
Founded in 1993 by Zeb Seidel, Bar None Auction is now under the leadership of his son, Josh Seidel, a third-generation auctioneer.
Photo courtesy of Bar None Auction
"My grandfather was an auctioneer, my dad was an auctioneer and I'm an auctioneer," Seidel said. "The auction business is in my blood — I've been involved my whole life, from commercial auctions to charity sales. It's been a fulfilling journey."
Seidel graduated from California State University-Sacramento with a business degree and has owned several small businesses, further deepening his expertise.
The name "Bar None" holds significance for the Seidel family.
"It originated with my great-great-grandfather, who would say, ‘I can get it done, bar none,'" Seidel said. The phrase embodies the commitment to excellence that the business strives to uphold.
While Bar None previously operated a location in the San Bernardino/Riverside area, the decision was made to refocus efforts on its Sacramento and Oregon sites.
"We knew we wanted to return to Southern California eventually, especially as demand remained strong from rental companies and contractors in the area," Seidel said. Recently, a significant state contract required multiple locations across California, prompting the expansion.
The Fontana site boasts impressive features, including 12 acres of paved space, two loading docks and a range of forklifts to facilitate efficient load-out and checkout. Seidel and his team have diligently prepared the location, building a capable staff to ensure a smooth launch.
"We're excited about the visibility this site offers, with over a thousand feet of highway exposure," he said.
All auctions will now be conducted online, a shift accelerated by the pandemic.
"While I love live auctions, online is undeniably the future," Seidel said. "The pandemic trained buyers to embrace digital tools, and we've made it easier than ever to participate in our auctions. Each lot has a scheduled time for bidding so customers can engage without the chaos of a live auction."
To retain the sense of community often felt in live auctions, Bar None plans to host preview days with food trucks, giveaways and opportunities for camaraderie among bidders.
Photo courtesy of Bar None Auction
"It's about creating an experience," Seidel said.
Bar None's auction model includes monthly sales at all locations, creating a consistent and reliable buyer environment.
"We want our clients to know they can come back each month, whether they're looking to buy or sell," Seidel said. This frequency allows customers to manage their inventory and finances effectively.
As Bar None Auction grows, Seidel said he remains focused on providing exceptional service.
"We pride ourselves on being the easy button for our customers, whether they're selling or buying," he said.
With the new Fontana location, Seidel said Bar None is poised for continued success by blending tradition with innovation in the auction business.
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