Our Staff
Emma Jean Kirby - President - Emma Jean is a licensed real estate broker and an apprentice auctioneer. In 2001, Emma Jean became the first female to join the Board of Directors for Franklin Bank & Trust Company. After years of child-rearing and working as a real estate agent and auction assistant, Emma Jean utilized her experience and knowledge in the antiques field, including ownership of a fine antiques mall. Now she conducts personal property appraisals for attorneys, insurance companies and individuals. She oversees the company she and late husband Ron Sr. began and worked for.
Karol Kirby Ahmed - CAI, CES, Apprentice Auctioneer - After receiving a B.S. degree from Western Kentucky University, Karol was hired as the marketing manager in 1993. Innovative designs led her to state and national awards within the industry in 1995 and 2006. Her duties expanded to include vehicle sales, implementation of auction policies and procedures, and auction administration. Additionally, Karol conducts personal property appraisals and is a Certified Estate Specialist.
Steve Mathis - Kirby Auto Auction General Manager - Steve's higher education at the University of Kentucky led him to the automotive industry, an expertise in that industry spans 20 + years. His affiliation with corporate auctions lends him credibility and knowledge for the independant auction arena. The lease and off-lease units he targets offers banks, finanace companies and lease companies unparalelled personal and professional service. His representation for those clients and others, ensures proper handling, description, reporting and settlement - exceptional customer service with accuracy and efficiency.
David Dillard - Lot/Transportation Manager - David began working part-time with Ron Kirby Auctions in 1990. In his tenure he has handled nearly all aspects of the auction method, short of auctioneering! He manages lot and driver personnel, oversees scheduled pick-up and delivery of vehicles and maintains the lot and driver personnel. David directs other auction set-ups and employs his creative side to construct attrative automotive and personal property displays.
Wanda Offutt - Kirby Auto Auction Title Manager - Wanda is a veteran auction worker. She packs 28 years experience in the auto auction industry alone and understands the dynamics and inner workings of the auction method. Her immense knowledge of titles, area dealers, and management practices garners her respect of her fellow workers and customers. Wanda serves as a Director for the Bowling Green, KY chapter of the United States Bowling Congress.
Tim Head - Kirby Auto Auction Sales Representative - After spending 15 years in the automotive industry as a used car dealer, Tim transitioned to the auction industry by way of liason for more new and used car dealers. His experiences as a dealer drove him to even better personal service to other dealers, large or small. Additionally, Tim involves himself in super stock pulling in the mid-south region. He currently serves on the school board in White House, Tennessee where he lives with his wife of 23 years and their three sons.
Terry Garmon - Auctioneer - As an auctioneer, Terry works with Ron Kirby Auctions while his real estate license is with Re/Max in Bowling Green. Terry is a 1977 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a B.S. degree. During the past 27 plus years Terry has held various positions with several agricultural chemical companies. Most recently, Terry served as the Executive Director for the Office of Marketing and Product Promotion with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. He also served as Chairman of The Kentucky Certified Crop Advisors, Chairman of The Kentucky Center for Cooperative Development, Chairman of The Kentucky Export Trade Corporation, and currently serves a Director on the Board of Directors for both Warren RECC, and Propane Energy Partners.
Ron Kirby, Jr., CAI, AARE - Auctioneer/Agent - Ron Jr.'s experience includes 20 + years in car sales, oil equipment, heavy truck and equipment, and automotive auctions in the corporate arena as well as small business. His penchant for detail with clients and customers hits the mark in fairness when facilitating a buying and selling process. He is a licensed Real Estate agent in KY and TN and a licensed auctioneer in KY, TN, OH, NC, AL, IL, TX, GA, MS, and AR.
Ron Kirby, Sr. was a real estate broker and auctioneer. He began his career in the automobile industry with GMAC, which led to his auto auction attendance. In 1969 he began working at the Nashville Auto Auction for Mr. Tom Beasley, where he continued for over 31 years. He ventured to the auction profession in 1970 and successfully auctioneered his way throughout the country. Since 1972 he conducted 150-250 sales yearly in real properties such as industrial and commercial sites, farms, residential tracts, condominiums, amusement parks and commercial warehouses and automobiles. In 1995, he opened Cars & Things Auto Auction, a weekly auto auction located at his facility just off 1-65 at Exit 6. Additionally, Ron sold personal property in the form of oil field equipment, heavy equipment, construction and mining equipment, architectural antiques and estates. He worked fine sales from the Deedy Hall Estate in Logan County, Kentucky with Riley & Sons to the famous Conway Twitty Estate in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and the Golden Movement Auctions in California. He served on the Board of Directors of Franklin Bank & Trust Company from 1988-2000. Ron's company continues to subcontract with other auction firms and bankruptcy trustees around the country. As a tribute to him, the family renamed his auto auction the "Kirby Auto Auction." His vigor for work well done and done with flair epitomized his brochures and his motto "Get Excited!"
Bobby "Peppers" Bryant -A native of Lebanon, Tennessee, Bobby served as auctioneer/ringman at the Nashville Auto Auction for over 30 years. He worked with Ron Kirby, Inc. for over 25 years as well. When Kirby Auto Auction opened, he was there from the beginning, working the floor, auctioneering and of course, making his famous announcements. Additionally, he supplied dealers and individuals alike with his famous home grown hot peppers, salsas and sauces. He is sorely missed.
James Troxel - Appraiser and Ringman - a native Texan, Jim was an expert in the heavy equipment field and a fine ringman in the auction arena. Ron Sr. appreciated Jim's professional opinion and was thrilled when the opportunity arose for the two of them to work together. He was also a fine friend and is missed as well.