The Original Auto Auction Family!

William "Bill The Colonel" Nagy started the Auction business in 1947. He started Michigan's first Auto Auction in Owosso for Jim and Charlie Leach. A year later Bill assisted Mildred Hund and Jack Hocking in establishing the Aptco Auto Auction. In 1951, Bill was a principal investor and the overall guiding hand, in establishing the Grand Rapids Auto Auction in Jenison, Michigan. It was the first Dealer only - Dealer owned Auction in the state. It became an overnight success. To this day it continues to operate under the same name. The initial stock offering was $10.00 a share. At the first stock holder meeting a dividend was paid in the amount of $3.00 per share. It is a testament to Bill's successful management. In 1955, Bill Nagy opened one of the first Auto Auctions in Canada. In 1963, Bill sold his interest in the Grand Rapids Auto Auction and went west to Fresno, California where he opened Freeways Auto Auction.