Phil Castle, The Business Times

Graig Medvesk most enjoys what’s also the most recognizable part of his job as an auctioneer — the chant.

That’s the tongue-twisting,  rapid-fire delivery that includes the current price, asking price and other words auctioneers rattle off with rhythmic ease to keep their audiences engaged.

But that’s just a small part of a business that also includes gathering items for auctions; marketing the events; and then accounting for what’s sold, to whom and for how much. That’s not to mention time spent working with bankruptcy trustees, estate lawyers and real estate agents.

Medvesk, the owner of the Auction Team in Grand Junction, will take on most of those responsibilities for an upcoming consignment auction at Western Implement. For 39 years the event has not only enabled Western Colorado farmers and ranchers to sell and buy equipment, but also served as a social gathering.

Jim Coleman, president and owner of the family-operated business based in Grand Junction, said he’s eager to work with Medvesk and the Auction Team on a different and — Coleman expects — bigger event. “I think Graig can grow it a little bit more.”

Medvesk said he’s pleased to have that opportunity. “Jim’s given me the reins.”

The auction is set to begin at 9 a.m. March 5 at the Western Implement operation at 2919 North Ave.

Medvesk said what was a two-day auction will be conducted instead in one day with three rings and three auctioneers working simultaneously. In addition to tractors and other equipment, the auction will feature hand tools, guns and ammunition, antiques and household items.

Equipment and other items that will be sold at the auction may be inspected from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at Western Implement.

Coleman said another auction could be scheduled this fall.

Medvesk purchased the Auction Team three years ago, but said he’s worked at auctions since he was 11 and growing up in Northwest Colorado. He said he became even more involved in auctions when his sister became engaged to an auctioneer.

He attended Colorado Mesa University, but decided to spend a spring break participating in a two-week program at the Western Auctioneering College in  Montana.

Another decision followed, he said. “I decided this is a pretty interesting industry to get into.”

Medvesk worked for a variety of auction companies around Colorado before starting his own company and then buying the Auction Team.

He said he acquired the Auction Team in part because of the experience of the firm in conducting internet auctions.

Medvesk estimated he conducts about a quarter of his auctions live — like the upcoming Western Implement Auction. But the remaining three-quarters of auctions are conducted over the internet with online bidding. Sellers decide what kind of auction they prefer, and Medvesk said he handles the marketing and details of the event.

Internet auctions are different than live auctions, he said, but elicit spirited bidding. “You still get that competitive drive with it.”

Medvesk said he enjoys the variety of his business — selling different kinds of things and working with different kinds of people. “It’s never the same.”

And he enjoys the chant — the tongue-twisting, rapid-fire delivery for which he’s won awards.

For more information about the Auction Team, log on to the website at www.theauctionteam.com.