Kansas City Woman Breaks Down Barriers, ONLY Elected Female on NAA Board

    OVERLAND PARK, KS, July 19, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In its 68-year history, the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) has only had a handful of female members. Now, one is sitting on the Board, is breaking down barriers in the male-dominated field and is working to change the way people view her industry.

Kansas Citian Trisha Brauer, a Center Point, Iowa native, grew up learning the tricks of the trade from her step-father, Darrell Cannon, and decided to transform the traditional mindset of auctioneering.

"Many people think of auctioneers as fast talkers, but there is so much more to it," said Brauer, who owns Taking Bids Fundraising. "I knew I could bring something new and different to the fundraising component of events. I like to think of myself as a storyteller, a fundraising enthusiast."

Brauer shadowed her step-father at his business, Cannon Auctioneer Services and conducted her first benefit auction at the age of 26. In 2010, Brauer started Taking Bids to break the traditional auction house stereotype. She works to help raise funds through fast-paced story-telling while engaging the audience. She uses empathy, history and compassion to help bring out the best in the participants and their pocketbooks.

"When we hired Trisha to help us at a small, intimate gathering, I knew her style was a perfect fit for our donors," said Chuck Arney, Director of Hillcrest Transitional Housing of Kansas. "She helped us raise much more than we expected from the small venue. She is more than an auctioneer. She's an ACTIONeer!"

Judging from her impact on organizations across the country and her involvement in the NAA, it is no wonder that she has broken down barriers to become the only elected female to sit on the Board in a male-dominated industry. Since its inception, Taking Bids has helped non-profits across the country raise millions of dollar for their causes.

"Every organization has a story to tell. If I can help them share their story in a way that opens people's hearts and wallets, then I am happy," Brauer said.

An election was held Thursday morning at the International Auctioneers Conference at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus. The victory was announced in front of Brauer's peers.

"We are excited to welcome NAA member Trisha Brauer to the Board of Directors," said Hannes Combest, CEO of the NAA. "As an instructor for our prestigious benefit auctioneer specialist and a speaker on various aspects of marketing, Trisha brings to the Board great knowledge about the auction industry and will immediately be an asset to us."

Media Note: Trisha is very photogenic and well-spoken. She has conducted many interviews throughout her career. For examples of her work, visit: http://www.TakingBidsFundraising.com

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