Worldwide Auctioneers, based in Auburn, IN, has announced the introduction of two new partners as an integral part of its ongoing expansion and strategic development.

“As Worldwide Auctioneers continues to grow, it is with great pleasure that we introduce our new partners, Gene Davenport and Mike McClelland, to the business, both of whom have operated for many years as senior executives at the helm of major corporations and on the boards of multiple national organizations,” said Rod Egan, Worldwide principal and auctioneer. “Each will bring a wealth of serious commercial experience, business acumen, and focus to the company. Fittingly, both gentlemen are also avid car collectors who have considerable understanding of the auction process from a consumer perspective and will be active in the business. We look forward to a long, successful partnership and welcome the considerable expertise and vision that each will bring to this company as it continues to evolve.”

About the new partners:

Gene Davenport has been part of Russell Lands, Inc., a diversified Alabama company recognized as the state’s largest recreational developer, since 1973. In 1985, he was promoted from executive vice-president to president and chief operating officer and qualifying Broker for the Real Estate Division. He presently serves as vice-chairman of the Board. The company owns 23,000 acres and operates timberlands, more than 400 leased lakefront homes and condominiums, ten lakefront subdivisions, and several real estate companies.

Gene has served and continues to serves on many boards including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, former Director and Chairman of Do it Best Corporation, University of Alabama, Birmingham Leadership Cabinet, Mayo Clinic, The Baptist Health System, BBVA Compass Bank, Auburn University President’s Advisory Board, and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. He and his wife Sandra reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mike McClelland is President Emeritus of Do it Best Corp., (formerly HWI), a member-owned distributor of hardware and home improvement products. With over 4,000 retail outlets, Do it Best sales exceed an annual $2.3 billion. Mike’s tenure with Do it Best began in 1974, initially in human resources, encompassing warehouse and office operations, labor contract negotiations, government regulatory compliance, and other human resource functions. In 1981, he became vice-president of sales and in 1984, assumed additional responsibility for marketing. In 1987, Mike became executive vice president and in 1992, president and CEO of Do it Best Corp. At the helm, he directed the dynamic e-commerce development on doitbest.com, the world’s largest hardware store.

Mike is a past board member and Chairman of multiple national organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and currently is serving on the boards of four billion dollar a year distributor Win Wholesale and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

Mike and his wife split their time between Indiana and North Carolina, where he currently teaches business management at Clemson University.

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