Joe as Emcee at the Hilton

In the auction business, a good turnout of bidders can result in the sellers getting true market value for their assets even if they are old, used or collectibles. Joe Teipel, CEO of Auction Action, specializes in auctions.

He assesses whether an auction would be appropriate. If it is, he and his crew prepare the auction. They organize, tag, catalogue and advertise the auction. “The bidders are often looking for a bargain,” reveals Teipel.

He conducts the auction, collects money, helps buyers get their items and gives proceeds of the sale to the client.

There are many reasons a business may want to have an auction.

“Sometimes the business owner would prefer to travel the world and follow other interests instead of operating the business,” Teipel explains. Perhaps the company is doing a renovation and they want to get cash for all of the furniture from the door-knobs to the cabinets and the windows. For real estate, he can do pre-foreclosure auctions and foreclosure auctions.

“This is a one-shot sale, winner take all, no retake kind of event,” adds Teipel. “It’s not like a retail store where you keep trying tomorrow or the next day. If you don’t hit the bull’s-eye, hopefully you hit the target.”

There are also the charity benefit auctions for schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations. “It’s a reward to see people’s generosity,” notes Teipel. “I help them learn about the art and science to get the maximum return.”

Teipel, who attended Iolani and Mid-Pacific Institute, started Surf News Network in 1976, which provided surf reports for local media until he sold it in 2000 to Gary Kewley, who authors the MidWeek column Surf News.

Teipel’s deep voice emcees many events, including endurance races such as the Honolulu Marathon, Century Ride, Tinman and Rough Water Swim.

His auction career began in the 1980s when he was booked to do fashion auctions around town. The Western College of Auctioneering graduate especially acknowledges the support of his wife, Miho, who works in the company in many capacities, including auction administrator.

In one of his latest ventures, he was a co-founder of the Ocean Network channel 349 and a host of the television show Ocean Rush, which is an action-packed, high-adrenaline, extreme sports show.

“In the landscape of business, there is a thing called change.” explains Teipel. “You can’t stop it, and I don’t cause it. My goal is to create happiness and success for both buyer and seller.”

11 foot 'Buzzy Trent' model surfboard

Honolulu (Tuesday, July 24, 2007) – The fourth biennial Quiksilveredition Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction reached record heights this past Saturday, July 21st, with over $650,000 in sales and a 94 per cent sellthrough rate. By comparison, the previous Vintage Surf Auction, held in 2005, turned over $300,000 – a record at the time. A portion of sales from this year’s auction will be donated to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Surfboards – both foam and wooden, were the top performers, shattering records and far exceeding all pre-auction estimates. The 11-foot Buzzy Trent Model “Surfboards Hawaii” elephant gun from the 1960s, shaped by Dick Brewer, was the star of the show, closing at $33,000 – more than double its pre-auction

“With only three of these boards known to be in existence, this was the equivalent of a car collector coming across a special edition handmade Ferrari,” explained auction producer Randy Rarick.?

Hot on the heels of the Buzzy Trent model was the highly prized, original, 5-foot, redwood “Alaia” board from 1895, that sold for $27,000. In all, the six wooden boards in the auction fetched in excess of $100,000.

“While many of the foam boards were collectible because of their notable shapers and riders, the wooden boards are highly desirable purely because of their historic significance,” explained Rarick. “They are true artifacts.”

Record-breaking prices were fueled by a stellar turnout of surf stars from the 1960s and ’70s, who were in attendance to auction off their own personal equipment. Among them were four-time world surfing champion Mark Richards, Pipeline Masters champions Gerry Lopez and Rory Russell (Hawaii), and ‘Sultan of Speed’ Terry Fitzgerald (Australia). All were very gracious in signing autographs and personally presenting their items.

Friday’s “Antique Roadshow”-style pre-appraisal was a harbinger of what was to come with hundreds turning out, waiting in line for up to four hours to have their gems and junk appraised by a panel of experts. The diamond discovery was a Pat Curren balsa surfboard from the late 1950s, brought in by retired Hawaiian Airlines pilot Mel Souza, who flew the airlines’ last DC3. The surfboard earned pride of place among Saturday’s main lots and sold for $7,500.?

“The board was still in great condition and had a very cool story to it,” said Rarick. “Pat Curren was commissioned to make the board for a rental concession at the Outrigger Canoe Club, but being a shaper of high-performance boards, it was too narrow and thin to do well for a novice renter. That’s how this gentleman came upon it and bought it back in the ’60s.”

Rarick says it’s too early to know if he’ll be prepared to host another auction in two year’s time, but promised he will never say “never”.

“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed,” Rarick said. “This auction was so incredible. It was a shock to me how it turned out. It was a huge job but the amount of satisfaction to be gained from an event like this is unbelievable. It was an experience for all – bidders, sellers, as well as myself.”

To view all final results from the auction, please visit www.hawaiiansurfauction.com

Above Photo: The Star of the Show – $33,000 11-foot Buzzy Trent Model “Surfboards Hawaii” elephant gun from the 1960s, shaped by Dick Brewer. (L) Randy Rarick (C) Dick Brewer (R) $33,000 board. Photo by Joe Brown/Barry Markowitz

Aloha Joe,

It was a pleasure meeting you last Saturday at our fundraiser at the Pacific Club. I can’t thank you enough for your kokua and willingness to help. Your expertise and experience were very evident and extremely appreciated especially when we, mostly me, were asking you to step in at the last moment to announce or introduce our guests. I was fascinated by your auctioneering style. It was exciting and fun. Mahalo again for aiding us and giving us such a wonderful gift of your talents.
Me ke aloha pumehana,

Gerry Miyamoto, Regent – Daughters of Hawai`i

Thank you so much for supporting the NAMI O’ahu’s efforts to ‘shine the light’ on mental illness by acting as auctioneer at our annual benefit lunch. It was fascinating proceeds more than doubled for the second year in a row, with the live auction contributing significantly to our total.
We are so appreciative that you were able to share your time and talent. Since the live auction was such a highlight of our event this year, we are of course hepeful that you will concider returning in 2004.”

Marion Poirier, Executive Director from National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

We have succeeded for medium and large , young  or established events, both those that recur annually or or a one-shot celebration. You won’t ‘leave any money on the table’  with our auctioneer and ringmasters. This service especially aids those of you in leadership and development for private and religious schools, hospitals, and quality non-profits of all kinds here in Hawaii…..we’ve done it up right on virtually all islands!

Rotary Fundraiser

Vintage Surf Auction 2001

• Is it possible your MC will drink and make a fool of himself?
• Is your best man a professional speaker? Could he possibly embarrass you?
• Is there a possibility your MC could blow it in front of your guests on the most important day of your life?

With Joe Teipel as your Emcee you don’t have to worry about anything.  Guaranteed Excellence, Fun & Laughter on your Big Day at your Wedding Reception!

What others say:
“He knew exactly what we wanted and made sure the program was on time!” Karen Maio Nagato “Entertaining presentation… Our many important guests and VIPS were impressed.” Mrs,;Norma DelCarmen “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful and excellent job you did at our wedding. You kept our crowd going with enthusiasm and kept moving on schedule. We had absolutely nothing to worry about because you were there handling everything. Very Joe Cool!!! Not only were you efficient, but extremely talented and professional. Once again, we thank you for everything and for a job well done. We give you a two thumbs up!!”
Wilda and Jonathan Shimomura

“We would like to express our thanks for your pre-wedding planning help. Your suggestions to keep the wedding program lively and smooth was something our needed.”
Michelle and Peter Ronco

“Mahalo, Joe, for your superb job and inimitable style at handling the affairs of our reception. All of our guests enjoyed themselves for more than they would have with another M.C. there.”
J.T.’s Super MC

“We’ve been to so many receptions that are deadly boring or sloppily run. No way was I going to risk that and face my guests. You came through for us, Joe, beyond our expectation!”
Cherie Y. -Pearl City

“Joe’s creative ideas and help on the program saved me countless hours of toil and stress. That alone was worth the price we paid.”
Sharilyn N. – Aiea

“…Our friend bailed, last minute, due to nerves. You came through for us in flying colors.”
Kehau A. -Kahala

“Aloha Joe,
Jeannie and I wanted to thank you again for the fantastic effort and performance you gave for our wedding reception. Your proffessionalism, charisma, energy and sense of humor are unmatched!”
Jonny & Mary-Jean Barklee

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