Why the NAA Matters More Than Ever

Supporting the Organization That Supports You

Every so often, I’ll hear someone say, “The NAA doesn’t do anything for me.”And every time, I have to stop and ask — “Do you really know what they’re doing for you behind the scenes?”

Because here’s the truth: if you make your living with a microphone in your hand, if you sell real estate, personal property, benefit events, or online assets under the proud title Auctioneer — then you are benefitting from the work of the National Auction Association (NAA), whether you realize it or not.

The Power of a Unified Voice

When I think about the NAA, I don’t just see an association. I see a shield and a megaphone for our profession. For decades, the NAA has been the only organization consistently standing up for auctioneers at the national, state, and legislative level.

When local and federal governments propose new laws that could restrict how we sell property, how we collect payments, or how we operate our businesses — it’s the NAA that steps up to the microphone.

They’ve fought to protect small business tax provisions that help independent auctioneers stay profitable. They’ve worked on sales tax fairness for online and multi-state transactions. They’ve provided clarity and representation on interstate commerce issues so we can sell across state lines without being buried in red tape.

They’ve even helped support legislative efforts that directly impact real estate brokers, rural small businesses, and independent contractors — the backbone of what most of us do every day.

Advocacy You Don’t See — But You Benefit From

Here’s the part most folks miss: advocacy isn’t glamorous.It’s not a Facebook post or a plaque on your wall. It’s countless hours of meetings, phone calls, and relationships built in D.C. that keep your right to do business intact.

When someone says, “The NAA doesn’t affect me,” I remind them —If you run an auction business today without being over-regulated, over-taxed, or drowned in compliance costs, that’s partly because your association has been quietly working for you.

The Real Value of Membership

Yes, the education, networking, and designations are incredible — they’ve helped thousands of auctioneers grow their careers. But the bigger picture is this:

If we don’t support the organization that supports us, who will?

The NAA gives auctioneers a seat at the table. Without it, we’re just a bunch of individuals shouting into the wind when big decisions get made about our industry.

Joining isn’t just about what you get — it’s about what you protect. Your business. Your livelihood. Your profession.

To the naysayers

If you’ve been burned before, or if you feel like you haven’t seen the value, I understand. But don’t confuse visibility with impact. Just because you don’t see the fight doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

The NAA is working every day to ensure the next generation of auctioneers — your kids, your apprentices, your future partners — have the same opportunities you did, and hopefully more.

And the only way that continues is if we all step up and support the one organization built to protect us all.

My Challenge to You

If you make your living in the auction industry, join.If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, rejoin. And if you’ve got doubts — show up, get involved, and see for yourself.

The auction industry is stronger when we stand together, and the NAA is how we do it.

Let’s not just talk about supporting the industry — let’s be the people who actually do.

– Jay Cash, “The Auctioneer,” is a second-generation auctioneer and real estate broker based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A multiple-time NAA International Auctioneer Championship Finalist and National Marketing Award winner, Jay leads James R. Cash Auctions & Real Estate— He’s passionate about helping auctioneers build confidence, communicate clearly, and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.