Beyond the Bids: Unlocking the Strategic Value of Distribution Center Auctions
Release Date: 07/29/2025
The Auction Roadmap: How a 6-Step Process Maximizes Asset Value
What in the World of Grafe
Ever wondered what truly goes into a successful business auction? It's far more than just the final bid. In this episode, John Schultz pulls back the curtain on Grafe Auction's proven six-step process, providing a comprehensive roadmap for any business owner facing an asset transition. From the crucial first steps of strategic contract negotiation and meticulous catalog preparation to targeted global marketing and seamless post-sale logistics, John explains how each step is designed to build on the last, ensuring maximum value and a smooth, transparent experience. Discover how this...
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From Barbells to Smart Bikes: Navigating the Used Gym Equipment Market
What in the World of Grafe
The market for high-quality used gym equipment is hotter than ever. In this episode, John Schultz dives into the data from recent auctions to reveal the key trends shaping the landscape as we head into the final quarter of 2025. Discover which categories, from strength training stations to premium cardio machines, are commanding the highest prices. Learn how buyer preferences are evolving with a new focus on versatile, space-efficient, and tech-integrated equipment. Finally, John breaks down the three crucial valuation factors—brand, condition, and versatility—that every buyer and seller...
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The Surprising Riches of School Auctions: More Than Desks and Chairs
What in the World of Grafe
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Decoding the Digital Gavel: Mastering the Art of Online Business Auctions
What in the World of Grafe
In the "What in the World of Grafe Podcast" episode, "Decoding the Digital Gavel: Mastering the Art of Online Business Auctions," host John Schultz, Chief Marketing & Technology Officer at Grafe Auction, demystifies the world of online business auctions. He emphasizes that while the digital shift has created vast opportunities, success hinges on understanding the specific strategies and rules of the online format. Schultz breaks down the process into three essential phases: The Pre-Auction Playbook: This initial and most critical stage revolves around due diligence. Schultz...
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Beyond the Bid: The Logistics of a Landmark Sale
What in the World of Grafe
The final sale is just the tip of the iceberg. This week, John Schultz takes you behind the scenes to explore the hidden world of auction logistics—the meticulous planning and execution that turn chaos into a successful event. Journey through the massive, six-month liquidation of the legendary Arlington International Racecourse, featuring over 22,000 lots, and discover the actionable lessons in preparation, scale management, and professional expertise that drive maximum value for sellers.
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The Crucible of Leadership: Turning Unforeseen Challenges into Lasting Strength
What in the World of Grafe
What happens when your strategic plan is torn apart by an unforeseen crisis? In this episode, Grafe Auction’s John Schultz shares hard-won lessons from a year of leading the National Auction Association through an unexpected leadership transition. Discover why the true test of leadership isn’t in the plan you make, but in your response when it fails. Learn how to harness the collective strength of your team, and how navigating a crisis correctly can build lasting resilience that makes your organization stronger than before. These are essential insights for any business leader facing a...
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Beyond the Bids: Unlocking the Strategic Value of Distribution Center Auctions
What in the World of Grafe
As supply chains consolidate and evolve, what happens to the massive facilities left behind? In this episode, John Schultz, Chief Marketing & Technology Officer at Grafe Auction, takes you inside the high-stakes world of distribution center auctions. Drawing on real-world examples, including the successful liquidation of several Big Lots facilities, John breaks down the immense scale of these events, the meticulous strategic planning required for success, and the critical importance of a turnkey post-auction process. Discover the hidden opportunities for both buyers and sellers, and...
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20 Auctions, 1 Legacy: Strategic Lessons from the Arlington Park Mega-Auction
What in the World of Grafe
What does it take to liquidate a 95-year-old legacy spanning 326 acres? In this episode, John Schultz takes you inside one of Grafe Auction's most monumental projects: the Arlington Park International Racecourse auction. Discover the strategic thinking that turned one massive event into 20 targeted auctions, the multi-faceted marketing used to sell both equipment and nostalgia, and the crucial importance of a flawless final clear-out. This isn't just the story of a racetrack; it's a masterclass in managing scale and maximizing value during a complex business transition.
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From Kitchen to Capital: How to Maximize the Value of Your Used Equipment
What in the World of Grafe
This episode provides a practical guide to selling used restaurant equipment. Host John Schultz outlines strategic options based on your needs, comparing the DIY approach for single items, the speed of selling to a dealer, and the high-value efficiency of a professional auction for full liquidations. The key to maximizing your financial return, regardless of the method, is proper preparation—ensuring equipment is clean, well-documented, and priced with realistic expectations.
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The Lender's Edge: Turning Defaulted Loans into Strategic Wins with Auctions
What in the World of Grafe
In this episode, John Schultz explores why business auctions are a crucial strategic tool for SBA lenders managing defaulted loans. He breaks down the immense pressures of asset depreciation and holding costs, revealing how the speed and competitive nature of an auction not only preserve but maximize asset value. Listeners will learn about the power of global marketing in creating a larger buyer pool and the critical importance of a transparent, auditable process for regulatory compliance. Featuring a compelling case study of a student housing complex that sold for over $500,000 more at...
info_outlineAs supply chains consolidate and evolve, what happens to the massive facilities left behind? In this episode, John Schultz, Chief Marketing & Technology Officer at Grafe Auction, takes you inside the high-stakes world of distribution center auctions. Drawing on real-world examples, including the successful liquidation of several Big Lots facilities, John breaks down the immense scale of these events, the meticulous strategic planning required for success, and the critical importance of a turnkey post-auction process. Discover the hidden opportunities for both buyers and sellers, and learn how to transform a complex liquidation into a strategic, high-value outcome.