We want Atterberry Auction & Realty Company to be known as the hardest working, most caring, and strongest auction company in Missouri!

Business Interviews: Tell us a brief history of Atterberry Auction & Realty Company? How did this business become your passion?

Tim Elliott: Atterberry Auction and Realty Company was founded by Larry Atterberry Sr. and his wife Judy in 1970. The Atterberry family, along with several other team members, built the company over the years based on top-notch customer service, honesty and a strong conviction to uphold the highest ethical standards. 

In  2019, I made a life decision to leave the family business and to pursue owning my own business. I wanted to build and create my own legacy for my wife, Crystal, my family, and myself all while serving our local mid-Missouri community.

Business Interviews: What makes Atterberry Auctions & Realty Company different from other auction houses in Missouri?

Tim Elliott: Our company is built with diverse and seasoned professionals with unique specialties from their past professions or experiences. We have a lifelong auctioneer on staff, an employee who owned her own trailer company and more. 

Business Interviews: What inspires you at Atterberry Auction & Realty Company? How do you keep such a positive relationship with the mid-Missouri community?

Tim Elliott: Working with our sellers in and around our community on a daily basis is what inspires me to come to work every day. It could be a family who just lost a loved one and needs the Atterberry team to help them sort out what to do next. It could be a senior citizen who is downsizing and needs some help transitioning to their next place in life. The largest part is helping anyone who needs to sell their home, land, or personal property and maximize their return on their investment.

Additionally, Crystal and I always try to stay connected with our local charities and organizations. It could be Central MO Foodbank, MO Honor Flight, True North of Columbia, Rhally for Rhyan, Lizzies Walk of Faith or our local FFA organization. We try to support all of our local schools and colleges as well. We are very fortunate to live in such a great community where everyone works together to help one another. As a family and at Atterberry, we want to do our part to enrich the lives of those living in our local community and help those in need. 

Business Interviews: What’s the biggest challenge you face at Atterberry Auction & Realty Company?

Tim Elliott: I would say our biggest challenge is educating the general public on the whole auction process. We want to change the perception of the “old time auction way”. We don’t sell very many foreclosures, in fact – hardly any of our homes or properties have major issues. 

Most importantly, we auction off anything from a $60,000 house to a $1.5 million dollar house, a three acre tract to a 1000 acre tract, a model T to a year old Sports car. Just because the property or item is being sold through an online auction does not mean it won’t bring market value. 

Here’s a secret: In most cases auctioning a home, land or personal property actually results in above market value. Auction is just another way of selling your assets. The only difference is we sell the assets “AS IS” for cash. Another benefit to choosing an auction is our online bidding platform. Atterberry provides the ability to showcase an auction online while reaching potential buyers in mid-Missouri and nationwide.

Business Interviews: Throughout all of the auctions and projects you’ve managed at Atterberry Auction & Realty Company, what’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

Tim Elliott: The most rewarding times are when our team can help a family in need, and more specifically the elderly in our community. We understand downsizing can feel like losing family heirlooms and memories. We do our best to consolidate assets and homes, so our clients feel safe and leave with a huge smile on their face. Over the past four years, our team has established strong relationships with many seniors in our community. These bonds are truly priceless and inspire our entire team to come to work everyday to help others.

Business Interviews: How do you want to see Atterberry Auction & Realty Company grow?

Tim Elliott:  I would like to see us known within our community as the team to call if you’re trying to sell or consolidate assets. I would like to see us be able to truly share our success and value with our community. 

Business Interviews: How has Atterberry Auction & Realty Company changed under your leadership?

Tim Elliott: Crystal and I have tried to carry on the legacy of customer service originally established by the Atterberry family. When we purchased the company we were fortunate to come in with a new set of eyes and ears. We took what was already successful and expanded it. We have invested money into the business to improve some of our equipment and we are currently building a new facility! Our new headquarters will allow us to better serve all of our sellers and buyers. We have also invested time and effort into educating our family, friends and the public on the success an auction can provide.

Business Interviews: What’s your advice for young business owners who are wanting to open a business in mid-Missouri?

Tim Elliott:  I would tell any young entrepreneur to take their time and make sure they are totally prepared and fully locked in before opening their business. Utilize the many resources we have in and around Columbia to ensure you are setting yourself up with the best tools to succeed and grow. Learn to stay in your lane and surround yourself with other valuable people who excel in their talents – once you’ve got the team you need, work together. A business is only as strong as its weakest link. If you’re not 100% committed to what you are investing in and willing to put your neck out and work hard, you probably should consider waiting until you can commit fully.

Business Interviews: Given your experience, what’s the best business advice you’ve received?

Tim Elliott: A very dear friend of mine, Jimmy Aslandis (owner Jimmy’s Steakhouse), told me to always work hard, don’t count your money, and to always remember to praise God for everything that we have and our blessings. If you work hard and are an honest man, your business will grow and so will your reputation within your community.

Business Interviews: What are your goals for Atterberry Auction & Realty Company in the next 10 years?

Tim Elliott: I would like to see our company to be able to grow its real estate footprint in Missouri, continue to grow the number of large land auctions and luxury homes per year, and most importantly to always maintain and grow the level of customer service that the Atterberry family and now our team are known for. We want to be known and remembered as the hardest working, most caring, and strongest auction company in Missouri!