Kentucky auctioneer Trey Morris wins NAA championship
Trey Morris, winner of the NAA 2019 Auctioneer Championship. Image courtesy Morris Auctioneers
NEW ORLEANS – Trey Morris, an auctioneer from Murray, Kentucky, won the 2019 NAA International Auctioneer Championship on July 12 after competing among 68 participants in the men’s and women’s division from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Ireland. The competition, which was a part of the National Auctioneers Association’s 70th annual Conference and Show, took place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
Seven judges scored contestants on poise, command and bid calling in a preliminary round followed by an interview round with three industry questions, and a final bid-calling round for the top 15 male competitors.
“I’m elated and overjoyed to be chosen as the 2019 champion,” Morris said. “It has been an absolute dream come true. The NAA taught me so much about auctioneering, but also about leadership and professionalism, and I will work diligently to fulfill the mission and purpose of the National Auctioneer Association over the next year and throughout the duration of my career.”
Morris will represent the NAA and the entire auction industry throughout this year with his co-champion from the women’s division, Morgan Hopson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both will serve as the ambassadors by speaking to other trade groups and associations, as well as national and international media about the power of the auction method and the professionalism of members of the NAA. One highlight will be a special trip to conduct a toy “fun auction” for children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Morris is a first-generation auctioneer and real estate sales associate based in Western Kentucky. He is an announcer for Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction®, which is featured on the Discovery networks. Morris also works with not-for-profit organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes, American Heart Association, and the Ronald McDonald House to raise money through live auction event and special appeals.
Morris has partnered with various music artists, professional athletes and organizations with a shared vision to raise money for various causes. Notable names that Morris has partnered with include former Nashville Predators Mike Fisher, Grammy award-winning artist Carrie Underwood, nine-time MLB all-star Albert Pujols, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, among other professionals.
