Scott Freeman knows how lucky he is. It is rare to find someone who still loves their job after forty years, but this professional auctioneer is still as hooked on the art of the deal as he was when he moved to Hampton Roads in the mid-1970s. The owner of Auction757, Scott has spent four decades buying, selling, appraising and conducting well organized auctions that leave both buyers and sellers feeling like winners.

 Recognized nationwide as an honest, experienced expert in his field, Scott specializes in the sale of industrial and commercial inventory: business and restaurant equipment; automobiles and commercial vehicles; and retail FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment). The reality, though, is that Scott Freeman can sell just about anything to buyers looking for a bargain.

Loyal auction followers consider him one of the best in the business, noting that he seems to know the value of  nearly every piece of equipment put up for bid. Scott is also known as a man who looks out for the best interests of all of his customers, on both ends of the deal. Because of his reputation, his list of subscribers now numbers over 5,000. 

Jimmy Frantzis, owner of the local Pop's Diner restaurants, has dealt with Scott as a buyer and a seller many times over the years. "Scott's knowledge, professionalism, and honesty are second to none," he is quick to say when asked for his opinion of the widely-respected auctioneer.

Tim Travitz, a Pollard's Chicken franchise owner with two locations, has also joined the chorus of area business owners and managers who have turned to Scott when buying and selling equipment.

"As both a buyer and a seller, I have used Scott's business over the last ten years," Tim states. "His auction company has allowed me to find assets needed for my restaurants and food truck operations.  Scott has also allowed me to liquidate unneeded equipment in a timely manner. His professionalism and knowledge makes the process extremely easy. In short, Scott is great to work with! I check his auction757.com website almost daily in anticipation of upcoming events."

Scott is convinced that if a business owner is furnishing a new restaurant or store, a sure way to save thousands of dollars is to buy the needed equipment at auction.

"Auctions are the ultimate representation of the free market, where buyers get the best price possible on high-quality, pre-owned items," Scott insists. "It really is the best deal in town. I've auctioned new and nearly-new equipment to and from hundreds of restaurants. It's one of the toughest industries in which to succeed, but one way to improve your chances is by finding good quality equipment at great auction prices."

Scott began his career conducting auctions for smaller retail establishments, but as his reputation as a talented, principled auctioneer grew, Scott began managing the liquidations of larger retail, restaurant, industrial, manufacturing, and distribution operations.

"Over the years I've earned licenses in numerous states, and conducted auctions all across the country, selling everything from antique furniture, to sports event tickets, to live animals," he says. "And while I have conducted numerous estate and antique auctions over the years, my current focus is on business and commercial auctions." 

Scott also conducts municipal auctions for the cities of Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as Isle of Wight County. "Municipal auctions require specific bonds and licenses- a complicated endeavor on my end that demands specialized, detailed legal proposals," Scott explains, "but they're worth conducting because the deals for buyers are so fantastic."

Scott conducts the City of Norfolk Police Department's auctions, held at the Towing and Recovery compound. "I conduct this auction every three weeks now, and sell over 100 vehicles each month," Scott says. "Three to four times a year, this auction also includes recovered bicycles."

The semiannual Norfolk  Airport Authority & TSA auction has become one of Scott's most popular auctions. It includes lost-and-found items, abandoned vehicles as well as  surplus vehicles, equipment and furniture. Hundreds of people turn out for their first auction experience, and eagerly sign up for Scott's weekly email before they leave. Anyone can register to bid at Scott's auctions, both live and online.

Scott is working hard to build up his Auction757 database of buyers. He wants every business and individual in the area to know that his commercial and industrial auctions are the way to get the best deal.

"If business owners are looking to buy something for their business, why not go with high-quality, previously-owned items?" Scott reasons. "That's why it's important for buyers to pay attention to our website and join our database, so they can be ready to get what they need when it becomes available- because I can guarantee we will obtain it in our inventory, whatever the item is that they need. It's only a matter of time."

Auctions have been a popular way of transacting business for over 2,500 years, and the reason is the dual benefit to parties on both sides of the equation. 

"At a live auction people can see and touch the merchandise, and utilize all of their senses when developing a bidding strategy," Scott explains, smiling. "I can adjust tempo and quantities on the spur of the moment, depending on the feel I get from the crowd. There is a great deal of flexibility for me to work spontaneously and combine items in order to get a better deal for both buyers and sellers, which is really an art when it comes to selling at live auctions. "

Sellers at auction find buyers ready to spend; they can display their wares in front of large numbers of qualified buyers, and dispose of excess inventory quickly.  They know they'll get a fair price because the auction process creates competition among buyers, often increasing the sale price.

Buyers at auction, on the other hand, know they  will purchase the items that they want at a price that is fair. They begin the bidding process on a level playing field, and the value that they personally decide to accord items, ultimately determines the purchase price. The process eliminates drawn-out negotiations over price, and buyers can walk away with incredible bargains.

"At auction, the buyer saves money while the seller makes it," Scott declares. "One business owner needs to liquidate inventory, while another needs to buy in bulk or replace something vital. It's simple economics, and it works. Making deals for buyers and sellers still thrills me to this day. I feel truly blessed to have had the success I've had doing what I love: helping people get the things that they need  along the way."