Rod Burnett claims he can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but he could probably sell you the pail.
Just like the singer who has to sing, the 36-year-old auctioneer from Armstrong, B.C., has to sell.
“I can’t hold a tune to save my soul,” he said, but his sales ability, strong voice and clarity were good enough to name him the 2011 international livestock auctioneer at the Calgary Stampede July 16.
Last year, he won the 2010 Canadian livestock all round champion.
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This year’s win earned him $5,500 in cash and prizes and an all expenses paid entry to the 2012 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship at Hilmar, California.
Like a singer, Burnett must overcome stage fright while keeping his wits about him.
“You have to have the nerve to get up in front of people,” he said after his win.
“You have to have a good voice and a good eye. If you miss the bid they are going to let you know.”
Burnett works full-time at Valley Auction near Armstrong and is the third person from that firm to win the international competition.
Besides livestock sales, he also auctions classic cars and other automobiles.
Born at Chilliwack, B.C., he trained in Iowa 15 years ago and worked for a time in Alberta before returning home in 2007.
He expects this to be a long-term career. His uncle was an auctioneer for 50 years and his father sold for 42 years.
“I have no choice. I am in it for the long haul.”
Mike Nuss of Nebraska was Stampede runner up and Brandon Frey of Iowa was rookie of the year.
