Alexis Jacobs

In 1959, William Jacobs started Columbus Fair Auto Auction based on excellent customer service and fairness. He recognized that auctions offered a solution to automobile dealers’ needs for a source and marketplace for used motor vehicles. Obviously, the financial risk of leasing space at the Ohio State Fairgrounds to run a one-lane auction in 1959 was small, but significant for this startup entrepreneurial endeavor. It, however, pales in comparison to the present multi-million dollar investment in today’s 85-acre facility in Obetz. However, the original strategy of offering a marketplace for used vehicles where buyers and sellers would congregate for the benefit of both continues today. A great many changes have taken place in the auto auction business. But one thing that hasn’t changed is Jacobs’ basic business premise and the operating philosophy of fairness and excellent customer service. It is that reputation which has earned a tremendous following among dealers from nearly all 50 states who frequent the auction’s weekly sales. This same reputation has grown to entice manufacturers like General Motors, GM Financial, Subaru of America and JP Morgan Chase to contract with Columbus Fair Auto Auction for high-volume factory sales. While the volume of business has grown under Alexis Jacobs’ leadership, so has the marketing strategy. Alexis has spearheaded the growth of added-value services to support the base business, but also to become additional profit centers for her company. Alexis’ management philosophy is founded on personal empowerment. It rewards individual initiative and responsibility. It begins with attracting good people, training them well, and rewarding them. From physical environment to participation in the business process, attention to detail is all-important. Over 40 years, Alexis Jacobs has learned that it is the little things that make a difference in a service business. And a service business is only as good as the people who provide the service. It’s that simple.