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Brasher to become EBlock COO
John Brasher (right) talks with Bob McConkey of the McConkey Auction Group during a session at Used Car Week 2019. Photo by Joe Overby
John Brasher, who last week announced he was stepping down from his leadership post with the ServNet auction group at the end of the month, will become EBlock’s next chief operating officer on May 3.
Brasher became executive director of ServNet on Jan. 1, 2020. He has spent close to his entire career as part of the ServNet organization as an organization executive or member-auction owner.
ADESA acquired the Brasher family’s auctions in 2016. Two of its auctions were among ServNet’s founding members when the group started in 1988.
Brasher was president of Brasher’s West Coast Auto Auctions from 2001 to 2016 and was a general manager for ADESA after the acquisition for two years.
He also was a founding partner of what is now Auction Edge when it was launched as AuctionPipeline in 2005.
In his new role as EBlock COO, Brasher will lead the company’s continued U.S. expansion. EBlock got its start in Canada before launching in the U.S. in 2019.
"We are excited to have an industry icon like John join EBlock," EBlock president and chief executive officer Jason McClenahan said in a news release. "EBlock is seeing tremendous growth, both in Canada and the United States. His experience and passion for the industry will only accelerate that momentum. I look forward to working closely with John as we shape the digital auction landscape, to the evolving needs of our customers."
Interestingly enough, it was through a partnership with the aforementioned Auction Edge in early 2020 that EBlock shifted its model in the U.S. to help independent auto auctions facilitate digital dealer-to-dealer sales. The first group to jump onboard that partnership was the McConkey Auction Group, which is a ServNet member, as well.
"The transformation to digital in the auction space Is happening now and it's happening quickly," Brasher said. "The automotive wholesale business needs a partner that is committed to meeting their customers where they are. I believe EBlock is that partner, and I'm excited to be part of this exciting chapter in our industry."
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