FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

Dealers Auto Auction will add a new auction in Columbia, S.C., marking its first location in the Carolinas, and Matt Laughridge will serve as the auction’s general manager.

The new Dealers Auto Auction of Columbia will be the eighth auction for the group.

Laughridge started in the auction business in 1999 with Manheim, and he would go on to serve roles in the management training program; national sales; government services; transition team for the ADT acquisitions; Hi-line Auction supervisor at Manheim Atlanta; and AGM Manheim Darlington.

He led an eight-person sales team in the Carolinas, was chosen for the Cox Executive Leadership Program and served as regional account executive and major dealer account manager, GM Mobile accounts, across the United States.  

Laughridge grew up around the car business, with both sides of his family running franchise retail stores.

“We are very excited about our expansion into Columbia, South Carolina,” DAAG president and chief executive officer, David Andrews said in a news release.

Andrews also said, “We are very fortunate to have Matt leading the new auction, especially considering his experience, strong leadership abilities and extensive dealer relations in the Columbia area.”

The new auction is located at 1416 Atlas Rd., Columbia, S.C.

In other news,the group has hired Harold Chapman to its leadership team, noting that Chapman most recently served as general manager for ADESA Nashville.

Chapman was with ADESA for the past 17 years and has worked in the auto industry for his entire career.

He started out in the retail automotive industry before moving to the auction side of the business.

“We are very excited to have Harold on our team,” said Dave Diedrich, vice president of sales and operations for DAAG.

Diedrich also said, “We are looking forward to Harold bringing his experience and talents to DAAG. Having someone with Harold’s industry knowledge, skill set and successful track record on the DAAG team is an invaluable asset.”