COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — It’s a pretty safe bet that when Schrader Real Estate Auction Co., Inc. was founded by auctioneer Denzil Schrader in 1944, he never imagined partnering with firms across the country.

Those partnerships, in conjunction with the use of Internet advertising and bidding, have expanded Schrader’s reach around the United States. “The Internet has allowed us to save a lot of money on marketing,” said Wes Sigler, who works in Schrader’s advertising and marketing department.

“We can allocate funds in other areas and it’s alleviated the need for a lot of printing and overnight packages. It’s allowed us to save money.” The Internet also allows for online bidding during auctions.

Sigler, who has been with Schrader for nine years, said the partnerships have been invaluable, “increasing our exposure nationwide over the past 10 years.” The recognition of the Schrader name was built as the auction business grew, selling farms, farm equipment and livestock throughout Indiana and Michigan.

Expansion accelerated in 1967 as the firm’s strategic plan added Schrader representatives across the Midwest, with staff agents today in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Growth in the 1970s included selling land by arranging tax-deferred exchanges for many Midwest landowners moving operations to other regions of the United States.

The company’s marketing method also was developed in the ‘70s to maximize the sale price of large land tracts at auctions. The method resulted in numerous strategic joint-venture auction companies being formed by Schrader.

The company has now reached more than 40 states, marketing large holdings of farms, ranches and timberland, as well as commercial and industrial portfolios.

Schrader principals are certified auctioneers and real estate brokers. Each holds professional designations, including membership in the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI).

The combination of these experts with the in-house marketing staff assures sellers their property will be marketed through effective pre-auction advertising and promotional exposure in the targeted marketplace, as well as through the dynamics of the auction itself on auction day.

Schrader agents will be available to talk with visitors to the Indiana-Illinois Farm & Outdoor Power Equipment Show, Dec. 13-15, in Indianapolis. More information also may be found online at www.schraderauction.com or by calling toll-free 800-451-2709.