My CAI Class II Experience: Honoring Service, Celebrating America, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude

April 14, 2025

This past month, I had the privilege of attending Class II of the Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI) in beautiful Bloomington, Indiana—and what a journey it was.

Out of 46 amazing classmates, I was incredibly honored (and honestly stunned) to be awarded the Pat Massart Award for Outstanding Auction Proposal. To say I was humbled would be an understatement. This recognition wasn't just mine—it belonged to my entire Hansen Auction Group family. It was a team win, and I couldn’t wait to bring it home to share with the people who make this journey so meaningful to me every single day.

From that moment on, the week just kept getting better. Every class session was packed with insight and direction thanks to our phenomenal instructors. They didn’t just teach—they inspired. Their knowledge and stories about real-life lessons in the auction industry lit a fire in all of us to elevate and protect our businesses, and to support one another as professionals.

The highlight of my CAI Class II experience was leading our Class II Benefit Auction, themed “The Spirit of '76” with the motto: “Honoring Service. Celebrating America.” It was an honor to carry this responsibility alongside my classmates, and the impact was something none of us will ever forget in raising almost $100,000 in a matter of 2 hours.

Here’s what we accomplished together:

Proceeds from the live and silent auction supported the National Auction Association General Fund, helping to fuel ongoing education.
Fund-A-Need contributions were donated to the National Auction Foundation for future scholarships supporting auction professionals.
The Buyer's Premium went directly to our class-selected 501(c)(3), Folds of Honor, providing scholarships to families of fallen service members.

That night, surrounded by red, white, and blue, felt like pure magic. I was blown away by the generosity, the spirit, and the unity of our industry. What truly shook me to my core was what came at the end of the evening. Together as a class, we stood on stage to thank everyone with the microphone in the hand of my classmate and who I consider my CAI dad who proceeded to announce the surprise of a 7-day, 6-night trip for two to one of the following destinations: Punta Cana, Jamaica, or Costa Rica. I was shocked! I never expected anything in return for my efforts; seeing the success of our Benefit Auction was more than enough. That gift was the most heartfelt thank-you I could’ve ever received as my class knows how important family is to me and I cannot wait to experience a getaway with my spouse.

As the week wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how proud I am to stand alongside my CAI classmates—my brothers and sisters in the auction industry. We pushed ourselves, we supported each other, and we made memories that will last a lifetime.

To Bryce and Tammy Hansen—thank you for believing in me. Your support means the world, and I carry that faith into every opportunity to lead, grow, and bring back knowledge to our Hansen Auction Group family.

I love this industry, I love this team, and I am beyond grateful for this journey the lord has blessed me with.

Samantha Obitz