On Friday, October 10th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort embarked on an insightful visit to Dinky’s Auction Center, hosted by Levi Raber. Our last visit before Fall Break. This experience offered a rare behind-the-scenes look into operating one of the area’s most recognized auction facilities, highlighting the dedication, innovation, and leadership required for long-term success.
Levi shared his lifelong passion for auctioneering, tracing both his personal journey and the history of Dinky’s. Established in 1996, the center entered a new era in 2003 when Levi and his family took over operations. Since then, Dinky’s has become a cornerstone of the community, known for its vibrant atmosphere, efficiency, and commitment to excellence. Levi also discussed the vital role technology—such as their camera systems—plays in maintaining smooth and transparent operations.
Throughout the visit, Levi offered the cohort meaningful advice on leadership and management. He emphasized the importance of setting the right example, reminding students, “Don’t ever ask an employee to do something that you would not do yourself.” This philosophy, he explained, builds trust, teamwork, and respect within any organization.
When discussing advertising and marketing, Levi shared a variety of strategies to attract and retain customers—from traditional newspaper ads and billboards to word-of-mouth and social media outreach. In a memorable moment, he introduced the acronym K.I.S.S. — “Keep It Simple, Stupid”—as a key to effective billboard design. He also encouraged students to always have a backup plan, sell themselves confidently, and never underestimate the power of consistent follow-up.
Closing the session, Levi left the group with a powerful message: “Be thankful for your problems; we learn more from our mistakes.”
The Daviess County CEO Cohort expressed sincere gratitude to Levi for his time, insight, and hospitality. The visit to Dinky’s Auction Center not only provided valuable business knowledge but also inspired the students to embrace challenges, think creatively, and lead with integrity.