Daviess County CEO Cohort Visits Dinky’s Auction Center. On Friday, October 23, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to step behind the scenes at Dinky’s Auction Center for an informative and engaging visit with owner Levi Raber. Students gained a firsthand look at the many moving parts involved in running a successful auction business while learning valuable lessons about leadership, marketing, technology, and customer relationships.
Levi shared the story behind Dinky’s Auction Center, which was established in 1996. In 2003, Levi and his family took over the business, continuing to build its reputation as a well-known and respected auction facility in the area. His passion for auctioneering began at a young age and has continued to shape his career and the direction of the business. Students learned that operating an auction center involves much more than standing behind a microphone. From camera systems and automation to managing buyers, sellers, and daily operations, technology plays an important role in keeping the business efficient and organized.
The discussion also gave students a better understanding of the financial side of auctions, including buyer’s premiums and how they factor into the auction process. Levi shared insights from a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he had the opportunity to tour the U.S. Mint. He explained the uniqueness of certain coins and what makes them valuable to collectors, giving students a glimpse into the fascinating world of coin collecting and the importance of understanding what makes an item desirable.
Leadership was another important topic throughout the visit. Levi stressed that strong leaders must be willing to work alongside their employees and lead by example. He reminded students, “Don’t ever ask an employee to do something that you would not do yourself.” His message reinforced the importance of earning respect, building trust, and creating a workplace where everyone contributes to the success of the organization.
Marketing and advertising also played a major role in the conversation. Levi discussed the value of using a variety of promotional methods, including newspaper advertisements, billboards, word-of-mouth, and social media. He also shared plans for expanding Dinky’s advertising efforts through television. When discussing billboard advertising, he introduced the acronym K.I.S.S. — “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” His point was that effective advertising should be easy to understand, memorable, and straight to the point.
Beyond marketing, Levi encouraged students to be confident in selling themselves, always have a backup plan, and understand the importance of following up. He also emphasized that when a serious issue or disagreement arises with someone, it is important to meet face-to-face rather than rely on texts, emails, or other forms of communication. Personal conversations can make a difference in building and maintaining strong relationships.
As the visit came to a close, Levi left students with several reminders about life and business. He encouraged them to never judge a book by its cover and shared a perspective that challenges people to look at difficulties differently: “Be thankful for your problems; we learn more from our mistakes.” His message reminded students that challenges and setbacks are opportunities to grow, gain experience, and become better leaders.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort extends a sincere thank-you to Levi for opening the doors of Dinky’s Auction Center and sharing his experiences with the class. The visit provided much more than a look inside an auction business; it offered practical lessons about running a company, treating people with respect, adapting to change, and learning from life's challenges. These are lessons the students can carry with them as they continue developing their own entrepreneurial skills.