If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good auctioneer from a great one, Episode 2 of The Auctioneer Podcast is your masterclass. This week, Dustin and KC sit down with legendary contract auctioneer Phillip L. Pierceall—a Texas-based pro known for his smooth chant, sharp instincts, and heart for giving back to the industry.
Phillip’s story is one of grit, mentorship, and a deep respect for the craft. From selling his first pie at 14 to becoming a trusted auctioneer in automobiles, galas, livestock, oil & gas, and sport horses, he’s seen (and sold) it all. And, as this episode makes clear, he’s still obsessed with getting better.
From a Church Pie Sale to the Livestock Ring
Phillip’s auction journey started young — with a pie and a single dollar.
“One of the blue hairs at church gave me a dollar,” Phillip laughs. “And when you get paid… you’re a professional.”
But the real shift came after his father passed away. He grew up around the Nevada Livestock Market, where he watched his best friend’s father command crowds, build relationships, and run a business that the entire community respected. That sense of purpose — blended with the allure of the clean white shirt, Cadillac-driving contract auctioneer — lit a fire in him.
“I saw the guy my dad hired roll in with a nice truck, clean shirt, cowboy hat — and leave with a big wad of money. Meanwhile we were still mucking stalls.”
That’s when he thought: I’ve got to learn that auction cry.
A Work Ethic Forged in Livestock Dust — and Cassette Tapes
Before he ever stepped foot in auction school, Phillip spent years practicing on his own.
“I wrote every auction school just to get their course curriculum,” he says. “I didn’t have the money to go yet — but I could practice.”
Tongue twisters in the car. Drills in the shower. Chant practice until his wife “wanted to kill him.”
By the time he arrived at the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 2005, he was already dialed in. KC remembers sitting in class thinking: This guy came prepared.
And he never stopped honing. Even today, Phillip practices every day and treats his vocal cords like a professional athlete treats their body:
“I take care of everything from the diaphragm up. Your voice is your moneymaker.”
A Career Across Cars, Cattle, Charity, and Oil & Gas
Phillip is the definition of a contract auctioneer — adaptable, versatile, and always on the move.
After school, he went straight into work, building a career across:
- Automotive auctions
- Sport horse sales
- Nonprofit galas and benefit events
- Oil & gas property auctions
- Estate and contract work
Today, he still sells around 100 auctions a year. His schedule often looks like: horse shows Monday, oil & gas Tuesday, red-eye home.
But what’s more fascinating than the workload is how he approaches each niche.
Phillip breaks it down perfectly:
- Cars & cattle: fast-paced, high volume, efficiency matters
- Oil & gas: slow and intentional — holding bids for minutes at a time because millions of dollars are on the line
- Galas: part auctioneer, part entertainer, part psychologist
- Sport horses: expertise and relationships drive the entire sale
Each industry has its rhythm — and Phillip dances between them with ease.
Selling the Sizzle (Especially to the Women in the Room)
Phillip’s take on gala auctions is equal parts brilliant and hilarious:
“At galas, you’re not selling the meat — you’re selling the sizzle.”
And he’s strategic about it. He changes his chant, tone, outfit, and energy depending on the crowd. He reads the room from cocktail hour to sold. He pays attention to:
- who’s wearing Louboutins
- who’s wearing the Rolex
- who people gravitate toward
- who holds the wallet in a household
- and which guests have philanthropic reputations
“I look at a gala like a thief,” he jokes. “I’m there to steal from the rich and give to the poor.”
That line alone is worth the price of admission.
Lessons From a Lifelong Career: Avoid Running Down the Hill
Phillip shares one of the best teaching moments of the episode: the story of the Papa Bull and Baby Bull.
Most auctioneers — especially new ones — sprint toward every opportunity. And that’s how you end up stuck at the wrong auction with the wrong client, thinking I should have done more research.
“Follow the money,” Phillip says. “If it feels off, walk away. Your name is on the line.”
A seasoned auctioneer knows when to run — and when to walk.
The Best Moments: From Janitors Winning Cars to Conversations With Legends
Phillip has a catalogue of stories, but two stood out:
1. Seeing Fundraising Turn Into Real Impact
Like the time he auctioned enough to fund two new vans for the Boys & Girls Club — then saw them driving around town.
“That’s one of the coolest things.”
2. The Janitor Raffle Story
At two different Catholic school galas, the winning raffle ticket — for a $100,000 credit card — went to the school janitor, after students and staff bought him tickets.
Twice.
Those moments, Phillip says, are “out-of-body.”
He’s also auctioned at film festivals alongside Robert Duvall, Billy Bob Thornton, Ethan Hawke, Kinky Friedman, Ruth Buzzi, and others. He’s been kicked awake by Billy Joe Shaver in a lawn chair backstage. It’s all part of a life lived loud.
Giving Back: Teaching the Next Generation of Auctioneers
Phillip now teaches at the Oklahoma School of Auctioneering, working closely with Justin Kennedy, whose FFA partnership is bringing thousands of new students into the industry.
These high schoolers — ages 14 to 18 — are learning the chant, competing in contests, and bringing Gen Z energy into an old-school craft.
“Some of these kids are absolute fire breathers,” Phillip says.
“They’re smart. They’re hungry. And they’re coming.”
His role now is mentorship — not gatekeeping.
“If you call me at two in the morning, I’ll answer. This industry has been good to me. I’m going to give back.”
A Live Chant to Close It Out
Of course, no episode would be complete without hearing Phillip’s chant. With no warm-up, no prep, he jumps straight in and sells a Samsung phone for $2,800.
It’s smooth, fast, classic, and full of showmanship.
“That was a great price for a cell phone!” KC jokes.
Phillip laughs: “If I had warmed up, it would have been better.”
Final Thoughts: The Heart of a True Auctioneer
Episode 2 is a reminder of why the auction industry is so special: it’s a world built on mentorship, hustle, and community. Phillip is the kind of auctioneer who proves that longevity in this business isn’t just about chant speed — it’s about heart, adaptability, integrity, and taking care of the people around you.
It’s also about never stopping the practice, never stopping the learning, and never losing the thrill of the next sale.
As Phillip says:
“At the end of the day — I’m going to eat.”
Listen to Episode 2
🎙 The Auctioneer Podcast — Episode 2 with Phillip L. Pierceall
Available wherever you get your podcasts.