Written by Nicole Ellan James

Camille Booker is the first woman to have presided over the Barrett-Jackson block as an auctioneer selling automobiles.

Camille Booker rocked the 2022 Las Vegas block like only a seasoned pro could when she hit the gavel and called out “sold” as an auctioneer on Barrett-Jackson’s stage. What made this occasion different is that Booker is the first women to have presided over the Barrett-Jackson block selling automobiles.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before,” Booker said of her experience on the Barrett-Jackson block. “I feel so honored and privileged that I was given the opportunity to lead the auction.”

The Washington native has been an auctioneer for over 20 years and helps run her family’s auction business. She is a third-generation auctioneer, following in her grandfather and father’s footsteps.

Growing up with family business, Booker was shy and quiet when she was sent to auction school at 16. It wasn’t until her final year in college that Booker realized she wanted a career as an auctioneer. In 2011 she won the title of Women’s International Auctioneer Champion; the same year Joseph Mast, Barrett-Jackson’s lead auctioneer, won the Men’s division.

Booker and Mast served as ambassadors for the National Auctioneers Association, which is where she got to know him and his family, culminating in their continued professional connection.

“When he took over the lead position at Barrett-Jackson, he sent me a text saying, ‘please hold these dates.’ He didn’t say what it was for, but I had an idea. I’ve been very blessed to have some opportunities from our connection,” Booker said.

“Working in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated, Camille has always been driven to set lofty goals, and it’s been an honor to watch her continuously reach them,” Mast said. He added that as a father of daughters, he is especially aware of the importance of representation in the industry. He is honored to have many great female team members, such as clerks, bidder assistants, seller ambassadors and auctioneers.

“For decades I have thoughtfully and carefully chosen an auctioneer team that is the best of the best,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “At Barrett-Jackson you experience world-class collector car auctions led by world-class auctioneers.”

The collector car auction company is no stranger to putting prominent women in the spotlight.

“Barrett-Jackson was co-founded by Nellie Jackson, the First Lady of Collector Cars,” said Carolyn Jackson, Vice President of Brand Strategy and Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Nellie was a driving force within the company, the hobby and the industry, and I’m proud that Barrett-Jackson continues to provide a platform that encourages and strengthens women’s careers. It is a privilege to have someone as talented as Camille, who has worked so diligently to be a part of the Barrett-Jackson auction team.”

“I am so honored that I was given the chance to command the block,” Booker said. “All of the current auctioneers at Barrett-Jackson are such powerhouses. There’s so much more energy and excitement put into a Barrett-Jackson sale than at a lot of different venues.” Booker added that she practiced and watched videos of the other auctioneers to match their cadences and rhythms. She also pointed out that having your voice fill the room is essential because all the people attending and watching the auction are there for the experience and a certain level of excitement and enthusiasm.

Booker advises other auctioneers to have patience along their journey — the end goal never happens overnight. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, set those goals and don’t give up on them.

“Leading a Barrett-Jackson auction is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I had to put in time and earn trust from everybody on the team, as well as from Craig Jackson, Steve Davis and Carolyn Jackson.

“I’ve always just been raised to believe that the only obstacle in life is myself and with hard work and determination there is no limit to your successes,” Booker said. “It was my turn to get up there and shine.”