People of Pantex: Trent Jones
People of Pantex is a series that highlights what makes Pantexans unique when they are not at our plant and how those activities help them contribute to the mission.
Production Manager Trent Jones takes pride in being a third-generation Pantexan. You may know him, or have seen him around giving a facilities tour, presenting on a new production milestone, or chatting with coworkers in the hallway.
Or selling your grandmother’s Buick.
Jones may have followed in his family’s footsteps out to Pantex, but he was the first to become an auctioneer.
“I had a good friend from church that has an auction company in town, and he influenced me to go to auction school,” Jones said. “Auctions are a thrilling experience, and I’ve always wanted to learn the trade.”
Jones is a licensed auctioneer through the state of Texas, and as such, he has a fiduciary duty to the seller. In a nutshell, he does his best to bring market value to the product being sold, be it a decade-spanning coin collection, ragged patio furniture, or an antique Mustang convertible. Yes, he’s really auctioned off all of those things, and truckloads more...including the trucks.
To do all of this, however, Jones made like Rodney Dangerfield and went back to school.
“I had to memorize numbered drills and tongue twisters before I actually went to auctioneering school,” Jones said. “When I got there, I went through 80 hours of classroom instruction and did some live auctioneering. Additionally, every year I have to complete six hours of continuing education to keep my license.”
Along with schooling, auctioneering students must learn how to perform one trademark characteristic: bid talking. Bid talking is the rhythmic repetition of numbers and filler words, or simply put, the fast-paced, energetic talk we associate with auctioneers. Jones strives to improve, even if it means selling a gently used set of vintage telephone poles as he drives by them.
“It’s just consistent practice every day,” Jones said. “But running your mouth and bid calling is the easy part. The hard part is getting ready for an auction.”
Jones has traveled the Texas Panhandle and down south to Dallas and Waco to sell all types of goods for all types of people. Depending on the venue, he may be in a suit and tie under the glow of a chandelier or in Wranglers and a ballcap kicking up dirt in the country.
With any great performance, a strong warm-up routine is crucial. For Jones, he enjoys reciting tongue twisters before going live. “Betty Botter” with her bitter butter and better batter is always reliable. Jones is familiar with taking center stage, yet he still feels the winged metaphorical cocktail of nervousness and fear in his stomach.
“I’ve worked some auctions before and you start off auctioneering and nobody’s raising their hand,” Jones said. “You’re thinking ‘oh my God, this is going to be a bloodbath,’ but once you get the rhythm going, get the butterflies gone, and excite the crowd, it’s smooth sailing.”
Auctioneering and Jones’ work role share two major similarities. First, public speaking since he gives tours and presentations at Pantex.
The second?
“Teamwork,” Jones said. “In every auction, there’s people that you’re counting on. The clerk is the one taking all your numbers down. A lot of times I don’t remember what I said and I rely on them to repeat it back. You also have a ring man and other auctioneers that you work with. Again, it’s just teamwork. Same thing at Pantex.”
The longer Jones has stayed at Pantex, the more he has realized how truly blessed he is to be part of an enriching work environment and spirited dynamic. What has kept him auctioneering, however, appeals to his adventurous side.
“The auction business is exciting and challenging,” said Jones. “It’s also an adrenaline rush and I need that from time to time. I believe in continual education and always learning something new. Auctioneering is just one of the ways I get to do all of that.”