SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nearly 25 years after a fire destroyed the area's longtime consignment auction market, the tradition has returned. Align Auction House opened Aug. 2 in South Hutchinson, marking the first local consignment auction since the blaze that ended an era in 2000.
Nick and Taylor Nelson, alongside investors Paul and Tess Phillips, opened Align Auction House LLC at 612 S. Main in South Hutchinson, drawing 87 registered bidders to the inaugural sale. The event exceeded expectations, the Nelsons said, and set the tone for what they hope will become a cornerstone of the community.
“This is about more than just buying and selling,” Taylor Nelson said. “It’s about carrying forward a legacy, reconnecting people, and creating a place where the community can come together.”
That legacy is personal. Nick Nelson is the grandson of Ron and Jenny Gingerich, longtime owners of Real Estate & Investment Brokers, Inc. (R.E.I.B.), a respected name in the region for generations. R.E.I.B., acquired in 1970 by Joe Gingerich and his sons Ron and Ralph “Doc” Gingerich, and later joined by auctioneer LaVerle Pounds, built a reputation for honesty, integrity and strong business values.
The company’s original auction market served as a central hub for consignments until it was destroyed by fire in September 2000, leaving what the Nelsons call “a noticeable gap” in the community ever since.
“Nick always wanted to bring a consignment auction back to the area,” Taylor said. “When R.E.I.B. was still operating, he hoped to take it over someday, but the timing wasn’t right. Now, thanks to Paul and Tess, we’ve been able to make it happen.”
Nick serves as auctioneer, bringing more than 10 years of industry experience and training from the National Auctioneers Association in Texas. He is known for his quick cadence, high energy and deep knowledge of the trade, qualities reflected in the company’s motto: “Your Goods. Our Gavel. Fair Market Value.”
Align Auction House accepts consignments by appointment throughout the month before each sale. The goal is to sell out completely and start fresh for the next auction. Items range from household goods and collectibles to cars, trailers, equipment, mowers, guns and tools. The Nelsons avoid low-quality mass-produced goods that draw little buyer interest.
The doors open at 9 a.m. on sale days, with bidding starting at 10 a.m. The Nelsons plan to eventually add preview hours the night before and expand from monthly to twice-monthly auctions.
For now, sales are held the first Saturday of each month. The next auction is scheduled for Sept. 6 at the South Hutchinson location.
“The support from our first sale was incredible,” Taylor said. “We’re excited to keep building this, one sale, one bid, one handshake at a time.”
Consignment drop-offs are by appointment only. For more information, email [email protected] or call 620-474-1538 or 620-474-6771. You can also visit the Facebook page by clicking here.