Our History

AAA Auction Service has been serving Northeast Indiana and the surrounding Midwest for more than five decades, built on a tradition of hard work, integrity, and a genuine passion for the auction profession.

The story began with O.G. “Bud” Steinman, who became fascinated with the auctioneer’s chant as a child and dreamed of someday becoming an auctioneer. Although Bud first built a successful trucking company, he never lost his enthusiasm for auctions. In 1966, he sold his trucking business and began working part-time as an auctioneer.

After attending the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana, Bud founded AAA Auction Service in 1972 as a full-service auction company. During the company's early years, AAA conducted household auctions several evenings each week as well as on Saturdays.

Bud also took great pride in helping new auctioneers enter the profession. Several of the auctioneers he encouraged and mentored went on to establish successful auction companies of their own.

A Growing Family Business

In 1982, AAA Auction Service moved from a leased facility to its permanent location at 2110 McConnell Drive in New Haven, Indiana. As the company expanded, a commercial and industrial division was added to complement its established estate auction business.

Bud's son, Ron Steinman, joined AAA Auction Service full-time in 1986. Ron expanded the company's appraisal services and gradually assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of the business.

Following Bud Steinman's passing in 2000, Ron continued the family tradition and led AAA Auction Service into its next generation. Under his leadership, the company continued conducting estate, commercial, industrial, real estate, and specialty auctions while providing professional appraisal services throughout Northeast Indiana and the Midwest.

Ron brought decades of experience to the auction and appraisal professions. His work included commercial liquidation, FF&E appraisals, real estate, estate auctions, and expert-witness appraisal services. His extensive professional credentials and commitment to the auction industry helped continue the reputation established by his father.

Following Ron Steinman's passing, his legacy, along with the foundation established by Bud, remains an important part of AAA Auction Service's history.

Rainelle Shockome – Owner

In 2021, Rainelle Shockome became the owner of AAA Auction Service, carrying the company into its next chapter while continuing the traditions established by Bud and Ron Steinman.

Rainelle has been involved with AAA Auction Service since 2016 and is a graduate of the Reppert School of Auctioneering. She is a second-generation auctioneer and has worked in real estate since 2000. Her background combines auctioneering, real estate, business management, and the marketing and sale of personal property.

Rainelle is a graduate of the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) and has served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Auctioneers Association. She is also a member of the National Auctioneers Association and Indiana Auctioneers Association.

Under Rainelle's ownership, AAA Auction Service has continued to evolve by combining the personal service of a traditional auction company with today's online auction technology. The company conducts large online auctions that reach bidders locally, nationally, and internationally while continuing to serve estates, individuals, businesses, attorneys, and other professional clients.

Continuing a Tradition Since 1972

More than five decades after Bud Steinman turned his childhood fascination with auctions into a business, AAA Auction Service continues to operate on the principles upon which it was founded: professional service, hard work, experience, and a commitment to both buyers and sellers.

From Bud Steinman to Ron Steinman and now Rainelle Shockome, AAA Auction Service's history represents generations of auction experience and a willingness to adapt as the auction industry has changed.

Today, AAA Auction Service remains based in New Haven, Indiana, serving the greater Fort Wayne area and clients throughout the Midwest. From estates and collections to commercial and industrial assets, firearms, real estate, and specialty consignments, the company continues the tradition that began in 1972 while embracing the technology and worldwide reach of today's auction marketplace.

AAA Auction Service — A Tradition of Auction Excellence Since 1972.