James A. Luggen Sr. “Big Jim” (1914 – 2001) - Our Founder
Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to German/Swiss immigrants who taught him the value of hard work. He attended the University of Cincinnati before enlisting in the United States Army in 1941. He served his country proudly as a cryptographer for the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific during World War II and was awarded three Bronze Service Stars. Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, he began his business career buying and selling excess war goods with his company, Wright Surplus Sales. As his expertise in the field of industrial machinery and equipment grew, he accepted a position as an auctioneer for Joseph P. Day Company of New York City in 1956. In 1961, with his wife Stella, he began Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers. His reputation as an honest, hardworking and knowledgeable auctioneer/appraiser lead to opportunities with national corporations and financial institutions as well as the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and many other governmental agencies. All six of his children worked in the business at one time or another with sons, Jerome and Jeffrey, taking over in 1981. In 1982, Jim retired from the business, but remained active through regular visits to the office and attendance at auctions. He was always available for advice and a joke for any friend, client or customer who would listen. “Big Jim” called his last bids at the auction of Beloit Corporation in July 7, 2000 and attended his last auction in January of 2001. Jim Luggen will be sorely missed by all who knew him and will always be fondly remember with a laugh and a smile.
Jerome A. Luggen - President, Auctioneer, Senior Appraiser
Jerome A. Luggen joined Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. in 1973 after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Jerome has been actively involved in auctioning and appraising machinery and equipment ever since. Jerome has been a licensed auctioneer since 1978, and is an AMEA Accredited Appraiser. Over thirty years of experience has earned Jerome the designation of "expert" in the truest sense of the word. Jerome strives for and is dedicated to delivering unsurpassed service for our clients. Email
Jeffrey L. Luggen - Vice President, Principal Auctioneer, Senior Appraiser
Jeffrey L. Luggen worked for the family business throughout his High School and College Years. He joined Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. full-time after graduating from University of Cincinnati in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Jeff has been a licensed auctioneer since 1980 and holds Auctioneer Licenses in 25 States. He is an accredited AMEA and ASA Appraiser, as well as, a Licensed Real Estate Broker. During his thirty years in the business, Jeffrey has been involved in thousands of successful auctions and accurate appraisals, and is acknowledged as one of the most trusted names in the field. Jeff's vast knowledge and considerable experience allows Cincinnati Industrial clients to realize auctions with outstanding results and appraisals with accurate values. Email
Jeffrey M. Luggen Jr.- Managing Partner, Auctioneer, Appraiser
When Jeffrey M. Luggen began working at Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. fulltime in 2000, it established the entry of a third generation of Luggens to work in the family business. Prior to graduating from Missouri Auction School in 2000, he attended the University of Cincinnati - College of Business. Under the guidance and support of his father and uncle he has become one of the "rising stars" in the industrial auction business. His responsibilities include: machinery evaluation, machinery specifications and auction brochures. Jeffrey Michael is always available to answer questions about any aspect of the auction business. Email
Joseph M. Luggen - Sales Manager, Auctioneer, Appraiser
Joseph M. Luggen has been with Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. since he was able to run clerk sheets from the auction block to the auction office. Joseph spent time attending The Ohio State University before graduating from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in the summer of 2008. Since then, he has become a regular on the auction block being our secondary auctioneer to Jeff Luggen Sr. Joseph is a young apprentice of his father, uncle and brother trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible about the industrial auction business. In early 2010 Joseph become a licensed auctioneer in the state of Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Email
Ryan L. Luggen - Business Development Executive
Ryan L. Luggen is another highly motivated third generation family member to enter the business. Ryan has a long list of accolades: he obtained his BBA from Ohio University in 2013 and his MBA from the University of Cincinnati in 2017; his auction license from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in 2013, for which he holds licenses in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky; lastly, Ryan is a USPAP compliant Certified Equipment Appraiser under AMEA. Ryan began his career at CIA as a kid and now assumes a role as a business development professional. Serving clients of all sizes, Ryan has successfully conducted auctions ranging from $25,000 for a widow to a major two-day $10 million auction with 2,000+ lots. He is always looking for the next project and is fully committed to carrying on the legacy those before him built. Email
Frank Rome - Executive Sales Manager, Auctioneer, Appraiser
Frank has been a licensed auctioneer since 1995 when he graduated from the Missouri Auction School. However, he has been working with Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. since 1991. Prior to becoming part of the Cincinnati Industrial team, Frank was the Finance Supervisor of NCR Corp for fifteen years. He graduated with a business degree from Ohio University in 1969, and an MBA from Wheeling Jesuit in 1989. Frank enjoys working with his son John who joined the Cincinnati Industrial team in 1993. Frank's ingenuity and work ethic ensure that every part of the auction reaches its optimum potential from time frame to equipment value. Email
John Rome - Business Development Coordinator, Auctioneer
John has been working alongside his father Frank and the other Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. employees since 1995. His educational background includes graduating from Ohio State University in 1995, and graduating from the Missouri Auction School in 2000. He became a licensed auctioneer in 2001. John is now one of Cincinnati Industrial's principal auctioneers. Email
Jim Stern - Executive Sales Manager, Senior Appraiser
Upon Graduating from Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jim spent twenty-two years in engineering, tech service and sales within the plastic industry. He has been involved with industrial auctions and appraisals since 1989. His background in plastic machinery sales helped Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. become a leader in auctions of this type of equipment. Jim has also achieved Certified Appraiser status with AMEA. In addition to his appraisal duties he is responsible for liquidation business development with banks, financial companies, turnaround groups and corporations nationwide. Jim prides himself on customer satisfaction. Email
Chris Scheurer - Business Development Associate
Chris has the discipline most of us strive for. He plays it by the book and has the foresight to not take the path of least resistance. When he is not working out, he has been known to pick up a guitar and lose all track of time.. He will be responsible for prospecting clients across the United States for potential auction opportunities. Please feel free to reach out to Chris as he looks to further his knowledge and connections within the used machinery industry. Email
Libby & Rick Turner - Auction Office, Auction Checkout
Libby is the sister of Jeff & Jerome Luggen. She is the daughter of our founder James A. Luggen. Along with her husband, Libby has been in the auction business for over twenty years. They are our ace auction checkout team. They handle all aspects of the auction checkout process with diligence and care, leaving both our clients and auction customers well satisfied.
Julie Gross - Office & Accounting Manager
Julie has been with Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. for twenty-five years. Julie is the Financial Control Officer. Detailed settlement statements along with a quick turnaround, makes Julie a popular person at Cincinnati Industrial. She is always available to answer any of our client’s questions regarding the financial aspect of the sale.
Kristen Bonavita - Online Auction Specialist, Administrative Assistant
Kristen has been with Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers, Inc. for ten years. Kristen handles all aspects of the online bidding process. She also maintains our website and our email blast advertisements.
Christine Oliver - Administrative Assistant
Christine joined our company in April of 2013. Christine is our receptionist and handles light clerical duties.
Boots is a Bernese Mountain Dog that helps us with office security in exchange for belly rubs and scrambled eggs.
Copyright © 2023 CIA Co.
2020 Dunlap Street
Cincinnati, OH 45214
Phone: 513-241-9701
Fax: 513-241-6760