Jake R. Musser

CEO

Truck and Auto Auctions

Age: 36

Current city of residence: Pasco

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 21 years

Briefly describe your company:

A safe, transparent marketplace to buy and sell your automobiles, travel trailers, boats RVs or anything with a VIN. Marketed by the best in the business you never have to second guess whether or not you are receiving good value for your assets.

How long have you worked there? Since 2016.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

Auctioneer degree from Mason City, Iowa, in 2005.

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

I was raised in the family business of auctions. This was always a goal of mine and something I pursued in my early years. It wasn't until I paired my passion for vehicles with auctions that I truly found what motivated me. Prior to Trucks and Auto, Musser Bros. Auctioneers was primarily a real estate, agriculture and business liquidation auction firm. Today, Trucks and Auto Auctions represents over 50% of gross revenues of all Musser Bros. Auctions.

How did you earn your first dollar?

Running Tickets (clerk sheets) from the auction topper to the clerks who would then invoice farmers for their purchases at the auction.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Success is a journey not a destination. Enjoy the trials and tribulations, allow these to mold you and better you versus taking them on as obstacles to be overtaken. Shortcuts only end up taking from the glory of the journey. The people you meet along the way are the true reward.

What was your dream job as a child?

To become an auctioneer. I conducted my first auction at Desert Hills Middle School in 1999-2000.

What would make our community a better place to live?

The continued growth in our community is exciting to see. When I moved away from the Tri-Cities, I lived in Boise, Idaho, and truly enjoyed my time there. I am glad to see the direction that the Tri-Cities is going and look forward to seeing the cities come together versus forging differences with one another.

What would your top 3 priorities to make our community a better place?

I would like to see a safe environment created for the car scene where people could track and race their cars to keep the activity off the streets.

Cool Desert Nights would be inclusive of all Tri-Cities with a cruise supporting small businesses in each and every city.

Continuity in the police force and community involvement. I see the huge steps that Pasco is taking to be more inclusionary and involved in the community and would love for all of our agencies to adopt this policy and become more involved in neighborhood events.

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

I would coach more youth hockey and offer more "learn hockey for free" clinics. I currently coach my son's hockey team of 11- and 12-year-olds. I have been coaching the same group of kids for four years now and truly enjoy my time with them. My daughter who is 7 now is playing and I'm helping with her as well. This is a passion I would love to offer more time towards.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

This is something I never truly mastered or believe that anyone can. There are going to be push-and-pull effects from both where you have to step away and support one side over the other. I believe that an open dialogue and communication helps make this more manageable.

Do you have family? Pets?

I have been married to my wife Kayla, a Pasco High graduate, for 15 years. We have been together 18 years. We met at an auction I was working in high school for the Pasco Chamber at the TRAC (HAPO) facility. I have a 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter who are both excelling in school, sports and arts. Truly blessed to have such a supportive family and amazing wife.

We all share an amazing 5- year-old black Russian terrier named Mishka. She is a small horse in comparison to most dogs but the most lovable creature I have ever met.

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

I was born and raised in the Tri-Cities, graduated from Kamiakin High School and enjoyed my childhood growing up here. I moved to Idaho with the intention of staying. However, opportunity and family brought me back to Tri-Cities, and I have enjoyed my time back home.

What's your dream vacation?

Touring amphitheaters around the world.

Favorite thing to do in the Tri-Cities?

Boat race weekend.

Favorite snack?

Uncrustables

Would you travel back in time or to the future?

I would love to travel back in time to special events throughout my life and others' lives.