AI Online

Ai INNOVATION, SINCE 1895

From junkyard to online auction gold

Founder of online auction company on humble beginnings, business tips

With no long-term plans and only a survivor’s instinct, Willis Johnson built multibillion-dollar auto auction company, Copart, from one modest junkyard.

 

In his new book, “Junk to Gold,” Willis Johnson shares his story of success and how faith, family and hard work helped him live his dream.

 

Johnson talks about his business, Copart, and how it became the powerhouse in the automotive industry it is today. Of the many business secrets he reveals in his book, one key takeaway is that good people in your business are the keys to success.

 

“I always sought the best possible employees to insert into the positions I created as the business grew,” Johnson said.

 

While a business education is highly valued in today’s market, Johnson believes that experience and ambition are paramount to Ivy League degrees.

 

“Learn from every experience you have and person you meet – positive or negative,” Johnson said.

 

While sharing his story and keys to business success are largely prevalent in “Junk to Gold,” Johnson wanted to shine light on how much he values the people who help his company continue to tick.

 

“I just want our employees to know that the company appreciates what they do, and I hope they see that in the book,” Johnson said.

 

Today, Copart has more than 750,000 registered members and more than 160 locations worldwide with a vehicle selling every five seconds.

 

“Junk to Gold“

By: Willis Johnson

ISBN: 1490816593

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble Booksellers and WestBow online bookstores

 

About the author

Willis Johnson was raised on a farm in Arkansas. He grew up learning about business from his father. Johnson built Copart from one junkyard to a $4.5 billion company. Today, he lives in Franklin, Tenn. with his wife and hot rod collection. He remains chairman of the board of Copart