Auctioneering is an art form and no one knows this better than Jason Alpert. As the founder of Alpert Enterprises, he has been at the forefront of the industry in the Tampa Bay area for nearly two decades. Alpert Enterprises thrives in a specific niche—events and fundraisers for charities—which has made Alpert’s business a unique offering in the market.
Impressively, Alpert and his team of auctioneers have helped raise more than $300 million for charities, since 2007. They oversee nearly 200 events a year and have worked with a variety of charitable organizations in Tampa Bay and across the country.
As a former sportscaster, this was a future Alpert didn’t imagine early on. He began his career as a TV sports reporter with channels such as Fox Sports Florida and Sun Sports. Alpert eventually became a presenter for NASCAR at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, initially handling pre- and post-shows, and later becoming a public address announcer. As the voice of NASCAR in Miami, he commentated for in-house races, among other events. Alpert’s career began to take off, catching the attention of nationwide companies looking for announcers to handle hospitality events. He began working with clients such as Bank of America, Lowe’s and Nicorette.
Meanwhile, Alpert began collaborating with organizations in the charity sector, which helped him find his niche in the industry. After working with a private school, Alpert tried his hand at auctioneering for the first time, ultimately earning his auctioneer’s license. In 2011, he decided to become a full-time auctioneer and emcee.
By 2014, Alpert shifted his focus, heavily, to charity events. As his company grew, he enlisted the talents of three more auctioneers: Geoff Cowan, Vallye Adams and Jason Bronis. Coming from diverse backgrounds including journalism, television and nonprofit work, each team member brought valuable skills to the table.
Alpert learned a great deal from his early career and recognized that effective auctioneers must also be entertainers. “It’s all about storytelling,” he says. His time as a sportscaster taught him how to engage, and move, an audience. With his auctioneering business, Alpert has been able to combine entertainment with helping great causes.
“I love knowing that we have made an impact in our community,” Alpert explains. “And our community is not just the Tampa Bay area—although that’s where the majority of our events are—but it’s the community that helps others. To be able to help those who are helping others is really rewarding. And to do it through a medium that I enjoy—the medium is not auctions; the medium is performing.”
“We are, in essence, entertainers,” he adds. “Oh, and by the way, as part of our entertaining program, we’re going to raise some money. That’s the delicate balance of making sure you never beg for the money—you ask for the money. You put on a great show, and you’ve got the audience’s attention. That’s when you can really raise the money.”
What sets Alpert Enterprises apart is the company’s heavy involvement in event preparation and dedication to detail. Alpert and his team begin working with clients months in advance, at least 10 weeks before the event. According to Alpert, this is necessary.
“When we pitch to our clients, we tell them we are auctioneers third. First, we are fundraising consultants, and second, we’re entertainers,” he says. As fundraising consultants, the Alpert Enterprises team helps their clients develop an effective strategy to meet their goals. “We support organizations in all facets of event-based fundraising,” adds Jason Bronis of Alpert Enterprises.
Alpert and his colleagues ensure the experience is smooth and successful. “Our core competency is making sure the fundraising part of the program goes off without a hitch,” Alpert explains. By event night, “no one is more prepared than we are to help execute that event.”
Jason Alpert and the Alpert Enterprises team are passionate about what they do, and this dedication has helped them shine in the industry. “We offer a genuine, sincere approach to every event,” says Geoff Cowan of Alpert Enterprises. “We love getting to know the people behind the mission.” Colleague Vallye Adams agrees. “We truly develop a passion and invest in each of our clients’ missions,” she elaborates.
Their work is certainly a win-win. Not only is Alpert Enterprises continuing to grow a successful business, but they are also helping many organizations, every year. Past clients include the American Heart Association, YMCA, United Way, American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries International and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
It has been a long and fruitful journey for Alpert since his days as a TV sports reporter. As fun as sportscasting and announcing for NASCAR might have been, nothing is more fulfilling than his current work. With optimism for the future, Alpert is excited about what lies ahead. There are many more organizations to help, and every event brings a new adventure.♦
