HomeFeaturesPeople › The Valley’s Most Powerful Men—2011
 
 
 

Not only are these nine men at the forefront of their respective fields (whether it be education, medicine, real estate, dining or otherwise), but locals have come to know and respect them for their overall ability to make the Valley a better place to live, work or play.

afm0711-most-powerful-men-Craig-Jackson

 

 You must find something you love doing. If you have a passion, it will never seem like work.

Craig Jackson
As its chairman and CEO, Jackson, a Paradise Valley resident and father of two, has helped shape the Barrett-Jackson Auction into not only the top auto auction in Arizona, but in the nation.

What does “power” mean to you?
The ability to change lives, as I strive to do with Barrett-Jackson’s charity work during and between all four auctions. Also, when I think of power, a Bugatti Veyron comes to mind.
What impact do you strive to have on the Valley?
The most impact I can hope to bring to the Valley would be from an economic and personal standpoint. From an economic perspective, our Scottsdale auction brought a direct financial impact of $100 million to the Valley last year. Personally, I try to do all that I can in charity work. Recently, I launched the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen, in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson, my father and brother. At our Scottsdale auction, I try to help charities raise money such as Scottsdale’s own Childhelp Foundation as well as The Darrell Gwynn Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Hendrick Marrow Program, MLB Charities, The Boy Scouts of America and the EAA Young Eagles, to name a few.
What is one tip that everyone can use to become successful?
You must find something you love doing. If you have a passion, it will never seem like work. I’m happy to say I’m a recovering workaholic because I pour my heart and soul in something to get it right. But it has never felt like work because of the passion I have for cars.
Who is your mentor?
I’ve had several mentors in this business including my brother Brian Jackson and a man by the name of Don William, who was a founding member of Barrett-Jackson.
What one superpower would you like to possess?
The ability to control time.