I am Mike Langthorne, the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Bright Star Auctions. My career in marketing and business development spans several years, highlighted by my role as President at The Collector Car Network, a division of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. This position afforded me the opportunity to lead and innovate in a highly specialized market, achieving significant milestones in brand growth and digital marketing strategies.
My journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to evolving with the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of marketing. On a personal note, I reside in Phoenix, Arizona, with my wife Stephanie and our two daughters, Emma and Allison.
What makes you most excited about working at Bright Star Auctions?
What makes me most excited about working at Bright Star Auctions is the clear vision and strength of our leadership team. This team not only sets ambitious goals but also paves the way for us to achieve them with unwavering support and guidance.
Their dedication to our mission infuses the entire organization with a purpose and drive that is truly infectious. It's this collective endeavor towards not just meeting but exceeding our objectives that creates a vibrant and dynamic work environment.
The leadership's commitment to excellence resonates throughout the company, inspiring each one of us to push boundaries and innovate in our respective roles. It's a culture where enthusiasm and motivation flourish, driven by a shared understanding of the impact we aim to make in the auction industry.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
What I enjoy most about my role is the sheer dynamism and excitement inherent in the auction business. To me, auctions represent the purest form of commerce, offering a transparent and equitable platform for both buyers and sellers to maximize value in their transactions. The thrill of the auction, whether experienced in person or through an online platform, is genuinely intoxicating. It's this electric atmosphere that makes every auction an adventure—a place where strategy, anticipation, and human emotion intermingle to create unforgettable moments.
Is there a Bright Star Auctions initiative you’ve been involved with that you’re especially excited about?
Certainly, one Bright Star Auctions initiative that I'm particularly excited about is my involvement in the upcoming launch of our new website. As part of my additional roles within the company, I serve as a software liaison, bridging the gap between our technical team and other departments to ensure our digital infrastructure meets our collective needs and ambitions. With a background deeply rooted in digital and platform development, this project is well tailored to my strengths and something I'm extremely passionate about.
How does a typical day play out for you at Bright Star Auctions? What are you responsible for?
A typical day for me at Bright Star Auctions is deeply intertwined with the exciting journey of reimagining our brand identity and refining our overall brand strategy. My responsibilities lie at the heart of this transformative process. We're building on a tremendous foundation, but it's clear that there are critical areas requiring our focused attention to ensure brand consistency and continuity. This means dedicating time to meticulously align our messaging, unify our company voice, and polish our presentation across all platforms. My role involves closely collaborating with various teams to harmonize these elements, ensuring that every piece of content and every interaction reflects our brand's values and aspirations. It's a pivotal time for us and being a part of this evolution is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
A fun and interesting fact about me that most people don’t know is my profound love for horses, particularly thoroughbreds. My family and I dedicate our time to volunteering at a horse rescue in Phoenix, Arizona, named After the Home Stretch. This remarkable facility focuses on the aftercare of thoroughbreds transitioning from their racing careers, rehabilitating them into new disciplines so they can enjoy the remainder of their lives. Working closely with these majestic animals is an awe-inspiring experience. Their power and presence demand a calm, cool, and collected demeanor, teaching me the importance of patience and gentle leadership. If you share a passion for thoroughbreds and find yourself in the Phoenix area, After the Home Stretch would be thrilled to welcome you to the ranch.
How do you spend your free time?
In the rare moments that I find what could be called 'free time,' it's entirely devoted to supporting my daughters in their passions. One of them is deeply involved in highly competitive soccer, with tournaments filling our weekends, while the other excels in the equally demanding world of competitive dance. This means my "leisure" hours are spent in a whirlwind of travel, moving from one event to the next, ensuring I'm there to cheer them on, offer support, and share in their achievements and challenges. It's a hectic schedule that keeps us on the move, but it's a role I embrace wholeheartedly. Being a 'girl dad' is an identity I wear with pride, and I wouldn't trade the joy and fulfillment it brings for anything in the world.
What is the most unique item you’ve witnessed at auction?
The most unique item I've witnessed at auction would undoubtedly be George Barris' 1966 Batmobile, which was sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in 2013. As a self-proclaimed comic book nerd, seeing such an iconic piece of pop culture history go under the hammer was an unforgettable experience. The Batmobile fetched a mind-blowing $4.6 million. Can you imagine picking up your groceries for the week in that?
