Nellie Jackson

Barrett-Jackson's Woman at the Wheel

by Brittany Warren

Ordinarily, the name Barrett-Jackson might bring to mind images of impressive, classic automobiles, animated auctioneers, lovely spokesmodels and giant crowds. It's a timeless event that draws car aficionados, collectors and families alike. But few people tend to reflect on the woman behind the scenes-Nellie Jackson. She may be a gentle soul, but in the world of cars, she's an immense force. Known as the "Matriarch of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company," Jackson was one of the founders of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction and played a crucial role in making this grand event what it is today.

THE BIRTH OF A COMPANY

Barrett-Jackson was officially founded in 1971 by Jackson and her late husband, Russ, along with Tom Barrett. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., the company has expanded to Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas, Nev. It's designed to provide products and services to classic and collector car owners and lovers, in one respective area at one time. Other vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, airplanes and boats are sold along with rock 'n' roll memorabilia.

"My husband, Russ, and Tom Barrett were two good business guys who loved cars," says Jackson. "They met when Tom placed an ad to sell a 1933 V-16 Cadillac Town Car that had been built for Joan Crawford. Russ was interested in buying the car. The deal never happened, but Russ and Tom became fast friends, which eventually led to them going into business together."

People may assume that Jackson's involvement with cars began as a result of being with her husband. However, Jackson was working with cars long before she met Russ. She was born in Pontiac, Mich., where the car business reigned supreme. "I started at Fisher Body [a car builder] right after I graduated college," says Jackson. "I went to a business college, so I had the financial knowledge to begin work in Fisher's accounting department." Of course, the job wasn't exactly her dream; Jackson's true intent was to start a clothing store with her financial experience.

"Back then, it was just a job," she says. "I never thought cars would be [my] thing. But then I met Russ and he really helped me learn about and appreciate classic cars." Not long after that, she lent her financial skills to the business and became the treasurer of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

Jackson may have started out simply being familiar with cars, but soon she would grow to love them. "Falling in love with cars was actually more about falling in love with my husband," Jackson says. "He was always passionate about cars and it not only was his business but part of our family's lifestyle."

The first car that held special value for Jackson was a 1934 V-12 Cadillac Opera Coupe. "Russ bought [it] from a junkyard and fixed it up well enough to help us drive across the country," she recalls. "We drove that car when we moved from Michigan to Arizona more than 40 years ago, so it holds special meaning."

After the move, the business was established in Scottsdale and grew from there. Jackson's position also elevated from treasurer to regional director of Barrett-Jackson. She was the first woman to hold this title.

STAYING FOCUSED

Jackson's strong will has always given her the determination to follow her dreams in life. Although she wanted to run a clothing store after college rather than work for Fisher Auto Company, she considered the job a temporary stepping stone in her career. Then, after meeting Russ and marrying him, she ran into another obstacle.

"They made me quit because company policy didn't allow married women to work," she says. So Jackson found herself as a new wife without a job and with a dream still left unfulfilled. But rather than feeling jaded by this harsh predicament, she picked herself back up again and focused harder on her goals.

With business savvy and an eye for women's apparel, Jackson devoted her time to starting her own clothing store. "I made this dream come true when I opened and ran 'Nellie's' for seven years in Pontiac,Mich.," she says. "We sold clothes for women and children and some gift items."

Watching the shop run successfully gave Jackson a great sense of pride, and reminded her that once she set her mind to something, there would be no stopping her. This confidence would later become necessary once she went into the car industry full time.

"Even though I had a lot of business experience, there were times when the men didn't want to deal with me," Jackson explains. "When I was a regional director, I never gained any support from particular regions like Nashville. Back then it was much more difficult to gain the support and respect needed in a director role."

For women interested in pursuing a career in cars in this day and age, Jackson says, "While it's still a man's business, more women are involved than when I first started. My advice is to be really good at what you do, because people will recognize your expertise. And don't let detractors drag you down. No matter how successful you are, always remember and be considerate of the people around you."

Jackson and her husband passed this knowledge as well as an infatuation with cars onto their two sons, Brian and Craig. "I left all the car teaching to Russ," Jackson says. "He taught the boys how to drive and fix up cars at an early age. I think Craig restored and showed his first car at about age 10 or so."

Jackson also passed on her will to succeed to her sons, who carried this insight into their adult lives. After her husband passed, Jackson's sons stepped up to take his place in the business. "Craig is my youngest son. Brian was my oldest, 14 years older than Craig. Brian ran the auction business until he passed away. Then Craig took over and has really grown the business to what it is today," Jackson says. "His dad would be so proud."

PRESENT DAY

Nowadays, Jackson spends whatever time she isn't working giving back to the community by helping out with charities. "I was treasurer of the Scottsdale Women's Club. And then, of course, [there's] my continued involvement in Childhelp, an organization that helps victims of child abuse and neglect," she says. "The Barrett-Jackson Auction has helped raise millions of dollars for Childhelp over the years. That's one thing that has been very important to Russ and I, and now Craig-the ability to use the auction to help raise money for worthy non-profit organizations."

In 2004, Jackson was officially recognized for her achievements with the Meguiar's Treasure of the Collector Car Hobby Award. The Meguiar's Award was created to honor people who have successfully improved and made the car industry more visible for collector car hobbyists. Many hope to receive this significant tribute, but few get the chance. Jackson says, "It was a true honor-especially as a woman-winning this award. It's recognition of all the hard work we put in over the years."

Next time you think of Barrett-Jackson, remember Nellie Jackson-a woman who paved a path where there previously wasn't one. And even though many women in the workforce still have the problem of not being taken as seriously as a man, Jackson believes hard work is the secret to success. She says, "When you combine a good business mind with your passion, you're bound to succeed."

Brittany Warren is an editorial intern for Phoenix Woman magazine.