Craig Jackson doesn’t just steer Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, to incredible success—he also fuels it with his passion for adrenaline, innovation, and unforgettable experiences. From piloting the family business into the world of live television to selling some of the most iconic cars in history, Craig’s story is as fast paced and exciting as the cars that roll across his auction block.
“Finding balance and disconnecting from the fast-paced business world is crucial,” says Craig. “My favorite downtime activities are boating, getting behind the wheel, and hitting the road just to see the sights—or letting off some steam on the racetrack, which is always a great adrenaline rush. I love anything fast and high adrenaline.”
Craig was hands-on with cars from an early age. He often helped his father restore and prepare cars for auctions, giving him a deep understanding of both the business and the vehicles themselves. His father Russ and brother Brian founded Barrett-Jackson in 1971, and Craig officially joined the company in 1978. He took over as chairman and CEO in 1995.
When Craig took the reins of Barrett-Jackson, he made a decision that would revolutionize the car auction world: broadcasting the event live on television.
“It wasn’t done back then, and there were quite a few skeptics who doubted the idea would work,” he recalls. “Fortunately, it turned out to be groundbreaking and changed the world of car collecting forever. The Barrett-Jackson TV broadcast is now among the most successful and long-running live television series ever. In 2024, we marked our 28th year on the airwaves.”
As the collector car market evolves, Craig keeps his finger on the pulse of what enthusiasts are seeking.
“An interesting shift we’ve seen is the growing demand for supercars,” he explains. “Our customers are increasingly turning to these incredible high-end vehicles not just for their performance and craftsmanship but also as a form of investment.”
Resto-Mods—classic cars with modern upgrades—continue to dominate the scene as well.
“No matter what’s under the hood, from internal combustion to electric to hydrogen, people just love the look of vintage cars. We will continue to diversify our dockets to include classics and new supercars to appeal to current and future collectors.”
When you’re in the business of selling rare and iconic cars, memorable moments are guaranteed. For Craig, one auction stands out.
“One of the craziest auction moments was when we sold the original Batmobile in 2013 for $4.62 million. Having two bidders sitting right behind each other, going head-to-head, back and forth with millions of dollars, then flipping a coin to see who would get it was incredible. The atmosphere and energy were amazing. Everyone could feel the adrenaline and excitement in the arena.”
What makes Barrett-Jackson events truly special isn’t just the cars—it’s the spectacle.
“One interesting behind-the-scenes aspect is creating the massive event space,” Craig says. “The auction spans over one million square feet under cover, with areas for vendor booths, vehicles, hospitality, and the television compound that broadcasts the event to thousands of viewers around the world.”
It’s a production that’s no small feat.
“The setup for the television production is particularly elaborate, involving cameras and the broadcast team capturing the excitement and energy of the auction. Building out this massive site requires months of preparation with the team working tirelessly to construct everything. The sheer scale and global prestige of Barrett-Jackson make it a world-class production we look forward to putting on every year.”
Craig’s personal car collection includes rare and iconic vehicles like a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a 2005 Ford GT, and a 2019 McLaren Senna. The auto enthusiast has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the "Top 50 Car Collectors" by Sports Car Market and being inducted into the Diecast Hall of Fame.
Barrett-Jackson has since evolved into a global event, a community of collectors, and a platform that keeps the world’s love for automobiles alive and thriving. Whether Craig is tearing down the racetrack, curating an epic docket of cars, or orchestrating the year’s most adrenaline-packed auction, his passion and vision ensure that Barrett-Jackson remains the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts.
“It’s all about creating unforgettable moments—for us and for every single person who joins the Barrett-Jackson experience.”
Under Craig’s leadership, Barrett-Jackson has raised over $150 million for charities. The auctions often feature one-of-a-kind vehicles sold to benefit causes, making philanthropy a cornerstone of his work.
Barrett-Jackson.com