ASA Norcal Chapter Exhibits at 2019 Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance Car Show

By Jim Brown, ASA

American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Business Valuation appraiser Jim Brown, ASA, Partner, Perisho Tombor Brown, Certified Public Accountants, Campbell, CA, attended the 2019 Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance as an ASA Exhibit Booth staff member on July 21, 2019. Held at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, CA, the 64^th annual event features a forum and contest for vintage car owners to display their notably high-end vehicles.

Jim Brown wrote the following blog article reflecting on the experience.

“I participated in staffing the ASA Exhibit Booth at the 2019 Hillsborough Concourse d’Elegance, held on a golf course fairway, along with Brendan Ryan, ASA candidate; and Andrea Roth Ph. D., ASA. This was organized by Louise Allrich, ASA, past ASA Norcal Chapter President; and Brendan Ryan.

This annual event attracts around 200 cars, with some worth several million dollars. Hillsborough is an extremely wealthy town with two-story mansions and large lots, representing old money. Bing Crosby lived there. The attendees and contestants at this event tend to be people with a car or car collection and have wealth that likely also includes fine art and private businesses. At some point in their life, many of these people will need appraisals. The most common reason for asking about car appraisals at the booth today seemed to be insurance.

Attendance at the booth was strong and consistent all day. To each visitor at the booth we were able to “tell the ASA story” and inform them about ASA’s Norcal Chapter, which opened a lot of eyes. We handed out ASA Z-fold flyers, ASA pens and business cards. 

This was a fine example of the entrepreneurship of a Chapter along with cooperation between disciplines. We discussed how the Business Valuation Marketing Committee might help the Personal Property Committee with its marketing and service differentiation.

Someday ‘Elmer,’ my 1939 Pontiac 4-door touring sedan will be ready for car shows–but probably not this one. This was very high class.”