Discovering The Family Ties: Who Is Barrett Jackson's Brother?

Mr. Luciano Turcotte 15 Aug 2025

The name Barrett-Jackson brings to mind the exciting roar of classic car engines and the thrilling atmosphere of high-stakes auctions. This event, so popular with car fans, has a long and interesting history, a story deeply connected to a family's dedication and passion for these special vehicles. Many people wonder about the folks behind this huge success, and a common question that comes up, quite often, is about the family members who shaped it all. So, if you've ever found yourself asking, "Who is Barrett Jackson's brother?", you're certainly not alone.

It's a really good question, you know, because the family aspect is so central to how this whole operation grew. The Barrett-Jackson name itself actually represents a partnership between two individuals who shared a big love for cars, and their vision truly laid the groundwork for what we see today. It's a tale of how a simple shared interest can, in some respects, grow into something truly significant.

The brother many are curious about, the one linked to the Jackson side of this well-known enterprise, is Brian Jackson. He played a very important part in the family business, working alongside his own brother, Craig Jackson, and their father. His story is, in a way, tied directly to the auction's past and the challenges the family faced as they built this incredible automotive tradition.

The Jackson Family Legacy in Automotive Auctions
- The Founding Vision: Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett
- Craig and Brian Jackson: Learning the Ropes
Brian Jackson: A Brother's Role in the Family Business
Craig Jackson's Leadership and Evolution of Barrett-Jackson
- Stepping Up: Craig's Journey to CEO
- Innovating the Auction Experience
Personal Details of Craig Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions About the Barrett-Jackson Family

The Jackson Family Legacy in Automotive Auctions

The story of Barrett-Jackson, you know, really begins with a shared enthusiasm for cars, a passion that brought two car enthusiasts together in the 1960s. This initial connection, you could say, laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world's most anticipated events for collector cars. It's quite interesting how such a big thing can start from such a simple meeting.

The Founding Vision: Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett

It was Russ Jackson, Craig and Brian's father, who helped establish the organization alongside Tom Barrett. Their first meeting, way back in the 1960s, was between these two car buffs, and it sparked the idea for something truly special. This meeting, you see, was the very beginning of the whole Barrett-Jackson journey, a rather humble start for such a grand operation.

Initially, the organization had a different name; it was known as Fiesta del Auto Elegance. In 1967, to raise money for Scottsdale, Arizona's art center and library, they put on a car show and parade. This early effort, you know, showed their dedication to both cars and their local community. It was a pretty good way to bring people together for a good cause.

By the fall of 1971, the car show part of their efforts began to change. The focus, actually, shifted, and work started on creating a collector car auction. This move, in a way, marked a significant step towards the auction format that is so well-known today, changing their path quite a bit.

Craig and Brian Jackson: Learning the Ropes

Craig Jackson's involvement in the business world started quite early, you know. He didn't just jump into a big role; he grew up with the business, getting to know every little detail from a young age. This hands-on experience was, in some respects, absolutely essential for his later leadership.

Alongside his brother, Brian Jackson, Craig worked at their father's company. This experience gave them both a deep understanding of car restoration, sales, and auctions. It was, basically, their family school for everything automotive, preparing them for future responsibilities in a very practical way.

They spent time learning the ins and outs of everything from bringing old cars back to life to handling the excitement of the auction block. This period of learning, you see, was absolutely vital for both brothers, as it provided them with the practical knowledge needed to run such a specialized business. It was, for them, a real hands-on education.

Brian Jackson: A Brother's Role in the Family Business

Brian Jackson was, in fact, a very important part of the family's work in the automotive world. He was Craig's brother, and together they learned the ropes of the business from their father, Russ. His presence was, you know, a key part of the early operations and the growth of the company.

Unfortunately, a great sadness struck the Jackson family when Russ Jackson, their father, passed away from colon cancer in 1993. This was, obviously, a very difficult time for everyone involved. The loss of a founder and father left a significant void in the company and the family.

Then, just a few years later, in 1995, tragedy struck again when Brian Jackson passed away at just 49 years old. This second loss, you see, was a really hard blow for the family and the business. It meant that Craig was left to carry on the family legacy as the sole leader, a huge responsibility to take on.

Brian's contributions, though not always in the public eye as much as his brother Craig's later on, were fundamental to the early workings and success of the company. His efforts in car restoration, sales, and understanding the auction process were, basically, part of the foundation. He was, in a way, a quiet but strong pillar of the family's enterprise.

Craig Jackson's Leadership and Evolution of Barrett-Jackson

The passing of both his father and brother left Craig Jackson in a unique and challenging position. He was, in fact, faced with the enormous task of leading the family business through a period of immense change and personal sorrow. It was a moment that truly tested his resolve and vision for the future of the company.

Stepping Up: Craig's Journey to CEO

Craig Jackson took over full operations in 1995, following the deaths of his brother, Brian, and his father, Russ. This moment marked a pivotal change for the company, as he stepped into the role of chairman and CEO. It was, quite literally, a massive responsibility placed on his shoulders during a very tough personal time.

He had lost his caring relatives to malignant growth, which was, you know, a profound personal challenge to deal with. Despite this deep personal grief, Craig had to find the strength to guide the organization forward. This period of loss, you see, shaped his leadership in significant ways, making him the sole leader of the company.

His journey into this top leadership role was, in some respects, not something he sought out under easy circumstances. It was a role he stepped into out of necessity and a deep sense of commitment to his family's legacy. He had, basically, been preparing for this his whole life, even if he didn't know it would happen this way.

Innovating the Auction Experience

Once at the helm, Craig Jackson didn't just maintain the status quo; he brought fresh ideas and significant changes to the auction events. He, for instance, added vendors to the auction events, creating a more comprehensive experience for attendees. This was, you know, a way to make the events even more appealing to a wider audience.

He also introduced live entertainment, making the auctions more than just about selling cars; they became full-fledged spectacles. This move, you see, helped to transform the events into a broader entertainment experience, drawing in more people and adding to the excitement. It was, really, a clever way to expand the appeal.

Perhaps one of his most significant innovations was broadcasting the event live on television. This decision, you know, brought the thrill of the Barrett-Jackson auctions into millions of homes, making it a household name for car enthusiasts across the country. It was, quite honestly, a big step that changed everything for the company's public presence.

From guiding the family business into the world of live television to overseeing the sale of some of the most famous cars in history, Craig's story is, in a way, as fast-paced and exciting as the cars themselves. His leadership truly propelled Barrett-Jackson into a new era of recognition and success, securing its place as a leader in collector car auctions. He really, really made a difference.

Personal Details of Craig Jackson

For those curious about the person leading the Barrett-Jackson enterprise, here are some personal details about Craig Jackson, gathered from available information. It's always interesting to learn about the individuals behind such major operations, you know, to get a better sense of who they are.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Craig Jackson
Age	Information not provided in source text
Career	Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson; took over in 1995. Started learning car restoration, sales, and auctions early in his father's company.
Personal Life	Lost his father, Russ Jackson, in 1993, and his brother, Brian Jackson, in 1995.
Estimated Net Worth	Information not provided in source text
Salary	Information not provided in source text
Biography	Son of Russ Jackson, one of the founders of Barrett-Jackson. Worked alongside his brother Brian in the family business. Became sole leader after family tragedies. Piloted the company into live television and expanded auction events.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Barrett-Jackson Family

People often have questions about the history and the family behind the famous Barrett-Jackson auctions. Here are some common inquiries and their answers, based on what we know about the organization's past. It's, you know, pretty common for folks to be curious about these things.

Who founded the Barrett-Jackson auction company?

The Barrett-Jackson organization was founded by two car enthusiasts: Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett. Their meeting in the 1960s sparked the idea for the company, which initially began with a car show and parade to raise money for a local art center and library. This partnership, you know, laid the foundation for the massive auction events we see today. It was, in some respects, a very simple beginning for a very big enterprise.

How did Craig Jackson come to lead Barrett-Jackson?

Craig Jackson took over as the chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson in 1995. This happened after a period of great personal loss for him, as his father, Russ Jackson, passed away in 1993 from colon cancer, and then his brother, Brian Jackson, passed away in 1995 at the age of 49. These family tragedies left Craig as the sole leader of the company, a role he stepped into with great dedication, you know, to keep the family's vision alive.

What significant changes did Craig Jackson bring to the Barrett-Jackson auctions?

When Craig Jackson took the helm, he brought several key changes that helped shape the auctions into what they are today. He, for instance, added more vendors to the events, expanding the overall experience for attendees. He also introduced live entertainment, making the auctions more of a show. Perhaps most significantly, he started broadcasting the event live on television, which, you know, really helped to boost its popularity and reach a much wider audience. These changes were, basically, pivotal in the company's growth.

The story of Barrett-Jackson is, you know, very much a story of family, dedication, and a lasting passion for cars. From its early beginnings with Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett, through the contributions of Brian Jackson, and finally to Craig Jackson's leadership, the company has always been deeply rooted in its family heritage. The commitment to sharing the love of collector cars has, in a way, been passed down through the generations, making it a truly unique and enduring enterprise. You can learn more about Barrett-Jackson's history on our site, and to find out about current events, you might want to link to this page .

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