ADE’s story begins in 1979, when Chet Goins set out to build something different in Indianapolis. At a time when the region’s auto auction landscape was still taking shape, he didn’t just open a business—he helped create an industry. ADE quickly grew into a destination dealer auto auction, drawing buyers and sellers from across the Midwest and beyond. But what truly set it apart wasn’t just the volume or the facility—it was the way dealers were treated. Chet built ADE on relationships, fairness, and a simple belief that every dealer deserved respect, transparency, and a place where they felt known. That foundation became his legacy, one that continues to define the auction decades later.

 

Today, that legacy lives on through second-generation ownership, led by sisters Karen Goins and Kathleen Goins. In an industry increasingly dominated by large national chains, ADE has remained proudly independent—holding onto the values it was built on while continuing to evolve for the future. The Goins family has stayed hands-on, ensuring that the same commitment to service, integrity, and dealer relationships remains at the heart of every sale. As ADE looks ahead, the goal is clear: to honor the past while building forward—establishing itself as a premier wholesale auto auction destination not just for Indianapolis, but for dealers across the entire Midwest.