About Us

About Us

South Auction Group Team

from left to right – Joe Lanier, Emily Conner, Derry Bennett, Alex Govenstein, Bryan Neal, Brent Stephens, Lisa Peebles, Seth Durden, Tanya Lane, Rusty Lane

We are a full service auction and real estate firm based in Swainsboro, GA founded in 2011. We serve clients all across the Southeast. One day we may be working on a multi-million dollar real estate sale and the next cataloging the contents of a loved one’s estate, preparing for an auction. Our staff of professionals are trained to help with any situation. We evaluate our client’s needs and determine what tools we have to best accomplish their objectives. If you are looking to liquidate real or personal property we ask that you please contact us today!

Rusty Lane CAI, President South Auction & Realty

Rusty Lane CAI, President South Auction
478.455.1861 rusty@southauctiongroup.com

Hello and thanks for reading my bio. I am a 1990 graduate of Swainsboro High School and 1993 graduate of Swainsboro Technical College. I started in the auction business in 2000. In 2007 I shifted my focus from selling farm equipment at auction, to selling real estate at auction. Our business model continues to evolve as we continue to sell real estate but we have expanded to add personal estates, business liquidations and more to our auction tool bag. I am proud to have served for 8 years on the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners. With one of those years serving as Chairman Of The Board. I have also served in several roles with The Swainsboro Exchange Club and the Georgia Auctioneers Association. I currently serve on the board for The Sunshine House which is a nonprofit that advocates for children who have been abused. I am married to Tanya and we have three children. Morgan, who lives in Orlando works for Spirit Airlines and Disney. We also have boy/girl twins Eli and Dicey who are 13 years old. In our spare time like to travel, travel, travel!


Brent Stephens CAI, Sales Agent & Auction Manager

Brent Stephens CAI, Vice President / Associate Real Estate Broker 912.259.4789 brent@southauctiongroup.com

I first met Brent in November of 2010. We had a big auction in Statesboro, GA selling a large portfolio of town-homes. As part of the promotions, I needed a college aged person to walk around at the Georgia Southern football game and hand out brochures to the tailgaters. A mutual friend sent Brent to meet me and assured me he would do it right. I was impressed with Brent’s poise and maturity the moment I met him. He spent the day handing out brochures and did a great job. I then asked him to help with a few other chores later in the week regarding the auction, including being at the auction to help where needed. When we wrapped up the auction I knew that I needed to find a way to hire Brent. He had just graduated from Georgia Southern with a marketing degree. I offered him a full-time job helping me with promotions and auction management. And almost 8 years later he is still with us.

By title Brent is now the Vice President, but by actions he is EVERYTHING! Brent manages the marketing plans for our auctions, manages our website content, is in charge of auction operations, assist all of our agents with sales leads, works with buyers and sellers on traditional sales, and all the while he has time to listen to my latest “great idea”. Whatever it is he is doing, he does it right! If I’ve learned one thing about Brent in eight years, it is that if I need it done right, I put Brent in charge of it.

Brent was born and raised near Columbus in Harris County, GA. He graduated high school there and shortly thereafter headed to Georgia Southern with his guitar to play music and meet women. He just happened to get a great education in the process. Brent is an excellent musician. He plays the guitar and writes some awesome songs. While in college He met his now wife Lori. They both decided that they wanted to stay in Statesboro and start a life their. Lori is an insurance agent with Glenn/Davis & Associates in Statesboro. They have 1 daughter Macy. Macy of course is the highlight of their life. She is now 2 years old and just beautiful. Brent, Lori and Macy reside in Statesboro. In his spare time Brent likes to play his guitar, fish, hunt, and enjoy time with family.

2004 Graduate of Harris County High School
2009 Graduate of Georgia Southern University
2013 Received GA auctioneer license
2013 Received GA real estate license
2016 Graduated from the Certified Auctioneers Institute

Written by Rusty Lane, President South Auction & Realty

View Brent’s blog


Tanya Lane, Real Estate Sales Agent

Tanya Lane, Real Estate Sales Agent 912.536.1454 tanyaplane@gmail.com

I'm Tanya Lane, a Bulloch County native and proud graduate of Statesboro High School(Class of '86) and Georgia Southern University (Class of '91), where I earned my undergraduate degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. My 34-year career has spanned the hospitality and wireless industries, giving me valuable experience in sales and market manager roles. This diverse background has honed my customer service skills and instilled in me a strong attention to detail, qualities I bring to every real estate transaction.

I obtained my Georgia Real Estate License in June 2012 and have become deeply knowledgeable about the Swainsboro and surrounding real estate market. I enjoy working with both buyers and sellers in residential and commercial sales. As a true people person, I'm committed to representing my clients professionally throughout the buying and selling process. Simply put, I can sell your property!

Beyond real estate, I'm actively involved in my community. I've served on the Emanuel County Board of Education since January 2019 and have been a member of the Swainsboro Rotary since 2013, proudly serving as President from 2023 to 2024.

My husband, Rusty Lane, and I have three children: Morgan (25), who lives in Orlando and works as a flight attendant, and twins Eli and Dicey (13), who are in the 7th grade at Emanuel County Institute. We love exploring the beauty of our country by traveling to state and national parks.


Alex Grovenstein CAI, Sales Agent & Auction Manager

Alex Grovenstein CAI, Sales Agent & Auction Manager 912.657.1831 alex@southauctiongroup.com

A 2002 graduate of Georgia Southern University (which he loves dearly) Alex enjoyed a 12 year career in communications and non-profit development before breaking into the auction business in 2014. He quickly learned the business and how the auction method can benefit a variety of clients. He added a real estate license to his toolbelt in 2015.

Today, Alex focuses primarily on the personal property side of South Auction. From collectibles to industrial tooling, he has a very wide knowledge of asset classes. Alex is also trained to perform USPAP compliant appraisals for business assets and other personal property. Alex is professional, but doesn't mind getting dirty either!

Alex is a past-president and current member of the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, a past board member of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce and has served on numerous other local boards and committees. He and his family are active members of Brooklet Community Church. Alex resides in southern Bulloch County with his wife Angela, and their two sons Davis and Murphy.

2002 graduate of Georgia Southern University

Auction License 2014, Real Estate License 2015

Past President. Kiwanis Club of Statesboro

Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 337 Brooklet, GA

View Alex’s Blog


Joe Lanier, Sales Agent & Auction Manager

Joe Lanier, Sales Agent & Auction Manager 912.531.7007 joe@southauctiongroup.com

Joe entered the auction business in 2017 after graduating from Worldwide College of Auctioneering. Before becoming a real estate agent and auctioneer, Joe spent time working in banking and private business. He grew up in the real estate appraisal and consulting forestry business that his family owned and developed an early appreciation for the real estate business.

Personally Joe grew up in Brooklet GA, graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School and then from Georgia Southern University in 2002 with a degree in Finance with an emphasis on Real Estate. While in college he was active in his fraternity, serving as president of Sigma Chi and president of the Interfraternity Council. Joe is an active member of the Statesboro Rotary Club, Statesboro Area Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter, National Auctioneers Association and Georgia Bankers Association. He is a past participant in Leadership Georgia (2018), Leadership Bulloch and Leadership Emanuel. Joe sits on the boards of the Georgia Auctioneers Association, Bulloch Academy School and the newly formed “Statesboro Worship”.

Joe and his wife Laura live in Statesboro with their two kids Joe Jr and Ed. When he isn’t working, Joe enjoys hunting and fishing with Ed and playing tennis with Joe Jr. Dual sport motorcycles, calling live charity auctions and Georgia Southern football.


Derry Bennett, Sales Agent & Auction Manager

Derry Bennett, Sales Agent & Auction Manager 229.561.0480 derrybennett@gmail.com

Growing up my dad and I would go to Saturday morning farm land and equipment auctions in our area . I was only 12 years old and it was so exciting to see a auctioneer chant. I knew it was something I wanted to do but didn’t try it until I was 32 years old. I attended an auctioneer school where I got my license and started bid calling and doing some equipment sales. In 2002 I got my real estate license and started to auction real estate. With over 20 years of experience selling at auction, I have been very active in auctioning land, equipment, homes, and commercial property. In my opinion, auctions are the answer. I also enjoy being involved in my community serving as president of Cook County Farm Bureau for 5 years, serving on our local Department of Family and Children board for 12 years, and board member of the Board of Equalization for 8 years. I also serve on the South Georgia Regional Council along with being elected to serve on the Alapaha Soil and Water district. I’m a member of Antioch United Methodist and currently serve as a Trustee. I have a back ground in farming and grow different crops along with pecans and cattle. My family is very important to me. I have a daughter, son, and two grandsons. They are a big part of my life each day.


Emily Conner, Real Estate Sales Agent

Emily Conner, Real Estate Sales Agent 478.595.4710 emilyconner2018@gmail.com

At 25 years old, I feel incredibly blessed to have found my passion—helping connect buyers and sellers. After high school, I initially pursued college classes in nursing but soon realized that wasn't my true calling. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could do full-time that would allow me to help others—just not as a nurse. This led me to a meeting with Rusty and Brent, where I learned about the world of real estate. After that conversation, I was hooked! I started working with them the following week, and have never looked back.

This year marks my third year as a licensed realtor, and I’ve been honored to sell everything from land tracts and residential properties to commercial buildings. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my clients with diverse real estate needs.

This year, I celebrated one year of marriage to my husband, Abb. In my free time, I love traveling and spending quality time with my friends and family. On weekends, you’ll often find me working at our family-owned restaurant, McKinney’s Pond in Midville. Additionally, I enjoy traveling across Georgia to do hair and makeup for weddings and events. I love connecting with people and helping in any way I can.

If you're looking to buy or sell real estate, I would be honored to assist you on your journey.

2018 - Graduated from Toombs County High School

2020 - Graduated from Ogeechee Technical College

2022 - Received GA Real Estate License



Seth Durden, Real Estate Sales Agent

Seth Durden, Real Estate Sales Agent 912.682.4169 jsdurden4@gmail.com

Growing up on a farm in Candler County, Georgia help shape the career path that I would later choose to follow. Appreciation for land, natural resources, and hard work were a few of the many things that were instilled in me from an early age. Whether it’s taking late afternoon rides around the farm with my wife Halie, or preparing for hunting season with family and friends, spending time outdoors is what I enjoy the most.

After graduating high school, I decided to pursue a degree in Forest Resources at the University of Georgia. Following graduation in 2018, I moved back to Metter, Georgia and started my career as a Forester. Managing and marketing timber for private landowners across Southeast Georgia has allowed me to meet many great people, and gain valuable knowledge pertaining to business, land, and timber. Adding real estate to my resume was an easy decision to make. At South Auction, I take pride in focusing on recreation, timber, and agricultural land sales. It is truly a blessing being able to do something you love with people you enjoy.

2013 Graduate of David Emanuel Academy
2018 Graduate of The University of Georgia
2021 Received GA Registered Forester License
2022 Received GA Real Estate License


Bryan Neal

Bryan Neal, Personal Property Associate 678.907.0644 bneal@gmail.com

Sergeant First Class Neal is currently assigned (retired August 2022) as the Georgia Southern University ROTC Detachment NCOIC. Previously, SFC Neal was the Station leader of the GA Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s 2-1 Statesboro station from June of 2015 until November of 2018

Previous assignments include the NCOIC of The Georgia Army National Guard’s Pre-Mobilization Training Assistance Element (PTAE) in September of 2009 until June 2015 were he trained more than 4000 Soldiers to deploy in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He was selected as the Agriculture Development Team II (ADT II) Personal Security Detachment Platoon Sergeant stationed in Logar Province Afghanistan from May 2012 – May 2013. Prior to that, he worked tirelessly to develop and further the GA PTAE program as well developing the GA National Guard’s Physical Readiness Annual Training Program at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

SFC Neal began his military career by Enlisting into the United States Army in 1995. SFC Neal’s first active duty station was Baumholder, Germany with 40th Engineer Battalion. While in Germany, then PFC Neal was deployed for 14 months to Yugoslovia in support of Operation Joint Endevour, Task Force Eagle. After serving 2 years in Germany, he was reassigned to Fort Stewart, GA to C co 11th Engineer Battalion where he attended a rotation the National Training Center as well as numerous Combat Engineer courses to include the Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge operator’s course and the squad designated marksman course.

SFC Neal transitioned to the GA ARNG in A Co 648th ENG BN in 1999 and began attending Georgia Southern University as an ROTC Cadet. SFC Neal withdrew from the Georgia Southern University and the ROTC to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF II – III) in July 2004. Post deployment, he returned to Georgia Southern University in pursuit of his Construction Management Degree. While working as a salesman for the Phoenix Metals Company in Atlanta, GA, he was deployed as a member of A Co 48th BSTB in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) (2007-2009) where is was assigned as the TF 1-121 Engineer Embedded Training Team NCOIC. Post Deployment, he was selected as a developing team member and Training NCOIC of the GA PTAE (2009-2012 – 2013-2015). After his tenure at the PTAE he joined the State Recruiting & Retention Battalion.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal with Valor (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2), Army Good Conduct Medal (2), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NATO medal, Combat Action Badge and the Driver / Mechanic Badge. SFC Neal and his wife, Stephanie, have two children.