After a summer of studying, attending classes and learning from the experts, one Belton teen is now the youngest licensed auctioneer in the state.

In June, 13-year-old Thomas Gallaway graduated from the Texas Auction Academy in Dallas. It was a nine day session that taught him the ins and outs of auctioning.

After that, he signed two pieces of paperwork and waited for his license to come in the mail.

“It was really nerve-racking and exciting at the same time, sitting there, filling out Texas state paperwork,” Thomas said.

Thomas holds an associate license, which means he is allowed to call bids at auctions as long as his governing auctioneer and father, Trey Gallaway, is present.

Thomas will study under his father for four more years until he is old enough for a full auctioneer license.

Thomas’ father received his auctioneer license from the Texas Auction Academy nearly 18 years ago.

Now, he owns United Country Central Texas Auction and Realty, and the Central Texas Auction Services in Belton.

Trey was named the Texas State Champion Auctioneer in 2010 and the World Automobile Champion Auctioneer in 2013.

Now, Thomas is following in his father’s footsteps as he moves from behind-the-scenes work to the front of the stage.

"To see him grow up and follow what I'm doing is a really great feeling for a father," Trey said.

Even though Thomas has recently received recognition for becoming the youngest licensed auctioneer in Texas, he said it does not feel much different than when he wasn’t licensed.

"Well, it feels like my normal life, because I've been doing this for four years now," he said.

For the last four years, Thomas has been traveling to auctions with his father, helping to check people in and out, fill out paperwork, and even setting up technology equipment.

"I actually program and network and do everything, like all of the computers and stuff you see out there, I set that up,” Thomas said.

Thomas said even if this does not become his full-time job, he wants to continue auctioning.

It’s a family affair that even Thomas’ mother, who works as an occupational therapist, has joined. While taking Thomas to his auctioning classes this summer, she decided to get her license too.

"I decided to go ahead and do it, since I was there at the time, and would be there for the whole class with Thomas, I might as well go ahead and try it,” Thomas’ mother Julie Gallaway said.

Julie said even their nine-year-old son, Trent, is already interested in becoming an auctioneer.