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Certifications & Credentials

Verified professional credentials behind every appraisal Mike signs.

Verified Professional Credentials

Certified Vehicle Appraiser

This designation was awarded in recognition of Mike's completion of the I-VAN Appraiser Training School, joint field investigations, and a number of field assignments evaluated by the I-VAN Home Office and Training Staff — along with his high level of professionalism and integrity since joining I-VAN in April 2019.

Issued by
International Vehicle Appraisers Network (I-VAN)
Certificate Number
#04152019
Awarded to
Michael Thies
Issue Date
May 30, 2019
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Where It Counts

Recognized where valuations are challenged

A certification only matters if the institutions reviewing your appraisal accept it. Mike's do.

  • Verified Certification

    I-VAN Certified Vehicle Appraiser #04152019

  • Insurance Accepted

    Accepted by insurance carriers nationwide

  • Banks & Credit Unions

    Accepted for lending and financing

  • IRS Accepted

    Valuations for donated vehicles

  • Courts of Law

    Expert witness & appraisal umpire

  • Certified National Judge

    CHVA, AACA, and Porsche Club judging

The Full Record

Appraisal, judging, and leadership

Appraisal

  • Certified Appraiser — International Vehicle Appraisers Network (I-VAN), Certificate #04152019
  • Appraisals accepted by insurance companies, banks, credit unions, the IRS, and courts of law (expert witness)
  • I-VAN Pre-Accident Valuation Inspector / Diminished Value Appraiser — 2019 to present
  • Diminished Value Appraisal Umpire — 2022 to present
  • Experience building, inspecting, and appraising recreational vehicles and trailers

Judging & Concours

  • Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association — Certified National Judge (2011)
  • Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) — Judge Training, 2019 to present
  • Porsche Club of America, Peachstate Chapter — Concours Judging Training (2015–17)
  • Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion 2022 — Team Judge
  • Author — Global Wheels Events Vehicle Show Judging Manual (2010)
  • Vehicle Show Judging Training Instructor — Global Wheels Events, 2010 to present
  • Head Judge — Dubai in Atlanta (2017–2018)
  • Judge — Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance (2022)
  • Judge — Keeneland Concours d'Elegance (2024, 2025)
  • Judge — Highlands Motoring Festival (2026)
  • Vehicle Show Marshall — Cleveleys Vehicle Show, United Kingdom (2016)
  • Producer & Judge — Peachtree Corners Festival Vehicle & Bike Show, 2014 to present

Leadership & Media

  • Executive Advisor — Atlanta Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance, 2020 to present
  • Board of Directors — Georgia Street Rod Association, 2012 to present
  • Membership Chairman — Georgia Street Rod Association, 2014 to present
  • President — Dixie Cruisers; Events Judge
  • Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) — Media / Press Corps
  • Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance — Media / Press Corps, 2012 to present
  • Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association — Member
  • Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) — Member
  • American Street Rod Association — Member
  • Amazing Corvettes Club — Vehicle Show Marshall

Mike also writes for the automotive press and maintains a blog at SouthEastWheelsEvents.com/Blogs.

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Credentials you can put in front of anyone

Tell Mike about your vehicle and you'll get clear, upfront pricing and next steps — usually within one business day.