Category Archives: News

John Roop Wins 2012 Maryland Bid Calling Championship

Congratulations to John Roop who won the Maryland Bid Calling Championship held at Chesapeake Auction House in St. Leonard, MD this year!

There were 6 Contestants this year which included:

  1. John Roop
  2. Patrick Flaherty
  3. Jeremiah Herbst
  4. Terry Jacobs
  5. Dana Dudley
  6. Scott Blankenship.

The 3 Finalists were:

  1. John Roop coming in First
  2. Terry Jacobs coming in Second
  3. Jeremiah Herbst coming in Third Place.

James G. Cochran – 2011 Hall of Fame

James G. Cochran of Cochran Auctioneers and Associates recently was inducted into the Auctioneers Association of Maryland Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the State Association’s Winter Conference in Ocean City, MD. Jim, who has his main offices in Boonsboro, Maryland graduated from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in 1972 and along with his firm, are commemorating their 40th year in business.

Clair Martin inducted into 2010 Hall of Fame

Clair Martin was inducted into the Auctioneers Association of Maryland Hall of Fame at the 2010 Conference for his outstanding contributions to the auction profession.Clair L. Martin is a licensed auctioneer in Maryland and Pennsylvania specializing in the selling of a variety of antiques, fine furniture, estates, equipment, and real estate. He also specializes in appraising estates, farm equipment, real estate, and property involved in divorce and bankruptcy.

Every year Clair donates much of his time to fundraising auctions and events held for numerous private schools and nonprofit organizations.

Education & Training

  • Fort Smith Auction School
  • Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA)
  • Hagerstown Junior College, Real Estate & Real Estate Appraisal

Affiliations, Associations and Achievements

  • Auctioneers Association of Maryland (AAM)
  • 2010 – Hall of Fame
  • 2006 & 2007 – President
  • 2004 & 2005 – President Elect
  • 2002 & 2003 – Vice President
  • 2000 & 2001 – Board of Directors
  • 2000 – Auctioneer of the Year
  • Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA)
  • National Auctioneers Association (NAA) – Lifetime Member

Zach Shelley – 2009 Maryland Bid Calling Champion

Last year’s champion, Roxane Casto, coordinated this year’s bid calling contest which took place at Metzger’s Auction House.

Congratulations to Zach Shelley, our 2009 Maryland State Bid Calling Champion. Zach competed with 8 other auctioneers and was awarded top honors. Coming in 2nd place was Ron Hamner, and 3rd place was John Roop. Thanks to all who competed. Also, a special thanks to our judges: Richard Claycomb, Cindy Fenton, and John Hess.

From a young age Zach always wanted to be an auctioneer. After graduating high school he started an auctioneer apprenticeship under Mr. Tom Girvin, a dear family friend. Zach soon developed the “auction bug” and it was off to auction school. He graduated in December of 2006 from Harrisburg Area Community College with a diploma of Auctioneering and was placed on the Dean’s List. In April of 2007, Zach received his Pennsylvania State Auctioneer license and was hard at work. He worked every and any type of auctions he could find. Zach has worked in many large auto auctions, machinery and equipment auctions, benefit and charity auctions, livestock auctions, antique and real estate auctions. He has had the opportunity to work with many great auctioneers and learn from their experience. Zach truly loves the auction profession.

Roxane Casto – 2008 Maryland Bid Calling Champion

The competition was held on September 30th at the Chesapeake Auction House in St. Leonard, MD in conjunction with the annual AAM fundraising event. The competition included nine auctioneers throughout the state of Maryland.Congratulations to Roxane Casto of Glen Burnie who earned the 2008 Title. A love of antiques led Roxane to move into the field of dealing antiques. After spending much time at auctions, she felt inspired to become an Auctioneer and attended Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in October of 1997. She began her auctioneering career upon her return from auction school specializing in Estate Auctions. She was named 2005 Auctioneer of the Year for her service to the AAM and their newsletter.

Thanks to all of the talented contestants and to our judges:

Phil Grosh & B.J. Jennings of Jennings Auction Group in York Haven, PA
Amberleigh Scheungrab -Contract Auctioneer from Falmouth, VA
Mike Stermer of Stermers Auction Company in East Berlin, PA.