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In 2003 the MAA moved to establish the Massachusetts Auctioneers Association “HALL OF FAME” to forever recognize and honor those auctioneers whose continuous support of the MAA, outstanding leadership and labors have helped to shape and direct our auction industry and will have an everlasting influence upon us all.
Each year nominations for this prestigious award are accepted by the MAA Board of Directors. The Board then considers each nominee's list of credentials and selects a candidate for induction. Click here to submit your nomination online. |
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2007 Hall of Fame Inductees |
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Abe “Honest Abe” Levin
Abe Levin was one of the founders of the MAA. His name signature on the original association documents, as a founding director, on February 9th, 1962. Abe was an auctioneer in the years 1950 thru 1985. He joined the NAA in the 50’s. A graduate of Repperts Auction School, he held the first Farm Bureau Cattle Auction in New England and enjoyed an impeccable reputation as an honest, professional auctioneer his entire career. Abe Levin was affectionately known "Honest Abe".
The “Hall of Fame” award was awarded posthumously and accepted by his son Harv Levin. Harv, an MAA member and owner of Harv Levin Incorporated in New Castle NH, continues his family’s tradition in the auction business.
James “Jim” Martin
Jim Martin has owned several businesses during his lifetime including: Martin Upholstery, Martin Real Estate, Martin Antiques, Martin Auctioneers and Martin Appraisals.
In the early 1970’s, Jim Martin found himself with a garage full of furniture he needed to sell. Jim sold that garage full of furniture and began a career that had lasted for more than 35 years. As an auctioneer, Jim Martin has sold everything from antiques to automobiles. Through the years, countless meetings of the MAA were conducted at Martin Antiques in Newton, MA. During a difficult period in time, Jim and three other auctioneers reached into their pockets and put in $100 each to come up the $400 the association needed to remain solvent.
A graduate of the Missouri Auction School, Jim Martin holds Massachusetts Auctioneer license number 484 and remains active as an appraiser.
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2006 |
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Mr. Edward J. Smith Sr. of Avenue Auction Sales and resident of Quincy Massachusetts has been a full time auctioneer for 33 years. Mr. Smith has conducted numerous benefit auctions for charitable organizations as well as his everyday auction endeavors specializing in bankruptcy, business liquidations, and food service equipment. Ed, a well known and respected businessman served as an MAA Treasurer in 1985, 86 & 87, he also served as MAA President in 1988 & 1989, and was instrumental in creation of the current Massachusetts Auctioneer Licensing Law standards during these terms of his service to the association. Ed, accompanied by his wife Joan, his son Ed Jr. daughter in law Joanne and several close friends accepted this award and was inducted into the MAA Hall of Fame May 7 th 2006, while attending the annual MAA convention held at the Chatham Bars Inn, on Cape Cod Massachusetts . |
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2005 |
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Joseph Finn was born in
Worcester
MA
in 1924. He was part of the "GREATEST GENERATION, enlisting in World War 2 at age 18. He returned from his tour of duty 3-1/2 years later and entered
Northeastern
University
, graduating as an industrial engineer.
One summer an attorney for an auctioneer asked five boys “hanging around” the beach if any of them wanted a job for two weeks. Joe and four of his friends accepted the job cleaning, lotting, working sale day and staying on for delivery. That two week job turned into a six year endeavor. In 1952 Joe married Harriet Maysles. Soon after his wedding Joe made the decision to start his own auction company.
June 1st, 1954
was day one and this company continues today enduring 51 years.
Joe Finn was a proud member of the Massachusetts Auctioneers Association, the MDNA (Machinery Dealers National Association), AMEA, and most other organizations for auctioneers. Joe dedicated his life to making the auction business the preferred way to buy and sell equipment. He had a reputation for being honest and fair. He was instrumental in assisting in legislative changes in
Massachusetts
involving the licensing and bonding of auctioneers. Joseph died on
June 7th, 1992
, but lived to proudly observe his four sons join him in the business.
This award was presented to Joseph’s family at the 2005 MAA Spring Convention in Lenox
Massachusetts
. Joe’s wife Harriet and son, Ross Finn accepted the award on his behalf.
“Ron” Maynard has been involved in the auction business full time for over 27 years. Ron has been very active in the
Massachusetts
Auctioneers Association and is a past President of this organization. Ron was involved in the past legislative change requiring that auctioneers be licensed and bonded in
Massachusetts
. Ron achieved CAI status by completing the NAA 3 year certification program and maintains this professional designation. Ron is the founder and former president of Storage Auction Solutions of Middleton
Massachusetts
. Throughout his career Ron has conducted numerous successful estate, equipment and real estate auction sales. Ron is also is a licensed
Massachusetts
Real Estate broker and has won several advertising awards.
Ron received this prestigious award as he attended the 2005 MAA Spring Convention in Lenox
Massachusetts
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2004 |
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Bill Moon’s signature appears on the 1962 MAA “Articles of Organization” documents making him a founding father and charter member. For many years Bill’s residence was located in the Attleboro Massachusetts area where his active auction business was headquartered. Bill recently moved to Essex Junction, Vermont. Col. Bill however has not retired. Bill still calls auctions, is active in the MAA and attends business meetings regularly.
Bill was presented this award following his participation in our annual fun auction as he attended the 2004 MAA spring convention which was held on
Cape Cod
Massachusetts
.
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A MAA founding member. His continued participation, support and involvement in the MAA thorough his career makes him a true “life” member. Mike passed on in 2002. Berman Auctioneers & Appraisers , managed by his widow Ruth Berman and Mark Shear is still a very active auction company in Worcester , Massachusetts . His memory and his business lives on. Mike will be missed by all. The award was presented to Myron’s family at the 2003 Spring Convention held in
Wakefield Massachusetts
. “Mike’s” wife Ruth and Son in law,
Mark Shear accepted the award on his behalf. |
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* indicates deceased |
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