Press Release

The Ohio Auction School (www.theohioauctionschool.com) announced today the offering of more programs for licensed auctioneers as well as those desiring licensure. The AEP Program, which stands for Auctioneer Exam Preparation, will be offered four times per year at the home of the auction school, 4949 Hendron Road, Groveport, Ohio. This program represents the only such program of this type offered anywhere in the United States.

Executive Director, Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE, describes the program two-fold: “It is primarily designed for apprentice auctioneers being seated for their state examination to become auctioneers,” says Brandly, “however, all auctioneers are tested every day with their knowledge of auction-related laws, so we expect even some licensed auctioneers to take advantage of this program. Saturday, April 21 is our first date.”

The AEP program is a full PowerPoint presentation with over 300 questions specifically designed to familiarize attendees with all facets of Ohio auction law, including licensing, schooling, the State Auctioneers Commission, advertising, contracts, settlement, firearms, motor vehicles, real estate, and other topics auctioneers encounter on the state test, as well as in practice. Attendees will work through lab exercises testing their knowledge of writing a contract, placing advertisements, and settling an auction.

Brandly remarked in a recent interview with several fellow auctioneers that much confusion exists regarding exact language that needs to be in a completely Ohio-compliant auction contract. Further, many auctioneers are unfamiliar with Ohio’s settlement procedures, and especially when it involves other licensed activity such as real estate or motor vehicles. “Since auctioneers are not only regulated by R.C. 4707 and A.C. 901:8-2, a thorough knowledge of many other industries is required,” says Brandly.

Ohio residents desiring to become auctioneers must first attend an accredited auction school, and then serve a one-year apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a licensed auctioneer. After that apprenticeship, the apprentice auctioneer is seated for the state exam which the AEP program will assist them to pass on the first attempt. The state exam is both written and oral in format. Ohio has more auctioneers than any other state, at approximately 3,500.

The Ohio Auction School was opened in 1998. Since then, over 180 students have graduated from the school, with two 2-week terms per year designed for aspiring auctioneers. Students from as far away as Barbados have attended. The school also offers continuing education for Indiana licensees and is approved for pre-licensure in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Texas and Louisiana. The auction school students have raised over $35,000 for local charities at their semi-annual school auction and dinner.

Lisa Mantle is The Ohio Auction School’s Administrator. Faculty include Lisa Mantle, Mike Brandly and Robert Gibbs, Auctioneer, Mount Sterling, Ohio; Fred Wilkes, Auctioneer, Pataskala, Ohio; Cheri Gray, Auctioneer, Columbus, Ohio; Peter Gehres, Auctioneer, Hilliard, Ohio. The staff combines 135 years of auction experience; each instructor is actively involved in the auction business.

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Posted: 02|8|07 at 9:23 am. Filed under: Auction News.