40 Years of Excellence Awarded to AAM Member Phil Gregory
Phil Gregory was honored with the 2003 Hall of Fame award for Lifetime Achievement at the Auctioneers Association of Maryland’s 2004 Conference. Phil responded, “I have found my years of participation in the Association to be an enriching experience and have greatly enjoyed the opportunities to make and deepen friendships, to encourage and mentor new auctioneers, and to help develop an AAM sponsored charity in our area.” As the NAA specializes in St. Jude fundraisers, Phil began organizing Make-A-Wish fundraising events with the AAM because as he says, “You need to give, not just exist.” He wanted to make a difference and to also bring Maryland auctioneers together to work toward a common goal.
Most Marylanders know Phil Gregory as being co-owner of Gregory and Warfield Auctions with Business partner, Dennis Warfield, current AAM President. Phil’s son Roy Gregory works with Phil & Dennis to provide a full service auction and appraisal business. Many know that Phil has a lot of quotes to live by. One such quote is “Don’t take on more than you can do.” This is important to Phil because he doesn’t want auctioneers to misrepresent our profession and discourage someone’s perception of the business. If something is beyond your capabilities, team up with an auctioneer who specializes in that area.
The auction industry of today is able to support full-time employment for many auctioneers with mounds of opportunity for growth compared to when Phil graduated from Superior Auction School back in the 1970’s. He says he wishes what is happening now happened when he was younger. He would’ve never believed the opportunities available to take advantage of these days and how there are so many more phases of this business. But, as he adds another saying, “It’s not free: Hard work pays off and nothing is good until it’s finished.” |
