Philosophy There is a story of a man asking a New York cab driver “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? He replied, “Practice. Practice. Practice.” There are no short cuts when you are motivated to be the best in your profession. This is the way Michael Fortna works for his diverse list of auctioneering clients. He’s been following the “no short cuts” approach with great success for over 30 years. “You have to put yourself in the shoes of the customer,” says Fortna, “Being trusted with the responsibility of delivering full value for another person’s assets or estate is a great honor. I have to be at the top of my craft at all times. I owe it to the people I do business with. I can’t work any other way.” Education The core qualities of persistence, honesty, integrity, and “being the best at what you do” have been ingrained in the fabric of Michael’s life since he discovered auctions in the farm country surrounding his childhood home of Annville, Pennsylvania as a teenager. He quickly realized the value of education. He completed studies at the Certified Auction Institute (CAI) at Indiana University, Indiana. He is one of a very few people in his area to achieve CAI status. His attention to continuing education is an important part of his professional life today. “It’s essential to be on top of changes in the industry,” says Fortna. The Value of Networking The real key to a successful auction experience is being connected to qualified buyers as well as sellers. Michael Fortna makes it the business of his organization to stay involved. He has served on the Board of Pennsylvania Auction Association (PAA) and is a member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA); is active in his local Masonic Lodge and Rotary Club. Fortna has also developed many valuable relationships with Realtors, Developers, Bankers, Accountants, and Attorneys in addition to his Clients for auctions. “The work we do often results in referrals for other business. We are very proud of the success we have been able to achieve for our Clients, particularly our ability to market the property or estate before the actual auction,” adds Fortna. Giving Back Under Michael Fortna’s leadership, Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group stays focused on being active community citizens as well. “Our business goes beyond excellence in customer satisfaction. Societal welfare is also important to us.” Company services have been utilized by St. Jude’s Hospital, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, Children’s Miracle Network, the Whitaker Center of Arts & Science, and many other worthy causes. Technology Michael Fortna and his team recognize that the auction industry is more than live auctions. The presence of on-line auctions is a major factor in the auction industry of today. Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group is on top of this. Depending on the type of assignment, auctions for Clients are either organized for live, on-line, or a blending of both at the same time. “The on-line element opens the auction process to the world,” says Fortna. Peer Recognition Michael Fortna and Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group consistently exceed industry standards of excellence. The firm has been recognized on a national level and by the Pennsylvania Auctioneer’s Association (PAA) with top awards for marketing and advertising excellence, including the award for best real estate auction website in the state. “Clients want to work with the best. That keeps us focused on being the best,” added Fortna. Service Area Excellence is excellence. It need not be bound by geography. Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group, under Michael Fortna’s leadership, is establishing relationships throughout the east coast of the United States, from Florida up to Maine. “If you have a property or estate that is ready for an auction marketing plan, we are prepared to help you achieve your goal in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, Maine, anywhere in the east and across the country. Pennsylvania is our main headquarters and the place where we established our reputation for excellence. We are prepared to branch out to work with you right now.”