Our Staff

Our number one goal at Fortna Auctioneers is to provide you with quality service from start to finish.

Throughout history, the Auction method of marketing is the most successful tool used to sell Real Estate and personal property. The auction method is the only method which can produce fast, profitable results.

Our decade of experience has given Fortna Auctioneers an unparalleled insight to our clients needs and has driven our relationships in South Central PA to be the most competitive and comprehensive marketing Auction Company.

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Michael Fortna, President

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.”

William Bering, Jr., Auctioneer / Realtor
Robert D. Bering, Auctioneer / Realtor

Mike Fortna’s nephews, Bill and Bob Bering, complete the key management team at Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group.

“Bill and Bob were born with auctioneering in their DNA,” says Mike Fortna. Their father, Bill Bering, is a car auctioneer who inspired his sons to follow in the same profession with his work ethic and dedication to honesty, integrity and fairness. Bill Senior and I have been working together since the 1980′s. When the brothers completed their schooling and went into auctioneering, I knew right away they would fall in love with everything about the profession. I was pleased to give them the opportunity they have today. We make a great team and are only going to continue to grow!” added Mike Fortna.

Bill Bering Jr. and Bob Bering Career Paths
Bill Jr. attended Penn State University and studied to become a Wildlife Biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “The field was different and interesting, but in the end I found myself drawn into the auctioneering profession like my father,” says Bill, “It happened to my brother too.”

Bob also graduated from Penn State University, with a Finance Major, with special concentration on Real Estate investment analysis.

The schooling in Iowa honed their skills in the auctioneering industry and soon started their professional careers working with their father at Manheim Auto Auction and other auto auctions throughout the east coast. After joining Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group in 2005, shortly after they both earned their real estate licenses and continue to work at conventional real estate brokerages as well.

They are active members of the Pennsylvania Auctioneer’s Association (PAA), the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR), National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the Lebanon Valley Young Professionals Network.

Community Involvement
Being active in the community is very important to the Fortna Auctioneers. “We lend out skills to conduct auctions for great local causes,” says Bob, “we contribute our time to Tom Gerhart’s Annual Sports Memorabilia Auction, which has raised over $120, 000 over the years to help kids with cancer and their families. We also have donated professional services to the Lebanon County Realtors/Habitat for Humanity Auction, the Lebanon Catholic Benefit Auction and more.”

Shared Learning
“Bob and I have learned a lot about how to run a reputable and successful real estate auction business and even more about the market. Selling by Auction is a great way to sell your home, business, etc. It is no longer looked upon as a ‘last resort’. It’s another very effective way to sell your real estate, with built-in advantages for both buyer and seller. The business allows us to meet a lot of interesting people and form long-lasting business relationships. Every deal is different and you have to go at it a little differently each time. As each new challenge arises, we are confident we can handle it from beginning to end and have the best interest of our clients in mind,” added Bill Bering Jr.

Contact William at: wbering@fortnaauctioneers.com
Contact Robert at: rbering@fortnaauctioneers.com

Carl Marzola, Broker

Originally from New York, Carl is a well known and a highly respected Broker. In 1983 Carl found and established Atlantic Properties International Inc., which currently has over 80 experienced multi-lingual agents. In 2011, Carl launched the Atlantic Properties Intl. Inc. Business Café in Wilton Manors, Florida. The Café is an innovative synergistic concept where business owners network and advertise in a real estate brokerage environment. Carl’s list of clients covers a broad range of buyers and sellers. He has worked with German Industrialists, Italian and Brazilian developers, as well as high profile clients such as the Trump Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and Rome, Italy.

Carl earned the prestigious designation of Master Broker. Master Brokers achieve a long record of sales and membership is by invitation only, limited to the top 250 professionals in each county. Carl also earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation; less than 4 percent of all licensed Realtors® in the United States have this designation. To ensure a strong world-wide presence he earned the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). Carl is also a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), one of the most respected and relevant designations offered within the industry.

Carl’s clients are assured the highest level of service and commitment to meticulous detail and research. Carl and his team consistently find superior real estate investments for all client needs.

Joe Shovels, Associate Broker/Auctioneer Associate

Originally from Michigan, Joe moved to south Florida to enjoy the spectacular weather and magnificent beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Joe obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a major in Marketing from the University of Michigan where he was awarded a four-year academic scholarship.

After college, Joe created, launched and operated his own successful marketing and design firm; which he eventually sold to a larger corporation before beginning his real estate career. He was also a licensed Realtor® in the state of Michigan. Joe’s previous work in business and marketing gave him the tools and knowledge necessary to help his buyers and sellers succeed.

Joe has been a Licensed Real Estate Broker Associate in the state of Florida since 2002. Awarded Top Producer and a Multi-Million Dollar Agent, he also earned the prestigious designation of being a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Less than 4 percent of all licensed Realtors® in the United States are CRS.

Joe’s passion for the dynamic environment of real estate continues to grow and expand as the real estate industry changes. His strong belief in customer service and satisfaction remains a corner stone in his real estate career.

Kip Reynolds, Realtor / Auctioneer Associate

Kip has been an active and successful full time Realtor in south Florida since obtaining his license in 2005. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Kip studied at Temple University in Philadelphia where he graduated with a Masters in Communications. He enjoyed teaching and served as assistant to the Chair of the Communications Department while achieving his degree.

Kip’s previous career work in a corporate environment prepared him well for the discipline necessary to bring results to his clients and brokerage. He is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of residential sales as well as proficient in commercial transactions. He was awarded Top Producer and a Multi-Million Dollar Agent and 2006 Rookie of the Year.

He also enjoys spending some of his free time volunteering with Kids in Distress where he tutors preschool level children.

Kip’s enthusiasm for real estate leads him to getting involved in several Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale activities. His experience includes The Leadership Academy as well as looking forward to serving on the RAGFL Global Real Estate Council in 2012.

Clive Webb, Realtor / Auctioneer (New Jersey Auction Representative)

Born in Greenwich England, Clive attended Shooter’s Hill High School,
London. Graduated from Salford College of Manchester with an ONC in Business Studies.

Met his future wife in Normandy, France. Linda, a Philadelphia native, was studying abroad with Rutger’s University.

Clive has been in the auction industry for over 30 years and specializes in automobile auctions, real estate auctions and public relations. He currently resides in Berlin NJ where he is a licensed Realtor.

Contact Clive at: cwwebb007@yahoo.com

Jack Cantwell, Marketing Director

Jack Cantwell is President of SkyLimit Marketing in Lebanon where he brings many years of major domestic and international marketing/advertising/sales promotion / PR experience to Fortna Auctioneers & Marketing Group. He is now involved in their marketing strategy and communications projects as Director of Marketing.

Jack has held Senior VP and VP level positions with major advertising and promotion agencies and corporations. His resume includes award winning work with Mail Boxes, Etc., McDonald’s, John Hancock, Coca Cola, Budweiser, Fleet Banks, Hormel Meats and more.

Jack also teaches marketing and sales for Elizabethtown College, and was named 2010 CLA Business Person of the Year. See www.skylimitmarketing.com for more information.

Contact Jack at: jack@skylimitmarketing.com

Adam J. Ouellette, Esquire, Attorney

Originally from Michigan, Adam moved to South Florida in 1977, and grew up in Broward County. He attended Cooper City High and attended college on a basketball scholarship, where he got his B.A. in Business Management with a minor in History. Adam started the practice of law in early 1998 and since that time has overseen and been a part of over 4000 closings! His law practice over the years has also included- real estate litigation, condo law, landlord tenant law, probate, and business law.

David R. Warner, Jr., Esquire, Attorney

David R. Warner, Jr., serves as legal counsel to Fortna Auctioneers. David was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2007 and is licensed to practice before all Pennsylvania courts. His practice focuses on civil litigation, contracts and estate planning and administration.

David graduated summa cum laude from Lebanon Valley College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. David received his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Widener University School of Law. He also served as a law clerk to State Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin.

Kim Wentz, Office Administrator

Michael Fortna, Bill Bering Jr. and Bob Bering have earned outstanding recognition by their peers and clients alike for their achievements in the auctioneering profession.

They also recognize the importance of having that behind the scenes person to handle the tasks associated with office management, administration, accounting and other vital tasks to keep the Fortna Auctioneers running smoothly.

This responsibility is in the capable hands of Office Manager Kim Wentz. Kim handles a variety of duties in the organization, including accounting, administrative, logistics, property management and appraisals. She puts her exceptional computer skills to good advantage in the handling of these responsibilities.

Ms. Wentz has over 25 years of business experience. She was educated at Lebanon Valley College, and also earned a Small Business Administration Certificate from HACC. She is currently working toward her Associates in Marketing.

“We wouldn’t be as good as we are without Kim’s involvement in our work,” says Michael Fortna.

Please give Fortna Auctioneers a call to personally discuss any questions you may have concerning the auction process.