by Kate Shunney
Mountain State Auction Services has opened locally to offer residents a way to downsize estates or offer their collections for sale to interested buyers.
Auctioneer Colin McPeak is the principal owner of the business, but is joined by longtime antiques dealer Lewis Youngblood in running the enterprise.
Mountain State Auction Services will hold sales both onsite – at a private home or business – and at their new auction gallery inside Youngblood’s Antiques on Martinsburg Road in Berkeley Springs.
McPeak said he has a few online auctions in the works as well. Those types of sales can appeal to modern buyers, or those just looking for a specific item or category of items like gas station memorabilia.
Live auctions are favorites of buyers looking for a more social experiences, said McPeak. They can be a place to visit with neighbors, have a bowl of bean soup and explore an estate in person.
Mountain State Auction Services has prepared their auction gallery in Youngblood’s Antiques on Martinsburg Road. Pictured, from left, are auctioneer Lewis Youngblood, Joyce Youngblood, Allyson McPeak and auctioneer/owner Colin McPeak.
Attending auctions and working with antiques left McPeak, 23, with an interest in joining the family tradition.
“Growing up around it, it’s in my blood,” he said.
McPeak is a contract auctioneer for auto auctions in the region. He’s run sales in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other states in the East. He said that’s a competitive industry, and one he trains for.
“When it’s your time to shine, you better shine,” he said.
In the new local auction business, McPeak and Youngblood bring a lot of specialty knowledge about merchandise and a desire to make the auction experience fun, they said.
The auction gallery inside Youngblood’s is decorated throughout with local brand items – apple and tomato labels, crates from bottling companies, signs and much more.
The gallery seats more than 100 and will be open as auctions come together.
Mountain State Auction Services will be available online in December, and will have an app for phone users to shop auctions on the go.
McPeak can be reached at 304-283-6599 or by email at mountainstateauctions@gmail.com for rates and availability. Lewis Youngblood can be reached at 304-676-2934.
