A. J. BILLIG & CO., AUCTIONEERS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS
A. J. Billig & Co., Auctioneers is celebrating their 100th anniversary, continually based in Baltimore and serving Maryland since 1918. Founded by Abraham J. Billig, a nineteen year old entrepreneur and salesman, the company has positioned themselves as a mainstay of the business community for the past century and is positioned for success into the next. Originally established as a “boardwalk-type” auction house on Lexington Street, A. J. Billig & Co., Auctioneers has transitioned from a “general auctioneer” of any type of commodity, to exclusively conduct real estate sales at auction.
The auction firm has been family owned since it’s inception. Second generation auctioneer Jack Billig served as CEO from the 1970s until 2000, taking over from the founder. Third generation auctioneer Daniel Billig has led the firm for the past two decades. Chuck Billig, a fourth generation family member is poised to take charge in the future. Other family members have worked in the business for extended periods of the company’s history. Andy Billig, a long-time partner in the firm, died suddenly in 2016. For ninety years, A. J. Billig & Co., Auctioneers’ offices were located in Downtown Baltimore, first on Lexington Street, then on Fayette Street. In 2010, the company moved to larger quarters at 6500 Falls Road.
Over the years, Billig has conducted notable auctions of a variety of landmarks including the Beaver Dam Marble Company, producer of East Baltimore’s iconic white marble steps, the Tolchester Amusement Park, Martingham/Harbourtowne resort, sections of Lake Linganore, the business section of Sparks and The Emerson Hotel. Hundreds of restaurants and food purveyors have been sold by Billig at auction, including The Pimlico Hotel, Danny’s, the Crease (Downtown), White Coffee Pot, Horn & Horn, Silber’s Bakery, and scores of neighborhood taverns. Through the years, Billig has sold thousands of properties, consisting of office buildings, golf courses, automobile dealerships, shopping centers, marinas, and a multitude of single family homes, apartment buildings and condominium units.
“A lot has changed in our business during the last 100 years,” says Dan Billig, the current head of the firm. “My grandfather was an expert marketer and familiar with all types of assets. In the same week, he could be selling industrial equipment, antiques, a retail inventory and real estate. When I started working, the company was pretty much on the same track. It became apparent that we could become more proficient and profitable through specialization. Real estate became our focus.”
“We have hired multiple sales agents this year,” says Billig, “and plan to add more based on demand. Our goal is to provide our clients and buyers with the highest level of service. We spend substantial time and capital to promote the properties we sell. Our rate of successful sales is exceptional. Yet, we continue to innovate. Traditional print advertising, direct mail and signs, though still useful, have given way to internet and social media marketing. Our auction company is constantly exploring new ways to produce the highest prices for our clients’ properties.”
The staff of A. J. Billig & Co., Auctioneers regularly donate their skills to conduct charity auctions and volunteer activities for local and national non-profit organizations. Chuck Billig states succinctly, “community service is not just a sideline to our business, it is fundamental to what we do. Our goal is to foster a healthy community in Maryland, both economically and socially, in the hope that the end result is something we can be proud of.”
