The Hurley Auctions legacy began when its founder and president, Matthew Hurley, was just a young boy. Some boys dream of becoming a policeman or a firefighter when they grow up, but Matt Hurley had his sights set on something different. His desire to be an auctioneer started when his father, Gene, took five-year-old Matt to a farm sale. “All the way home, I remember saying, ‘When I grow up, I'm going to be an auctioneer,’” reminisced Hurley.
In 1982, he conducted his first non-paid auction at a family reunion. In high school, his guidance counselor wasn't sure how to help the teen achieve his dream. “There’s not much you can do as a guidance counselor to help someone that wants to be an auctioneer because you had to be an apprentice at the time in Pennsylvania,” said Hurley. “I tried, but no one would sponsor me because they didn't want competition.”
When he was 19, Hurley went on a two-year mission for his church. Upon return, his desire for the auction block was stronger than ever. “I got home on a Wednesday, and on Thursday morning, one of my favorite auctioneers, Bob Benshoff, called me and said, ‘Hey, do you still want to be an auctioneer? I am looking for an apprentice.’” His call was a blessing. Hurley served as an apprentice with Benshoff for two years. “I decided that auctioneering is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Hurley recalled.
Henceforth, Hurley pursued his dream and in 1993, Hurley Auctions was started. He ran the business from his summer kitchen off Route 997 in Quincy, Pa. Without an auction house to operate from, all sales were conducted out of a rented warehouse in the former Tomstown Community Center. Hurley even got his father and his mother, Barb, hooked on auctioneering. Barb received her auctioneers apprentice license in 2001. Gene apprenticed under Matt from 1996 to 98, and remains an active auctioneer in the company today.
In 1998, Hurley purchased 11 acres between Waynesboro and Greencastle and built what is known today as The Legacy Center. He has satellite offices in West Virginia and Florida.
All six of Hurley's children are involved in the business. In 2017, Kaleb Hurley received his Pennsylvania Auctioneers license, thus beginning the third generation of Hurley auctioneers.
Hurley is grateful to his customers. “Thank you for a wonderful 25 years. We look forward to serving you during the next 25 years,” he stated.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, a celebratory open house will be held at the auction house on Friday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hurley Auctions is located at 2800 Buchanan Trail East, Greencastle, Pa. Complimentary refreshments will be provided along with a petting zoo and pony rides for the little ones.
For directions or further information, call 717-597-9100.