GALION—Sam Baer loves to chant.

The 34-year-old auctioneer – this year’s runner-up in the Ohio Auctioneers Championship Contest – is now working full-time in the business as an auctioneer/realtor for United Country Walton Realty & Auction Co. in Upper Sandusky.

“I’m blessed with that talent, bid calling. I thoroughly enjoy the live auction realm,” said Baer, a third-generation auctioneer.

“It’s a people-based business and you’re able to work with people, find solutions, and connect with the community.”

Baer, who has had his auctioneer’s license since 2010, had been contracting on the side with other auction companies over the years to help with large sales, even out of state.

But he recently decided to make it his career and joined Doug Walton’s firm.

And he’s a natural.

Baer comes from a family of auctioneers. His grandfather, Emmet Baer, and his father, Jim Baer, ran Baer Auctioneers-Realty and the Rogers Community Auction in Columbiana County. His first memory was running sheets for their weekly produce auctions.

“I grew up with it as a family business. That was my childhood,” said Baer, the youngest of six children. “I never quit doing auctions. I’ve always done them. It’s basically using your skills and trade to solve problems.”

He worked there through high school and college, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from The Ohio State University in 2010. But he “went a different direction” after graduation until auctioneering “called” him back.

Whether it’s an estate sale or a business liquidation, Baer said he enjoys seeing thousands of people a week. His focus is primarily on the agricultural side of the industry – selling country homes, large farm equipment, and firearms, for example.

Baer said the market for collectibles especially has increased in the last few years – old pinball machines, license plates, and antique farm toys. “Everybody collects differing things, and some people collect jewelry as well and that’s where the marketing comes in.”

Baer is a member of the Ohio Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association. But more than anything, he’s glad to be back in the fast-talking business – and working in and around the county he calls home.

“The biggest thing is knowing what you’re selling, building a business, and creating a network in the community.”