Brian Oberholtzer, who makes sure to get the highest bids at H&R Auctions in New Holland, in Lancaster County, is Pennsylvania’s auctioneer of the year, writes Jason Nark for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

After finishing in the Top 10 for several years, Oberholtzer won the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association (PAA) bid-calling competition held in Harrisburg in May.

The nearly 2,000 state-licensed auctioneers and apprentices can vie for this prestigious title. Judges look at a wide range of skills, including poise and voice clarity, as well as their connection with the crowd.

“You really have to be the total package,” said PAA president Matthew Hostetter.

And according to Bob Diem, owner of H&R Auctions, Oberholtzer fits that description perfectly. He especially commended his skill in “seeing” the customers and knowing who is going to bid, as well as who is ready to bid a bit more.

Customers at H&R know Oberholtzer well and also admire his skill.

Ed Cradduck, of Elverson, is full of praise for the auctioneer, and he likens his performance to high art.

“He has a beat, like Shakespeare,” said the military memorabilia collector.

Read more about Brian Oberholtzer in The Philadelphia Inquirer.