Our Team
Darron Meares, MBA, CAI, MPPA, BAS, AMM
Darron Meares is a licensed auctioneer in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana, and Florida. He also holds a South Carolina Real Estate Broker’s License. Darron specializes in managing and conducting real estate auctions, firearm auctions and business and bankruptcy liquidations. He is a former Chairman of the Education Institute of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and has served a three-year term on the NAA Board of Directors. Darron is also a past president of the South Carolina Auctioneers Association and was honored as the 2013-14 South Carolina Bid Calling Grand Champion. In 2018, he was inducted into the South Carolina Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.
Darron is a USPAP-compliant asset appraiser who works for private clients, banks, attorneys, and courts of law. The National Auction Association awarded him the Master Personal Property Appraiser (MPPA) designation for this work as an asset appraiser and expert witness. As a sought-after public speaker, Darron is a professional member of the National Speakers Association. He shares his expertise as an instructor at the Southeastern School of Auctioneering and also teaches at the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Licensed In:
- South Carolina Auctioneer License 3737
- North Carolina Auctioneer License 8784
- Georgia Auctioneer License AUNR003163
- Alabama Auctioneer License 5855
- Florida Auctioneer License AU4466
- Indiana Auctioneer License AU11700049
Nichole Zales, AMM
As a client-focused agent, Nichole is always seeking ways to better serve her clients. Coming from traditional real estate, she immediately recognized the potential for creating a truly unique product in the marketplace—one that offers consumers exceptional value and flexibility in meeting their transitional needs. She is honored to be part of our team and is eager to assist the Upstate community.
With over a decade of experience in real estate, Nichole brings a wealth of traditional market knowledge combined with innovative auction strategies to serve her clients. As a real estate salesperson, she leverages her deep understanding of both conventional sales and auction dynamics to create tailored solutions for each client's unique situation. She also plays a key role in supporting clients and events for our fundraising division, Bowtie Benefit Auctions, where her expertise helps non-profit organizations maximize their fundraising potential.
Committed to professional growth and excellence, Nichole has completed multiple continuing education courses and has attained the prestigious Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designation through the National Auction Association. Her dual expertise in traditional real estate and auction marketing allows her to offer clients comprehensive guidance on the most effective strategies for their property sales. Whether working with residential sellers, commercial properties, or charitable organizations, Nichole's dedication to client success and innovative approach sets her apart in the industry.
Karen Tinsley
Karen has been an invaluable member of our team for many years, serving as a versatile professional who manages multiple aspects of our operations. As our auction gallery manager, she oversees the presentation and organization of gallery items, photography of auction items and assists with onsite auction pickups.
In addition to her gallery management responsibilities, Karen coordinates our in-house shipping operations, maintaining logistics and ensuring that items reach our customers safely and securely. Whether working directly with clients, managing gallery operations, or overseeing shipping logistics, Karen's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction exemplifies our company's values.
Amanda Evans
As our office manager, Amanda brings a strong financial foundation from her banking career to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency in our auction business. She manages seller settlements and buyer invoicing across all auctions, to maintain transparent and accurate financial transactions for clients and customers.
Amanda's passion for the auction industry extends beyond her daily responsibilities. Having completed her education at the Southeastern School of Auctioneering in November 2024, she now shares her expertise as an instructor at the school. She teaches courses in auction clerking and marketing, helping shape the next generation of auction professionals. Her unique combination of banking knowledge and auction expertise allows her to provide valuable insights into both the financial and operational aspects of the industry.
She will obtain her South Carolina Auctioneer License in 2025.
Paul Threlkeld
As our firearms coordinator, Paul brings his extensive knowledge and passion for firearms to ensure seamless handling of all weapon-related transactions and transfers. His comprehensive understanding of firearms, combined with his meticulous attention to regulatory compliance, makes him an invaluable asset to our team and clients alike.
Paul offers expert guidance to clients considering firearm consignments and skillfully manages the process of firearm transfers, working closely with both buyers and sellers to ensure all transactions meet federal and state requirements. His established relationships with FFL dealers nationwide enable smooth coordination of firearms shipping both to and from our auction gallery. As a former board member of the Belton Gun Club, his dedication to responsible firearm ownership ensures that every transaction is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
Merle D. Sharick, CMB, CAGA
Merle brings decades of diverse expertise to his role with our firm, where he combines his credentials as a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and mortgage fraud detection specialist with his work as a Federal Firearms Licensed Auctioneer. His unique background in both financial services and asset valuation allows him to offer clients comprehensive guidance across multiple specialized fields. As a licensed auctioneer and real estate broker in both North and South Carolina, Merle provides expert services in asset liquidation, real estate transactions, and detailed property valuations.
Merle's commitment to professional excellence is reflected in his numerous certifications and affiliations, including his membership in the Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA), the South Carolina Auctioneers Association, and the National Auction Association. His expertise as a protection consultant further enhances his ability to serve clients with complex asset management and liquidation needs. Whether working with real estate, firearms, or other valuable assets, Merle's comprehensive knowledge and professional approach ensure exceptional service for every client.
Licensed in:
- South Carolina Auction License 2489
- North Carolina Auction License 5779
Jackson Meares
As a third-generation auctioneer, Jackson Meares brings a rich family heritage of auction expertise to his role as a licensed South Carolina auctioneer and gallery staff member. His dedication to the auction industry has been recognized through his receipt of both the SCAA JL Pinckney scholarship and the NAF Legacy Youth scholarship. Currently a sophomore studying Exercise Science at Coastal Carolina University, Jackson balances his auction responsibilities with his position on the Chanticleer football videography staff, demonstrating his ability to excel across multiple disciplines while maintaining his family's auction legacy.
South Carolina Auction License 4873
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