Main Auction Team
J. Louis Karp President, Appraiser & Principal Auctioneer 4th generation |
J. literally grew up in the business. He was the youngest auctioneer in the state of Ohio at the age of 15. "My Dad drove me to Columbus. I took the test and passed." He attended Woodward & Walnut Hills High Schools and University of Cincinnati. "My senior year at UC in 1964 my father had a heart attack. I stopped school to begin helping my Mom, Phyllis at Main Auction. I've worked here ever since." His love of the auction business is his life. His expertise is 18th, 19th & 20th century furniture, Decorative Arts, Rookwood, art, books, oriental rugs, jewelry, cars and decorative arts. For the past 60 years he has studied and continues to learn the ever changing value of merchandise. On a personal note, J. is happily married to Beth Karp an antique expert herself although you are more likely to find her tending her world renowned garden that surrounds the home they share. He loves working side by side with his sons.
He is a man full of history and stories as well as the most well known charity auctioneer in the Cincinnati area. He has volunteered his services over the years without charging a single fee. Some of the charities include Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Stepping Stones, Speech & Hearing Center, Xavier, Art Museum Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Museum, and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame to name a few. J. has been featured articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Antique Weekly, Cincinnati Magazine, Cincinnati Enquirer. Lectured for the Mensa Society, Woman Clubs, Public Library, Banks, other institutions and organizations.
He is a man full of history and stories as well as the most well known charity auctioneer in the Cincinnati area. He has volunteered his services over the years without charging a single fee. Some of the charities include Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Stepping Stones, Speech & Hearing Center, Xavier, Art Museum Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Museum, and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame to name a few. J. has been featured articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Antique Weekly, Cincinnati Magazine, Cincinnati Enquirer. Lectured for the Mensa Society, Woman Clubs, Public Library, Banks, other institutions and organizations.
Jonas Karp Vice President Appraiser/Auctioneer 5th Generation |
Jonas attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and holds a BS degree, winning several honors while attending. He started with our firm part time at 18 years old becoming full time at 23. Jonas is one of the leading experts on Mid-Century & Designers Objects, Textiles, Pottery and the unusual. Jonas loves and lives his work. He also volunteers his skills in the field of auctioning for several charitable organizations. Jonas has put more miles on his van in the past 15 years than you can imagine visiting art galleries and delivering art in perfect condition for his clients nationwide. Jonas's niece and nephews ask him to slow down once a week for a family dinner and a hangout he would never miss. We are grateful for Jonas's endless hard work and dedication to Main Auction and all its clients.
Justin Karp Operations Manager 5th Generation |
Justin graduated from The University of Cincinnati (Carl H. Lindner College of Business) with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He previously owned and operated his own landscaping company, Karp Groundworks where he learned a great deal about employee management, client relations, and the power of organization. During this time his family with wife Clare also grew, and he is now the proud father of four children Elizabeth, Oliver, Sawyer and Simon. Stepping away from the landscaping business to come Join the Main Auction Team was not a difficult decision for Justin. He loves working side by side with his father and brother and while focusing on the challenges to create a user friendly operation online and in the storefront. Justin is excited to be a part of keeping this amazing business his family has created alive and thriving for years to come.
Team Members
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Buck
Buck is dependable and a complete work horse. He came to our team 5 years ago and we still can't remember a day without him. A team player and true family man, we are thankful to have Buck working for us. |
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Mike
Mike has been with us for 3 years but he is not a new face. Growing up with the Karp boys and attending UC as a soccer player, Mike is a welcomed addition to the team. He brings many skills with him having spent the previous 10 years as the head coach and manager of a large soccer program with over 500 children. A wonderful man, husband and father, we couldn't be more excited to have him on our team. |
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Clare
Clare is our behind the scenes person. She came to us at the beginning of the pandemic to help get us up and running as we moved to online auctions. She continues to take care of all our online platforms. We are grateful to have running tings smoothly online. |