OUR HISTORY

Randy Passonno, CAGA – ISA, President of Collar City Auctions, Inc., has the auction business in his blood. Growing up surrounded by the auction industry, Randy obtained much of his knowledge, experience, and work ethic from his father, Ralph F. Passonno Jr. CAI – an Auctioneer since 1971 – his stepmother Hannelore, and from his many mentors such as Joseph Pasqua, Tom Zanello, Bill Chicoine, among many others who have dedicated their time and resources to the success of Collar City. As a young adult, Randy worked side by side with his father at Uncle Sam Auctions & Realty, Inc. learning the fundamentals of the business from the ground up. Since 13, Randy knew deep in his heart that his career would be in the auction business.

Randy credits his father for not handing him everything, making him learn hands on, and earning what he received. Working his way up the ladder ensured Randy’s knowledge about all aspects of the industry. Randy assisted his father after school, on evenings and weekends, and was compensated based on what was accomplished. These methods drove Randy’s to be the successful auctioneer he is now, and he is grateful every day.

In 1992, Randy had a new vision of where he wanted to be in the auction and real estate industry and the ways in which he wanted to success. Randy branched out on his own and started Collar City Auctions. It was far from an easy start. Slowly, Collar City Auctions developed and gradually built a strong, well-respected reputation from the dedication and results produced by Collar City Auctions and its dedicated staff. Director of Operations, Bill Chicoine has also been a backbone of the company and has dedicated his lifelong career to assist the success of the company.

Collar City has been selected to conduct many high-profile auctions, such as handling the sale of assets for Magic Forest Theme Park, Hoffman’s Playland Theme Park, Taconic Valley Lawn & Garden, many of the Ace True Value Stores, and A.W. Lawrence Insurance Co. Collar City also handled the liquidation of Andrew Cappocia’s Debt Collection Firm’s assets in New York and Vermont, the sale of Luigi’s Restaurant in Schenectady, NY that was seized by New York State.

Collar City is also known as one of the premiere foreclosure auction companies in the auction industry. In 1996, Collar City began assisting municipalities, and other government agencies with auction services including the sale of tax foreclosed real property, as well as surplus department of public works and police department equipment and evidence.  In January 2000, Collar City developed, copyrighted, and protected specialized its “Real Property Purchase Proposal Process Program,” which is now used by municipalities.

In 2012, Collar City saw the need to implement its online auction platform. The team developed its own unique online platform that has improved the quality of services and offered conveniences and results to clients and customers.  Since then, Collar City has had the ability to expose assets on an international basis, ensuring the highest dollar return for its clients.

Collar City would not be where it is today without family, dedicated staff, friends, associates, loyal clients, and customers who are greatly appreciated. Randy is thankful for his dedicated son Nicholas who oversees and handles the day-to-day internal operations of the company. Nicholas has been selling as an auctioneer since age six and has grown into the finest young man any father could ask for.