Worley Auctioneers was built for moments of change
When businesses evolve, estates transition, or assets need a clear next chapter, we step in with structure, strategy, and care. Since 1994, we’ve helped sellers move forward with confidence—and helped buyers discover opportunity in a competitive, transparent marketplace.
Our story starts in southwest Ohio, but our reach has never been local-only. From the early days of live auctions to becoming one of the first firms in the region to fully embrace online auction platforms, Worley has always leaned into what works next—not for novelty, but because better tools, better marketing, and better insight lead to better outcomes.
Today, we operate nationally, handling complex commercial projects, sensitive estate matters, government contracts, and high-value personal property with the same philosophy that’s guided us from the start: every asset deserves the right audience, and every client deserves clarity, respect, and results.
A Different Kind of Auction Company
Most auction firms talk about speed. We talk about intent. Every Worley auction is designed—strategically, creatively, and operationally—from the ground up. That means understanding the story behind the assets, the urgency behind the sale, and the psychology of the buyers most likely to compete for them. Our team blends:
- Deep appraisal and valuation expertise
- Purpose-driven event and digital marketing
- Proven logistics and compliance management
- National buyer networks built over decades
The result is a seamless, highly organized process that removes friction for sellers and builds confidence for buyers. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all auctions. We believe in smart transitions, executed with precision.
Built on Experience. Driven Forward.
Worley Auctioneers has conducted auctions in 33+ states and Puerto Rico, managing everything from single-owner collections to multi-site commercial liquidations and large-scale real estate offerings. We’ve served:
- Attorneys, trustees, and estate executors
- Corporations, municipalities, and government agencies
- Business owners, collectors, and individual sellers
- Financial institutions and the FDIC
Through every project, we remain focused on what matters most: earning trust, delivering real value, and staying ahead of the curve.
The auction industry has changed dramatically over the past three decades. We’ve helped shape that change—and we’re continuing to build what comes next.
Our Leadership
Penny Worley
Founder | Auctioneer & Realtor
Jerry Jenkins
Vice President | Auctioneer & Appraiser
William E. Hesch, Jr.
Senior Project Manager | Personal Property Appraiser
Penny Worley
Founder | Auctioneer & Realtor
Penny Worley didn’t just grow up around auctions—she grew up loving them. Raised in Lebanon, Ohio, she spent weekends attending auctions throughout Warren County, drawn to the energy and opportunity created through competitive bidding. After purchasing her own home at auction in 1987, that early fascination became a calling—and in 1994, she founded Worley Auctioneers.
With more than three decades of experience in the auction industry, Penny has led the sale of residential and commercial real estate, large-scale commercial liquidations, heavy equipment, fine art, vehicles, antiques, and specialty assets across 33+ states and Puerto Rico. Her depth of experience in complex real estate transactions and time-sensitive projects has made Worley Auctioneers a trusted resource for attorneys, financial institutions, corporations, government agencies, and private sellers nationwide.
A graduate of Missouri Auction School and holder of the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation from the National Auctioneers Association, Penny is recognized for her professionalism, strategic marketing expertise, and industry leadership. She was an early pioneer in online auctions, introducing the platform to the Cincinnati market in 2001 and continuing to evolve with advancements in digital bidding and asset marketing.
Penny remains actively involved in professional organizations, including the National Auctioneers Association, and has served on the board of the Florida Auctioneers Association. Known for steady leadership and a results-driven approach, she brings clarity, organization, and proven execution to every project.
Outside of work, Penny’s greatest joys are cooking, entertaining friends and family, traveling, discovering new chefs and wineries, and supporting grassroots charities. If there’s one thing she hopes clients remember, it’s that they trusted the right method—and the right team—when it mattered most.
Jerry Jenkins
Vice President | Auctioneer & Appraiser
Jerry Jenkins has been part of Worley Auctioneers since he was 15 years old, learning the business from the ground up by working every role at auction events—from setup and clerking to cashiering and load-out. That hands-on foundation continues to shape how he approaches auctions today: practical, strategic, and results-driven.
As Vice President, Jerry leads auctioneering, appraisal, marketing, and business development efforts. He is widely recognized as an expert in collector car appraisal and marketing, with deep knowledge of the psychology, culture, and market dynamics that drive automotive value. He also brings broad expertise across general personal property, machinery, antiques, and specialty assets—understanding that each category requires its own strategy, audience, and presentation.
Jerry holds multiple professional appraisal credentials and earned his Ohio Auction License after attending Reppert Auction School in December 2025. He is trusted by attorneys, financial institutions, and private clients where accuracy, integrity, and market insight are essential.
Known for his creative marketing approach and ability to connect assets with the right buyers, Jerry focuses on simplifying complex situations and helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence. His goal is simple: deliver results that make clients feel they chose the right team at the right time.
G.P.P.A. (Graduate Personal Property Appraiser)
C.A.G.A. (Certified Appraisers Guild of America)
A.S.C.A.A. (American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers)
U.S.P.A.P (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) Compliant
William E. Hesch, Jr.
Senior Project Manager | Personal Property Appraiser
William Hesch brings precision, organization, and steady leadership to every auction he manages. He joined Worley Auctioneers in 2009 during the firm’s national FDIC contract and has since personally managed more than 1,000 auctions across 28 states. His experience spans complex commercial projects, estate liquidations, and large-scale asset transitions.
William oversees auction logistics from start to finish—handling titles, legal documentation, compliance, catalog development, asset discovery, and on-site execution. Known for his attention to detail and calm approach under pressure, he ensures every phase of an auction runs smoothly and professionally.
Before entering the auction industry, William earned a B.A. Classics from Loyola University Chicago and spent more than a decade at a leading Cincinnati estate planning law firm. There, he drafted complex trusts, business agreements, and asset distribution documents—experience that continues to inform his focus on ethics, precision, and legal compliance.
Clients value William for his clear communication, methodical planning, and ability to simplify even the most complex situations. His goal is straightforward: deliver peace of mind while achieving strong, well-executed results.