Edwin Bailey, Owner
Edwin started in the auction business in January of 1997, when he started using a little-known service called AuctionWeb to buy and sell antiques, jewelry, art and collectibles online (the company later changed its name to eBay). Soon he started selling online full-time, his own items as well as pieces consigned to him. In 2015 Edwin founded Blackwell Auctions with John McNeal, a long-time friend and mentor in the business, who passed away in February 2021. Edwin has visited thousands of homes in the Tampa Bay area and beyond as a trusted buyer and appraiser.
Thad Deye, Operations Manager
Thad owned and operated PKGs, a packing and shipping store, for nearly 20 years, becoming the shipper of choice for several local auction galleries and retail shops for mailing high-value items safely. He also has rich experience in researching antiques, jewelry, collectibles and firearms. Thad writes the bulk of the auction catalog, maintains Blackwell’s ATF compliance for firearms sales, evaluates walk-in consignments and answers emailed auction inquiries.
Nancy Velasco, General Manager
Nancy manages the gallery staff and ensures that all aspects of the auction experience run smoothly. She is our friendly voice on the phone and greets our gallery visitors, assists bidders with absentee and phone bids, invoices and payments, and maintains consignor inventory and statements.
Trey Bailey, Director of Digital Media
Trey (Edwin III) photographs and produces images of each item in the Blackwell catalog, as well as content for all digital and print ads, videos for Facebook and YouTube, and media for in-house events.
Shannon Bailey, Chief Finance Officer
Shannon manages all financial aspects of the business, including fun tasks like taxes, and serves as head cheerleader for Team Blackwell. When not at the gallery, she loves serving in her community, reading, traveling and walking many miles with the family dog.
Jessica Cleveland, Logistics Specialist
Jess works hard to ensure that in-house shipping is completed quickly and efficiently after each auction. She manages multiple Blackwell online sales accounts, assists with clients and phone calls in the front office, and coordinates day-of-auction staff.
Michael Stewart, Production Specialist
Stew does a little bit of everything around the gallery.