William J. Firestone, President

Bill Firestone graduated with a bachelors of business degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1978. He has been a Professional in the Auction and Appraisal Industry since 1978. In 1998 he established Capital Recovery Group. He has been as expert witness in numerous Bankruptcy Cases and taught seminars for Financial Institutes. He was the first Industrial Auctioneer to broadcast a sale live over the Internet. He is a member of the IAA, MDNA, NAA, ABI, and TurnAround Management.

Gary Katz, Vice President

Gary brings 20 years of hands-on business experience to Capital Recovery Group. He began his career as Vice President of a national organization, where he managed a large sales force and during his tenure increased sales 38%. Gary worked with senior management to create new divisions and substantially increase existing sales and new programs to achieve their goals. In 1990 Gary founded and grew his own business, which he sold prior to joining Capital Recovery Group in 1998.

Kenneth P. Katz, Senior Appraiser

Ken is a 1977 graduate of the University of Massachusetts receiving a Bachelors of Arts Degree.

He received the International Society of Appraisers Accreditation in 1997. His resume includes projects for Financial and Insurance Corporations. He previously owned his own appraisal business, working on many industrial and commercial projects, before coming to work for CRG appraisers

Steve Papillo, Business Development

Having joined Capital Recovery Group in 2003, Steve brings 14 years of hands-on experience in the disposition and management of surplus industrial assets. He is responsible for business development with banks, financial institutions, turnaround groups, and corporations nationwide. His experience creates solutions. The scope of his work has included clients such as IBM, Sony, Motorola, Textron and Lockheed Martin. He is active in the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), Machinery Dealers National Association (MDNA), and Commercial Finance Association (CFA). Steve is a Graduate of the University of Hartford’s BSET program.

Kim Allen Phillips, Senior Auction Coordinator

Kim has over 20 years of experience in the auction business. With an extensive knowledge of machinery and equipment, he prepares the assets for auction. His primary responsibilities are to clean, organize, tag and catalog entire facilities prior to auction. During the auction, he serves as a ringman in assisting the auctioneer. His post-sale responsibilities are to oversee the removal of items.

Gregory (Ron) Stoecker, Senior Auction Coordinator

Ron has over 20 years of experience in the auction business. He oversees numerous crews in various locations throughout the United States, setting up and liquidating Industrial and Commercial facilities. His expertise, along with his knowledge of machinery, equipment and tooling allow for a well organized and smoothly run auction.

Jay Beard, Auctioneer & Appraiser

Jay brings with him 20 years of Auction and Appraisal experience. Jay is a graduate of the International School of Auctioneers and a member of the International Society of Appraisers. Before joining Capital Recovery Group Jay was president and founder of his own Auction and Appraisal company. His extensive appraisal experience includes Construction Equipment and Machinery, Bottling Facilities, Food and Beverage, Packaging and Processing, warehouses, textiles, Restaurants and Inventories