Maltz, founder of Maltz Auctions, dies

Woodbury, NY On the evening of Dec. 21^st, David Maltz died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He had disclosed he was suffering from a form of leukemia. He was born in Brooklyn, on Dec. 24^th, 1954, to Maurice and Shirley Maltz. For some teens with modest upbringings and a guidance counselor who constantly uttered derogatory comments about their lack of potential, such circumstances might have led to an unfulfilling life. But not for Maltz, who took his situation as a challenge to succeed, ultimately building the $100  million/year Long Island-based auction empire, Maltz Auctions (formerly David R. Maltz & Co., Inc.) Having founded the company in his parents’ home in 1979, he transformed Maltz Auctions into the full-service firm it is today, distinguished nationally for bringing to public auction virtually every class of asset from $200 automobiles to $19 million golf courses. The firm sells residential, commercial and distinctive properties, as well as yachts, automobiles and a vast array of other unique assets. An accomplished auctioneer, he was known for bringing energy and enthusiasm to each auction, helping corporations, non-profit organizations and individuals alike achieve maximum results. Maltz was relied upon as an expert witness in U.S. bankruptcy court, and his firm was regularly retained by federal agencies and banks throughout the U.S. In addition, he was a consultant to many Fortune 500 and publicly traded companies. He sold more than $2 billion of assets on behalf of such clients as the U.S. bankruptcy court and financial institutions throughout the country, the U.S. Department of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration, as well as law firms, private individuals and corporations. The firm is nationally recognized as a trusted name in excellence and achievement. In 2013, the company moved from a 12,000 s/f Plainview location to its current 36,000 s/f facility in Central Islip. Proof of Maltz’ steadfast commitment to growing his business in an ethical manner can be illustrated by the fact that all of the employees he hired have remained with the firm for at least 10 and as many as 25 years. Over the years he lent his support and time to many charity auctions and galas, including North Shore-LIJ Huntington Hospital, The Multiple Sclerosis Research & Treatment Center, Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Christian Nursing Hospice, Inc., among others. Although he was not actively involved in the business for the majority of the fourth quarter, he took great pride in knowing his son continued his legacy – even going so far as watching the firm’s last auction from his hospital bed via video chat – and would be proud to know that the firm posted the best fourth quarter of his life, with more than $30 million in sales. He was preceded in death by his father Maurice Maltz. He is survived by his mother Shirley Maltz, his wife Deirdre Maltz, his children Sheryl and Richard, his daughter-in-law Victoria, his brothers Laurence and Keith Maltz, his grandchildren Madison and Brandon, and his former wife Andrea Maltz. Donations may be sent to: Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.