Boiling Springs woman finds passion in appraising historic items
Mary March
Business Name: South Mountain Appraisals LLC
Years in business: 1 year in business; 20 years experience
Location: Boiling Springs
Contact: 717-515-9650; southmountainappraisals.com
Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?
A: I started this business, South Mountain Appraisals LLC, in order to further my education and make a positive change within my professional life. I have worked with both a museum and auction house in the past, and I have enjoyed the research that has gone into each and every item, whether it be worth $1 or a $1 million.
Q: How did you get your start?
A: In order to start my business, I took classes with the International Society of Appraisers, including the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, and completed programming with the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. My love of historical artifacts began when I was a teenager touring museums while on family vacations and led me to earn my masters of fine arts from Penn State in the study of Victorian Mourning Culture.
Q: What does your business sell or provide?
A: We provide a professional personal property appraisal service. Meaning, we appraise everything from your washer and dryer to your painting to your firearm. We do not appraise real estate. Our clients are provided with a written appraisal that can be used for taxes, insurance, estate/estate planning or divorce. Check us out on Facebook under South Mountain Appraisals LLC for a sampling of some items I have appraised.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?
A: In an effort to expand the local portion of my business, I am working on connecting with attorneys in the area whose clients may need an appraisal for a variety of legal purposes. I have had clients from Manhattan, Los Angeles, Colorado Springs and even the Isle of Man. It is exciting to have national and international exposure.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?
A: My favorite things in Cumberland County include the beauty of the natural scenery and the historical sites. In fact, I own the Kaufman’s Station, located in historic Boiling Springs, which is a proven stop on the Underground Railroad that borders the Wittlinger Nature Preserve. I also enjoy spending time in the South Mountain range including Pine Grove Furnace and King’s Gap, which is exactly where my business name came from.