Born in Kiev, Russia, Abraham Abell immigrated to the United States in 1907, settling in California. Shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles, A.N. Abell began his venture into the business world with the purchase of a furniture store from a family member. During World War I, Abell transformed the modest store into an auction house, changing the name to Liberty Auctions. It wasn’t until 1916 and a relocation to West Adams that the store was renamed A.N. Abell Auction Company. A husband of 55 years and a father of three children, early on A.N. Abell instilled his company with family values. Today a loyal community of buyers and sellers make their way to Abell each week where they are assisted by a family of knowledgeable professionals. Abraham Abell fostered the company for decades as President, up until his death in 1976. His eldest son, Robert Abell, and nephew Willard Schireson assumed leadership, expanding Abell into the internationally recognized company it is today.
Don Schireson is the second generation of his family to work at Abell. He began working at Abell Auction Company with his father, Willard Schireson, in 1977. Don grew up and currently resides in Brentwood and attended University High School and the University of Oregon. Don has volunteered his time and auction experience for many local charities, including the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Joe Baratta joined Abell in 2001. After growing up in Pasadena and attending Loyola High School, Joe earned a B.A. in Art History from Boston College and a certification in Appraisal Studies from New York University. He is a USPAP-qualified appraiser and a member of the Appraisers Association of America, the Los Angeles Estate Planning Council, and the South Bay Estate Planning Council. He exhibits annually at the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC), the USC Trust and Estate and Tax Conferences, the Southern California Estate Planning Forum, and the Hawaii Tax Institute.
Sean Abell is the fourth generation of the Abell family to work at Abell Auction Company. He is the son of Barry Abell, grandson of Robert Abell, and great-grandson of the founder, A.N. Abell. Growing up in the family business, Sean has come to know and love the auction field. In 2004, Sean was given the chance to start auctioning and has never looked back. Born and raised in the city of Pasadena, Sean attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and Glendale City College.
Todd Schireson represents the third generation of his family to work with Abell. A graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Business/Economics, Todd resides in the Venice area of West Los Angeles. He has over 10 years experience with auction appraisals and can help value the contents of your estate. Todd also works with non-profit organizations conducting charity auctions and can be found on the dais for all major sales at Abell.
Kathi Rothner has given almost 30 years of loyal service to Abell, where she enthusiastically shares her expertise of fine appointments, particularly jewelry. She has received various awards for her community service, including the PTA’s prestigious Golden Oak Award for her significant contributions to the welfare of children. Kathi currently resides in Los Angeles and devotes her spare time to advocating for her local community parks, healthy living, and recreational services.
Patrick Abell has been working for Abell Auction Company for more than 10 years. He represents the fourth generation of the Abell family to work at the auction. He is the son of Barry Abell, grandson of Robert Abell, and great-grandson of the founder, A.N. Abell. Patrick is one of the auctioneers at Abell Auction and helps with all valuations, inventorying and cataloging.
Max Zellman represents the second generation of his family to work with Abell, after his father Howard. Max earned a B.A. at the University of California Los Angeles in the study of American Literature and Culture. He is USPAP compliant and a member of the Appraisers Association of America.
Alexandra joined Abell in 2017. After growing up in the Bay Area, she earned a double B.A. degree in Art History and Journalism from New York University. Alexandra assists with exhibiting at the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC), the USC Trust and Estate and Tax Conferences, and the Southern California Estate Planning Forum.
Xiao (Fiona) joined Abell in 2018. She was born in Beijing and grew up in Shanghai. Fiona earned a B.A. degree in Cultural Management from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She is a M.A. candidate at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Los Angeles. Fiona assists with preview and translation, and is fluent in English and Mandarin.
