For Felipe V. Martinez—better known to friends, pickers, and collectors as "Big Phil"—the thrill of the hunt isn't just a hobby; it’s a lifelong passion. Phil’s journey into the world of treasures began at the age of seven, starting with a fascination for glass. From the swirl of a vintage marble to the elegant lines of mid-century vases and ashtrays, he developed an "eye" for quality before he was even out of elementary school.
After decades of refining his craft, Phil turned his passion into a profession. In 2012, he opened his first antique store in Massachusetts, quickly becoming a staple in the local collecting community. To better serve the industry, he earned his Auctioneer’s License in 2014, mastering the fast-paced art of the sale.
Now 55, Big Phil has brought his expertise and high energy to Atlanta, Georgia. With "buying and selling in his blood," he has launched his latest venture: Mr. Auction LLC.
Embracing the modern marketplace, Mr. Auction LLC partners with Auction Ninja to host premier online auctions. While Phil’s expertise is broad, his true loves include:
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) Furniture: The sleek, iconic designs of the 20th century.
Fine Artwork: Pieces that tell a story and capture the imagination.
The "Weird & Wonderful": Phil is always looking to procure the unique, the ugly, and the unusual—the kind of items you won’t find anywhere else.
Big Phil isn’t running the show alone. He is proudly passing his knowledge down to the next generation. His sons Felipe Jr. and Anthony are right by his side, learning the ropes of the business and discovering the value of a rare find.
"I love meeting new people and I love to talk shop. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for that one weird piece to complete a room, I want to hear from you." — Big Phil
January 13, 2026
Juli is the customer success guru at AuctionNinja, specializing in helping sellers achieve maximum success on the platform. With a background in the estates and acquisitions department at AuctionNinja's parent company, BRG, Juli possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and dynamics of the auctioneering and estate selling industry. Her expertise makes her the go-to person for sellers navigating the ever-changing marketplace. Juli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Ready to locate an estate sale company or explore online estate auctions? Visit AuctionNinja.com. If you're new to online estate auctions, try it risk-free by sigining up here.
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