CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce surprised Billy Fitzgerald on Jan. 8, 2025, with a special gathering at his office to celebrate his 50 years of dedicated service to the community. The event, attended by Chamber board members and staff, was organized to honor Fitzgerald’s extensive contributions to Southern Maryland as a businessman, real estate professional, auctioneer, and community supporter.
“The snow couldn’t stop some of the Chamber Board members and staff as we stopped by yesterday to surprise Mr. Lister, Billy Fitzgerald with Fitzgerald Realty & Auctioneers for his 50 years of serving St. Mary’s County,” the Chamber shared in a Facebook post. “Billy has been a huge supporter and advocate for the Chamber and we congratulate him for his years of service and wish him 50 more.”
Jimmy Hayden, Chairman of the Board, played a pivotal role in organizing the surprise event. Hayden, who also works in real estate, had coordinated a meeting with Fitzgerald under the guise of a professional discussion. Instead, Fitzgerald was greeted by Chamber members, a commemorative plaque, and warm congratulations.
“When someone’s been in business in one county for such a long time, it’s noteworthy, and congratulations are definitely in order,” Hayden said. “Billy has been in the county all his life and is a very big supporter of the Chamber.”
Fitzgerald expressed his gratitude for the unexpected recognition in a Facebook post. “Thank you for the surprise! The presence of the Chamber and its members honoring and recognizing my service was very gratifying,” he wrote. “It has been a pleasure and an honor growing up and serving Southern Maryland for over 50 years! Jimmy Hayden fooled me on this one. Thank you, Jimmy and the Chamber. P.S. Looking forward to the next 50 years.”
In an interview, Fitzgerald shared his surprise at the gathering, detailing how Hayden’s persistence raised his suspicions. “Jimmy Hayden, he fooled me,” Fitzgerald said. “He called me up and he said, ‘I gotta come up there and talk to you.’ … I walked around the corner, and there was a good amount of the members of the Chamber that I’ve known for a long time, and I’ve known their parents, and so it was very gratifying.”
Fitzgerald’s career began in the 1970s after a brief stint in construction and college. He ventured into sales, starting as a whiskey salesman before obtaining his real estate license in 1972. Over the years, he also owned Fitzgerald’s Tavern and Liquor Store in Mechanicsville and became an auctioneer, raising millions of dollars for local organizations.
His contributions to the region extend beyond his business ventures. “I’ve been on the board of directors at the Southern Maryland Associations. I’ve served all kinds of positions and been a president and charter member of many organizations in the county,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald’s motto, “A successful sale is not an accident; it’s the result of sincere effort and personalized service,” encapsulates his approach to business and community service. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “It’s been very worthwhile, and I look at it as being a service to my customers and clients.”
The Chamber’s event underscores its renewed commitment to recognizing community leaders. “The Chamber is definitely trying to be more out in the community than it has in the past,” Hayden said. “Hopefully, they’ll see more things like this happening throughout the years.”
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