Spotsylvania auctioneer John Nicholls is sharing his passion. FILES/COTT NEVILLE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Spotsylvania auctioneer to appear on NBC's 'Today' show

Date published: 10/8/2006

By KAFIA HOSH

John Nicholls is ready for his close-up.

The Spotsylvania County auctioneer, who recently won an international auctioneer competition, will be filmed for a segment on NBC's "Today" show next week.

He'll be teaching at the Reppert School of Auctioneering, the world's oldest auction school, in Auburn, Ind., Tuesday and Wednesday. NBC news correspondent Kevin Tibbles will be a student in the class, which will feature bid calling techniques.

"To have this type of nationwide platform to promote the industry that you love, it's exciting," Nicholls said. "It's uncharted territory for our industry in a lot of ways."

Nicholls, 40, is the vice president of Nicholls Auction company, a business started by his father, Charles, in 1968. The younger Nicholls specializes in automobile and real estate auctions. His television appearance, which has not been scheduled, represents growing national interest in the auction field, he said.

"The auction profession is getting a lot of attention," Nicholls said. "So many people are seeing the value of putting their property in a competitive bidding situation."

In July, Nicholls won the men's division of the International Auctioneer Championship, and became a spokesman for the National Auctioneers Association. In his new role, Nicholls is expected to make several public appearances.

These will include his teaching stint at the Reppert School of Auctioneering and hosting a fundraising auction for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis next month. Later this year, Nicholls will represent the auctioneer association at the National Association of Realtors convention in New Orleans.

"It's an honor to be a voice for the profession that you do every day and that your father has done for almost 40 years," Nicholls reflected. "It's a lot of pressure but it's very humbling."

To reach KAFIA HOSH:540/735-1977
Email: khosh@freelancestar.com

Date published: 10/8/2006