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Bob Melvin Jr. of Spotsylvania County wins statewide auctioneer competition
Date published: 8/12/2007
BY BILL FREEHLING
A Spotsylvania County man was declared Virginia's top auctioneer at a contest last weekend in the Richmond area. Bob Melvin Jr., an auctioneer for the Nicholls Auction Marketing Group, won the Virginia Auctioneers Association's 30th annual contest. It was held Aug. 4 in Richmond. "It's humbling," Melvin said. "There are a lot of sharp guys there." Melvin, who went to Spotsylvania High School, has worked at Nicholls since 1996. He mostly handles auctions in Spotsylvania but also works in other areas. Melvin had entered the contest four times previously, finishing third twice and sixth once. This year's contest was held at the N&W Salvage Auction Warehouse outside of Richmond. Twenty-six auctioneers, all men, paid the $30 fee to enter the contest. All contestants randomly drew numbers to determine what three items they'd sell in the first round. They then sold the items to an audience of more than 100 people. A panel of six judges graded the contestants on appearance, bid calling, voice clarity, microphone ability, salesmanship and auctioneering skills. The top six moved into the final round, and the process repeated. Among the items Melvin auctioned off at the contest were a mechanical barn owl, tape measure, edger and king-size bed linens. Kelly Strauss, who also is an auctioneer at Nicholls, finished third. In addition to "lots of pats on the back," Melvin won a championship ring and a trophy. For the next year, he'll keep a silver bowl engraved with the names of past winners. As the defending champion, he also has to plan next year's contest. Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com
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