Dan Dotson and Laura Dotson
Fast-talking auctioneers, both Dan and his wife Laura are emcees, conducting 1,500 auctions a year together. Hailing from a long line of auctioneers who date back to the '40s, Dan has been performing auctions since he was 11 years old. He and Laura run American Auctioneers, a company whose profits are based on percentages of the bids. Having been in the business for 37 years, Dan takes pride in his heirloom "auction chant" (the auctioneer's rhythm of speech), which he has taught Laura.
Darrell Sheets
Ever the gambler, Darrell has been addicted to the "high" of storage auctions for 32 years. While others have turned the gambling side of storage buying into steady businesses, Darrell is always going for the "big hit." Boasting a big game, Darrell is quick to tell you about the four Picassos and the world's most lucrative comic book collection that he has scored through storage auctions. With his son Brandon, Darrell has a small operation based on low volume, no overhead, and high value. If a locker doesn't have the big score, Darrell will sell it away before he picks through it. After years in the business, Darrell no longer collects: "The only thing I collect these days is dead presidents." Darrell takes pride in the adventure and education storage buying has provided him. It's a lifestyle and skill set he hopes to pass on to his son.
Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante
Scrappy and determined, this husband and wife team of underdogs fight tooth and nail to keep their business alive. They might not have the deepest pockets in the auction game, but they have heart like no other. While Jarrod is more of a risk taker with his bidding, his hard-nosed, sharp-tongued wife, Brandi is always there to question his decisions. She knows for them to succeed, they have to grow. Brandi is spearheading the expansion of their Now and Then Second Hand Store, overseeing the purchase and renovation of a new wing. Whether in the office or out at the auctions, she always states her case. And with his business and family on the line at every auction, every bid is crucial. "I have to turn around my scores quickly because they pay for the next auction. If I don't flip the items, I can't bid again." Though it may seem Brandi wears the pants in the family, Jarrod is no slacker. Easily fired up and sly as a fox, Jarrod is a master strategist and capable of playing head games with the best of them.
Dave Hester
Strict and disciplined, Dave runs a tight ship at his Rags to Riches consignment store. He's a big fish in the game and has made his money from blood, sweat and tears. In 2005, after being convicted of a DUI, Dave was forced into community service at a local Goodwill Store. Seeing the potential in such an operation, the then furniture store owner transformed his operation into a thrift store. The idea changed his life. The son of a military man and train collector, Dave sold his hoarder father's train collection for a small fortune. (It took him five years to sell the whole collection…it was that big.) He says he's the total opposite of his father: simple, clean, no clutter, all business. Of all the characters, Dave has the largest operation with the largest overhead. He needs every purchased container to produce a profit to feed his massive machine of over 15 employees. Pickers will come to his store to buy art at a low price, but Dave sells his pieces at true price: upwards of $150,000.
Barry Weiss
Since the age of 15, Barry has made a name for himself as an antique collector. Now at the tender age of 60, Barry dives headfirst into the world of storage auctions. A Robert Evans-meets-Jack Nicholson type, Barry thinks these auctions are a good place to make a buck. For Barry, buying is a hobby, but one at which he is very proficient. His wealth of knowledge extends from classic cars to war relics, and everything in between. Barry is always looking for an out-of-the-box approach to get one up against his competition. Whether it's bringing psychics to an auction, or night vision goggles, Barry lacks no shame in his outlandish tactics. Look to Barry for the great one-liners; he's never one to bite his tongue.
