PWC-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce

Spotlight on Business

Having lived in this area since 1958, the Bolton Family has seen Prince William County grow from a rural farming area into one with high tech businesses and a prosperous economy. There are many long time residents who know the booming rhythmic cadence of Frank "E" Bolton's auction call, "who'll give $50, $40, up goes a numbered card and the bidding starts�$55, $50, $50 going once going twice, sold to number 5."
Frank "E" Bolton began auctioning in 1961 after attending the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City learning the cadence calling, the Federal and State laws governing auctioning, how to value items along with the knowledge of running an auction business. Frank has auctioned poised on a box in the middle of a backyard under a tent or in the open air. Frank "E" and his cowboy hat are right at home with area residents, or those dressed in a black tie for a Washington D.C. benefit gala of prominent names. Along the way, Frank "E" met Donna and together they have worked side-by-side auctioning everything from live animals and farm equipment, business property, cars and trucks, to household furniture, goods, diamonds, antiques and even real estate. Many know Frank and Donna through their active participation in business, charity, civic and community organizations.
Whether it's at the Chamber's annual fund raising auction, a resident's home or at their auction facility off Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge, one can't help but get caught up in the auction excitement. Whether there is an item one may desire or something you really have to have, it's hard not to get into the act and try to see what treasure you can pick up.
Along with auctioning, the Bolton's assist families who may be in the throws of a divorce or whose family member may have passed away when the courts require an estate accounting of the property value, or when people need to insure the value of their home's contents. In the business community, they've auctioned excess inventory, liquidations or held bankruptcy auctions.
Frank and Donna provide an expert assessment of an item's Fair Market Value and the Replacement Value, researching the unusual antique furniture or small collectibles dating from the Middle Ages to the present and providing a comprehensive report. They have been to homes accompanied by a Sheriff, met families under favorable circumstances and even testified in court cases when an expert outside opinion is required.
Frank has rented trucks and moved whatever is necessary to their facility, and if the auction is held on their premises, they inventory every item and assign a number before it is auctioned so an accurate accounting can take place and subsequent funds paid to the owners. "The Auctioneers" are a local business, but Frank and Donna have traveled to Ohio, Tennessee, Maryland and West Virginia to call an auction. They will employ anywhere form 10 to 15 people and Martha, their right hand person and auction clerk, has worked with the Bolton's for 10 years. Frank "E" has earned an enviable reputation, well known for his honesty, accuracy, efficiency and he is well versed in procedures, requirements and values. After a few minutes of explaining and listening to the "call," Frank is easy to understand, and he may interject humor or sing a favorite melody.
So the next time you think calling auctions is all Frank "E" does, remember there is much more that goes on behind the scenes preparing for the day when a successful bidder will carry their item out with a smile on their face knowing that they have acquired a treasure. For a successful "top dollar" before and after professional job, contact Frank "E" Bolton at 703-368-5233 or at 703-494-5062.

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