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Auction Systems Auctioneers Appraisers

Location: Phoenix
2002 revenue: $8.6 million
Growth (1998-2002): 2,444%
CAGR: 125%
FT/PT employees (2002): 24/0

After chatting with an auctioneer on a flight from San Francisco to Phoenix, Deborah Weidenhamer decided to go back to school to study auction law and to learn how to "chant." Maintaining a low, soothing speaking voice is key, she says, especially for female auctioneers. "Listening to a high-pitched voice for eight to 10 hours can grate on your ears," she explains. Though Weidenhamer still pounds the gavel herself on occasion, 70% of revenue now comes from online auctions of wares ranging from wine to bulldozers.