Dan Dotson
Dan Dotson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 |
| Occupation(s) | Professional auctioneer, television personality |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Auctioneer on A&E's Storage Wars |
Dan Dotson (born ) is an American professional auctioneer who has been active since 1974. Together with his wife, Laura Dotson, he operates American Auctioneers, a comprehensive auction service company headquartered in Riverside, California. Dan gained widespread recognition as the auctioneer featured on A&E Network's Storage Wars. In 2018, he notably conducted an auction for a unit containing $7.5 million in cash. Both Dan and Laura participate in a motorcycle club, where Dan holds the position of "Secretary."
Early life
Dan's introduction to auctioneering began at a young age under the mentorship of his grandfather Sam Fancher, who was a cattle and farm auctioneer in Arkansas's Ozark Mountains. Starting at age 11, Dan was trained by his grandfather and spent his summers working as an auctioneer. By the time he was 16, he was actively conducting furniture auctions in Chino, California.
American Auctioneers
Established in 1983, American Auctioneers initially concentrated on auctions involving collectibles, pottery, porcelain dolls, and furniture. Dan met Laura in 1996; she later became both his spouse and business collaborator. Currently, the company specializes in auctions for storage units, estates, business assets, equipment liquidations, legal and foreclosure sales, fundraising events, and appraisals. Dan typically conducts around two auctions daily, six days per week.
Storage Wars
Since December 2010, Dan and Laura have appeared on A&E's reality series Storage Wars, which follows bidders competing for defaulted storage units. Dan usually acts as the auctioneer while Laura serves as the ringperson; occasionally they alternate these roles. His fast-paced auction chant contrasts with Laura’s more measured delivery.
Their participation in Storage Wars has attracted national media coverage from outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today, and TMZ. Industry sources credit Dan and Laura Dotson as significant influences behind the show's concept created by Thom Beers.
Illness
On June 16, 2014, Dotson experienced a double aneurysm. He awoke at 1:30 AM exhibiting unusual sleep behavior by asking odd questions and again at 7:30 AM with symptoms such as double vision and general malaise. After collapsing in the shower, Laura called emergency services and was instructed to administer CPR. Dan subsequently underwent surgery to address the aneurysm.
Television appearances
- Storage Wars – 2010 to present
- Happening Now – Dan and Laura discussed gold treasure discovered at auction
- Hot in Cleveland – cameo appearance in third season episode titled "Storage Wars"
- Fox & Friends – featured guests
- Anderson Live – appeared alongside Jimmy Fallon
- The Home and Family Show – guest spot
- SportsCenter – Dan presented the top 50 plays of 2013
- Critics' Choice Movie Awards – Dan delivered a recitation of Kevin Costner's filmography