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Knoxville’s Slyman Auction welcomes a new generation of leadership
Thursday, October 12, 2023


Slyman Auction, serving Knoxville and the surrounding area for over 50 years, is now a second-generation company. Laura Slyman, daughter of Slyman Auction founder James “Jim” Slyman, has taken over the firm following her father’s passing in May of this year. 

Jim Slyman founded Slyman Real Estate & Auction in 1971, and was a pioneer in selling real estate via the auction method. In 2010, Slyman Auction sold a 355-acre property in West Knoxville for more than $30M--the highest auction ever recorded in East Tennessee. 

Daughter Laura grew up beside her father in the real estate and auction industry. She is a licensed Realtor® and one of Tennessee’s few female auctioneers. Before becoming owner of Slyman Auction Laura served as the company’s marketing director, and has been president of Slyman Real Estate since 2007. 

To meet Knoxville’s auction needs, Laura has her sights on a fast-growing area within the industry: online auctions. “In recent years, auctions have trended from less ‘on-site’ sales to an online platform,” she said. “This allows a far larger pool of buyers—worldwide, even--and greater transparency during the process for both buyers and sellers.”

Taking over Slyman Auction has been a natural progression for Laura, and she is looking forward to devoting her energy to building the firm. “It has been my greatest honor to work alongside my dad every day for the past 23 years,” said the Realtor® and Auctioneer. “Dad was instrumental in selling real estate via the auction method in Knoxville, and I am eager to build his legacy.”

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