Dodie Allen moved from South Florida to the Sylva, N.C. There, she tried her hand as an auctioneer and fell in love with the profession. She was the first female auctioneer in the state and subsequently felt the pressure and difficulties of being surrounded by men. She had trouble finding work as an auctioneer so she opened her own auction house and ran it for 32 years.

Dodie has strong political beliefs, having launched multiple campaigns in North Carolina. She ran for town council, county commissioner, and the North Carolina House. She was elected as a delegate of the Electoral College in 2012.

Dodie is now recognized all over town, from her campaigns and business. Everyone can easily recognize her from her signature black glasses and customized van around town.

Photo of Dodie Allen by Kira Dalman