Naples auctioneer discovers treasure

Auctioneer Leslie Hindman hasn't been disappointed since she opened an office in Naples in February.

Hindman opened the Naples office of the Chicago-based firm that bears her name to supply the auction house with antiques, jewelry and art. Florida's economic hardships and the large number of elderly make the state an ideal source of fine things.

“The reason is that there are a lot of people who need to sell things because they need the money,” says Hindman, who plans to hold the first Naples auction Nov. 21. “The state of Florida in general is ripe for a good auction house.”

For example, Hindman has shipped over $1 million worth of jewelry from Naples to auctions held in Chicago since February. Hindman expects the supply of fine collectibles will continue to grow in 2011. “I hate to say it, but yes, next year people will still need money,” she says.