Adam Kevil puts approximately 30,000 miles a year on his truck doing what he loves. In 1986, the Texas transplant sold his Manitou Springs furniture store to pursue a career as a bilingual auctioneer.

Although auctioneers can be found in most towns, bilingual callers are relatively rare.

"I just started realizing the need for it here in the United States," explains Kevil, acknowledging that Hispanics are the nation's most rapidly growing demographic. "I sell in both languages at the same time, and I sell three really intensive bilingual auctions a month."

Two of those are in Denver, but the other is the Colorado Springs Police Department impound auction.

Although he once sold a $65,000 sailboat trip at a fundraiser, the 47-year-old says the strangest items he ever auctioned were from an erotic art museum in San Francisco.

Assessing facial expressions and body language plays a large part in his work.

"It's the psychology of the room as well as the people," he says. "It's my job to create excitement and desire for this product that's going to close in a few seconds."

Kevil confesses that he loves his job, leaving longevity as his ultimate career goal.

"I'm really one of the lucky people," he says, "because my work is my play."

CSPD vehicle auction

Impound lot, 2725 E. Las Vegas St.

Saturday, May 19; registration begins at 7 a.m. and stops when the auction begins at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit springsgov.com/page.asp?navid=2324.