About Us
KIKO Auctioneers is a 5th generation company founded in 1945 by Russ Kiko Sr.
Russ began conducting auctions on the family farm with help from his wife, Coletta, and their 13 children. Seeing himself as a pioneer in the auction industry, Russ selected a covered wagon as the company logo.
Today, the KIKO wagon has become a well-recognized brand representing auction excellence.
Six of Russ’ sons – Dick Sr., Jim, Tom, Joe, Gene, Russ Jr., John – his son-in-law Lennie, his brother-in-law Bill Gill and nephews Dan, Jim and Bill became licensed auctioneers and worked under his guidance for many years. At that time, they specialized in auctions only. Dick Kiko Sr. saw this as a lost opportunity. In 1969, he became a licensed Real Estate Broker and founded the Richard T. Kiko Agency. The Kiko brothers quickly understood the advantage of offering for sale listings and auction options to help their clients.
During the 1970s and ’80s, Russ and his sons continued to build both businesses, tend their farms, and raise their children – lots of children. In 1983, the third generation started to become licensed auctioneers and realtors themselves. In 2004, Dick Kiko Jr. became CEO of the auction company; at that time over 27 first cousins were working for KIKO.
In 2009, Coletta Holdings (aka KIKO Company) was formed and a Board of Directors established to manage both the auction and real estate companies. And the next year, the third generation bought out the second generation. Currently, KIKO is owned by 24 first cousins and has 45 family members associated with the company. There are approximately 100 total employees and associates, including nearly 60 licensed auctioneers and realtors and over 30 office staff members.
The company moved into a new office Canton office building in 2013, and expanded its geographic footprint with the addition of an office in Tuscarawas County. In 2014, a Sign Shop was started to produce auction and real estate signs.
KIKO conducts more than 1,100 auctions per year and list on average 450 properties annually through the multiple listing service (MLS). But our associates view every deal through our three core values. Did they collaborate with others to ensure the best option for a client? Does the deal demonstrate caring and respect for all involved? And can KIKO deliver on what they are promising? With KIKO, integrity is everything.