THE HAWKEYE AUCTIONEER

Quarterly E-Newsletter

SUMMER 2026

Inside This Issue:

• From the President's Desk
• Recruit our Future Auctioneers
• Donation to the FFA Foundation
• Director's Corner
• State Bid Calling Championship Judges
• Miles McConnaha to Compete at IJAC
• Summer of Events & Industry Opportunities
• Sponsors
• Board of Directors

View past newsletters on the IAA website:

https://iowaauctioneers.org/news/

Looking Ahead to a Strong Summer

Hello IAA Members and Friends,

As we move into another busy summer season, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support of the Iowa Auctioneers Association and the auction profession. It is truly an honor to serve as your President, and I’m excited about the momentum we continue to build together.

One of the greatest highlights this year has been the continued growth and excitement surrounding the Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational. The enthusiasm shown by students, advisors, parents, and our members confirms what many of us already know — the future of auctioneering is bright. Programs like this allow us to introduce young people to the auction method of marketing while helping preserve and strengthen our profession for generations to come.

I also want to thank the many IAA members who continue to volunteer their time throughout the year. Whether helping at events, mentoring young auctioneers, supporting contests, or simply promoting our profession in your communities, your efforts matter and they make our association stronger.

This summer brings several excellent opportunities for Iowa auctioneers to gather, learn, and promote our industry. The National Auction Association Conference & Show in San Antonio will provide another outstanding chance to network with auction professionals from across the country and bring fresh ideas back home to Iowa.

Closer to home, we look forward to another exciting Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Competition this August. The Iowa State Fair remains one of the best showcases for the auction profession, and we encourage all members to attend, participate, and help us represent the industry with professionalism and pride.

As auctioneers, we are more than bid callers — we are marketers, negotiators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Let’s continue working together to promote this profession we are proud to call our own.



Thank you again for your support of the Iowa Auctioneers Association. I look forward to seeing many of you this summer.

Leon Martin

President, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Recruit our Future Auctioneers

Hello IAA Members and Friends,

As county fair season gets underway across Iowa, now is the perfect time for Iowa Auctioneers Association members to help recruit contestants for the next Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational. County fairs are filled with young people who are already involved in agriculture, livestock projects, public speaking, and leadership activities—the very qualities that make great auctioneers.

Whether you're working a county fair livestock sale, volunteering at a fair, or simply visiting with exhibitors, take a few minutes to talk about the opportunities available through auctioneering and encourage interested FFA members to consider competing. A personal invitation from an auctioneer can make all the difference.

The continued success of the Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational also depends on the support of sponsors and volunteers. If you know of businesses that may be interested in supporting the contest, or if you would like to help with planning, recruiting, or event operations, we would love to have your involvement.

The Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational is an investment in the future of our profession. With your help, we can continue introducing young people to the auction industry and developing the next generation of Iowa auctioneers.

Participant Registration-Iowa FFA Invitational-Iowa Auctioneers Association

Justin Steward

Director, Iowa Auctioneers Association

IAA donated $5,000 to the FFA Foundation thanks to our generous sponsors of the FFA bid calling invitational this year.



Pictured above is David Whitaker (IAA Hall of Fame inductee and former IAA President), along with Shannon Latham (Executive Director of the Iowa FFA Foundation).

Why Should You Join The

Iowa Auctioneers Association?

Joining the Iowa Auctioneers Association is one of the best things you can do if you’re serious about this business. You get to surround yourself with great mentors, auctioneers and ringmen who have been in your shoes, and are more than willing to help you out. If you’ve got a question or need advice, you’re not on your own.

There’s also a lot of opportunity to keep improving. During convention week, there are courses on everything from real estate and bid calling to taxes and running a successful auction business. No matter where you’re at in your career, you’ll take something away from it. The competitions are a big deal too. They push you to sharpen your skills, and give you a chance to showcase what you can do.

One of the biggest things the IAA does is help keep the auction industry strong for the next generation. It brings auctioneers together to share ideas, support one another, and continue growing the profession. Whether you’re brand new to the business or have been doing it for years, being a part of the IAA will help improve your business, sharpen your chant, strengthen your salesmanship, and make you a better auctioneer overall.

Being a member of the IAA isn’t just a title, it’s credibility. It tells buyers and sellers you take auctions seriously.

At the end of the day, it’s more than an association. It’s a family of auctioneers committed to getting better and helping each other win.

Renew your membership today, or become a member! Click Here!

Sonny Jensen

Director, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Gerry VandeVorde, Owner of BID-N-BUY Auctioneering, graduated in the top 5% of his class from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 1989. 

Prior to becoming an auctioneer, Gerry worked at a local livestock auction market as both a manager and ringman, while also attending numerous farm and related auctions. Through these experiences, his interest in the auction industry continued to grow, ultimately leading him to pursue formal training and a career in auctioneering. 

Over the years, Gerry has remained active in the industry, working as a ringman and auctioneer at a local auto auction, as well as selling at livestock auction markets. He has also lent his talents to a variety of benefit auctions and community organizations, including Whitetails, Ducks Unlimited, the Iowa Turkey Federation, Boy and Cub Scouts, tractor clubs, church events, and more. 



Gerry and his wife, Elaine, reside in rural Stanley, Iowa—a small northeast Iowa community near where he was raised. Together, they have four children and nine grandchildren. 

Jerry Hegtvedt is the Owner, Broker, and Auctioneer of Cedar Valley Property Solutions, a leading real estate and auction company serving Northeast Iowa. He founded Cedar Valley Iowa Realty in 2004 and expanded the business with Cedar Valley Auction Company in 2008. With decades of experience in residential, commercial, agricultural, and auction services, Jerry has built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Under his leadership, Cedar Valley Property Solutions has grown into a trusted, independently owned company with offices serving communities throughout Iowa.

Rich Greenlee of Waverly, Iowa, is an experienced auctioneer with a long-standing career in household, antique, farm, and horse sales. He attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, in 1979 and has since managed numerous sales throughout Iowa and Minnesota for both English and Amish owners. Rich is especially well known for his work in horse sales, which has been the primary focus of his auctioneering career. Over the years, he has worked sales across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Idaho. He has also been affiliated with the Waverly Horse Sale for more than 50 years, reflecting his deep roots and enduring commitment to the auction industry.

Scott Kurtenbach of Lawler, Iowa, has been involved in the livestock industry his entire life, with a primary focus on the horse auction business. From a young age, he attended livestock auctions and farm sales, where he developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, livestock marketing, and the hardworking individuals who drive the industry. 

Scott’s career in the horse business has taken him to sales and auctions across the United States and Canada. Throughout his journey, he has worked with a wide variety of horses while building strong relationships with buyers, sellers, and fellow horsemen. These experiences have provided him with valuable industry knowledge and a lifelong passion for horses and agriculture.

 

Today, Scott remains actively involved in the horse and livestock business. He takes pride in the experience, relationships, and reputation he has built through decades of attending auctions, working with livestock, and serving customers across North America.

Tom Jasper is a graduate of Continental Auction School and has built his career around the auction industry. He began working for Moline Auction in Austin, Minnesota, where he gained experience in household and antique auctions.

Today, Tom is actively involved in the auction business, serving as a produce auctioneer three days a week at Cedar Valley Produce Auction and conducting livestock auctions twice a week at Lewiston Sales. His dedication to the profession and ability to connect with buyers and sellers have made him a familiar face throughout the region.

Born and raised in Taopi, Minnesota, Tom values the small-town community and rural lifestyle that shaped him. Outside of work, he enjoys horseback riding, camping, attending local town festivals, and spending time with family and friends.

Tom brings experience, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for people to every auction he conducts.

This summer, the winner of this year’s FFA bid calling invitational, Miles McConnaha, will represent Iowa in San Antonio, Texas, as he competes in the International Junior Auctioneer Championship (IJAC) at the National Auction Association Convention.

The IJAC brings together top young auctioneers from across the country to showcase their bid-calling ability, professionalism, and stage presence. Come join others from the IAA in watching Miles’ dedication, practice, and passion for the auction industry as he competes this summer. 

We’re proud to support Miles as he takes the national stage and continues to grow in his auctioneering career. Opportunities like this highlight the importance of developing the next generation of auctioneers. 



Best of luck in San Antonio, Miles! 

Hello Fellow Auctioneers and

Industry Professionals!

I hope your year is off to a strong and successful start as we head into another busy summer season.



There are several exciting events coming up that provide outstanding opportunities to connect, learn, and promote the auction profession.

First up is the National Auction Association Conference & Show, taking place this July 14-17 in San Antonio, Texas. The NAA Conference continues to be one of the premier educational and networking opportunities in our industry. From seminars and technology updates to competitions and fellowship, it’s always a valuable experience. We encourage Iowa members attending the conference to proudly represent our state and our association. Click on the Conference & Show box for more information.

We’re also looking forward to the Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Competition this August. Year after year, the Iowa State Fair provides an outstanding platform to showcase the professionalism, talent, and excitement of auctioneering to thousands of fairgoers from across the Midwest. We encourage members to attend, support the contestants, and help us continue promoting the auction method of marketing.

Another major focus this year continues to be the Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational in February. Interest in the program continues to grow, and it is exciting to see so many young people expressing interest in auctioneering. Programs like this are essential to ensuring a strong future for our profession, and we appreciate everyone who continues to support and promote this important effort. Click on the Iowa FFA Bid Calling Icon for more information.

Finally, planning is already underway for another outstanding IAA Conference & Show. Our annual convention continues to grow each year and remains one of the best opportunities for education, networking, and fellowship among Iowa auctioneers.



Thank you for your continued support of the Iowa Auctioneers Association. I hope to see many of you at these events throughout the summer.

Kind Regards,

Leon Martin

President, Iowa Auctioneers Association