2019 Convention Photos

Kentucky Auctioneers Association

2 days ago

Don’t forget to finish up your Continuing Education this month! ... See MoreSee Less

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Kentucky Auctioneers Association

1 week ago

Auctioneer Spotlight - Leon Shirk
2017 KAA Bid Calling Champion
Haley Auctions and Realty

I was born in Pembroke, Ky into a family that attended auctions. Having been blessed to be home-schooled by our parents, we would use our own creativity to create fun educational experiences of our interests such as conducting fake auctions at home!

My dreams of becoming a businessman in the auction world started to become a reality when I began working at the local Wholesale Produce Auction at the age of 15. And then after receiving encouragement from my Dad I went to The Kentucky Auction Academy in 2014 and thus started my career!

I joined the KAA shortly after that. After graduating from the Professional Ringman’s Institute in 2015 I received my Real Estate license in 2017. I’m very appreciative to Steve Henry and Steve Cherry of Kentucky Auction Academy and Tim Haley who is my business mentor/broker for giving me valuable information that is necessary to be successful in the industry!

I’m also grateful to the KAA for crowning me as the 2017 Kentucky State Auctioneer Champion! And having had the opportunity to sell the 2018 Grand Champion Ham at the KY State Fair in Louisville at the Governors breakfast for $2.8 Million! But most of all I am thankful to God who created me and gave me a voice to use to his glory! And that when I sinned against him and was worthy of damnation, He died so that I could be forgiven!

I work with Haley Auctions and Realty selling Real Estate, Personal Property, Estates, Livestock and Equipment. I also work as a bid caller 4 days a week at Fairview Produce Auction, the largest Produce Auction in the Midwest. I look forward to continuing to provide top notch service for our clients as a way to support my upcoming family as my fiancé and I have plans to start our lives together in July!

KAA Note: Thanks to Leon Shirk for his hard work and dedication to the industry we know he loves. Also, thanks Leon for being a great champion representative of the KAA. Good luck to you getting married and good luck with your auction career! ... See MoreSee Less

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Kentucky Auctioneers Association

3 weeks ago

Auctioneer Spotlight
John Wayne Kessler
Kessler Auction & Realty Co.
Campbellsville, KY
2019-20 Vice President

I was born and raised in Campbellsville, KY in the auction business. I grew up hanging on to my father’s coattail, following him around. I began helping as a young boy carrying bid sheets; then progressed on to groundsman, holding up items being sold. My father, John M. Kessler, and my grandfather, Col. Wayne Kessler, are who influenced me in the auction business. My favorite auction memories are growing up working with my father and grandfather. When I graduated high school in 2007 and was licensed, I became a fourth-generation auctioneer and joined my father in the company my grandfather founded in 1938. Being an auctioneer is all I ever wanted to be growing up and I am very fortunate to be doing what I love 12 years later.

I also grew up in the Kentucky Auctioneers Association and became a member the day I became a licensed auctioneer. I served on the board of directors from 2008 until 2014 and was elected Vice President in 2019. I was the 2009 Junior KAA bid calling champion and won the Kentucky Champion Auctioneer contest in 2011. I also served as Extension District board Vice President, Taylor Co. Farm Bureau Vice President, and have served on numerous other local boards, councils, and committees.

In 2016 I married my best friend, Holly Kessler. We’re looking forward to hopefully starting the 5th generation sometime in the future. My father and I specialize in all types of auctions including estates, real estate, personal property, and farm equipment. We just celebrated our 80th year in business last year and hope the next generation will continue on! The Lord has truly blessed our family!

Thanks!
John Wayne

KAA Note: Thanks John Wayne Kelser for being the KAA Vice-President and giving back to the auction industry that we know you love. Good luck to you and your career. We know you will do well, because you have had the best mentors to train you. ... See MoreSee Less

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Kentucky Auctioneers Association shared a post.

3 weeks ago

Congratulations to KAA Member Jay Cash on winning the 2019 #VolunteerOpen Championship in Tennessee! Also Congrats to KAA Member Brad Bones Harris on his 4th Runner Up trophy at the #VolunteerOpen. We love to see our KAA Members out representing the Commonwealth proudly. #KAA #AuctionsWorkCONGRATS to the 2019 #VolunteerOpen #CHAMPION Jay Cash, Reserve Champion Woody Woodruff, 2nd Runner Up Drew Williams, 3rd Runner Up Stephen LaRiveire, and 4th Runner Up Brad Bones Harris.
Thanks to all our Sponsors, Judges, Volunteers and Contestants from 6 STATES.
Make plans to attend the 3rd Annual #VolunteerOpen Summer 2020. ... See MoreSee Less

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