Meet our Auctioneer: Kurt Mingerink
Kurt Mingerink is one of our newer auctioneers here at Miedema Auctioneering. While being an auctioneer for Miedema Auctioneering, Kurt is also the President of Operations for Orbitbid.com and Rangerbid.com, We recently sat down with Kurt to ask him questions about being an auctioneer.
How long have you been an auctioneer for Miedema Auctioneering, Inc.?
I grew up in the auction world, running papers as a child at live auctions, and eventually working professionally in the industry for nearly 18 years. I mostly worked in the online auction divisions of our companies, and for the last 4 years I have also been bid calling as a live auctioneer for our MAI live auction department and for many charitable associations.
What made you want to become an auctioneer?
I grew up watching my Uncles and Grandpa as auctioneers my whole life, and I always admired the craft, and I wanted to do what they did. As I grew in the business, my desire to become a well-rounded professional in the industry, and the urge to “get up there and sell” finally overcame my fear and I signed up for auction school when I was 32 years old. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
Where did you go to Auctioneer School?
I graduated from Reppert School of Auctioneering (Indianapolis, Indiana) in June of 2015.
What is your favorite aspect of being an auctioneer?
It is a very challenging and very rewarding profession. Challenging in that there is a constant desire to be better, to practice, to compete, and rank yourself among other auctioneers. This has created many opportunities for new friendships and relationships with other auctioneers, which is such a neat opportunity. Mainly though, it is very rewarding to provide a unique service for sellers while helping them achieve a goal that they might not otherwise be able to achieve. Additionally, it is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to assist and help so many great and reputable charities and associations, and to be a part of the process that helps raise money for such great causes and organizations.
What is the craziest item you have ever sold?
I have sold many very unique assets over the years consisting of haunted houses, complete fleets of airplanes, underwater chainsaws, very unique collector cars, etc., but the single craziest thing I can think of that I personally sold was when we liquidated the assets of an individual featured on the TV show American Greed. We sold all the personal assets of Barton Watson, founder of the company Cybernet, which was a company involved in a $100 Million dollar Ponzi scheme. We sold his personal items like bath towels, furniture, décor, backyard grill, etc. and it was so interesting to see how high people were willing to bid and pay for such “simple” and “normal” items, only because they once belonged to a man who became famous for something no one wants to be famous for.
Outside of being an auctioneer, what are your hobbies?
Anything with my three young kids (hunting, fishing, golfing, kids baseball and soccer games, and being involved in our church)
Now that you’ve gotten the chance to meet Kurt, get to know the rest of our staff here or go straight to the auction site to start bidding on your next dream purchase!
