Team of
Professionals

PROFILE
Matt Adams is an integral part of the growth at Peoples Company, a nationally recognized land company and advisory firm offering services throughout the United States, by utilizing and improving the platform for the company’s core businesses of appraisal, land & farm management, an award-winning auction division, and industry leading brokerage business.  Soon after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, Matt joined Peoples Company’s brokerage team where his primary focus is to facilitate land transactions and land investment by representing landowners to assist in the acquisition or disposition of farm and land assets through traditional listings and a variety of land auction formats.

Matt has embraced the collaborative culture of the company and serves as a mentor to his co-workers by training several of the real estate agents within the company.  He’s been recognized as a top producer by Peoples Company and the brokerage industry with individual sales for the five most recent years of over 29,000 acres and a market value of $159 million dollars.  Matt is well-versed in the complex structure of transactions including but not limited to 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Seller Financing Land Contracts, Rights of First Refusals, Purchase Options, Tenant in Common Agreements, land owned by corporations, and properties with multiple owners.

Matt grew up in the small West Central Iowa town of Breda where he spent many summers bailing hay and tending to livestock.  He currently lives in the Des Moines Metro with Rochelle and their dog, Bandit. 

EDUCATION
University of Northern Iowa, Bachelor of Arts - College of Business (Finance and Real Estate), 2009, Cedar Falls, Iowa

AFFILIATIONS
Peoples Company Shareholder
Peoples Company Board Member (2013 - 2016 & 2018 - 2020)
Peoples Company “A” Player Award - 2020
Peoples Company Top Producer Award - 2016
Des Moines Area Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence Volume Award - (2013 - 2019)
Realtors Land Institute APEX Producer Award (2017, 2019, 2020)
Realtors Land Institute - Past President
Des Moines Area Association of Realtors (DMAAR)
Iowa Association of Realtors - Member
Iowa Auctioneers Association - Member

PUBLICATIONS
A Case for Land Contracts
Land Values:  Trending Up
Auction vs Listing:  How should I sell my farm?
Crop Insurance affecting Cash Rents and Land Values

Expertise
Mollie Aronowitz is a Land Manager with Peoples Company focusing on farm, pasture, CRP and recreation land.

Mollie joined Peoples Company in 2013 and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in Horticulture. With prior professional experience in public botanical and arboretum management in Chicago, Omaha and Northeast Iowa, Mollie’s background in plant pathology and entomology serves her well in field scouting and working with farm operators in traditional row crop farms. As the fifth generation of a nearly century old farm operation, Mollie has inherited a strong connection to Iowa’s landscape and a deep understanding of farm operators. She is adept at using her knowledge of land stewardship, best farming practices, and appreciation of family farm heritage to best serve her clients. 

Mollie is committed to implementing practical recommendations that consider each landowner’s financial and personal goals. She is able to tailor management plans and collect operator production data to increase production on the most productive acres of each farm while allowing conservation of the more sensitive parts of the farm.

Mollie is a licensed REALTOR® in Iowa and Minnesota. She is an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®), one of only a handful of female accredited managers in the nation.

Education
Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science College of Agriculture in Horticulture, 2006, Ames, Iowa

Land Management Experience
- Build documented history of each farm’s actual production, operator inputs, fertility, drainage, and financial performance.
- Identify baseline benchmarks on newly acquired farms and create multi-year plan where chosen tenant’s goals are aligned.
- Address erosion and drainage concerns on farms through tiling, waterways, terracing, and cover crops.
- Schedule regular soil testing to confirm annual fertilizer reporting accuracy as well as nutrient availability and opportunities in fertility prescriptions.
- Listen and facilitate both the short- and long-term landowner goals specific to each farm.
- Execute cash, crop share and custom farm leases.
- Remain in compliance with local USDA offices and seek out state and federal cost share assistance.
- Consider alternative income sources to maximize revenue on each farm.

Affiliations & Accreditations
- Licensed Real Estate Agent in Iowa and Minnesota
- American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)
- American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Iowa Chapter, Education Foundation Board Member
- Iowa Barn Foundation, Board Member

Doug Bear has been in the Land Brokerage division with Peoples Company since 2019. He is focused on land brokerage and land auctions. Doug grew up in Russell, Iowa on a small cow/calf operation and attended Iowa State University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science (2007) and Master of Science (2011) in Animal Science. During graduate school, Doug evaluated Iowa’s water quality impairments within the Rathbun Lake watershed and researched impacts of grazing livestock, stream hydrology, and pathogen transport within surface waters.

Before coming to Peoples Company, Doug served as the Director of Industry Relations for seven years at the Iowa Beef Industry Council in Ames, Iowa. Here he was responsible for coordinating producer communication and compliance activities, strategic planning of producer investments and fiscal-year budgets and building nationally-recognized beef checkoff programs. He is an experienced team-builder and focused on achieving result-oriented outcomes.

Doug is currently licensed to sell real estate in the State of Iowa and Minnesota, primarily focusing on farmland and residential assets in and across Iowa.

Expertise
Daran is a native of Warren County, Iowa and has a diverse business and agricultural background. Growing up on the family farm in southern Warren County, he spent most of his summers fixing and selling Vermeer agriculture equipment. He attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and majored in both Business Administration and Economics. Daran spent the first 18 years of his career in banking as a commercial and agricultural lender for both community banks and the Farm Credit System. He joined Peoples Company for the opportunity to become an integral part of a company with dynamic leadership and a focus on being the premier land brokerage in Iowa.

Daran lives near Indianola, Iowa with his wife Stephanie and their three children Sierra, Devin, and Selia. He currently owns and operates a small cash grain and cattle operation. He is a member of the Warren County Cattlemans Association, Milan Lodge 409, and First United Methodist Church. He is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He also belongs to the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®, the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, the National Association of REALTORS® and is a licensed crop insurance agent.

His extensive contacts in the agricultural and banking industry are a great resource when listing your property for sale or building your wealth through the purchase of real estate. Daran works with all types of real estate including farmland, acreages, commercial and recreational land.

Affiliations
Iowa REALTORS® Land Institute
National REALTORS® Land Institute

Bryan grew up a few miles north of Sioux City, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Bryan focuses on the sale and acquisition of agricultural, recreational and development land. When he is not spending time with his family, Bryan enjoys hunting and fishing. Bryan is a licensed real estate salesperson in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Jenna joined the Peoples Company team in the summer of 2020 as a graphic designer with over eight years of experience in the design and marketing field. She is an expert in brand identity, concept layout, art direction, and creative design who takes pride in the presentation and quality of her work. Her key strengths lie in her ability to create eye-catching marketing materials and bringing creativity from concept to production. Apart from her design production skills, she is experienced in digital advertising, social media management, and website production.

Prior to joining Peoples Company, Jenna worked at a Des Moines based real estate development company. She also previously worked at a full-service marketing agency alongside numerous advertising experts.

Jenna graduated from Grand View University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. She lives in Waukee with her husband, Matt, and their two children. In her free time, Jenna enjoys going to Broadway shows at the Des Moines Civic Center, spending time outdoors with her family, and is an avid runner.

Dennis Biehl is originally from Lexington, Nebraska. Being raised in the heart of America and having operated his own family farm has instilled in him the values of having a good work ethic.

Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, which has helped him over the years in obtaining and practicing real estate sales and appraisals in Nebraska. In 1987, he continued his education with graduate studies in Business at the University of Nebraska in Kearney.

Dennis has been active in multiple realtor associations and was the past president of the Dawson County Board of REALTORS®. He stays busy with his children and grandchildren across the Midwest.

Professional Affiliations & Accreditations
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, State of Nebraska
Dawson County Board of REALTORS®, Past President
Nebraska REALTORS® Association
National Association of REALTORS®

Lindsey Brown has been working with the land brokerage division of Peoples Company since 2020. His primary focus is on land sales and auctions of cropland, pasture, and recreational land. Lindsey is licensed to sell real estate in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Lindsey currently lives in Wadena, Minnesota, but he grew up in Mayville, North Dakota. He attended Mayville State University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business (1991). He then continued his education and graduated from the North Dakota School of Banking (1993) and the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (1995).

Upon graduation, Lindsey worked for 20 plus years as a lending officer at rural banks in Finley, ND, Winona, MN and Lewiston, MN. He was a member of 7th District Ag. Credit Companies board during that time as well. Due to these experiences and opportunities, he has multiple contacts in the banking and farming communities.

Lindsey has been a real estate agent since 2011. Before coming to Peoples Company, Lindsey worked as a land sales agent in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Lindsey is an experienced land agent who provides excellent customer service. He builds solid client relationships and focuses on result-oriented outcomes. He is knowledgeable about the market and possesses good negotiation skills. He enjoys building one-on-one customer relationships and helping buyers and sellers achieve their dreams or goals.

Steve Bruere has transformed Peoples Company from a single small-town real estate firm into a national powerhouse with licenses in 24 states and offices in major agricultural markets throughout the country. The company’s core businesses — appraisal, land management, an award-winning auction division, and a coast-to-coast brokerage business — are enhanced by cutting-edge initiatives such as DST Farms, a first-of-its-kind farmland DST platform, mAgma, the first US-based blockchain farmland investing platform, PC Ag Tech, which invests in ag-based business incubators and early stage ag technology companies, and Alternative Equity Advisors, which facilitates the acquisition and management of farmland assets. Steve also created Middlebrook Farm. A project of Diligent Development, Middlebrook has enjoyed rave reviews since breaking ground as Iowa’s first agrihood.

Steve is a national leader in sustainable agriculture and helped launch Leading Harvest, the first comprehensive sustainability standard for US farmland. Each January, he hosts The Land Investment Expo in downtown Des Moines.

Steve and his family live in the Greater Des Moines area. He remains involved with his family’s farm and grows corn, soybeans, and organic produce under the Middlebrook Organics label.

Since 2002, Curtis Buono has strived to provide the highest possible level of service and client value and has positioned himself as an expert and thought leader in the agricultural real estate sector. Although he has accrued experience throughout the United States and select global markets, his focus is on the Western United States, particularly California, where he is located. Much of Curtis’s work has centered on permanent plantings including nut crops, vineyards, citrus groves, and date orchards, but he also has extensive experience with row and field crops, berry farms, and other agricultural asset types.

As a Managing Partner, Curtis spearheads agricultural real estate brokerage services for Peoples Company’s Pacific West region, which covers California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. Much of his work is focused on institutional investors; however, he has also assisted many clients who range from small farmers to large multi-state agricultural enterprises. Over his brokerage career, Curtis has provided successful disposition, acquisition, and consulting services for many hundred million dollars of farm assets across the Western U.S.
 
Prior to joining Peoples Company, Curtis held national leadership roles in both the brokerage and appraisal service lines of a global commercial real estate corporation. Curtis’s career began in valuation, where he has provided appraisal, appraisal review, and appraisal process management services for an array of agriculturally focused clients that span the U.S. He has achieved the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers’ (ASFMRA) ARA designation and the Appraisal Institute’s MAI and AI-GRS designations. Curtis sits on the California ASFMRA Chapter’s Board of Directors and serves as a regional Chairperson for its annual Trends Publication.

Alan Busacca is known to many people around the Northwest U.S., California, and beyond as ‘Dr. Dirt’. He is a soil scientist and geologist who some years ago shifted his passion for pure research on agriculture, soil formation, and Ice Age geology toward the applied science of growing grapes for fine wine and helping others do the same.

Alan was professor of soil science, agriculture, and geology from 1982 to 2006 at Washington State University. With a growing personal and professional interest in vineyard consulting, wine grapes, and wine, Alan left WSU in 2006 to pursue a new path. Alan now lives and works in the Columbia Gorge area 70 miles east of Portland, Oregon. He co-owns Volcano Ridge Vineyard near The Dalles, Oregon and sells grapes to about 15 wineries. And he owns Heart Catcher Wines, using his estate-grown fruit to craft terroir-expressive wines.

From 2013 to mid-2014, Alan served as Director of the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College, the premier 2-year winemaking degree program in the Pacific Northwest and as General Manager of the program’s bonded winery, College Cellars.

In the consulting realm, Alan owns Vinitas Vineyard Consultants, evaluating land nationally and internationally for vineyard development, pre-purchase and pre-sale assessment of farmland, and assisting in the design of vineyards. He also serves as an expert witness across the U.S. on hydric soils for wetland litigation.

Alan now also uses his 40 years of professional experience as special advisor to Peoples Company and Agribusiness Trading Group to evaluate and market important vineyard and other agricultural lands in the Pacific Northwest.

Alan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from University of California, Santa Cruz, worked for several years as a field geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, then earned Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Soil Science from U.C. Davis. His teaching at WSU focused on processes of soil formation, soil classification and mapping, soil resources, and world agriculture.

His research areas at WSU were soil management; the formation and properties of soils of the Pacific Northwest; and how geology and soils have shaped our agriculture and our use of natural resources; the Ice-Age geology of the Pacific Northwest; study of paleosols (ancient soils now buried deep in the windblown loess deposits of the Palouse and other areas of the world) to reconstruct past climates, climate change, and ecology of the Quaternary Period (Ice Ages). While at WSU, Alan authored or co-authored about 50 refereed articles in scientific journals, 6 book chapters, 13 field trip guidebooks, 8 symposium proceedings, 12 other publications, & 80 abstracts.

Expertise
Since joining Peoples Company in 2014, Jared has made his mark as an award-winning professional auctioneer and as a licensed real estate agent in Iowa and Missouri. Whether serving as the lead auctioneer or as a professional ringman during auction day, he strives to make sure the auction process is executed in a professional manner. Jared is also an integral part of the online auction capabilities that Peoples Company can provide, either by online only auctions or a combination of live and online bidding.

In 2012, Jared attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Indianapolis and is very active in the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA), and the Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association (MPAA). Jared was awarded the 2014 Grand Champion Rookie Bid Caller and also the 2014 Grand Champion Ringman at the IAA annual conference. In 2016, he was elected for a three year term as a Director for the IAA. Jared has served as a state ambassador for the NAA and is also a graduate of the Professional Ringmen’s Institute (PRI). In August 2017, at the Iowa State Fair, Jared was crowned Iowa State Champion Auctioneer at the IAA Bid Calling Finals making him the first triple crown winner in the IAA annual competitions.

Through his membership in the NAA, Jared has obtained his Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) and Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designations. The Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) is the most respected professional designation an auctioneer can acquire. CAI designees pride themselves on being a part of an extraordinary network of professional auctioneers who possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide their clients with outstanding services. They are committed to continuing education and are dedicated to professionalism, integrity and
excellence in the auction profession.

Growing up in Wayne County, Jared spent most of his time with his father, who owned a grading, excavating, and land improvement business serving southern Iowa and northern Missouri. When not meeting with clients, touring farm ground, or working auctions Jared can be found spending time with his wife Pam and their son Jett. They live on a small acreage just outside of Corydon, Iowa and in their free time enjoy camping with their family and friends. On Friday nights in the fall you can hear Jared announcing the home football games and other activities for the Wayne Falcons.

Affiliations
Iowa Association of REALTORS®
National Association of REALTORS®
Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®

Memberships
Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA)
Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association (MPAA)
National Auctioneers Association (NAA)
REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) National Chapter & Iowa Chapter

Accreditations
REALTOR® – Peoples Company – Licensed to sell Real Estate in Iowa & Missouri
Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)
Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS)
Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA)
Professional Ringmen’s Institute (PRI)

Member of
Corydon Chamber of Commerce
Wayne County Fair Board

Cynthia Chen is the Real Estate Coordinator for Peoples Company Pacific West Region. Her role primarily focuses on executing marketing campaigns, maintaining the CRM, managing social media and supporting the appraisal team.

Cynthia is a Texas native and graduated from Texas Christian University in 2012 with a degree in Strategic Communication. Her real estate career began when she worked as a marketing assistant for a small investment real estate services firm creating marketing materials as well as maintaining the property and client database. Prior to real estate, she worked in the marketing department of an exotic car dealership in Los Angeles where she managed marketing campaigns and assisted with event coordination.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, going to the beach, camping and spending time outdoors with her dog, Ghost.

Marilyn Cline is a residential buyer and listing agent for Kalen Ludwig Real Estate Specialists. Born and raised in South Central Iowa, Marilyn has always remained dedicated to providing her clients with top-quality service. For more than 40 years, Marilyn worked with her husband in their family farm and trucking business. Her drive remained as she began her career in real estate in 2004.

In 2007, she obtained her Realtor License, where she guided clients through the real estate process. Her wealth of experience has gained the trust of many clients with the purchase and selling of their property. To provide greater value to customers, Marilyn earned the GRI and Seller Specialist designations in real estate.

When buying and selling, you can expect nothing less than excellent service, professionalism, and results! Marilyn is a member of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors, Iowa Association of Realtors, and Indianola Chamber of Commerce.

Expertise
Nick Cuchetti joined the Peoples Company team in 2020 and has a bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Missouri. In college, Nick was an active member of Farmhouse Fraternity and currently serves on the Alumni Board.  Since graduation, Nick has focused on large-scale organic and regenerative agricultural production systems and strives to improve and sustain soils across farmland assets.

Nick grew up in a small town in Mid-Missouri where he spent a lot of time on his family's farm that raised cattle and grapes. Nick is a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Missouri as well as a Certified Crop Advisor. His expertise includes organic agronomy, organic crop rotation planning, organic weed control methods, and cover crop selection.

Education
University of Missouri - Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science, Minor in Plant Science and Agriculture Economics, 2014

Affiliations and Accreditations
Certified Crop Advisor – Missouri
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson – Missouri
Farmhouse Fraternity – Alumni Board

Expertise
It is said that perfection is driven by passion. It is Adam’s drive and true passion for agriculture that creates his drive and commitment to the land brokerage business. Located in Southern Iowa and backed by a history in agriculture, Adam thrives on the idea of growth and the evolution of agriculture. Helping both farmers and investors not only find opportunity but also helping them act on that opportunity is the driving factor behind his business.  

Adam truly believes that the land business is globally connected and because of that stays very open to outside of the box thinking. With a focus on ag real estate, his many connections help drive a successful business. 

Adam has also taken a very active role in Peoples Company's auction division. Adam has gained a reputation as an agent who provides his clients with exceptional service through his knowledge of real estate, his superior work ethic, property promotion, communication, and wonderful public relations.

Being raised on a family farm as well as being involved in the family livestock market, Adam has developed the ability to deal with people from many different backgrounds. He has learned the importance of public relations as well as strong work ethic, and product knowledge. His experiences have also helped him in developing great problem solving skills and creative marketing strategies to give his clients a more productive buying and selling experience.

"Just as the real estate industry evolves to become more innovative and efficient, so do I.” A Southern Iowa native for over 30 years, Sara’s knowledge of Iowa’s rural geography can assist you with all of your real estate needs. Prior to joining the Peoples Company team, she taught elementary school for nine years. As an educator, she learned how to be patient, detail-oriented, proactive and a strong advocate for all of her students. 

As a REALTOR®, Sara will work diligently in your best interest throughout your real estate transaction. She is a member of the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®, the Iowa Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. Sara is currently licensed to sell real estate in Iowa. 

When not assisting clients, Sara enjoys working on the farm or spending time with her two children. Sara also serves on the Lucas County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Sara and husband Adam reside on a farm in Lucas County.

Jeremy Darner brings over 15 years of real estate experience to Peoples Company. Jeremy joins from Cushman & Wakefield where he focused on agricultural appraisal and consulting assignments throughout the western U.S. Mr. Darner has extensive analytical experience in a wide array of agricultural assets, including field and row crop land, vineyards, groves, orchards, wineries, nurseries and greenhouses, ranches, vacant and transitional land, and other complex property types throughout California and the U.S.

Jeremy is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of California and holds Certified General Appraiser licenses in California and Arizona. He has achieved MAI, SRA and AI-GRS designations from the Appraisal Institute and currently serves as the President of his Appraisal Institute Chapter. 

Expertise

Keaton Dreher started with Peoples Company in the spring of 2013 and is focused on the company’s residential, new construction, and land development/lot sales. He continues to assist Kalen Ludwig with her business and together they position themselves as Peoples Company's only residential specialists. As a team, they specialize in development/lot sales, new construction, listing resale homes for sellers, and assisting buyers. By representing Diligent Development, Keaton is a great resource if you are a builder or an end user looking to secure a single family lot(s) to build on. Keaton also represents Ground Breaker Homes as a sales associate for their new construction homes. Keaton enhances the Kalen Ludwig Real Estate Specialists team with his knowledge and expertise in land development and home building combined with his residential and commercial construction family background. Together, Keaton and Kalen have created a team relationship that is focused on delivering innovative solutions to their clients.

Keaton grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa and then attended the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated from UNI in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and was a contributing member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a co-ed business organization on campus. Through PSE, he gained the proper skills and knowledge needed to communicate and be successful in real estate. Keaton is a licensed real estate sales person in the state of Iowa.

Education

• University of Northern Iowa (2009-2013)
  •     Major: Business Management
  •     (Emphasis in Administration)

Accreditations

• National Association of REALTORS®
• Iowa Association of REALTORS®
• Des Moines Association of REALTORS®     

Affiliations

• Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines (HBA)
• Developers Council of Greater Des Moines (DEVCO)
• Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI)

Chase Duesenberg joined Peoples Company in 2017 and is involved with the facilitation of land auctions, land brokerage, and land management. A native of Clear Lake, Iowa, Chase is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, and managing recreational properties, and he directs his passion toward creating opportunities for clients in the land industry. Chase graduated from the University of Northern Iowa where he obtained majors in Finance and Real Estate and participated in the university’s real estate club, Rho Epsilon. He is actively involved with Ducks Unlimited and serves as Co-Chairman of Big Creek. Chase is licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa and Minnesota. 

Dan worked with Value Midwest as an independent contractor before joining the team in 2017.

Dan began his appraisal career in 1987 working under his father-in law at Butcher & Associates, and continued his appraisal career with various other appraisal companies. In 1999, he started his own appraisal practice, Edwards & Associates.

Dan obtained his Certified General appraiser license in 1992, and achieved his American Society of Appraisers (ASA) designation in 2011. In 2018, Dan also achieved his National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (IFAS) designation. He is a past president of the Detroit Chapter #13 of the ASA and is an active director on the board in the area of continuing education. Dan specializes in commercial property appraisals.

Dan and his wife Alyson have been blessed with two children and three grandchildren. The enjoy the outdoors, camping, and riding the Silver Lake sand dunes along Lake Michigan, along with the trails of northern Michigan in there dune buggy.

Chris Fano joined Peoples Company in the winter of 2021 as a research analyst with over 5 years of experience in the real estate industry. He specializes in market research, GIS applications, and data analytics, and his research directly assists the brokerage and appraisal service lines of the Pacific West team.

Prior to joining Peoples Company Chris worked as a land acquisition specialist at KB Home, where he facilitated the acquisition of land for residential development. Before that he served as a research associate at CoStar Group, assisting clients with commercial property listings and maintaining a database of real estate information.

Chris is originally from Richmond, Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in Environmental Policy and Planning. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, surfing, and scuba diving.

Eric Geiger acquired his sales associate license from the Nebraska Real Estate Commission in 2006. In 1991, Geiger received a business degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Geiger is a lifelong farmer who grew up in rural Nebraska. His agricultural productions and business experience make him a great farm and ranch real estate sales associate for Peoples Company.

Geiger served on the Board of Directors for the Thirty-Mile Channel Irrigation Ditch in central Nebraska. He is also a member and past president of the local Dawson County affiliate of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association. He is also an active member of Toastmasters.

Currently Geiger is responsible for farm sales, leasing, and management in northeast and western Nebraska. He has experience with estate planning, 1031 exchanges, and the farm program. Geiger is working toward his appraisal license. Attaining his appraisal license will give him better knowledge and a greater background in evaluations for farm property. Geiger has worked with difficult transactions that needed constant attention. He strives to make the deal work for everyone.

Professional Affiliations & Accreditations
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, State of Nebraska and Iowa
Board Member, Thirty-Mile Canal Irrigation Ditch
Member and Past President, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, Dawson County Chapter
Member, Construction Committee, Habitat for Humanity
Member, Toastmasters

Jaxon Goedken is a land analyst for Peoples Company, one of the nation’s leading providers of land brokerage, land management, land appraisal and land investment services. Since joining the company in 2017, Jaxon has been involved in multiple departments of the company with experience in the land appraisal, land investment and land brokerage divisions. Jaxon uses his experiences to assist the brokerage team on large, complex projects across the country.

Jaxon grew up in rural northeast Iowa on a small row crop and livestock operation. He attended Iowa State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in Agricultural Business and a minor in Agronomy.

Since 1971, Chuck has always appreciated his association with the real estate industry: “the business itself is enjoyable and I’ve developed some great friendships – lifetime friendships – over the years. It’s also been a great learning experience … it’s amazing how much I’ve learned from everyone I’ve come in contact with!” Chuck is a Broker Associate in Iowa and a REALTOR®

Matt is the Vice President of Finance at Peoples Company, where he leads a team managing the accounting and finance functions of the company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. As a part of the Peoples Company team, Matt works to ensure its clients and stakeholders achieve their investment goals. His many years of experience in professional property management gives him the insight clients are looking for in the professional management and analysis of their farmland investments.

Previously, Matt was the Sr. Director of Accounting and Asset Management at Blackbird Investments for one year, Vice President at T&L Properties for over ten years, and a Staff Accountant at Brooks Lodden, PC for two years.

He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Property Manager, and a licensed Real Estate Broker. Matt was a previous board member of the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association and is the current President of the Iowa Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management.

After earning bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business Management from Loras College, Matt never lost the desire to be a lifelong learner and a responsible contributor to his community. He believes that the greatest success is earned by helping others find their potential.

Craig joined Peoples Company in April 2017 and brings tremendous knowledge and experience to the appraisal team.

Education and Related Course Work

• Graduate of Missouri School of Auctioneering (1990)
• Iowa State University, Master’s Degree in Agriculture Economics (1977)
• Iowa State University, Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business (1968)
• Atlantic High School, Atlantic, Iowa, High School Diploma (1964)

Related Work Experience

• May 2017 - Present
  Peoples Company - Real Estate Appraiser

• July 2016 - May 2017
  Harris Appraisal Services - Real Estate Appraiser

• March 2001 - June 2016
  Farm Credit Services of America - Real Estate and Chattel Appraiser

• February 1991 - March 2001
  Farmers National Company - Broker, Auctioneer, Farm Manager, Appraiser

• July 1984 - February 1991
  Agra Partners Real Estate - Part Owner, Broker, Farm Manager, Appraiser

• February 1979 - July 1986
  Farm Operation - Partner

• June 1977 - February 1979
  The Sandage Companies - Farm Manager

Types of Properties Appraised

• Agricultural Land
• Cattle Feed Yards
• Recreational Land
• Rural Acreages
• Swine Confinements

Professional Affiliations

• 30-Year Member of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA). Served as President of the Iowa Chapter (2016) and President of the Iowa Chapter Education Foundation (2017)
• American Society of Appraisers (1989). Earned Designation of Accredited Senior Appraiser, Real Property, Rural (1993) and Served as Chapter President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer of Nebraska Chapter
• Iowa Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board (1993-1999). Appointed to Two 3-Year Terms by Governor Terry Branstad
• Past Member of the National Association of Realtors
• Past Member of the Iowa Association of Realtors
• Past Member of the Realtors Land Institute
• Iowa State University/US Agency for International Development (USAID)

Community Involvement

• Member of the Shenandoah First United Methodist Church
• President of the Shenandoah Medical Center (SMC) Foundation Board of Directors. Past Chairman of the SMC Governing Board of Directors
• Life-time Member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association
• Member of the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association (SCIA). President 1997, Member of the Ag Committee and Past Member of the Business District Development Committee
• Iowa Soybean Promotion Board (1981-1987)

Bennett Haynes is working with the land management and investment teams to build out our supply chain platform and product brand, Farmer Food LLC.  He is focused on securing forward contracts to utilize Organic certified price premiums, supporting expansion into alternative crops and accessing new high value market channels.  Farmer Food LLC represents a soil health investment thesis to support new partnerships with investors focused on impactful triple-bottom line outcomes for farmers and consumers.

In 2010, after two years working in community business development with Organic rice farmers in northeastern Thailand, Bennett founded Ralston Farm, a specialty organic vegetable farm in northern New Jersey.  The farm was focused growing heirloom produce and raising pastured livestock for restaurant chefs and a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program of over 250 families.  Beginning in 2016, he joined Jose Andres ThinkFoodGroup restaurants as the director of ingredient procurement and built a network of direct farm suppliers for over 30 restaurants nationally. 

Bennett is passionate about improving the food system for all stakeholders.  He currently serves on the board of the Foundation for Farmworkers, which serves the needs of migrant farmworker families enrolled in the East Coast Migrant Head Start Program. 

Education

Bowdoin College – Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, 2008

Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business – Master of Business Administration, Certificates in Nonmarket Strategy and Sustainable Business, May 2021

Expertise
Kenny is a versatile member of the Peoples Company team who strives to provide an unparalleled level of customer service to his clients. Since joining Peoples Company in 2012, Kenny has quickly become one of the top producing land agents serving landowners throughout South Central Iowa. Kenny is driven by a persistent work ethic and positive attitude with the motivation to satisfy all parties of a real estate transaction.

Kenny graduated Magna Cum Laude from Simpson College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management with a Marketing minor, and has a wide variety of hands-on experience from previous careers. 

Kenny differentiates himself by providing comprehensive follow through with his clients and executing on the results they deserve.

Accreditations
Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)
REALTOR®, Peoples Company - Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa and Missouri
Warren County Leadership Institute, Class of 2017

Affiliations
National Association of REALTORS®
Iowa Association of REALTORS®
REALTORS® Land Institute
Des Moines Association of REALTORS®
Warren County Leadership Institute Board of Directors
We Lift Job Search Center Board of Directors
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 33
United Association of Plumbers/Welders

Education
Simpson College, Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Marketing Minor, Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Plumbers & Steamfitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Program

Testimonials
”Considering the logistics of those involved...and the ”window” from contact to closing...nearly an impossible request! 

The owner lives in Missouri, the Farm Manager is leaving Iowa in 2 days to spend the winter in Texas.

He called Peoples Company to arrange ”Walking the farm with an Agent”. Within 2 hours of my phone call to the Manager, I received a phone call saying ”We are standing on the farm!” I WAS IMPRESSED!

Thanks to e-mails, conference calling, FAX, etc. Kenny arranged the Auction. In less than 2 months, mission accomplished with no problems - Money was in the bank!”
--- Valeta

” I would recommend Peoples Co. especially our Agent Kenny. From listing to selling the house, he always kept me informed and explained in detail what was happening. The house was sold in a few weeks. Thank you Kenny!!!”
--- Jan

”Kenny Herring, with his positive attitude became quickly knowledgable of our family farm. He immediately became acquainted with those associated with our family farm corporation. He spoke with respect of other realtors as they became involved with the sale process. His visuals were extraordinary and Kenny was relentless in his pursuit of finding buyers of interest from in and out of the state of Iowa. 

His consistent communication skills kept me informed of the sale progress. When sales were down, Kenny acquired a price that pleased the land owners and all those involved with the sale. You will be fortunate to have Kenny Herring as your Realtor. Kenny Herring is the Realtor to call in selling your farm”.
---Mary Beth

Mandy Hoistad is a Certified General Appraiser who joined Peoples Company in the Spring of 2020 focusing on agricultural appraisals in Iowa and Nebraska and keeping an updated sales database.  

Mandy grew up on a row crop and livestock farm in southeastern North Dakota. She graduated from South Dakota State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science business and production and minors in ag business and agronomy. Mandy began her appraisal career in 2014 while finishing her bachelor’s degree and became fully licensed in 2020.

With a wide range of knowledge, Mandy strives to instill the highest level of trust in her clients and has the ability to complete appraisals in a timely fashion with competence.

Cathy Holman grew up in Cadott, Wisconsin on a dairy farm with a large family. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She moved to Iowa in 2007 and worked as a graphic designer making brochures, pamphlets and business cards for various small businesses and customers. She then began working at the Sherriff's Office as a 911 operator and jailer where her hard work and calm demeanor helped guide people through emergency situations for 6 years. For the past 4 years, she has worked in accounting and office management for construction companies. She will be working with the Farm Management Group and the Accounting Department. 

Expertise

John Hutchcroft has been rooted in the Indianola community his whole life and raised his boys here. John has owned and operated several farms in Western Warren County for 34 years and has a strong background in livestock production. John has rented out his cropland in the last year to concentrate more in Real Estate with Peoples Company. John enjoys working with clients in residential and commercial businesses around Indianola. John has a strong construction background and also likes to buy century old homes in Indianola and restore them to their era. John enjoys spending free time riding/training his horses and taking ”William” his border collie on motorcycle rides. John has been licensed for 20+ years.

Peter Isaacson joined the Peoples Company team in 2018 and focuses on Land and Asset Management for the Clive, Iowa based company. Peter has a strong passion for both production agriculture and conservation which make him a great addition to the land management team at Peoples Company. 

After growing up on his family's farm along the banks of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, Peter’s passion for agriculture led him to Ames, Iowa where he continued his education at Iowa State University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Studies and a Minor in Agronomy. Growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore gives Peter a strong conservation background with extensive knowledge regarding cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, and total soil stewardship. 

Peter is a Licensed Real Estate Sales Person in the state of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota as well as a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).  

Lori joined the AgriBusiness Trading Group team with a deep understanding of the valuable connections and experiences of orchard and vineyard ownership, wine production and Federal, State and County laws governing winery businesses and economic practices. Lori owned her own vineyard and winery in the “Rocks District AVA” of Milton Freewater. Her on the ground knowledge is backed by Enology and Viticulture education from UC Davis and WSU’s vineyard and winery management programs. Lori adds to AgriBusiness Trading Group's focus of unparalleled customer service, extreme integrity, unmatched professionalism and obsession to always putting client’s needs before her own. ATG continues to serve the needs of clients in the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and California.

Kolt Kiburz joined the Peoples Company team in 2019 and focuses on helping clients buy and sell farm ground. Kolt is passionate about building lasting relationships and holds honesty and integrity as his highest values. Kolt is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Iowa. His expertise in the land market and his relationship-based approach make him a perfect fit for both buyers and sellers alike. 

Kim King has been a Real Estate Agent for 23 years bringing buyers and sellers together through a family owned real estate company in Hardy, Arkansas. Kim moved to Jonesboro, Akansas in 2012 and has been selling real estate traditionally and through the auction method. She received her auctioneers license in 2004 where she, along with her husband Joel, have been conducting real estate and personal property auctions throughout Northeast Arkansas. Kim is a member of the Northeast Arkansas Board of Realtors, Arkansas Auctioneers Association, as well as the National Auctioneers Association. In 2005, she earned the Certified Personal Property Appraising designation from the Auction Marketing Institute.

Preston King is the executive broker for Peoples Company of the Delta. His experiences have included a variety of transactions involving land, commercial and residential properties.  Along with being a real estate broker, he is a licensed auctioneer. King is involved in real estate organizations which allow him to keep up with the ever-changing real estate market.

Joel King joined Peoples Company as the Broker in the Delta Region in May of 2020. Joel's office is in Jonesboro, Arkansas and he conducts real estate transactions in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Arkansas State University, he returned home to join his family's real estate company that was started in 1963. For the last 35 years, he has been conducting real estate auctions and selling land through the traditional method.

Joel is a Realtors Land Institute instructor of Land 101 and Recreational Land courses that are offered by the Institute. Through his achievement and education, he obtained the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation. He also serves as the chairman of the education committee and sits on the board of the Institute as well. For the years of 2016-2018, Joel served as the president of the Arkansas Chapter of Realtors Association.

The auction method of selling real estate has always intrigued him and he decided to pursue it as another method of selling land and other assets. He attended and has achieved the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institution (CAI) designation of which only 1100 have obtained. Joel was inducted in the Arkansas Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2015 and is a member of both the State and National Auction Associations.

To add to his services, he became a State Registered Appraiser in 2013 and is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. 

Erin Larsen is the Lead Designer for Peoples Company. With over 17 years of experience in the field and a minor in advertising, Erin uses her design skills and expertise to produce custom-designed marketing materials for Peoples Company. Anything from publication ads and brochures to email blasts and website designs are created to help advertise and promote each unique listing and land auction for Peoples Company. Erin also helps to coordinate and execute marketing campaigns and events for the company, including the Land Investment Expo.

Michael has over 25 years of experience acquiring and managing farms across the nation, directly managing row and permanent crop properties in ten states, overseeing management in eight others as well as consulting on row crop opportunities in Brazil. 

Before joining Peoples Company, Michael oversaw the management of all row crop farms in the United States & Direct Farming Operations East of the Rockies for Hancock Natural Resource Group. There he developed procedures and workflows and hired management staff to accommodate growth of the row crop platform while maintaining superior income returns relative to the National Counsel of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF). Sustainability has always been important to Michael and he was privileged to consult on the development of the Sustainability Standard implemented by Leading Harvest. He also developed and instituted a Safe Workplace inspection program designed to increase farmer safety on managed farms.

Early in his career, Michael provided property management, appraisal, and brokerage services for individual and trust clients in Central Illinois. He is experienced in crop share, custom, cash and flex lease agreements. He also managed the conversion of conventional ground to organic production when USDA certification was in its infancy. 

Michael received his degree Magna Cum Laude in Agribusiness from Illinois State University after serving in the United States Air Force. He is an Accredited Farm Manager with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and an Accredited Land Consultant with the Realtors® Land Institute.

Eric Lonnevik specializes in Land Brokerage and Land Auctions across the state of Iowa.  Eric grew up near Belmond, Iowa working on his family’s row crop and livestock operation. He developed an enduring passion for the outdoors at a young age resulting in a strong connection to the land and all things that depend upon it.  Eric attended Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Studies and minoring in Agricultural Systems Technology. After college he spent several years in Sales and Sales Management in both the Outdoor Sporting Industry and Agricultural Industry before transitioning into Real Estate Sales.  With his strong farm background, cooperative nature, and solid reputation, Eric is a reliable choice if you are looking for a Real Estate agent to represent you whether you are buying or selling land. 

Expertise

Kalen Ludwig Real Estate Specialists position themselves as Peoples Company's only residential specialists. Kalen specializes in development/lot sales, new construction, listing resale homes for sellers, and assisting buyers. By representing Diligent Development, Kalen is a great resource if you are a builder or an end user looking to secure a single family lot(s) to build on. As a Certified New Construction Sales Professional she represents Ground Breaker Homes (www.GroundBreakerHomes.com) and walks clients through the building process. Listing a home should be easy and affordable and Kalen and TEAM make selling your home just that! She is great at listening to buyers needs and helping them execute a successful purchase. Kalen Ludwig is the expert you need to help your new construction vision become a reality by streamlining the process of selling your current home, finding a lot and building that next home!

Keeping the market place up to date with her quarterly new construction and housing statistics/blog and speaking annually at Peoples Company's Builder and Developer Luncheon are focal points of her business. Sign up for this information at www.KalenLudwig.com!

After earning a Marketing and Real Estate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Kalen joined Peoples Company in January 2005. She keeps active on the Executive Board for the Des Moines Home Builders Association, a member of the DMAAR Annual Banquet Committee. Norwalk Chamber member and Chair of the Culture Committee at Peoples Company.

Accreditations

• National Association of REALTORS®
• Iowa Association of REALTORS®
• Des Moines Association of REALTORS®     

Affiliations

• Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines
• Norwalk Chamber
• Indianola Chamber

Education

• University of Northern Iowa
  •     Major: Marketing
  •     (Emphasis in Sales and Advertising)
  •     Minor: Real Estate

Testimonials

"Kalen was our realtor this past July to help my wife and I find our first home.  She did an exceptional job meeting our needs. We explored every option from building to buying new, and fixer uppers.  She made the transition into the new home seamless and cannot thank her enough for all her hard work.  I would highly recommend Kalen to anyone looking at changing their housing situation. She is very knowledgeable about all areas of real estate.  Thanks again Kalen!" 
- Addison Z.
 

"We had a great experience working with Kalen.  She kept the line of communication open throughout the whole process of looking for a house, selling our house, and even since moving into our new house.  She will treat you with respect and she has a genuinely great personality.  I would recommend her to anyone looking for a realtor.  She is not just out to make money, but rather, makes your best interest her top priority."
- Justin and Sara W.

Mary began working with Value Midwest as an administrative assistant in 2007.  She obtained her limited license in 2012, and became a Certified General Appraiser in 2015.

Her areas of focus are on mass-appraisal techniques, area-wide market analyses, data validation, and statistical analysis applied to large-scale projects throughout the United States.

Kim joined Value Midwest in October of 2016. She provides consistent administrative support in the areas of document proofing, project compilation, research retrieval, as well as office and project communication.

Kim is the Office Manager handles day to day operations of the business. Kim previously worked in the public school system for 19 years in administrative positions.

Mike has been with Value Midwest since 2010. Mike works in the agricultural department alongside of Mark Williams, completing appraisals for vacant land and headquarters tracts. Mike enjoys fixing up and selling vehicles in his free time. 

Bio

• Growing up on a farm in rural Clinton Co., Alan McNeil has been involved with Agriculture since a young age. After high school Alan continued his agricultural education at Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture. After college Alan began his brokerage career. Over the past 3 years since graduating college Alan has traveled throughout the Midwest and the Delta evaluating farmland. Alan has helped close over Millions of Ag real estate. Alan Looks forward to talking to any potential clients.

Education

• Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science, Public Service Administration in Agriculture

Affiliations

• Iowa Association of Realtors
• Quad City Area Association of Realtors
• DeWitt Noon Lions Club Member
• Clinton County Iowa Property Tax Board Of Review
• Iowa Farm Bureau

Mike has been with Peoples Company since 2012, and has been selling real estate full time since 2001. In his 19 year career, he has sold over 400 properties. Mike graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate emphasis in 2001. He obtained his broker’s license in 2008.   

His long real estate career has been very diverse, selling many residential homes, acreages, and farm real estate.  Mike is very driven to serve his clients and is incredibly good at selling all types of real estate.  He is an extremely honest, hardworking, and dedicated man of integrity.

Mike lives on his farm in Lucas County with his wife, Angie. He is passionate about conservation, always working to improve the habitat and CRP on his farm. He is actively involved as a committee member of the Three Rivers Ducks Unlimited chapter. He is a member of Indianola Freedom Fellowship Church, where he leads a weekly men’s bible study. In his free time, Mike enjoys working on the farm, hunting, fishing, trapping, taking his bird dog “Grace” out, and participating in church activities.

My deep knowledge and passion for real estate brokerage has developed over the last 20 years spent concentrating on acquisition, development and construction of many types of opportunities. My real estate background includes agricultural, industrial, retail, office, complex property entitlement and general engineering projects.

From family roots in dry land farming, to current involvement as a vineyard owner and wine maker, I have over 30 years of hands on experience with direct ties to the agriculture community. These collective experiences have equipped me with a war chest of ideas and creative approaches to tackle difficult problems requiring workable solutions. My approach to each and every transaction and opportunity is the belief that when complex issues arise, there is always a solution to be found.

Born and raised in Walla Walla and a proud father and husband, my favorite personal time is coaching my beautiful and talented daughters in year around softball tournaments in California, Colorado, Illinois, Washington and even Florida.

I am excited to be a team member of AgriBusiness Trading Group and with my extensive experience, will be able to further our commitment to unparalleled customer service, extreme integrity, unmatched professionalism and obsession to always put our client's needs before our own.

Matt was born and raised in Beatrice, Nebraska. Matt farmed for several years following graduation at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. His exposure to farming lead to his passion for the land at an early age.

Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics with a minor in Agronomy was a natural choice. During his four years at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln he was an active member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. He spent his time in Ag-Business and Ag-Econ Club, Range Club, Dance Marathon for Children’s Hospital, and volunteering on multiple occasions.

Matt’s passion, education and experience in agriculture are a great addition to Peoples Company.

Professional Affiliations & Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, State of Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa

Jeff grew up in the small central Nebraska farming community of Lexington Nebraska where he learned about farming first-hand from his father. When his father decided to pursue a career in real estate and insurance in 1980, Jeff followed his lead. In 1982, his father founded Doran Post & Associates, a full line insurance agency and real estate firm. In 1997, Jeff succeeded his father as President and Owner.  After becoming president Jeff pursued auctioneer school. He graduated from Nashville School of Auction in 2000.  When Mid-Continent Properties, Inc. was seeking new leadership in 2005, Jeff moved to Omaha Nebraska to be closer to his wife Mimi and two stepchildren.  In 2020 Mid-Continent Properties joined the Peoples Company to expand their market further into the western plains region.  

Professional Affiliations & Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, States of Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, Missouri, and Kansas
Graduate, Nashville School of Auction, University of Nebraska Lincoln/Kearney, 
Realtors Land Institute

Michele began working with Value Midwest as an administrative assistant in 1999.  She obtained her limited license in 2010, and became a State Licensed Appraiser in 2014.

She works alongside of Mr. Williams and Mr. Lentz in a wide range of appraisal capacities from research to analysis and report writing.  Her focus has been on conservation easements, rural land appraisals, rural residential and commercial properties.

John Reburn is from New Albin, Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May of 2017. After graduating with a degree in Finance and Real Estate, John knew he wanted to enter the Agricultural Industry. John developed a passion for farming while growing up in rural Iowa and working on a farm throughout college.

John’s primary focus is helping clients acquire and sell land. Using Peoples Company’s land database and platform, he has access to every farm for sale on the market and multiple off-market properties to provide clients acquisition opportunities. The Peoples Company land database also provides the most recent sale information to keep clients well informed on the land market.

John is an active member of the Iowa Army National Guard and enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing during his free time.

Expertise

Becky Rozenboom is a Business Integrator for Peoples Company and affiliate companies. Her duties include managing the company's marketing cornerstone, the Land Investment Expo, the company's diverse social media strategy, and the company’s marketing and event strategy. She is also the secretary for the company's board and assists in the responsibility for public relations efforts for the company’s both external and internal communications. In addition to her work for Peoples Company, she also oversees the day to day operations for Ground Breaker Homes as the Vice President of Operations.

Chase Rupiper is a graphic designer for Peoples Company and other Steve Bruere business entities. Chase uses his design skills to advertise and promote Peoples Company's land listings and auctions by creating eye-catching marketing materials including brochures, postcards, listing images, poster boards, newspaper ads, and more. Chase works closely with lead designer Erin Larsen to complete marketing requests made by PC agents. Chase is chair of the Content Committee and works to gather monthly blog articles from Peoples Company's brokerage, land management, appraisals, and investment teams. Chase administers the Peoples Company social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Youtube) and uses the platforms to promote the company's listings and auctions as well as the blog articles.

Chase graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design.

Allie Schoeppner is a designer and member of the Peoples Company marketing team. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Integrated Studio Arts from Iowa State University and has over ten years of experience in the graphic design field. 

At Peoples Company, Allie works to create marketing materials that give each listing or auction a unique look and feel. Anything from brochures and flyers, to email blasts and social media posts. She also works with Peoples Company’s other business affiliates to fulfill any graphic design needs, whether they be print or digital.

Allie is a member of The Council for Art Education, a non-profit which promotes visual art education for students. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and three children.

Jake Sickels joined Peoples Company in 2017. Since joining the team, he has been focused on completing land brokerage and land auction transactions. Growing up in Indianola, Iowa, he developed a passion for agriculture and the outdoors, which led him to continue his education at Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Business. Jake is currently a member of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors and Realtors Land Insitute. Jake deals with a variety of transactions including tillable farmland, recreational farmland, acreages, transitional development land, and development land. 

Jake’s passion, persistence, and attention to detail make him a reliable choice for your next buying or selling real estate transaction. Jake is currently licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa and focuses on the areas of Central, Southwest, and North Central Iowa.

Riley Sieren is a land agent and Auctioneer of Peoples Company. Riley spends his time bringing buyers and sellers together where he focuses on the sale and acquisition of agricultural, recreational and developmental land. Riley is a native of Washington County, IA where he grew up on his family farm running across the fertile soils of Iowa and enjoying the outdoors. He attended Iowa State University where he obtained a degree in Agricultural Studies & Agronomy. Riley also graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering where he obtained his Auctioneers license.

Growing up on a farm raising and showing livestock, Riley has the knowledge and passion it takes to achieve your goals. His attention to detail and stewardship to the land make Riley a diligent agent to work with from beginning to end. When it comes to marketing Riley has a keen eye and a dilligent approach to set your property apart from the others.

Nic joined Peoples Company in January 2020. His focus is on the land brokerage and land investing divisions of the company. Nic is currently working toward his Accredited Land Consultant designation with the National REALTORS® Land Institute and looks to be a top land agent in the Midwest for years to come. He has extensive contacts in the agricultural and banking industry who are a great resource when listing your property for sale or building your wealth through the purchase of real estate. Nic works with all types of real estate including farmland, acreages, commercial and recreational land.

Nic grew up in Central Nebraska and received his Bachelor of Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He now resides on an acreage near Murdock, Nebraska with his family.

Professional Associations and Designations
Licensed Real Estate Agent in Nebraska and Iowa
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Member
Teammates, Mentor
REALTORS® Land Institute, Member

Travis Smock is a land broker and shareholder of Peoples Company, an industry leading, Iowa based firm that focuses on land brokerage & auctions, land management, land investing and appraisals throughout the nation. Since joining the company in 2013, Travis has become a versatile member of the cohesive team, assisting in projects across the country; taking pride in learning & adapting to new areas, advancing the company's top-notch marketing, and building relationships throughout the industry. Additionally, Travis has helped to expand the company’s footprint with the opening of a remote office in Independence, Iowa.

Travis is actively involved in the Iowa Chapter of the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) where he is a past president. After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Travis has continued his education by working towards obtaining the Accredited Land Consultant designation from RLI as well as receiving Real Estate licenses in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida. In turn, he has earned the RLI Apex Award in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for being a top producing land agent in the United States.

As a top performing agent within the firm, Travis is well versed in all types of land transactions from income producing farmland to recreational properties and is focused on land auctions, public and private listings, and land investment opportunities throughout the United States.

Ricky joined Value Midwest in 2015. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Business in 2015, he obtained his limited license and became a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in 2018.

His areas of focus are animal production facilities and agricultural estate valuation. Ricky has over 35 years of ag-related experience including owning/operating a large dairy production facility in southern Minnesota, and serving on a regional agricultural financial lending Board of Directors.

He has a life-long passion and commitment to serving both production agriculture and agribusiness.

My passion for agriculture can be traced back to my pre-professional days. As a member of my high school’s FFA chapter, I competed in numerous career and leadership development events including agricultural issues. I researched the pros and cons of an agricultural issue persistent in the Walla Walla Valley and presented my findings to a panel of judges. It was during this time that I discovered my love for agribusiness and farm management and decided to acquire my bachelor’s degree in business administration. 

After graduating from Eastern Oregon University, I began my professional career at the USDA Farm Service Agency where I oversaw the administration of the conservation reserve program. I also worked with livestock producers who experienced losses due to adverse weather events, a cause that is near to my heart as I spent my college years working on numerous dairy cattle feedlots in the Yakima Valley. It was here that I witnessed firsthand the importance of integrity, in both the cattle and professional worlds, as I worked alongside cattlemen who work tirelessly day in and day out to feed the world. Working side-by-side with some of the dairy industry’s brightest minds inspired me to return to EOU to obtain my master’s degree in business administration.

In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors and fishing on the Columbia River. During the summer I love watching the equine athletes of the ProRodeo circuit as they compete throughout the Northwest. I am excited to join the ATG team and utilize my extensive agribusiness background and commitment to integrity to provide our clients with smooth asset transfers that garner the best value and least amount of stress and worry.

Amber joined Peoples Company in February of 2011. For six years, she worked for the Brokerage business as the Senior Real Estate Sales Coordinator. As the Senior Real Estate Sale Coordinator, she entered listings onto websites, made marketing flyers, managed social media, reconciled trust accounts, and audited agent files.  In December of 2017, Amber transitioned to the Land Management & Appraisal departments as the Land Management & Appraisal Coordinator. In this role, Amber maps properties, coordinates cash rent payments, organizes client and operator files, and maintains the Land Management website, in addition to providing back-up support to the Real Estate Sales Coordinator.  

Isaac Taber joined the Peoples Company team in the Spring of 2017 as part of the Land Brokerage division, focusing on all types of real estate from tillable farmland to recreational land and acreages.

Isaac is from western Illinois where he grew up on his family’s farm that focused on raising and showing livestock. Isaac’s passion for agriculture began at young age and eventually led him to Ames, Iowa where he attended Iowa State University. While at Iowa State, he was a part of the Livestock Judging team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Studies.

Isaac’s diverse background and experience in the agriculture industry has given him the work ethic and integrity to ensure a valuable experience for clients. Isaac is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa and Illinois.

Mark joined the Value Midwest team in 2013 as an intern and started full-time in 2014 after graduating Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and a minor in Agronomy.

In 2017, Mark became a Certified General Appraiser.

Mark focuses on unique and specialty agricultural property appraisals, and is currently working towards his Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) designation.

Expertise

Brad grew up on a farm near New Sharon, Iowa. He spent his summers working for local farmers choring, baling hay, and helping with field work. Brad is an avid outdoorsman, and specializes in recreational and combination type farms, and also has experience with tillable farm land.

Affiliations

• DMARR

• IRLI

• NRLI

• RLI

• ALC

Education

Brad attended DMACC in 1995, then ISU from 1996-1999. Brad has managed his own construction business since he started in 1999.

Troy grew up on a row crop & livestock farm in southcentral Iowa.  He learned the importance of a strong work ethic at a young age and has carried that same mindset into his adult years.  After graduating from Grand View College, Troy spent 9 years with Ruan Transportation managing trucking terminals & customer accounts.  He spent the next 9 years with Target Corporation on the executive team & assisted in the successful start-up of 2 regional distribution centers.  Due to his strong passion for agriculture, Troy made the change & commitment to obtain his real estate license and move to Colorado to sell real estate.  He has been selling farm & ranch real estate in Colorado, Nebraska & Kansas since he made the transition into real estate in 2011.  During that timeframe, he sold irrigated, dryland, CRP & farm acreages while developing strong relationships.  He owns land in CO, NE & IA and harnesses the knowledge to assist Buyers & Sellers of farmland, pasture, CRP & recreational land.  In his spare time, Troy enjoys spending time with his wife Dena & their 3 children & also running, working on muscle cars and working on the farm.

Accreditations:
Realtor, Peoples Company – Licensed to sell real estate in Colorado, Nebraska & Kansas.

Affiliations:
National Association of Realtors
Colorado Association of Realtors
Logan County Board of Realtors
Kansas Association of Realtors
NHRA

Education:
Grand View College; Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Minor: Business
CDL

Expertise

Kyle Walker oversees the Land and Asset Management Division for Peoples Company.  Kyle’s executive role is to lead the management team with an emphasis on growing the division on a national level. He is responsible for streamlining internal processes, implementing sustainable management practices, managing institutional assets, and expanding custom farming through Peoples Company’s Direct Operations platform. Kyle works closely with the investment team to procure and manage specialty assets across the country. He takes direct ownership in developing management strategies which enables Peoples Company to uniquely cater services for each individual client. His experience, persistence, and work ethic make him a vital part of the leadership team. Kyle has fifteen years of experience in the asset management industry and regularly consults on large projects throughout the company’s national footprint. Kyle is an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM), Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC), and Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC).

Education

• Iowa State University, B.S. Sports Management, 2004, Ames, Iowa

Land Management Experience

• Custom Farming and Direct Asset Operations
• Management and adherence to the Leading Harvest Standards
• Consulting centered around streamlining operations and processes
• Organic crop production, organic transition, and overseeing organic assets
• Team building and human resource development
• Capital improvement projects through conservation, terrace/tiling projects, and irrigation systems
• Alternative income producing methods on marginal acres
• Leasing and contract disputes
• Cow/calf, cattle feedlot operation, and pasture utilization
• USDA compliance and certification
•  State and Federal cost share assistance though EQIP, CSP, and IDALS
• Cover crop cost share, utilization, and implementation
• Enterprise crop budgeting and/or entire operational budgets
• Investment and institutional management for ownership entities across the Country
• In-season agronomic management and input selection
• Enrollment and management of land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Court & Family Dispute Experience

• Court Appointed Receiver
• Court ordered Referee involving partition actions
• Expert Court witness concerning leasing and farm management
• Experience working with difficult family dynamics

Affiliations & Accreditations

• American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers, Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)
• American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers, Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC)
• American Society of Agricultural Consultants, Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC)
• Licensed Real Estate Agent in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri
• 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020 Peoples Company Top Income Producer - Land Management Division
• 2019 Peoples Company “A Player” of the Year Award
• Peoples Company Board Member
• American Society of Agriculture Consultants National Board Member and Vice President
• Iowa Soybean Association Member
• Practical Farmers of Iowa Member
• Farm Bureau Member
• Iowa Association of REALTORS®
• National Association of REALTORS®

Expertise

Tyler Weaver is a Certified General Real Property Appraiser and joined Peoples Company in the Fall of 2019.  Tyler attended Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Business with a Minor in Animal Science.  Tyler started his appraisal career in 2014 with a focus on agricultural properties in Iowa and Missouri and became fully licensed in 2018.  With an agricultural background and experience appraising farmland in Iowa and Missouri, Tyler has the knowledge and ability to provide quality appraisal reports with quick turn-around times.

Licenses Held

Certified General Appraiser in Iowa and Missouri

Licensed Real Estate Agent in Missouri

Professional Affiliations   

Associate Member of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA)

National Association of Realtors

National Auctioneers Association

Education

Northwest Missouri State University (2013)

- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business

- Minor in Animal Science

World Wide College of Auctioneering (2019)

Expertise

Andrew Westlake is the Vice President and Managing Broker of Peoples Company. A native of Bozeman, Montana,  he grew up on a farm  raising wheat and barley alongside a horse and cattle ranching operation.

Andrew and his family currently reside in Ames, Iowa where he attended Iowa State University and spent a number of years in the banking, financial services and insurance industries before joining Peoples Company in 2008. He is licensed as Peoples Company’s managing broker in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Washington, Florida, Oregon, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Idaho, Florida, Michigan, Alabama and Colorado.  Licensed in 21 states, he actively lists and sells land and manages commercial properties across the country and is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Iowa Association of Realtors, Des Moines Area Association of Realtors, Realtor's Association of Southern Minnesota, Arkansas Realtor's Association and Realtor's Land Institute. 

Andrew utilizes skills learned throughout his career in real estate and during his time as an IT professional to solve problems and create opportunities for property owners, investors and potential buyers.  He has served as a court appointed Reciever for a host of large commercial foreclosures and has rehabilitated and liquidated numerous REO investment portfolios. Andrew focuses on building lasting relationships with, and delivering innovative solutions to, our clients. 

Affiliations

National Association of Realtors

Iowa Association of Realtors

Des Moines Area Association of Realtors

Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association

Realtor's Association of Southern Minnesota

Arkansas Realtor's Association

Mark is the President and Founder of Value Midwest and established the firm on three principles of "Quality Work, Timely Service & Reasonable Fees".  He has been licensed as a Certified General Appraiser since 1994 and has obtained his designation as an “Accredited Rural Appraiser” from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. He has extensive knowledge and experience with all types of agricultural properties including animal production facilities, grain storage systems, permanent  plantings, certified organic cropland and recreational tracts. He also is considered a leading expert in the valuation of market analyses, eminent domain, Yellow Book, conservation easements, and partial interest appraisals. 

Mr. Williams is also a qualified reviewer for Yellow Book and Eminent Domain appraisals and is a two time President of the Michigan Chapter of ASFRMA. Mark also serves on the ASFRMA National Education and Accreditation Committee as Vice Chairman.

Mark and his wife Debi are blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. They also operate a 90 acre certified organic hay farm and enjoy traveling in their spare time. In the past three years they have also been active with Samaritans Purse mission teams, assisting with rebuilding homes in flood ravaged areas of North Carolina, West Virginia and Louisiana.

Adam's entire career, spanning the last 27 years, has been focused on the regional agricultural industry with many of those years spent in farm and food production management and operations. Since 2006, he has been specializing in the representation of clients involved in large agribusiness transfers totaling tens of millions of dollars. With his extensive agribusiness background and hands-on agricultural experience, he is able to understand and appreciate the unique needs of agricultural business and real estate owners throughout the process of divestment or acquisition much better than a generalist real estate broker. Adam is obsessed with placing his client’s needs above his own and always takes the ethical and moral high ground in all dealings.

Adam also considers one of his most important attributes, which can be directly related to years of involvement in the agricultural community, to be a highly ingrained work ethic and belief that hard work and attention to detail will always assist him in exceeding his client’s expectations. Adam's formal education consists of an Associate of Arts degree and extensive, additional undergraduate work in agricultural business and science with ongoing education in commercial real estate business operations, valuation and marketing.  Adam is licensed to sell real estate in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana.

Adam's passion is agribusiness. His ambition is to exceed expectations while assisting clients in the realization of their goals.  Adam would love to put that passion and ambition to work for you!

Expertise

Doug Yegge is the Broker at Peoples Company located in DeWitt, Iowa.

For almost four decades, Doug has sold farmland throughout the Midwest. These years of experience have given him an unusual depth of knowledge in real estate matters.  Doug enjoys “the feeling of accomplishment when a real estate transaction is completed and both parties — seller and buyer — are satisfied.”  He specializes in land sales and 1031 Tax Free Exchanges and is licensed in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.

Molly Zaver has extensive experience in business operations, management and marketing. She joined the Peoples Company team in January 2017 and previously served as executive director of the Iowa Chapter of Realtors Land Institute (RLI) and executive secretary for the Iowa Chapter of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA). During her time working with the Iowa Chapter of RLI, she led the Chapter to win the 2013 Chapter of the Year award and also earned the 2015 Chapter Administrator of the Year award from the National Realtors Land Institute. She has also served as executive director of the Bondurant Area Chamber of Commerce and Bondurant Development, Inc.

After her battle with cancer in 2011, she founded Can Do Cancer, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing free support services for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. She serves as its board president and previously served on the board of directors for the Ankeny Art Center and Bondurant Community Library Foundation.

Molly is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and serves on its Scholarship Committee. She is also a member of the Realtors Land Institute where she has served on the National Future Leaders Committee.

Molly graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing. She has a broker associate license to sell real estate in Iowa and Minnesota.

Andrew Zellmer is a land agent and shareholder of Peoples Company, a nationally recognized land transaction and advisory firm that offers land brokerage, land management, land appraisal and land investment services in twenty-two states across the country.  At Peoples Company, Andrew focuses on serving the land brokerage and land investment needs of land owners, investors and operators. With his in-depth industry knowledge and backed by a collaborative team at Peoples Company, Andrew is able to offer unmatched solutions to his clients. He works closely with landowners to market their properties through public auction, listings, and off market deals.  When farm operators look to expand their footprint in a region, Andrew helps source potential deals as well as finds capital sources, programs and innovative ideas that can help secure these acres for years to come. He also caters to the investor, facilitating deals that meet client-directed investment mandates and are structured to maximize investment returns.  

In recognition for his hard work and dedication, Andrew has received the National REALTORS® Land Institute (“RLI”) Apex Award in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for being a top producing land agent in the United States.  He also won the 2017 Deal of the Year Award from the Iowa RLI Chapter.  In addition, Andrew was the recipient of the “A” Player award for Peoples Company in 2018 and also received Peoples Company’s Top Producer Award in both 2017 and 2019.  Andrew is a proud graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated with a double major in Finance and Real Estate in 2012.

Associations

• REALTORS® Land Institute
• National Association of Realtors
• Iowa Auctioneers Association