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Normen Peterson
President and Auctioneer
Pete's Auction and Photo, Inc.
Wykoff, Minn.
55 years, starting with fitting, selecting for sales and assistant auctioneer
44 years as auctioneer

How did you get into auctioneering? What drew you into it? I enjoyed going to auctions with my dad. I became fascinated with the auctioneers chant. Auctioneering is something I always wanted to do since I was a kid.

What kind of auctions do you do and what area do you cover? My specialty is registered and high grade dairy sales, but I also do farm sales, real estate, antiques and household sales. I also do benefits and fundraiser auctions. I have auctioneered and/or conducted sales in eight states. The bulk of the sales are conducted in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and South Dakota

How many auctions do you do in a year? I average about 25 to 30 auctions in a year.

What kind of education have you had for your career? I am a graduate of the Reisch's Auctioneer School in Mason City, Iowa. I have had the opportunity to work with many well known auctioneers throughout the United States.

How do you practice to improve your auctioneering skills? I practice while driving up and down the road, and watching videos of our past sales.

Do you have a signature saying, phrase or word?/ What is your best line? "We'll never know if he wants to bid again if you stop now." "I know you like her(it)."

How much research do you do before an auction to know where to start a bid? I make myself aware of prices of whatever I am selling by checking recent auctions for current prices. I also check farm equipment guides for prices.

What techniques do you use to raise a bid? "Hit again, it's only money. It is worth less everyday." "Don't stop now. I'll tell you when it gets too high." "Opportunity is knocking."

What preventive measures do you take during cold season to keep your voice healthy? I drink hot tea with lemon.

What is the most bizarre thing you have ever auctioned? I have sold a lot of unusual items over the years. I cannot think of any specific item.

What is one unique thing about being an auctioneer that many people don't know? Most people do not realize the amount of pre-sale work that needs to be done to get ready for a sale.

Tell us about the process you go through in order to put on a sale. After the sale is booked there are many conferences with the seller to discuss the different aspects of the sale, including listing of animals and/or items that will be selling and the amount of advertising. If it is a dairy sale, all information must be gathered for the catalogs, and we have to arrange the fitting crew. We discuss with the seller the availability of a building to conduct the sale in or we may have to arrange for a tent for this purpose. We are at the location of the sale at least two to three days prior to the sale to oversee the general management of everything.

What do you enjoy most about your career? A satisfied client![[In-content Ad]]

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