ANDERSON, Ind. — Local auctioneer Steve Goodman received the highest honor of his 20+ year career when the Indiana Auctioneers Assoc. inducted him into its Auctioneer Hall of Fame Nov. 4 in Indianapolis.

Members of the association, along with several of Goodman’s family members and closest friends, were present to recognize and celebrate his myriad achievements during the association’s recent Annual Convention and Trade Show.

Born and raised in Madison County, Goodman graduated from Lapel High School in 1970 and then from the Reisch Auction College in Iowa in 1973.

After his college graduation, Goodman worked with Rydman & Fox, which is where he acquired his expertise of antique farm machinery, while also working occasionally with Ross & Wire. In 1974, he established his own company – Goodman & Company Auctioneers.

Goodman began his endeavors in the automobile auction field with the help of close friends Bill Harter and Jack Davis. He quickly moved from ringman to working on the block for Auto Dealers Exchange and Kesler-Schaefer Auto Auctions in Indianapolis. Harter and Davis took him under their wings and soon he was riding each week with the two in order to work the Chicago circuit at ADE, Arena & Dryer auto auctions. The auto auctions quickly developed into a comfortable niche for Goodman.

“It could be stated that his middle name was ambition,” Harter said during Goodman’s induction ceremony. “I was struck first of all by his dedication to the task at hand, and he could be counted upon to contribute with his efforts and unfailing attendance at all auctions. I have never worked with anyone who had more determination or desire to learn and improve himself constantly.”

Goodman also credits good friends and fellow Hall of Famers J.B. Driver, Bob Adams and Whitey Shivley as being tremendous influences on his ongoing success.

“I have been so fortunate to have been given the opportunity of working for over 20 years with the most successful auction companies literally in the world,” Goodman said.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest recognition IAA bestows upon its members. Only a few more than 50 individuals have ever been given the distinction since the organization’s inception in 1949. With more than 700 members, the Indiana Auctioneers Assoc. is one of the largest state auctioneer associations in the country. It is an affiliate of the National Auctioneers Assoc., which represents more than 6,200 auctioneers across the United States. For more information about the Indiana Auctioneers Assoc., visit its website at www.indianaauctioneers.org

Goodman has given his strong support to the IAA since 1975, something that was also noted at his induction ceremony.

“He never missed a state convention and very few local district meetings,” said Goodman’s wife, Lisa.

Goodman has served on the Board of Directors, as District President and was elected to serve as IAA State President in 2000. In 1989, Goodman was the Bid-Calling Champion and was a contest finalist in his first attempt at the NAA International Auctioneer Champion contest.

He also regularly contributes his talents to the Indiana Sheepbreeders Assoc. and to Madison and Delaware county 4-H fairs each year.

Goodman & Company Auctioneers operated from Goodman’s home until 2000 when he was finally able to see his dream come to pass by opening the Indiana Auction Exchange, a 10,000 square foot auction facility in Anderson, just off State Route 9 North. The Indiana Auction Exchange conducts weekly onsite automobile auctions, as well as real estate, farm machinery, estate and antique auctions.

Next year, the auction company plans to expand its resume to include firearms sales. The facility sets on 16 acres of property dedicated to serving both Indiana and Illinois clientele.

Thus far in 2005, the Indiana Auction Exchange has sold more than $125 million in real and personal property.

In order to perform at that level, Goodman must keep a rigorous schedule of conducting three auto auctions per week in Chicago, one in Indianapolis and, of course, his own every Wednesday in Anderson - not to mention several special sales offered during the weekends.

The Indiana Auction Exchange can be reached by phone at 765-622-1900 or by fax at 765-622-1982.

Published in the December 14, 2005 issue of Farm World.