Jeffrey Sweeney wins State Ringman title at IAA Convention

The Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA) held its annual convention February 5-7 in Ankeny. Auctioneers and auction professionals from across the state gathered to partake in educational seminars, networking and various auction-related contests.
Jeffrey Sweeney of Waukon has been attending the IAA Convention with his family for several years. Sweeney’s grandfather, Ray E. Sweeney, was named IAA Man of the Year in 1992 and is a Hall of Fame member. Jeffrey’s father, Jeff L. Sweeney, is a Past President and Hall of Fame member. Jeffrey’s sister, Jodi Sweeney-Egeland, has been honored as the 2007 Iowa Bid Calling Champion, the 2008 International Bid Calling Champion, Auctioneer of the Year, and just completed her term as President of the association.
Anyone who has ever attended an auction conducted by Sweeney Auction Service has likely seen Jeffrey in action as a ringman. A ringman is an auction professional who works to bring in bids and relay them to the auctioneer. After some consideration and encouragement from his family and other auctioneers, Jeffrey entered the Iowa Auctioneers Association Ring Person Competition.
The contest was held February 6 at the Convention. After completing an interview question related to the auction industry, Jeffrey had the opportunity to ring, or take bids, for two items. Each contestant was able to pick their own auctioneer, so Jeffrey asked his sister, Jodi, to auctioneer for him during the contest.
Jeffrey and Jodi not only work together at Sweeney Auction Service, but the pair also travel around the tri-state area conducting benefit auctions. Jeffrey really shines as a ringman during these benefit auctions and is well-received by the audience.
Jeffrey had a great performance during the ring person competition and seemed to be a crowd favorite judging by the applause and numerous positive comments. He also said he had fun and enjoyed the competition.
The next morning, the Iowa Auctioneers Association announced the winners for the contests held throughout the weekend. They announced the winners of the advertising contest and rookie division, as well as the top 20 auctioneers that would advance to the Iowa
State Fair Bid Calling Finals.
The contestants from the Ring Person Contest were asked to come forward and they announced the third-place winner, and then the second-place winner. Chris Richards, the 2015 champion in the competition, then said, “And our first-place winner, who didn’t miss a bid in the room last night, is Jeffrey Sweeney!”
It was a very humbling moment for Jeffrey, as the audience erupted in applause and cheers, and gave him a standing ovation. As 2016 Champion, Jeffrey received a trophy and will have the opportunity to ring at the State Fair Bid Calling Finals in August.
To learn more about the Iowa Auctioneers Association, visit www.iowaauctioneers.org. The 2017 Iowa Auctioneers Association Convention will be held February 3-5 in Des Moines.