STAFF
Steve Bartkus
Auctioneer / Realtor / CAI / AMM
Lic. #AU11100072 - RB14051464
(260) 437-6555
steve@stevebartkus.com
Steve Bartkus is a first-generation Auctioneer who grew up just north of Fort Wayne Indiana. He started his career in Real Estate in 2001 and is currently a broker with Century 21 Bradley. He has gained experience working with the public liquidating Real Estate and now personal property of those who need to make that next move in their life. After an 8-year career in Architectural Design, he decided to switch gears and serve the public in a different manner. Steve grew up a small-town boy with big dreams and aspirations while his parents instilled in him a great work ethic and the desire to work hard for the things that matter to him. He has been married to his wife, Jody since 1998, and has a son and daughter that also enjoy helping around the auction ring. He has a passion for giving back to the community and has been involved with many benefit auctions around the area. Steve enjoys spending time with his family and taking in the great outdoors. He is very active in his church parish and is a part of both men’s and youth groups. Steve also serves as a member of local 4H boards and the Northwest Allen County School Board. He has been a member of both the Indiana and National Auctioneers Association since 2011, Held the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation since 2018, and the Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designation Since 2019.
Chris Hedges
Auctioneer
Lic. # AU11800006
260-410-0867
chris@bartkusauctioneers.com
Chris is a first-generation auctioneer who grew up in Huntertown IN and now resides in Spencerville IN since 1995. He was a Graduate of Reppert Auctioneer School in December of 2017 & is a member of the Indiana Auctioneer Association since 2017. Chris is experienced in mechanics & farm properties. He has the right touch when it comes to working around heavy equipment & farming communities. Chris is a 1989 graduate of Garrett High School and has a degree in Criminal Justice. He has been married to his wife Dana since 1992 while living on the farm with their 2 daughters & 2 sons, who enjoy helping out around the auction setting also. He also has 4 beautiful grandchildren, with one on the way. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, working with kids in 4H, tinkering with equipment, camping & the great outdoors. Chris is an Army veteran & member of the Legion Post 202 in Butler, while also serving on the Honor Guard. He has also been involved in 4H, volunteering since 2004, in club leadership, and as an auction chairman.
Billy Hagan
Auctioneer
Lic #AU10400170
502-724-2969
billy@haganauctioneers.com
Billy has been employed in the auction industry since 1997 and became a licensed auctioneer in 2004. He is a full-time auctioneer, licensed in IN, KY, OH, TN & FL, an active member of the National Auctioneers Association, and an instructor at the Indiana College of Auctioneers. He has earned the Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI), Auction Marketing Management (AMM) and Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) designations through the National Auctioneers Association and is a USPAP compliant appraiser who has done appraisals for individuals, small businesses, large corporations, banks, and attorneys.
Jody Bartkus
Realtor
Lic. #RB14051463
260-715-9797
jody@stevebartkus.com
Jody was employed by Northwest Allen County Schools for 15 years before she started selling real estate full-time. She is currently a Broker with Century 21 Bradley and she loves working with buyers and sellers, meeting new people, and getting to know their housing needs. She prides herself in getting back to clients fast and being there for them from the beginning to long after closing. She was a first-grade religious education teacher, and youth group leader, and is a Eucharist minister, and a member of the parish council. They have been married since 1998. They enjoy spending time with their family and friends.
Ben Bauman
Auctioneer
Lic. #AU12100036
(260) 413-7545
ben@bartkusauctioneers.com
Ben Bauman is a first-generation Auctioneer who grew up in Decatur, Indiana, but recently relocated to Noble County, Indiana. He started out his career by going to Purdue University for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He has worked as an engineer in the space industry since 2007, supporting multiple weathers (metrological) and defense-related satellite build and launch campaigns. Ben growing up in a family where attending auctions was a weekly rite of passage, may have planted a seed early in his childhood that just recently started to grow. Ben went to Reppert School of Auctioneering in 2021, allowing him to start his professional auctioneering aspirations. He is an active member of his church (Pine Hills), being part of the men’s ministry group as well as a small community group.
Judi Burgess
Estate Specialist & Cataloger
estates@bartkusauctioneers.com
Judi has been assisting families with liquidating their loved ones' estates since 2013. She is a firm believer in transparency with the family when it comes to fees and also in not allowing pre-sales to "favored" buyers or friends as this usually a conflict of interest and takes money away from the family. Each item should be offered to the public to receive its best market value price.
Judi is a Member of the American Society of Estate Liquidators and has over 20 years of experience selling on eBay, Amazon, GunBroker, LiveAuctioneers, ProxyBid & also worked for the e-commerce department of a local non-profit for 3 years. Identifying value in overlooked items and promoting them online is her strength
Judi grew up in Auburn, graduated from Dekalb High School, and has a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in Fine Arts-Industrial Design