Col. Kurt Johnson, President, B.A.S., C.A.I. candidate
Kurt Johnson
Minnesota’s first benefit auctioneer and instructor, specializing since 1993
Invited by the National Auctioneers Association to develop the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist Certification (2007)
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist), National Auctioneers Association (March 2007). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
Monthly columnist for Auction World, a national publication: 1999-Present
Publications Committee, National Auctioneers Association, 2005-Present
2005 President, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Board member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association: 1996-1999, 2004-2006
2004 benefit auction panel expert, National Auctioneer’s Conference
Certified Auctioneer Institute candidate, National Auctioneers Association (2009 completion). Designed for leaders in the industry and auction firm decision-makers, the CAI is an executive development program.
Life member, National Auctioneer’s Association
Member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Experience with hundreds of benefit auctions of many types, including galas, art auctions, wine dinners, golf tournaments, festivals, a-thons, online, and corporate motivational
Featured in television commercials and in radio promotions
Experienced with closed-circuit television
Graduate, Continental College of Auctioneering, 1988
Toastmasters, C.T.M.
B. S., Winona State University; Winona, Minnesota
Connie J. M. Johnson, Vice President and General Manager, B.A.S. candidate
Connie Johnson
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) candidate, National Auctioneers Association (February 2008). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
Over 25 years’ experience in communications and public relations
Over 20 years’ experience in special event planning
Over 20 years’ experience in operations and personnel management
Over 10 years’ experience in managing Kurt Johnson Auctioneering, Inc.
Over eight years’ experience working in fundraising for nonprofits
Experience on multiple Boards throughout the state
Experience with conference planning and execution
Member, International Special Events Society—Twin Cities Chapter
Cast Representative, Up With People International Alumni Association
Nominee, 2007 J. Blanton Belk Outstanding Alumni Award, Up With People International Alumni Association
B.A., Public Relations; St. Mary’s University of Minnesota—Winona, Minnesota, 1982
Hannah Johnson, Bid Spotter
Hannah Johnson
Four years assisting her Dad as a bid spotter
Actively involved in her High School Debate team, Concert Band and Badminton team.
Jim Fahey, Auctioneer, B.A.S.
Jim Fahey
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist), National Auctioneers Association (February 2008). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
2006 inductee, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame (the association’s highest honor)
27 years doing benefit and motivational auctions, with hundreds of benefit auctions to his credit
Frequent Master of Ceremonies, including pageants
A second generation, full time auctioneer
Past Bid Calling Champion, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Past President, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Member, National Auctioneers Association
Member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Community Leadership Award, Southwest Minnesota Foundation/Blandin Foundation
Col. Larry Kroshus, Auctioneer, B.A.S. candidate
Larry Kroshus
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) candidate, National Auctioneers Association (February 2008). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
23 years doing benefit auctions, with hundreds of benefit auctions to his credit
Past Bid Calling Champion, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Finalist, International Bid Calling Championship
Past President, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Member, National Auctioneers Association
Member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Licensed Minnesota Pharmacist
B. S. Pharmacy, North Dakota State University—Fargo, North Dakota
Col. John Schultz, Auctioneer, B.A.S. candidate
John Schultz
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) candidate, National Auctioneers Association (February 2008). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
2008 Vice President, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Board member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association: 2004-2006
Three years doing benefit auctions
A second generation, full time auctioneer
Member, National Auctioneers Association
Member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Graduate, World Wide College of Auctioneering
A.A., Northwestern College, 2006
Col. Matthew Schultz, Auctioneer, B.A.S.
Matthew Schultz
B.A.S (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist), National Auctioneers Association (October 2007). Less than one percent of auctioneers in North America have this specialized training and designation.
Six years doing benefit auctions
Three years as the Twin Cities’ Ducks Unlimited preferred auctioneer, with over 50 D. U. events to his credit
Life member, National Auctioneers Association
Member, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
A second generation auctioneer
2005 3rd place winner, Bid Calling Championship, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
2002 Rookie Bid Calling Champion, Minnesota State Auctioneers Association
Graduate, World Wide College of Auctioneering
A.A., Minneapolis Drafting School, 1998
To the editor of The Minnesota Auctioneer (magazine of the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association): “In Webster’s Dictionary ‘integrity’ is defined as: moral soundness, honesty, freedom from corrupting influence or motive; uprightness; rectitude; honesty of character. Kurt Johnson adheres to not only his own code of values, but the Minnesota State Auctioneer Association’s Code of Ethics. Minnesota auctioneers, when someone asks, “Who is in your leadership?” you can be proud of Kurt Johnson, an example of what every auctioneer can be. I’m proud to be a member of an association where the leadership not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk. Kurt Johnson is one of these people.” –Paul C. Behr, MSAA member since 1977
“Kurt, what can I say to a ‘hero’? I feel so humbled by what you do, how you do it, and who you are. You act quickly, decisively, professionally, and compassionately. It doesn’t get any better than that! On top of that you’re a nice man who I am proud to know. You raised us a bunch of money and you have a new following. When you run for President of the U.S.A., I want to be your campaign manager!” –Carolyn Vincent, Special Event Coordinator, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
“Jim, thank you again for a wonderful evening. We are truly grateful for your hard work, humor and skill. We far exceeded our expectations and we have you to thank for that!” –Anne Tretinyak, Auction Chair, St. Pius X School
“Jim, thanks so much for your participation in our event. Everyone was just so pleased with the way you handled the live auction, games and Fund-a-Need. It was delightful to have you there!” –Jan Maudlin, World Voices
“Jim, thank you for your terrific work with the CDH Hearts of Gold live auction. You were very helpful to me and the other volunteers. Thank you for contributing to the success of our event!” –Mary Sue Godfrey, Auction Chair, Cretin Derham Hall High School
“Jim, you did an awesome job. We are looking forward to doing business with you again next year.” –Michelle Ponsolle, St. Bernard’s School
“Larry, thank you so much for your unwavering commitment to making our event a huge success. I appreciate your tenaciousness in getting to know the items and our group. You are a fine professional! You broke all American Heart Association records (nationally!). Do you know how many events the AHA holds across the USA? Superb job!” –Ellen Olmscheid, American Heart Association
“John, a special thank you to you for the online bidding portion of the Linus Blankets St. Paul” live auction! It was truly a pleasure to work with you. The online option was an important part of the success of our auction. Who would have thought that the highest bid would go to an online bidder? That speaks for itself! Thanks for handling the calls from all over the United States, and helping people understand how this worked. The technical stuff went off without a hitch! –Sue Gonsior, Capital City Partnership
“Matthew, Thank you so much for a fun and successful auction gala at St. Pat’s. As usual, you did a tremendous job. Your great attitude and professionalism are truly appreciated. I look forward to working with you again next year. Thanks again.” –Diane Perillo, St. Patrick’s Church
