22 Questions for Roger Jacobs, Auctioneer

ROGER JACOBS, AUCTIONEER

Billings, Montana

e: Auctions@JacobsLivestock.com

by ABP & Roger Jacobs

1. How did you get started as an auctioneer?

I was very fortunate to work for the American Angus Association for several years in the late 70s and early 80s as a regional manager where I made lots of great contacts that were willing to take a chance on me as a young inexperienced auctioneer. The first person to hire me was Russ Denowh at Gartner Denowh Angus Ranch, one of the most respected breeders in the industry and his endorsement really helped. My inspiration to become an auctioneer came from tagging along with my father to a few cattle auctions as a kid and later listening to and working with some of the great auctioneers in the purebred industry.

2. What’s the furthest away from home you’ve been as an auctioneer?

I have sold in 25 states and Canada, the farthest away from home has been New York, California, Texas, Mississippi and Georgia.

3. Aside from being the world’s best auctioneer, you’re also the best tour guide, and probably the best real estate agent too. Is there anything else you do that we‘re not aware of?

That’s enough to keep me busy. I also enjoy being a lector at our church once or twice a month.

4. With the above question in mind, I can’t imagine you have much free time. Aside from sleeping, how do you occupy the other minutes on a given day?

I enjoy bird hunting, fishing and gardening in the little bit of spare time I have. My highest priority is to spend as much time with family as I can.

5. What do you think about where the cattle industry is headed?

I’m an eternal optimist and believe the cattle market will improve over the next several years. World population growth is going to require increased production and the production sector will be in a stronger position in years to come.

6. What advice would you give to a younger rancher today?

Everything in our world is changing with all the technology available to us today. Look at all of your options and be willing to change. Learn from the past and the mistakes along the way. You can’t change the past so be forward thinking. As I look back over my career nearly every time I resisted change I was wrong.

7. What do you like the best about the real estate business?

Every day in the farm and ranch real estate business is different. Showing and marketing listed properties is my favorite part and whether representing a seller or buyer I like the opportunity to provide a service to the client.

8. Your profile says you like to garden, what do you think of garden gnomes?

No gnomes in my garden, just my green thumb and a lot of hard work and attention to detail.

9. You’ve been blessed with an amazing memory, not only to recall names but also where they’re from.. What other superpowers do you have?

I don’t have any superpowers that I’m aware of but treating everybody the same regardless of who they are and treating people like I’d like to be treated has been a priority for me and is a key to remembering people.

10. What’s your favorite season of the year?

You can’t say sales season... My favorite season of the year is fall when I can spend some time afield with my bird dogs and enjoy the cooler weather.

11. What’s your favorite steakhouse ?

No question the Buffalo Block Steak House in Billings Montana.

12. Favorite cut? How do you like it cooked?

My favorite is a thick cut New York grilled medium rare.

13. This past MT Angus tour you had several mic and PA problems, which you easily overcame. Obviously, you’re used to dealing with issues like that. Has there ever been a sale or auction where the problems stood out among any others?

There have been multiple sound problems over the years. The most memorable was when the seller spilled his coffee into my amplifier and I had to sell the last thirty lots with no sound system.

14. Favorite vacation spot?

That’s an easy one, Shelter Cove Lodge in Craig, Alaska. About August 1st every year. Great fishing and the lodge is owned by a wonderful family with great food and great service.

15. What’s on your bucket list?

More vacation time and more fishing trips to new places.

16. Ford, Chevy, Dodge, or ?

Ford all the way.

17. With over 45 years as a regional manager and auctioneer, what’s the one experience that stands out?

You always remember the ones where a bull jumped into the auction block or got out into the crowd. There’s been about six of those. Also the first time or two selling a bull or female for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Roger was Emcee for the North Montana Angus tour last fall

18. What stands out as the worst?

The worst would have to be the time a bull jumped the auction block and hit me head on and knocking me out which caused me to lose my sense of smell.

19. 45 years is a long time. God forbid you ever retire, but if you do, what does that look like?

Spending more nights and time at home with my wife and best friend Sandy but staying active in the real estate business.

20. You’re an avid hunter as well. What’s been your most memorable hunting trip?

Spending days afield with my daughter Jackie while bird hunting, from the time she was 4 years old. Those days have all been special which we still do and she’s still an avid hunter in her early 40s. A couple trips to Canada for duck and goose hunting with a very special old friend, who‘s now deceased, are some of the most memorable as well.

21. What’s your lucky charm?

My lucky charm is my faith and trust in God.

22. Favorite Actor?

This probably dates me, but my favorite actors are Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.