294: Small Town Colorado to World Champion Auctioneer: Inside John Korrey’s Career and Legacy

This episode marks the kickoff of our King of the Ring episodes, and Lauren is joined by World Champion auctioneer John Korrey to start it off. From growing up in northeastern Colorado to becoming a World Livestock Auctioneer Champion and traveling the globe, John shares the story behind his career, the evolution of the auction industry, and the role auction markets still play in cattle country today. This conversation goes deeper than just auctioneering—it’s about legacy, relationships, faith, and giving back. John also shares powerful advice for the next generation and what it truly takes to succeed in this business. This is a real and honest look at a life built in the auction industry and the impact one person can have along the way.

Links

King of the Ring - https://www.korauction.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio John Korrey - http://www.korreyauctions.com/John%20Korrey%20BIO.htm CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premiumCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways-

- John Korrey’s journey from small-town Colorado to World Champion auctioneer

- How auctioneering has evolved from local markets to global and online platforms

- Why auction markets still play a critical role in price discovery and community

- The importance of relationships, trust, and reputation in the livestock industry

- How the internet has changed auctions—but hasn’t replaced the auctioneer

- The discipline and persistence it takes to succeed in auctioneering

- Why contests like King of the Ring help develop and strengthen the industry

- Advice for young auctioneers entering the profession today

- The importance of giving back through charity and community involvement

- Building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and service

Chapters

00:00 – Intro + King of the Ring series kickoff
02:00 – John Korrey’s background and how he got started
05:30 – Early career and learning the craft of auctioneering
08:30 – How the auction industry has changed over time
12:00 – The role of auction markets in today’s cattle industry
15:30 – Internet auctions vs live auctions
18:30 – Traveling the world as an auctioneer
22:30 – Competing and winning the World Championship
25:30 – Advice for the next generation of auctioneers
29:30 – Lessons learned and career reflections
32:30 – Legacy, faith, and giving back
35:30 – King of the Ring preview + closing thoughts

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