Name: Andrew Benning
Major(s): Agricultural studies
Graduation year: 2017
Current job title and company/organization: Real estate sales associate for Mid Iowa Real Estate, Auctions, and Appraisals; also farm - row crops, cattle and hogs
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
Being a recruiter for Alpha Gamma Rho Agricultural Fraternity shaped me the most. It gave me a chance to travel all over Iowa, sit across the table from parents and talk about the experience their sons might have during college. Today, I do something similar, only now I am having conversations about farmland real estate. I also lived with my current co-worker, Kellen Suntken, while at AGR. We invited our current boss, Jeff Obrecht “The Dirt Dealer,” over as a dinner guest, which was one of the things that led us both to land at Mid Iowa Real Estate, Auctions, and Appraisals.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
I was involved in several clubs at Iowa State and always encourage students to take advantage of internships, study abroad programs, and any other opportunity that only college can offer. The two clubs I held the most leadership in were Farm Operations Club and AGR. Both allowed me to lead and grow in a supportive environment while at Iowa State. The network that I built through these organizations continues to serve me well today. I lean on those connections in both real estate and on our farm. Those leadership roles also gave me confidence that when I left Ames, I knew that if I worked hard, had direction and maintained a high level of character, I could accomplish my goals going forward.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
My grandpa told me the first summer I came back from Ames, “All farming is, is different problems coming up, and it’s how you deal with them that matters.” That mindset stuck with me. So, while there is not one glaring problem I have dealt with, but rather a steady stream of them such as weather delays, equipment breakdown, farm succession, market swings, land deals that fall apart, or livestock health issues. Every day brings something new. Whether I’m working cattle or negotiating a farm sale, the mindset is to stay calm, be creative and find a solution to move forward. That’s the nature of both farming and real estate – think on your feet and keep moving forward.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentors. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at every stage of life. People who were willing to share their experience, offer guidance and help me think through big decisions. Parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, professors, neighbors, bosses, bankers, agronomists and the list goes on. There are a lot of good people in the world. Find them, learn from them, and let them help you grow.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
“You’re either improving or you’re regressing.” This advice stuck with me because it always reminded me I need to be intentional of always moving forward and bettering myself. Being conscience of this has allowed me to consistently move forward not only in farming and real estate, but also in life as a whole.