Name: Robert "Bob" Steffes, CAI, GPPA

Year Inducted: 1999

Hometown: Fargo, N.D.

Business Name: Steffes Auctioneers, Inc.

Business Location: Fargo, N.D.

Auctioneer Since: 1960

Specialty: farm equipment, real estate, farm, light construction

Most Expensive Item Sold: A 3-year-old Challenger tractor for $171,000.

Most Unusual Item Sold: 10,000 earth worms.

Inspiration: His father.

Something Others Might Not Know: He won the 1972 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Contest. He used to be in plays in high school and college.

Auction Mishaps: During a pedigree cattle and 4-H auction on a cold, cold day in an auction barn in Rugby, N.D., the bidders sat on bleachers bundled up in layers of coats, clothing and hats. The heater in the barn just couldn't keep up with the cold. A bidder, who had bid on several livestock during the auction, but didn't have the winning bid, finally bought a hefer. Bob said "Sold to the boy!" The bidder stood up and "Sir, I'm not a boy. My name is Judy."

Family: Wife, Jean. Have been married and partners for 49 years. Six children (two of his sons and anephew are in the business) and 15 grandchildren.