Your Neighbors in the Auctioneering Business for Over 20 Years
Josh and Kristen Hickey were married in 2006. They live near Steward, IL with their 2 sons , Hank and Everett. They live on farm where they raise crops and have a cow and calf operation. Kristen works for the auction company full time, along with raising their boys and working seasonally at a local Tax and Accounting office. Hank and Everett enjoy working around the farm, at the auctions, and for other local farmers. They are involved in 4-H, FFA, and various school sports. We are proud members of Shabbona Community Church where Josh is a Trustee, Kristen is on the Missions board and the boys are in the youth group.
Josh is a second generation auctioneer and has been a licensed auctioneer since 2004 after graduating from World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City IA., selling sales of all types, including, real estate, household, collectibles, tools and antiques but specializing in farm machinery, rural real estate and automobile auctions.
Josh is a licensed Auctioneer in IL and WI, and is an IL licensed Real Estate Broker offering listing services with Bearrows Real Estate, in Rochelle, IL . Josh and Kristen began working local auctions with Bearrows Real Estate & Auction Co. in 2004 right up until 2025 when John Bearrows decided to slow down a bit and turn the auctions over to Josh and Kristen. Josh began working wholesale automobile auctions in 2004, learning the ropes from his Father and Step Mother, and has been conducting more than 300 auto auctions annually for many years now.
Professional Affiliations and Accolades:
- Illinois State Champion Auctioneer 2011
- Finalist – World Automobile Auctioneer Championship 2018,2019,2022,2024
- Auctioneer at Bearrows Real Estate & Auction Co. 2004-2025
- Real Estate Broker since 2005 and currently affiliated with Bearrows Real Estate in Rochelle, IL
- Auctioneer at Greater Milwaukee Auto Auction 2005 – present
- Auctioneer at Badger State Auto Auction / America’s Auto Auction WI 2006 – present
- Auctioneer at Fairway Auto Auction 2010 – present
- Auctioneer at Midstate Auto Auction / America’s Auto Auction Southern WI 2016 – present
- Auctioneer at Adesa Chicago 2017 – present
- Auctioneer at Greater Rockford Auto Auction 2019 – present
- Ringman at Evansville Auto Auction 2005 – 2010
- Auctioneer at Insurance Auto Auctions 2006 – 2020
- Member : Illinois State Auctioneer’s Association
- Member :National Auction Association
- Member :Hometown Association of Realtors
- Member :National Association of Realtors
- Member :WI Auctioneer Association
- Member :DeKalb / Kane Cattleman’s Association
- Member :IL Beef Association
- Member :Lee County Farm Bureau
- Trustee :Willow Creek Township Board 2008 – 2020