Dean Cates, Founder
(1912 - 1989)

The Cates Auction reputation for honesty and integrity began when Dean Cates conducted his first auction back in 1942. When his grandmother passed away, Dean convinced the family he was ready to handle the estate auction and thus began not only a long career, but also a successful, multi-generational company!

In 1945, Dean attended the first class ever held at the Reisch Auction School in Mason City, Iowa. In 1949, he began working for the Court of Appeals office in Kansas City and also conducted bankruptcy auctions.

In 1951, Dean began what would become a life long commitment as an instructor for the Missouri Auction School.

As a charter member of both the National Auctioneers Association and the Missouri Professional Auctioneers Assoc., Dean was a tremendous believer in education for auctioneers and devoted his life to the continuous improvement of these organizations and the auction profession.

In 1986, after 44 years of service to the auction business and 35 years as an instructor, Dean was honored by his colleagues as he was inducted into the Missouri Auctioneer's Hall of Fame.

Bill Cates
(1938 - 2003)

Bill grew up in the auction world and joined his father to work in the family business at an early age. He conducted his first auction at a church box supper at the age of 10.

Bill was the featured auctioneer on the live television broadcasts of Channel 50's fund raising auction and traveled around the country as the wildlife art expert auctioneer for Ducks Unlimited.

For 35 years, Bill also worked as a real estate appraiser for the Clay County Assessor's Office. Thus, his knowledge of real estate values blended well into his auction profession.

Through out his 40 year career, Bill worked in every facet of the auction business, bringing his extensive knowledge and experience to over 2000 auctions. True to his reputation, Bill knew how to market, sell and manage the auction process to generate successful outcomes for every client.

Jeff Cates, President
CAI, AARE, CAGA, BROKER-ASSOCIATE

Jeff also grew up in the family auction business and helped with everything from set up to clean up from an early age. Jeff began his studies at William Jewell College in 1981 and completed his BSBA degree with a functional major in Computer Information Systems from Central Missouri State University in 1984.

After graduation from College, Jeff worked part-time in the family auction business while managing a full time in the computer hardware and software industry.

In 1993, more than 50 years after his Grandfather's first auction, Jeff joined the family auction business on a full time basis and began building his professional creditentials. That same year he graduated from the Missouri Auction School and became a licensed real estate salesperson. The following year he attended the Certified Appraisers Guild of America program to become a certified appraiser and also began instructing at the Missouri Auction School.

In 1995, Jeff completed the three year, executive development program with the Certified Auctioneer's Institute at Indiana University to earn the coveted CAI designation. This is the highest designation awarded in the auction industry and requires ongoing qualification and continuing education.

In 1996, Jeff won the title of Missouri State Champion Auctioneer and in 1997 was a finalist in the International Auctioneer competition. In 1999, Jeff earned the designation of Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate and in 2000 became licensed as the firm's Real Estate Broker.