We are thrilled to announce that David Whitaker, co-owner of Whitaker
Marketing Group, has been honored as the Broker of the Year by the Iowa Chapter
of the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI). This prestigious award recognizes
David’s exceptional achievements in land brokerage and his unwavering
dedication to clients across Iowa and the Midwest.
David is one of, if not the only, professional in Iowa to hold both the
Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) and the Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI)
designations. These elite certifications highlight his unparalleled expertise
in land transactions and auctions. He and his team continuously invest in
education and innovation to ensure they provide the highest level of service in
the industry.
David’s success is bolstered by the collaborative efforts of his wife and
business partner, Ann Whitaker. Together, they have propelled Whitaker
Marketing Group to become one of the fastest-growing firms in the state,
significantly impacting farmland sales throughout the region. While they may
not be the biggest company, they compete with and often outperform the largest
and most established firms in the industry.
Upon receiving the award, David expressed his gratitude:
“I am extremely honored to be recognized by my peers and this esteemed
professional organization. This achievement reflects the hard work and
dedication of our entire team at Whitaker Marketing Group.”
David also shared his philosophy on success:
“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and
looks like hard work.” — Thomas
Whitaker Marketing Group frequently assists families navigating the
complexities of selling farmland due to trusts, receiverships, or estate
executions. A notable example is the recent auction of a 142-year-old family
farm in Guthrie County, Iowa. Spanning 635.91 acres, this historic property had
been in the same family since 1882. The auction attracted approximately 150
attendees, with 60 registered bidders, and culminated in a total sale price of
around $9.5 million—exceeding the appraised value by nearly $600,000. This
outcome not only provided significant financial benefit to the sellers but also
ensured that the land remained in the hands of local farmers, preserving its
agricultural heritage. (agriculture.com)
Colleagues within the industry have lauded David’s leadership and expertise.
One industry professional remarked, “David Whitaker sets the standard for
professionalism and results in the land brokerage and auction industry. His
ability to connect sellers with the right buyers and deliver record-breaking
outcomes is unmatched. His leadership in the REALTORS® Land Institute and his
contributions to advancing land brokerage practices make him a well-respected
figure in our profession.”
While rooted in Iowa, Whitaker Marketing Group’s influence extends
nationally. Their comprehensive marketing strategies and commitment to
excellence have attracted buyers and investors from across the country,
facilitating transactions that have a lasting impact on the agricultural
landscape.
Looking ahead, Whitaker Marketing Group invites interested parties to
explore upcoming farmland auctions and investment opportunities. For more
information on their services and to view current listings, visit IowaLandGuy.com or contact
their office at 515-996-LAND (5263).
This accolade adds to the Whitakers’ recent recognitions. Earlier this year,
both David and Ann were inducted into the RLI APEX Producers Club,
acknowledging their impressive sales volume in 2024. They were honored at a
special awards ceremony during RLI’s 2025 National Land Conference in Tucson,
Arizona.
The REALTORS® Land Institute’s APEX Awards Program celebrates excellence and
high performance in land real estate. Being named Broker of the Year by the
Iowa Chapter underscores David’s expertise and commitment to the industry.
As Whitaker Marketing Group continues to grow, David and Ann remain
dedicated to serving their clients with integrity and professionalism, further
solidifying their reputation as leaders in land brokerage across the Midwest.
Their message is clear: they are a local company with a national reach, ready
to compete with and exceed the best in the business.
