David Whitaker Named Iowa’s Broker of the Year: How Hard Work and Expertise Built a Midwest Powerhouse

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.