Shannon Akin Sales Associate

Shannon, a native of Boone County, Missouri, was raised on the family's farming and cattle operation. He has been a state certified real estate appraiser in Columbia, MO, for the past 12 years. This diverse background, combined with his passion for hunting, fishing and all things outdoors, gives you the confidence in his ability to help you find the right property at the right price. When Shannon is not busy working or hunting, he enjoys supporting organizations such as the National Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and Whitetails Unlimited. Shannon specializes in Recreational Properties, but is well versed in all types of Real Estate. Shannon is licensed in Missouri.

Shawn Charles Sales Associate

Shawn Charles was born and raised in Mexico, Missouri. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Missouri - Columbia in 2009. He enjoys spending time on the farm with his dog, being in the tractor, hunting, watching Chiefs and Mizzou football games, and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He’s a member of QDMA, NWTF and NRA.

Shawn has been finding and managing land investment properties since 2009. His love and passion for hunting led him to search for and find desirable land purchases for family members. These land purchases allowed him to pursue a farming career and start a hunting outfit to help others experience quality, successful hunts.

Shawn’s personal experience as a hunter, farmer and land investor gives him a unique perspective. He excels in finding and understanding real-estate opportunities. Shawn is the go-to person for both sellers and buyers to help with transactions of farms, land and recreational land investments in Missouri.

John Dyer Sales Associate

Thanks for letting John introduce himself.  John Dyer graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1998 with a BS in Agriculture and a minor in Business.  In 1999, he obtained his real estate license and started the commitment to bringing buyers and sellers together in this natural treasure we call land.  John’s understanding of clients who hunt, those who farm, those who invest and those who own land for mere pleasure have entrusted him in the execution of land transactions in a timely and hassle-free environment.  His personal insight of land ownership in rural Missouri gives him the opportunity to teach and pass on the highs and lows to his 2 children.  Land is a great gift from which children can learn life lessons and enjoy memories for years to come.  God has provided John with a loving wife, 2 healthy and crazy kids and a way of life that is not work when you love what you do.  In 2013, John was ranked #14 in land sales and in 2016 he was ranked #8 in land sales within the United County system.  John’s greatest attribute is having current & past clients turn into what he calls good friends. John is licensed in Missouri.

Evan Eikermann Sales Associate

Evan was born and raised on a family farm in Hermann Missouri. Here he learned at a young age that hard work and dedication was needed to be successful in completing some of the most difficult tasks that he faced. He later graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In his spare time you will find him relaxing on the river or chasing trophy whitetails while spending time on his family farm. Evan is committed to providing the best customer service possible while establishing lifelong friendships.  Evan is a Realtree Land Pro who is licensed in Missouri.

Ashley Hall Sales Associate

Ashley was born and raised in Boone County, Missouri. Her passion for people is inherent but her passion for finding dream homes began as a young child of custom wood workers. At 20 years old she served as support staff, receiving her license 8 years later. Ashley has served hundreds of families around the area and proves to truly have a knack for this business. Ashley is licensed in Missouri.

Ken Heck Sales Associate

As a lifelong outdoorsman as well as a landowner, Ken brings over 16 years of experience buying and selling farmland for both investment and recreation. He has gained a thorough knowledge of the locations and types of properties that investors, hunters or people seeking a place to relax and get-away for the weekend are looking for. Ken is experienced with 1031 exchanges and various Government programs available to landowners (i.e.-CRP, WRP). Let Ken help you find the farm you have always wanted! Ken is licensed in Missouri.

Eric Hollenberg Broker/Associate

Eric, a lifelong mid-Missouri native, is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor of science in finance and banking with an emphasis in real estate. Eric and his wife, Sarah, make their home in Columbia and can often be found cheering on the Missouri Tigers. With the knowledge and experience he has gained as a licensed realtor since 2009 and his 3+ years of experience as a commercial and farm Real Estate Appraiser, Eric can assist either buyers or sellers in several spheres of the real estate market. His career as a realtor is supported by his passion for creating productive relationships and the satisfaction he gains in helping customers achieve their goals. A graduate of United Country’s Associate Power program, Eric is able to customize an individualized real estate plan by blending all the offerings of the United Country national marketing programs with his own local expertise. Eric is licensed in Missouri.

Matt Kirchner Sales Associate

I grew up on a family farm in Rural Clark County, where I still currently reside with my wife and two children.  Growing up in the whitetail trophy rich area of Northeast Missouri and Southeast Iowa, the outdoors have been a huge part of my life especially deer hunting.  Helping you find that perfect hunting farm, piece of great tillable ground or the perfect weekend getaway recreational piece is what I love to do!  I will make you priority #1 to get that accomplished. Matt is licensed in Missouri and Iowa.

Hayden Lee Sales Associate

Hayden Lee is a 2018 Missouri State University graduate with a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation and a minor in Forestry. He recently received his Missouri real estate license and is looking forward to working with United Country Real Estate. Although Hayden is new to the real estate realm, he has worked on custom homes and helped bring individual’s dreams to reality the past five years. He is very passionate about the outdoors and wants to help clients find, create, and enjoy owning their dream properties. Hayden believes that the relationship between agent and client goes far beyond the sale and can create long lasting friendships.

The drive to get outside started in him at a very young age. Stumbling around the farm pond with a fishing pole in his hand, Hayden learned the pursuit of whitetail and waterfowl. He considers himself very blessed to be able to have learned the appreciation and potential of Mother Nature and wants to pass that feeling on to future outdoor enthusiasts. Along with hunting pursuits and fishing, Hayden also enjoys spending a lot of his time with friends and family. He recently got engaged to his high school sweetheart and is very excited for what lies ahead for the two of them. Hayden is hard working and committed to all that he does and brings this attribute to the table when working with clients.

Brian Lensing Sales Associate

Brian comes from a small community in central Missouri where he operated a large scale farming and cattle operation. He later went on to establish a commercial contracting company specializing in site grading and utility installation for large shopping centers. He has since left the contracting business to concentrate on commercial real estate brokerage. His many years in agriculture and commercial contracting give him a unique perspective and ability with a wide range of revenue producing real estate. Brian also has extensive experience in bankruptcy liquidation, trustee disposition and bank owned sales. He is currently pursuing the CCIM designation which will add to his expertise in commercial real estate. Brian is licensed in Missouri and Kansas.

Barbie Mankey Sales Associate

Barbie characterizes integrity, hard work and professionalism in every aspect of her life. She is family oriented with a devotion to her husband and two children. They live just outside of Prairie Home with their two dogs. She has been in sales and marketing since 2007. Barbie started working for Interstate Studios in 2011 where she won two excellence in photography awards. Her journey has prepared her for all her success as a Real Estate Agent. She has an approachable demeanor that makes everyone feel comfortable. Her skills are used to make your dreams a reality. Your goals become hers, with customer service as a top priority. Barbie is licensed in Missouri.

Justin Pollard Sales Associate

Justin Pollard is a multi-million dollar sales agent with United Country Missouri Land & Home and a recipient of the Pinnacle Gold Award of Excellence for real estate sales volume. Justin has evolved into one of the leaders in agricultural-based properties, focusing on large, highly tillable investment properties and recreational properties nationwide.  

His extensive network of contacts includes investment companies, independent investors and local landowners, as well as real estate agents and brokers across the country. With established contacts, capabilities and a plethora of resources at his disposal, Justin provides unmatched service to his clients.

On a personal level, Justin was raised in Shelby County, Missouri. Growing up he was very involved in both 4-H and FFA. When Justin wasn’t raising and showing cattle, he was playing sports. Justin attended Northwest Missouri State University where he was a member and officer of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. In 2002, Justin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a minor in Commercial Agriculture.

Justin currently resides in Macon with his wife, Megan, and their children, Allison and Rhett. When not assisting buyers and sellers, Justin enjoys spending time with his family showing livestock, hunting, coaching and attending sporting events.

Contact me at (660) 346-8840 for your real estate needs. 

Scotty Slavens Sales Associate

Scotty was born and raised in northern Montgomery County, MO.  He has raised cattle, hogs and row crops on a family farm in addition to running a trucking business that hauled livestock, grain, fertilizer and feed products.  Scotty has a son, 3 grandsons, a granddaughter and a great grandson.  He enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing and pulling antique tractors.  In the winter, Scotty heads south and in the summer he enjoys sitting in the shade on his porch. Licensed in Missouri.

Cherie Straub Sales Associate

Cherie Straub has the actual knowledge and true hands on experience that you need when buying or selling your home. During the years, while her husband was an active United States Airman, they would buy a home, fix it up, and re-sell when it was time to move. Moving around as much as a Military family has to, provided several  opportunities to resell homes and gain priceless knowledge and experience about the real estate industry. The Straubs lived in 9 states in 14 years with their three daughters. Few, if any, other real estate agents have ever had this type of "hands on" training.

Cherie and her family are no longer required to periodically relocate and now reside in Ashland, Missouri. She helps clients navigate and negotiate the ever changing real estate market throughout Central Missouri. Just read a few of her past client testimonials, and you will quickly see that her passion for what she does has been a huge benefit to her past clients, many of which have used her services more than once. When you are buying or selling Real Estate, don’t hesitate to call Cherie! You will be glad you did.

Cherie is licensed in Missouri.

Troy Thurman Sales Associate

Troy is a lifelong resident of Cooper County MO. where he resides with his wife. He has two grown children who spent their youth working with him on their family farm.    Years of operating the family farm gave him extensive knowledge in farming and cattle operations.  This hands on experience was key in Troy consistently being one of the top sales leaders in agriculture income producing and recreational properties nationwide. Troy’s expertise for buyers is finding properties whether they are listed on the market or not.  Troy’s expertise for sellers is to ensure that their property has the best nationwide exposure.  Troy is licensed in Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. 

Troy covers all areas of real estate because he is able to represent sellers and buyers.  He has experience with large institutional investment clients as well as individual sellers and buyers on a national basis.  His advice to sellers: “Selling your property is not just throwing up a sign as it was 30 years ago, it’s about recognizing that each piece of property is unique and must be marketed correctly.”  It is important to consider whether a property should be auctioned or marketed traditionally thru listing and his expertise in this area is invaluable for a seller to make the right decision.   His advice to buyers: “I can’t stress the importance of sitting down one on one with potential buyers and working out exactly what they are looking for, it’s all in the details, the wants and the needs.”  Personal interaction, education and communication is key for buyers.

Troy has a very simple philosophy, treat people like you want to be treated while being honest and trustworthy and this is what has contributed to Troy becoming the United Country Franchise # 5 sales associate nationwide in 2012, # 3 sales associate nationwide in 2013 and # 4 sales associate nationwide in 2017. Troy is licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, and Iowa.

Matt Thurman Sales Associate

Matt was born and raised in Cooper county MO. During high school Matt worked for several area farmers expanding his knowledge of farming operations. After high school Matt started his construction career. 

Matt was a union carpenter on many large projects in Missouri for a period of 5 years before starting his own construction company. Matt specialized in custom and spec home construction throughout central Missouri. Matt ran his business for almost 15 years before acquiring his real estate license. Matt has specialized in agricultural and land sales for his clients since 2012 and prides himself of working honestly and professionally for all his clients. Matt looks forward to assisting you with your buying and selling needs.

Matt was named the #2 in sales volume for the United Country Missouri Land and Home in 2014.

2015- Pinnacle Bronze award

2016- Pinnacle Silver award

2017- Pinnacle Bronze award

2018- Pinnacle club award

Jason Thurman Sales Associate

Jason grew up on a cattle farm in Cooper County, Missouri. This way of life taught him about working hard and seeing the benefits of that hard work. A double major, Business Administration and Marketing was the reward for his hard work in education at Columbia College. The combination of farming life and getting his degree has taught Jason many skills that he now carries over to the real estate business. Personally, Jason is an outdoorsman - hunting and fishing are at the top of his list with a passion for chasing giant whitetails. I enjoy meeting new people and gaining knowledge of all types of properties, which are the items that attracted me to the real estate business. I am proud to be part of one of the top agencies in the nation, United Country Missouri Land & Home! Jason is licensed in Missouri and Iowa.

Cody Thurman Sales Associate

Cody has been a Missouri native his entire life. He has served as an EMT for the past 3 years working both a full time and a part time job. Additionally, Cody has been in the United States Air Force Reserve for the past 2 years serving with the Fire Protection Unit at Whitman AFB. He is currently finishing his associate’s degree in both Conservation and Fire Science.
When not busy working, Cody enjoys hunting turkey and giant whitetails with a special passion for bow hunting. Cody is licensed in Missouri.

Wes Tiemann Auctioneer

The auction business has been the focal point of a professional career centered around the cattle industry for Wes. Being raised on a farm in Audrain county sparked a work ethic that has taken him around the country to over 1,000 farms and ranches and 700 auctions as an auctioneer, ring man, sale manager, or consultant. It’s an understanding of people’s needs and desires that makes working such a diverse landscape possible. Wes manages a successful monthly publication for the Missouri Cattleman's Association and is partners in a purebred Angus consulting firm. Wes has put sales and long term business plans together for people of all walks of life working in a professional and prompt manor to execute a successful sales strategy. While work takes a lot of time from his young family and church he is dedicated greatly to them both and holds traditional American values dear. Wes is licensed in Missouri and Kansas.

Phil Weidinger Sales Associate

Phil Weidinger is from the mid-Missouri town of Vienna.  During high school Phil founded/operated a lawn care business and worked on his family's cattle ranch in addition to raising angus show steers.  Phil graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Finance/Banking and Economics.  He then moved to the Kansas City metro area for 4 years, and during this time he earned his real estate salesperson's license where he gained experience in transactions involving rehab properties.  Phil's passion for the mid-Missouri way of life brought him back to central Mo in spring of 2017. Phil is licensed in Missouri.

Garrett Wood Sales Associate

Garrett has been heavily rooted in Agriculture from a very young age.  Specializing in Agricultural real estate is a seamless fit for Garrett after growing up working on his family farm.  Garrett now Farms and runs a 125 head Purebred Angus cattle operation (Crooked Creek Angus) in Northwest Missouri.  He has served as a real estate agent for 8 years.  Between his understanding of farming and his love for bow hunting and the outdoors he brings a knowledge to Agricultural real estate from all aspects that few agents can. 

Garrett is heavily involved in his community, serving on the local Hospital board, school board, and cattleman’s association.  Family values and honesty are how he approaches all aspects of business and life.  Garrett and his wife Jayme are raising a young family of 3 daughters and 1 son in the Northwest Corner of Missouri.  Garrett is looking forward to working with one of the top Real Estate offices. 

“I enjoy working for families on their agricultural properties.  Selling the family farm only happens once in a lifetime and I want to make sure I do all that I can to communicate and make the process as easy for the family as possible while still getting the best price available according to the market.”

Garrett is licensed in Missouri.

Melinda Bastian Marketing Specialist/Sales Associate

Melinda Bastian started her career with United Country – Missouri Land and Home in the spring of 2011 as an Administrative Assistant. While working in that role, Melinda earned her Missouri Real Estate License. In addition to being an auction specialist, she is in charge of marketing and web design for Missouri Land & Home in Columbia.

Her marketing and auction experience as well as extensive knowledge of pasture and farm land make farms and ranches Melinda’s specialties. Growing up on a farm in Central Missouri and then marrying a farmer/rancher and helping him with the day-to-day decisions and activities on the farm gives Melinda a good grasp on farm and ranch values.  Audrain county is known for its exceptional farmland, but is also home to a large number of cattle.  

Melinda and her husband have operated a 150-plus head, cow herd for nearly 30 years in addition to a small row crop operation. The couple has also been active with their sons, Chris and Jesse, in 4-H, FFA and several cattle organizations over the years.  She knows what it takes to make a family farm work in today's changing ag economy.  When she's not busy with real estate or farm activities, you can find her relaxing in the outdoors fishing with her kids and grandkids or at a church function.  Associating with top-notch individuals is important to Melinda and her family, which is the main reason she came to work with Kurt and Ann at Missouri Land & Home. Melinda is licensed in Missouri and is a Realtree Land Pro.

Ann Hollenberg Broker-Associate

Raised on a farm in East Central Missouri, Ann continued to actively participate in the agricultural industry after she and Kurt married in 1985. Along with assisting in the family farming operation, and raising two sons, Ann spent many years as a classroom teacher. During this time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. In 2002, she received her Missouri Realtors sales license and acquired her Missouri Broker’s License in 2009, when she began serving as the Office Manager for United Country - Missouri Land & Home.

With a passion for learning and the desire to offer the best services to the sales agents and the customers of the real estate business she and Kurt have built, Ann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies in December 2013. Most recently, Ann has attended the University of Missouri School of Law. A common thread in her background is her genuine interest in people and assisting them in achieving their goals and dreams. Ann is licensed in Missouri.

Kurt Hollenberg Broker/owner

For Kurt Hollenberg, broker/owner of United Country Missouri Land & Home and United Country-Commercial, an active engagement in the farming industry at a young age sparked his interest in property ownership.  Family entrepreneurship is also in his heritage.  Running a real estate brokerage allows him to combine both—he’s proud that today his wife and oldest son are part of the organization. 

Kurt is intentional about promoting a team atmosphere in the office, built for the purpose of customer satisfaction.  In turn, Kurt’s agents and customers have described him as being, “fair, dedicated, sincere, knowledgeable, and professional.”  Kurt describes himself as “driven”.  His business philosophy is simple:  “Communication is key,” he says.  “There should be no assumptions---ask and ask, again.  And above all—listen.”

Kurt’s involvement with The REALTOR Land Institute, and his United Country franchise affiliation, allows him to visit regularly with brokers throughout the nation.  Constant exposure to new marketing ideas, leadership strategies and industry practices keeps him current, transferring this knowledge to his team and ultimately the customer. 

Under his professional care and guidance, for the past 9 years, Kurt’s team has consistently ranked in the top 5 offices of the United Country Franchise.  Currently, Kurt is United Country Real Estate’s National Farm Director and also serves as the Past President for the Missouri chapter of the REALTORS Land Institute.  Kurt has obtained his Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) certification.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and working on the farm with his youngest son, tending to the family cattle operation. Kurt is a Realtree Land Pro who is licensed in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Iowa.