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Member Spotlight: Jeral Gross

By ASFMRA Press posted 05-06-2021 04:16 PM

  
Here's another great Member Spotlight coming from the South Dakota Chapter, this time on Jeral Gross. Jeral is based out of Mitchell, South Dakota, and is focused on growing his appraisal practice, Appraisal Associates, Inc.

Describe your experience and education related to the property professional field.


I grew up on a family farm near Bridgewater, SD, where we raised corn, soybeans, and wheat. We also maintained a cow/calf operation. Through this experience, I knew I wanted to do something in agriculture. After graduating from Augustana College with a BA degree in Business Administration, I worked for two lending institutions: Community First (now Bank of the West) in Platte, SD, and First National Bank South Dakota (now FNBO) in both Mitchell and Yankton, SD, as a VP – Ag/Commercial Lending. This gave me the opportunity to stay involved in production agriculture including real estate markets and transactions.

Describe what led you to becoming a chapter member of the South Dakota ASFMRA.

My final decision to join was when Paul Reisch personally invited me to join the chapter and attend one of the East River Breakfast Meetings. The members present were very welcoming. The event hosted was a good mixture of farm managers and appraisers whom I grew to know better. I also took ASFMRA classes for my certification process where I found fellow classmates as well as the instructors to be welcoming and knowledgeable about agriculture in matters important to rural America.

I have made several contacts through the organization that have proven to be excellent relationships as I continue to develop as an appraiser and grow my appraisal practice, Appraisal Associates, Inc.

Describe personal background items that would be of interest to fellow chapter members.

My wife Andrea and I live in Mitchell, SD, and we have two daughters, Brielle (6) and Brooklyn (4). Prior to becoming a Certified General Appraiser, I managed The Title Company in Mitchell. Through this relationship, I had the opportunity to become one of the principal owners of Lake County Abstract in Madison, SD.

When I am not working or spending time with my family, I enjoy helping out whenever possible on the family farm, volunteering at our church, as well as finding time to golf in the summer and attend a few basketball games in the winter.

Describe a few memorable or unique experiences in your life.

In 2010 I graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado.

In 1994 I was one of four National Star Farmer Finalists with the National FFA and received my American FFA Degree. This honor provided me the opportunity to travel and explore agriculture in Europe while making life-long friends. I also had the privilege to judge the National Star Farmer Finalist for the next several years.
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