MOUNT ZION, IL, December 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Justin Wheeler has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Currently serving as assistant vice president, auctioneer and managing real estate broker at First Mid Ag Services, Mr. Wheeler has led a distinguished career in farm management and real estate. Over the course of more than a decade, he has become an expert in farm management who represents landowners throughout Central Illinois — a region notable for its high concentration of nonresident farmland owners. In this capacity, he acts as a vital bridge between landowners and farmers, ensuring the objectives of his clients are met while fostering collaborative relationships with those who work the land.

Mr. Wheeler's responsibilities at First Mid Ag Services encompass managing listings, following up on offers, coordinating closings and directing the complex logistics involved in both traditional sales and auctions. Managing approximately 10,000 acres of land, he confirms that all advertising materials are prepared, oversees grain sales and works closely with farmers to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standard.

For the first half of his career, Mr. Wheeler focused on client representation and engaged significantly in real estate brokerage related to farmland. Around 2019, as commodity prices rose and land values increased, he recognized a surge in real estate activity. Volunteering to take on a more active role in this area, he obtained an auctioneer's license — an initially daunting step due to his lack of experience with public speaking. Nevertheless, his decision proved pivotal as he witnessed unprecedented growth in farmland values across Central Illinois.

Mr. Wheeler's commitment to excellence was nationally recognized in 2024 when he was named one of the top 20 land brokers in the United States by the Realtors® Land Institute (RLI). Inspired by his first attendance at the national land conference and motivated by the awards dinner, he hired a life coach and adopted new strategies to further elevate his performance. This dedication culminated in his inclusion among the award recipients — a milestone that stands as a testament to his hard work and adaptability amid favorable market conditions.

Acknowledged through several more prestigious honors throughout his career, Mr. Wheeler was presented with the APEX 2024 Top 20 National Producer Award from RLI in 2025, the Pinnacle Award from First Mid Ag Services in 2024 and the Chairman's Award for Excellence from First Mid Bancshares Inc. in 2021.

To share insights and stay aware of best practices, Mr. Wheeler is actively involved in industry organizations such as the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Inc. and the Illinois State Auctioneers Association. He is also affiliated with Mt. Zion Odd Fellows, which gives back to the local community through fundraising events, scholarships for exemplary students, drug prevention education and more.

Dedicated to the ideals of continuous learning, Mr. Wheeler earned a master's degree in agronomy science from Illinois State University in 2014 after completing triple bachelor's degrees in crop and soil science, agronomy industry management and agricultural business at the same institution in 2012. He began his educational journey with an initial focus on accounting but shifted toward agriculture after he decided to commute from his hometown of Mount Zion to campus and assist his father on their family farm during his high school years. Recognizing the competitive nature of the job market, he pursued graduate studies while working on his thesis.

While completing his master's studies, Mr. Wheeler discovered an opportunity in farm management with a position based in Decatur. Despite not having studied directly in the field during his coursework at Illinois State, he interviewed for and accepted the role, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

To augment his knowledge and leadership qualifications, Mr. Wheeler is certified as an Accredited Land Consultant by Realtors® Land Institute, an accredited farm manager by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and as a licensed remote pilot for small unmanned aircraft systems by the Federal Aviation Administration. Furthermore, he is licensed as both a managing broker and real estate broker by the State of Illinois.

Reflecting on his storied journey thus far, Mr. Wheeler attributes much of his success to surrounding himself with talented individuals — particularly Dave Klein, managing broker at First Mid Ag Services — whose mentorship has been invaluable. He also credits his parents for instilling in him strong morals and emphasizes that clear communication is essential for successful transactions within real estate.

Happily married and a proud father of two daughters, Mr. Wheeler cherishes spending time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing outside of work. Looking toward the future, he aims to continue delivering exceptional service to his clients while operating at the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct within the agriculture industry. Committed to making a significant impact by prioritizing client goals above all else, he has built a legacy of outstanding leadership, continuous growth and helping others through everything he does.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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