Son to Carry on Family's Legacy at Chehalis Livestock Market

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As the smell of dirt and cattle fills the air, Aaron Parypa is continuing his father’s legacy.

Quickly calling out numbers and selecting bidders, Parypa keeps his steady eyes on the crowd of eager bidders hoping to get the best price on feeder and dairy cattle. 

The auctioneer recently graduated from Western College of Auctioneers in Billings, Montana, almost exactly 30 years after his father, Joe Parypa, graduated from the same college.

As Joe slowly transitions out of some of his responsibilities at Chehalis Livestock Market, Aaron will begin to pick up more roles at the third-largest cattle auction in the state of Washington.

“I’ll be working harder so he doesn’t have to,” Aaron said with a laugh. 

Last year, the Southwest Washington sale sold approximately $20 million in cattle. On Fridays alone, up to 400 head of cattle and 250 pigs, goats and sheep are auctioned off.

The reputable nature of the owners has allowed the business to create a large base of returning clients, some of whom have returned to the auction for decades. Aaron hopes to continue in the same manner, gaining trust as he further advances into the trade.

“It comes down to the honesty of the auctioneer; that goes a long way,” Aaron said. 

Joe, who owns the business with Dave Balmelli, has an extensive history in the auction industry. 

His stepfather was the owner of Midway Meats, and by the age of 19, Joe was selling cattle professionally. He was the 1987 World Reserve Grand Champion Auctioneer, a title that earned him second place in the world.

Although Joe leaves some sizeable expectations to fill, Aaron, who is a Centralia High School graduate, has a head start in the business. 



“He’s well versed as a ring man working with professional auctioneers already,” Joe said of his son. “Aaron’s greatest asset is he was trained by world class auctioneers.”

Originally, Aaron, 33, was not interested in stepping behind the microphone despite encouragements early on from his parents. Instead, his shyness restricted him from taking on the role until he reached the age of 30. 

After graduating from the two-week auctioneering course, Aaron’s opportunities were plentiful, something many others in his class did not have. Out of 27 graduates, only seven had something in the auction business to go back to.

“They were amazed with the opportunity he already has,” Joe said, adding that Chehalis Livestock Market was established in 1986. “He has the luxury of being trained already and is already in the business.” 

Joe said his son is way past that of a beginner. It wasn’t until recently that Joe realized just how qualified and confident Aaron is behind the microphone. 

“He’s miles ahead,” he said.

For Aaron, the excitement stems from having to think quickly in order to keep the auction running smoothly and effectively. This year, the livestock market will sell 23,000 cattle, and 3,000 pigs, goats and sheep, a large number for a local auction. Along with that, the company holds consignment sales and auto auctions throughout the year. 

“To perfect your trade, you have to think when you’re on your feet,” he said of his job. 

As Aaron continues to mature as an auctioneer, Joe will begin to step down from some of his duties. Although he will continue to run the business, he won’t spend as many hours on the block and will move more responsibility over to his son. .

“I won’t give it up completely — I’ll stay modestly active, but it’s a young man sport,” Joe, who is 60 said, especially of handling the cattle. “We’ll be in the auction business for years to come.”