Mike grew up in Western Kansas and started attending auctions with his grandparents. Because of that experience, he knew from a young age that he wanted to be an auctioneer. After graduation from Kansas State University, he attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering. Along the way he also obtained his Real Estate License, allowing him to sell a wider variety of properties. After working in the industry for a number of years, Mike made his lifelong dream come true by opening his own business, Burkhart Real Estate and Auction! He and his wife, Tara, live in Dodge City and recently welcomed a daughter, Sutton. Mike enjoys traveling, cheering on the KSU Wildcats, and drag racing!