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John Beechy, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2016

John Beechy, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2016

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Grand Rapids, Michigan – John Beechy of Napanee, Indiana won the title, Michigan Auctioneer Champion at the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship was held on February 17 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. 21 Contestants competed for the coveted title. The 5 Finalists were John Beechy (Nappanee, Ind.), Romayne Graber (Charlotte, Mich), Frank E. Leist (Petoskey, Mich.), Jarron Miller (Huntington, Ind), and Sara Rose (Naples, Fla). For winning the title, John received a championship ring, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Also taking home honors were Frank E. Leist and Sara Rose. Rose was the 1st runner up and Leist was the 2nd runner up.

John began his auction career in the spring of 2009 after graduating from Reppert Auction School. He joined the Indiana and Michigan Auctioneers Associations shortly thereafter. John is currently traveling 3 to 4 states doing 5 to 7 auction’s per week selling automobiles, real estate, antiques, collector cars and charity auctions. John recently joined the Halderman Real Estate Services team assisting them with their real estate auction side. He also shares his expertise and talents with aspiring new auctioneers as an instructor at Reppert Auction School.

In 2013, John was named the 2013 Indiana Auctioneer Champion. In 2014, he also was named the 2014 Michigan Ringman Champion and now in 2016, the Michigan Auctioneer Champion. When John is not busy doing auctions he enjoys playing golf and spending time on the lake with friends.

John is humbled and honored to be named the 2016 Michigan Champion he looks forward to representing the Michigan Auctioneer Association at the 2016 NAA Conference and Show in Grand Rapids in July.

Henry Detweiler, Michigan Ringman Champion 2016

Henry Detweiler, Michigan Ringman Champion 2016


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Grand Rapids, Michigan – Auctioneer Henry Detweiler of Charlotte, Michigan was awarded the honor of the 2016 Michigan Ringman Champion on February 17 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A field of 8 contestants from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio entered the competition.

Henry was fortunate enough to also win the Michigan Auctioneer Champion title in January 2012. Henry is a first generation auctioneer from Charlotte, Michigan, where he is a member of the Yutzy Auction Service, a team of professional auctioneers conducting a wide variety of consignment, farm, real estate and personal property auctions every year.

Henry married the love of his life, Edna Mae Graber, on August 7, 2008. They live in the Charlotte area on a 20 farm where they raise Standardbred horses and 2 wonderful children, Veronica Jane, age 6, and Gage Romayne, age 2.

Dan Burns, MAA Hall of Fame 2016

Dan Burns, MAA Hall of Fame 2016

BURNS INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN AUCTIONEERS HALL OF FAME


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Grand Rapids, MI – Michigan Auctioneer, Dan Burns, who was a fixture in the auction industry received the highest possible honor any auctioneer can receive with his induction into the Michigan Auctioneers Hall of Fame on February 18 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference. Dan started in the auction business in 1981 after graduating from Reppert School of Auctioneering. Dan kept growing his business and continued for over 20 years, providing auction services for estates, farm equipment, business liquidations, and more. As his business grew, he became licensed in real estate and added that to his business as well.

Dan conducted auctions in over 8 different counties. He sold a variety of items including turtle eye drops from a pet shop, a giant elephant from a roof top, hundreds of tables and chairs for Grand Valley State University, a large blueberry farm with all the equipment, an auto body repair shop, animal cages from a circus, furnishings of the large three-story Herpolsheimers Department Store in downtown Grand Rapids, a one room schoolhouse that was purchased to be a museum, dozens of estates, farm machinery, cattle and horses, a lumber yard, restaurant equipment and furnishings.

For years Dan gave back to the community by donating his auctioning skills including the gala Cystic Fibrosis Evening with the Stars at the Amway Grand Plaza for over 5 years, Cornerstone University’s choir tour fundraisers, Ducks Unlimited auctions, Kendal University Alumni Association auctions, Rockford Chamber of Commerce auctions, Newaygo Logging Days auctions, 4H Livestock auctions at county fairs, annual auctions of Boy Scout homemade cakes, dozens of church fund raisers, and dozens of fund raisers for those with health issues or tragedies.

He was a member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and served on their Legislative Committee and the Board of Directors. On the tenth anniversary of his graduation from Reppert he was back at Repperts as President of Michigan Auctioneers Association asking those in training to join MAA. Dan is also a member of the National Auctioneers Association and attended many of their conventions across the country.

Dan also served in the US Army and Army reserves; as well as working for 30 years for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans as the Executive Housekeeper overseeing 50 employees. Dan & Nancy live in a house they built on some of the land of the Burns family home where Dan was born in Rockford, Michigan. Dan has lived all but 6 years of his life on this land. Dan and Nancy have a total of 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Wade Leist, MAA President 2016

Wade Leist, MAA President 2016

WADE LEIST ELECTED PRESIDENT OF MICHIGAN AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION

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GRAND RAPIDS – Wade Leist of Boyne City, Michigan was elected President of the Michigan Auctioneers Association at their annual conference on February 18, 2016. Wade had previously served as the Vice President of the association and has sat on the Board of Directors since 2012.

Wade is a 36 year old, 2nd generation auctioneer following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Leist. After showing interest in the profession, Frank sent his eldest sons Wade and Ed to the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA in February of 2004. The brothers returned home after 8 days of intensive training and went to work with their father and cousin Jerry Schmoldt at Leist Auctioneers. Together they operate a multi-faceted auction company that specializes in real estate, farm, livestock, estate, and business liquidation.

Wade has also realized an ever increasing call to perform benefit and fundraising auctions throughout the state. In 2014 Wade formed a separate benefit auctioneer and consultation company which specializes in raising funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations. This service continues to grow each and every year as nonprofits look to increase their bottom line through hiring a professional auctioneer.

Wade also sells livestock every Wednesday for the family owned facility in Gaylord MI known as Northern Michigan Livestock. Northern Michigan Livestock is one of the largest feeder cattle auctions in Michigan and uses the live auction method of competitive bidding to increase value for their customers. Wade has excelled at auctioning livestock and has previously qualified for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship which is featured on the RFD Channel.

Wade credits much of his success in the auction industry to his active membership in the Michigan Auctioneers Association. Wade has been a MAA member since 2004 and attended his first conference in 2005. Wade has gained education, networking and lifelong friendships from his time with the MAA.

In 2015 Wade was named Michigan Auctioneer Champion during the annual conference held in Kalamazoo MI. Wade had previously been named runner-up for this honor the previous 3 years. Wade has also competed successfully in the International Auctioneers Championship as well as being named the 2015 Midwest Auctioneers Champion.

Wade and his lovely wife Sarah have 4 children, Morgan 10yo, Katie 6yo, Aubrey 2yo and Madeline 2 mo. Wade and Sarah also operate a horse leasing operation which leases over 100 horses to summer camps throughout Michigan. When not at an auction or attending a family sporting event, the family enjoys camping, boating, motorcycle rides and horseback riding.

Any questions or concerns regarding the association can be directed to Wade Leist at 231-330-1042 or wadeleist@gmail.com.

Join or Renew your Membership Online!

Join or Renew your Membership Online!

Join or Renew your MAA Membership Online!

Click the Link below, fill out the form completely and follow through with the Checkout.

 
Why Renew? Here are a few Member Benefits:

The Annual Conference is held in January of each year. This two day meeting provides educational opportunities for new and experienced auctioneers alike. The advertising contest held at this meeting allows auctioneers to be recognized for their creativity and professional image. Members look forward to the fun auction held in conjunction with the banquet. The fun auction includes the Michigan Auctioneer Championship & Michigan Ringman Championship!

Real Estate Continuing Education Course

Because so many auctioneers are also real estate licensees, MAA offers a one day course that meets the Michigan requirements for the continuing education credits needed annually by real estate licensees. This course is held in conjunction with the annual convention.

MAA on the Web

The MAA Website, an Award Winning Web Site, is a wonderful source of information for the auctioneer and the consumer. All MAA members have access to the Online Auction Calendar, Upcoming Events, the Discussion Forum and many other options. Each MAA Member is listed in a searchable directory for consumers to find an auctioneer that suits their needs.

Networking

Through the Annual Conference and Midwest Auctioneers Roundup, you develop contacts with other successful auctioneers. One of the most exciting aspects of these events is the opportunity to meet new people and share knowledge and information. Any auctioneer will directly benefit from these ideas.

Midwest Auctioneers Roundup

The summer conference is a second opportunity for education and networking with other auctioneers throughout the state and beyond. The Summer Conference has been changed to the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup, which is now the premier networking opportunity for auctioneers in the Midwest. It is a multi-state networking event where auctioneers come together for some fantastic networking and educational opportunities. It hosts one day of networking fun with golf, shooting and more, plus one day of education.

The Michigan Auction Gavel

The Michigan Auction Gavel, an Award Winning Publication, is the official publication of the MAA and is published on a quarterly basis. It is the information source for the association, containing information of benefit to members, advising them of association activities, upcoming meetings and current issues.

Annual Directory

The annual directory is published in the spring issue of The Michigan Auction Gavel each year and lists all current members of MAA. This is an invaluable tool for becoming familiar with other auctioneers in your area and for locating individuals that you can contact for support in the industry.

Marketing Contest

If you produce professional advertising pieces or take exceptional and unique photographs at your auctions, this is an opportunity for you to showcase your work. A number of categories are available, and winners are awarded plaques. Whether new or experienced, a previous winner or a first-time entrant, you have an equal opportunity to garner a prize. Categories include auction promotion and company promotion.

Member Benefit Programs

The MAA has Many Member Benefit Programs to Save you money! Some of these programs include: Health Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Constant Contact Discounts, Send Out Cards Program & More. Get these money saving benefits today! Join the MAA!

Peter Gehres Wins Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Championship

Peter Gehres Wins Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Championship

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Peter Gehres, of Hilliard, Ohio won the 2014 Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Championship at the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup. The Slam Down was held on June 11 at the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Anyone could compete as long as they were a member of their state auctioneers association. The Competition was unique as it was only about bid calling. Contestants were allowed two minutes to sell what they brought and every contestant was required to wear a hat. 22 contestants from 5 states competed for the title and prizes. The top 5 contestants were rewarded; 5th, Junior Staggs from Puryear, Tennessee; 4th, Art Smith from Cedar Springs, Michigan, 3rd, Carl Gilbert from Martinsville, Indiana, 2nd, Wade Leist from Boyne City, Michigan and the Super Summer Slam Down Champion, Peter Gehres from Hilliard, Ohio.

Peter D. Gehres is an auctioneer and Realtor who sells real estate and personal property at auction for more money in less time for individuals, companies, organizations and institutions. Gehres also works with charities, nonprofits and other organizations to raise money through live auction events. Gehres is a Regional Sales Manager for Ohio Real Estate Auctions, LLC. Gehres is the owner of Belhorn Auctions, LLC, an auction firm specializing in American Art Pottery. He is also an auctioneer and ringman at Mike Brandly, Auctioneer and the Akron Auto Auction.

Gehres is a Trustee of the National Auctioneers Association’s Educational Institute and teaches at The Ohio Auction School. He has been an instructor at the Certified Auctioneers Institute, Reppert School of Auctioneering and has spoken at various state auctioneer associations and presented at the National Auctioneers Association Conference & Show. Gehres has appeared on both radio and TV promoting auctions and the auction method of marketing.

Gehres is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture and studies in Agricultural Engineering and Economics. Gehres is also a graduate of The Ohio Auction School and Hondros College (Real Estate). Gehres is the 2012 Michigan Ringman Champion, 2011 Indiana Champion Auctioneer, the 2010 Michigan Auctioneer Champion and the 2006 Ohio Junior Bid Calling Champion. He has been a finalist in the International Auctioneers Championship and regularly competes in the World Automotive Auctioneer Championship. Gehres currently serves as the Vice President of the Ohio Auctioneers Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Auctioneers Association. Gehres has won numerous auction marketing awards in both Ohio and Michigan. Gehres has earned the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation which is the highest educational recognition in the auction industry. In addition he earned the Certified Estate Specialist (CES) designation and completed ProTrack, an advanced professional speaker education and training course, offered by the National Speakers Association’s Ohio Chapter.

Gehres is a member of: National Auctioneers Association, Ohio Auctioneers Association, Indiana Auctioneers Association, Michigan Auctioneers Association, Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association, Fellowship of Christian Auctioneers International, National Speakers Association – Ohio Chapter, National Association of Realtors, Ohio Association of Realtors, Columbus Board of Realtors, American Art Pottery Association, Ohio State Alumni Association – Life Member, FFA Alumni Association – Life Member.

Gehres was born in rural Northwest Ohio in Van Wert County and grew up on the family farm which has been in continuous operation since 1875 and which Gehres still manages. He attends Cypress Wesleyan Church and is married to Paige Gehres and lives in Hilliard, Ohio a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. They have twin boys, Abraham and Oliver and an infant daughter Evelyn. The Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Championships is a popular part of the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup. The entire event is hosted by the Michigan Auctioneers Association. Growing every year, the event features some of the top bid callers in the Midwest. Since the event is open to all state auctioneer association members, including past champions, Gehres will have the opportunity to defend his title again at the 2015 Midwest Auctioneers Roundup. For photos and video, go to Facebook.com/MichiganAuctioneers or YouTube.com/MichiganAuctioneers or FindMichiganAuctions.com.

The Michigan Auctioneers Association is one of the leaders in the industry, and is proving to continue in that direction in the future. The Michigan Auctioneers Association is the largest representation of auctioneers in Michigan. The MAA represents the interests of the Auctioneers, providing a forum for networking, sharing ideas and experiences. For more information about the Michigan Auctioneers Association and the auction industry in Michigan, log onto www.FindMichiganAuctions.com.

Bill Sheridan named to National Auctioneers Hall of Fame

Bill Sheridan named to National Auctioneers Hall of Fame

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MASON, Mich. (July 27, 2014) – William Sheridan, founder and president of Sheridan Realty & Auction Company, received the auction industry’s most prestigious honor recently when he was inducted into the National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

In keeping with NAA tradition, Sheridan was not told of the honor until the association’s annual Conference & Show, held in Louisville, Ky. His family and work associates surprised him by streaming in from the rear of the room as he was being introduced by Larry Theurer, of Wellington, Kansas, a 2007 inductee.

“It was a great pleasure to introduce Bill, who has been a true leader for years and has always had the good of the NAA at heart,” said Theurer.

Sheridan described himself as being “surprised and filled with gratitude” for the recognition. “The members of the Hall of Fame are truly giants in the auction industry, and it is humbling to be numbered among them,” he said.

“This will make it all the more meaningful Aug. 20 when another Hall of Fame member, Spanky Assiter, joins us in Owosso for the auction of the Mitchell Car Museum’s collection of classic automobiles,” said Sheridan.

Also inducted into the Hall of Fame were Rex Schrader, of Columbia City, Ind., and Tommy Rowell, of Moultrie, Ga.

Sheridan has served as president of the NAA and was 2002 International Auctioneer Champion.

Sheridan Realty & Auction Company, headquartered in Mason, Michigan, was founded in 1977 uses live and online auctions to sell homes, land, commercial property, farm machinery, purebred livestock, oil and gas lease rights and other assets.

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Jason Miller wins 2014 NAA International Auctioneer Championship

Jason Miller wins 2014 NAA International Auctioneer Championship

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Emerging from a highly competitive field of 74 contestants, Jason Miller, of Quaker City, Ohio, was crowned winner of the men’s National Auctioneers Association 27th International Auctioneer Championship, which took place on July 12, 2014 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Miller received a $5,000 cash award, trophy and championship ring for his winning efforts through the preliminary bid-calling round, an interview round and a final round of bid-calling that included the top 15 men and seven women. He now claims the right to be known as one of the best auctioneers in the world.

“Dreams do come true,” said Miller, who competed in his eighth IAC. “I’ve chased this for so long, but it’s not even about the trophy. It’s about the association, the friendships.”

“These guys who I competed with today, not against, are my dear friends for life, and I love them all.” Miller recently helped establish the new Cambridge, Ohio office for Kaufman Realty & Auctions. Conveniently located in the heart of Cambridge’s beautiful historic district, the location offers full-service real estate sales and consultation, while also helping community landowners navigate their interactions with the oil and gas industries in Southeast Ohio. Miller and team will educate clients on the value of their land and minerals, equipping them for sound and informed decisions concerning their rights. Jason sells Real Estate, purebred cattle, and automobiles in numerous states, and is a Real Estate marketing specialist with an emphasis on Recreational and Agricultural Real Estate.

Miller’s win gives the state of Ohio three IAC championships in the past four years and six total IAC men’s and women’s champions. Ohio is tied with Texas for the most IAC Champions out of any one state. Michigan Members who competed in the Men’s Division of the IAC were John Beechy (Nappanee, Ind.), Jonathan Kraft (Valpraraiso, Ind.), Jason Miller (Quaker City, Ohio), Peter Gehres (Hilliard, Ohio), Kenny Lindsay (Livonia, Mich.) and Grant Cole (Beulah, Mich.).

The IAC was conducted as part of the NAA’s 65th Annual International Auctioneers Conference and Show, which took place in Louisville July 8-12.

Mom, daughter make finals for top auctioneer

Mom, daughter make finals for top auctioneer

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Maumee-based bid-calling duo competed in Louisville event

By Tyrel Linkhorn, Toledo Blade Business Writer

The breakneck pace of a good auctioneer is captivating, but being successful is about more than just hollering out prices fast.

“Yes you’re calling different numbers, but in between those numbers you’re really trying to make a sale,” said Sara Rose Bytnar of the Maumee-based Rose Auction Group. “It’s encouraging more bidding, telling them [bid] one more time, describing the item you’re selling.”

Mrs. Bytnar should know. A third-generation auctioneer, she’s been bid calling nearly as long as she’s been talking. Last week, she was recognized in the National Auctioneers Association’s International Auctioneer Championship as first runner-up in the women’s division.
One of her competitors in the final round? Her mother, Beth Rose.

“It was really cool for us to kind of be able to share that moment,” Mrs. Bytnar said Tuesday. “Obviously there’s nerves that go along with it, but it was cool for us to do that together.”

Mrs. Bytnar said it was the first time a mother-daughter duo made the finals of the annual competition. It’s not the first time a Rose was there, however. Mrs. Bytnar’s aunt, Pamela Rose, won the competition in 1998. Her mother has previously been a finalist.

“The Rose family has been very active in the National Auctioneers Association for several years. Sara, as a young auctioneer, is really doing well,” said Hannes Combest, chief executive officer of the 3,900-member group.

The competition, which drew nearly 100 participants last week, is part of the association’s annual conference and show. This year the show was in Louisville.

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Mrs. Bytnar, 28, lives and works in Naples, Fla., but frequently travels to Ohio to manage the company’s auctions here. She also is active in charity auctions in Florida.

Auctioneers competing in the International Auctioneer Championship sell two items in the first round. The ones who advance then have an interview and another round of bidding.

Ms. Combest said it’s a talent, but it’s also a developed skill.

“In order to be a good bid caller, you have to be clear, you have to make sure people understand you,” she said. “Certainly the speed and cadence are criteria as well, to have that cadence that brings the buyer in.”

Reprinted with permission of the (Toledo) Blade, July 16, 2014:
Contact Tyrel Linkhorn at tlinkhorn@theblade.com or 419-724-6134 or on Twitter @BladeAutoWriter.

Laura Mantle, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2014

Laura Mantle, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2014

Laura Mantle
Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2014

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Laura Mantle of Gahanna, Ohio won the title, Michigan Auctioneer Champion, at the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship was held on January 29 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association’s Annual Conference in Lansing, Michigan. 10 Contestants competed for the coveted title. The 6 Finalists were Romayne Graber (Charlotte, Mich.), Darin Hower (Lake City, Mich.), Wade Leist (Boyne City, Mich.), Kenny Lindsay (Livonia, Mich) and Laura Mantle (Gahanna, Ohio) and Scott Vander Kolk Jr (Dorr, Mich). For winning the title, Laura received a championship ring, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July.Also taking home honors were Wade Leist and Romayne Graber. Leist was 1st runner up and Graber was 2nd runner up.

Laura became an auctioneer at age 19, after 7 years of working auction setup and as a clerk and cashier around the state of Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio Auction School and immediately began working 2-3 auctions per week. She manages the staffing for Mike Brandly, Auctioneer’s weekly auction, and in 2009 she began supervising the support staff for The Super Auction held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hosting 8 auctioneers from throughout the country selling in one structured, multi-ring auction. Laura is proficient with working the ring, all types of auctioneer sound systems, auction software including AuctionFlex, and settling auctions. Laura earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Ohio Auctioneers Association. Laura is also a real estate auctioneer with Keller Williams Greater Columbus. She is a member of NAA, MAA, OAA and IAA and is currently working toward her CAI designation.

She will be representing Michigan as the Michigan Auctioneer Champion in the 2014 International Auctioneer Championship in July. The event will be held in Louisville, Kentucky.