BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Brad McGovern of Lima, Ohio, earned top honors at the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship, one of the most competitive and respected auctioneer contests in the country. Held during the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup hosted by the Michigan Auctioneers Association, the event featured 28 top-tier auctioneers from across the Midwest. The five finalists included Evan Gallo of Canfield, Ohio (5th place), Isaac Stoller of Bluffton, Indiana (4th place), Colt Johnson of Farwell, Michigan (3rd place), Ed Leist of Gaylord, Michigan (2nd place), and McGovern, who was named Grand Champion. All finalists received plaques and cash prizes. The competition was streamed live and is available for replay at youtube.com/michiganauctioneers.
A veteran in both the auction and real estate industries, McGovern launched his career in 2016 after attending the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Indianapolis. He further advanced his professional credentials at Hondros College of Business, earning licensure as both an auctioneer and real estate salesperson in Ohio.
Brad owns and operates multiple auction businesses, including Performance Canine Auctions, The Firearms Gallery Auctions, and McGovern Auctioneers, LLC. He also serves as an auctioneer with Auctions On 309 in Lima. Known for his expertise in firearms and performance canines, Brad brings a hands-on, knowledgeable approach that has earned him a strong reputation in these niche markets.
An engaged industry leader, Brad is an active member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), as well as the Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana Auctioneers Associations. He served on the Ohio Auctioneers Association Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023, and co-chaired both the Mentorship and Legislative/Advocacy Committees. He currently contributes to the NAA Advocacy Cornerstone, where he helps shape the future of the profession.
In 2024, McGovern also earned the title of Michigan Auctioneer Champion and continues to compete at both state and international levels. He is on track to become a Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI) designee—an honor achieved by fewer than one percent of U.S. auctioneers.
Outside the auction world, Brad is a certified EMT and is deeply committed to community service. He conducts benefit auctions for organizations across the country and actively participates in wildlife conservation efforts through nonprofit involvement.
Brad enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife, India. The couple is expecting their first child in October and looks forward to sharing their values of service and passion for nature with the next generation.
