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.

BYRON CENTER, MI — With four decades of experience and leadership in the auction industry, Sid Miedema has been officially inducted into the National Auction Association Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the profession and his impact across the country.

Sid entered the industry in 1984, and since then, he has become one of the most respected voices in the auction world. As the founder of Miedema Asset Management Group, he’s helped shape how auctions are done today. Starting with live, in-person events and evolving into a nationally recognized online auction business, Sid was one of the early adopters of digital bidding—developing trademarked software in 2000 and setting a new standard for the industry.

He has sold assets in nearly every industry, and under his leadership, Miedema Asset Management Group has grown into nine companies with over 150 employees and has earned national attention.

Sid’s influence extends well beyond business operations. He’s been an active member of the NAA for 39 years, serving on the NAA Foundation Board, including as President, earning his CAI designation, attending the annual Conference & Show for over 30 years, and speaking at several national events. He’s participated in CAI Next and attended summits on real estate, digital auctions, and more—always investing in professional growth and innovation.

Within his own Michigan Auctioneer’s Association, Sid’s leadership is just as strong. He served as President of the MAA in 1992, won the state Bid Calling Championship in 1995, and was inducted into the MAA Hall of Fame in 2005.

Community involvement is also a key part of Sid’s story. He’s served as an elder in his church, led missionary efforts, held leadership positions in the Michigan Horse Pulling Association, served on school boards and community committees, and helped raise funds for hundreds of organizations. His contributions have been formally recognized by the State of Michigan.

His son, Jordan Miedema, sums it up well:

“My dad has always said that being honest and treating people with respect is more important than chasing profit. That mindset has shaped our company and how we operate. He’s not just part of this industry—he’s helped define it.”

Sid’s induction into the NAA Hall of Fame isn’t just a recognition of his past—it’s a marker of his ongoing influence on the auction profession. He continues to serve, mentor, and innovate, leaving a legacy that’s still very much in motion.

 

 

Alma, Michigan Auctioneer, Jason Clark Elected as 2025 President of the Michigan Auctioneers Association

The Michigan Auctioneers Association (MAA) is proud to announce the election of Jason Clark as its President for 2025. A seasoned auctioneer from Alma, Michigan, Clark brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role.

Clark’s journey in the auction industry began over 15 years ago. In 2010, he acquired Pioneer Auction Service from his uncle, Dick Clark, after several years of apprenticeship. Under his leadership, Pioneer Auction Service has flourished, earning a reputation for professionalism and excellence in handling various auctions, including estates, personal property, agricultural equipment, business liquidations, real estate, and benefit events.

Throughout his career, Clark has achieved significant milestones. He was crowned the Michigan Auctioneer Champion in 2020, a testament to his exceptional skills and commitment to the profession. In 2021, he further distinguished himself by winning the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship. In 2023, Clark was awarded the Certified Michigan Auctioneer Designation, which entails an extensive application process with rigorous certification requirements.

Reflecting on his journey, Clark stated, “I have always wanted to be a father, farmer, and auctioneer. I’m proud to say that I have worked hard to become all of these things thanks to the help and encouragement from others. I strongly encourage any auctioneer to join the Michigan Auctioneers Association and compete in the available competitions. You will better yourself and your auction business all around.”

As the 2025 MAA President, Clark aims to advance the association’s mission of enhancing Michigan’s auction industry through education, promotion, advocacy, and networking. His leadership is expected to bring innovative perspectives and foster continued growth within the organization.

For more information about the Michigan Auctioneers Association and upcoming events, please visit www.FindMichiganAuctions.com.

Bradley Stoecker Wins 2025 Michigan Ringman Championship & Earns Top Honors in Michigan Auctioneer Championship

Mount Pleasant, MI – The Michigan Auctioneers Association proudly announces that a professional auctioneer from Leslie, Michigan, Bradley Stoecker, has been named the 2025 Michigan Ringman Champion at the Michigan Auctioneers Association (MAA) Annual Convention. Stoecker also demonstrated exceptional auctioneering skills by placing 2nd Runner-Up in the prestigious Michigan Auctioneer Championship.

The event occurred on Friday, January 31, 2025, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where the state’s top auction professionals competed in two of the industry’s most respected contests. The Michigan Ringman Championship evaluates a ringman’s ability to work with the auctioneer, engage bidders, and maintain high energy throughout a live auction. Stoecker’s expert bid-spotting, crowd interaction, and ability to generate excitement earned him the championship title.

Additionally, in the Michigan Auctioneer Championship, which highlights the best bid callers in the state, Stoecker’s outstanding auctioneering skills, professionalism, and stage presence secured his position as 2nd Runner-Up among Michigan’s finest auction professionals. The competition featured 16 professional auctioneers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

“This recognition is an incredible honor,” said Stoecker. “The Michigan Auctioneers Association brings together the best in the industry, and I’m grateful to be recognized among such talented professionals. Winning the Ringman Championship and placing in the Auctioneer Championship reaffirms my dedication to providing top-tier auction services.”

Bradley and his wife, Rachel, reside in Dimondale, Michigan, and together, they run Epic Auctions & Estate Sales (www.EpicAuctions.com), which is based in Leslie, Michigan. With decades of experience in the auction industry, Stoecker leads a team specializing in live and online real estate and personal property auctions, estate sales, and appraisals, serving clients across the state with professionalism and expertise.

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Established in 1951, the Michigan Auctioneers Association is dedicated to enhancing Michigan’s Auction Industry through education, promotion, advocacy, and networking. The MAA is the professional association for auctioneers in Michigan, continuing to be 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, providing a forum for networking and sharing ideas and experiences.  For more information about the Michigan Auctioneers Association and the auction industry in Michigan, log onto www.FindMichiganAuctions.com.

Colt Johnson, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2025

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – 26-year-old Colt Johnson from Farwell, Michigan, won the title of 2025 Michigan Auctioneer Champion at the 34^th annual Michigan Auctioneer & Ringman Championships held at the Michigan Auctioneers Association convention in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

With hundreds in attendance and the five finalists on the stage, you could hear a pin drop before the Master of Ceremonies announced, “And your 2025 Michigan Auctioneer Champion is………..Colt Johnson!”  which was met with a thunderous ovation.   Johnson was stunned by the announcement and said in part, “This is truly an honor.  I don’t know what to say. I’ve been trying at this for five or six years.” Then he paused and said, “I can’t believe it yet.”  He added, “Thank you to my uncle John McConnell, my dad, Matt Johnson, and Scott Sykora, who have all been my backbone during this journey and great mentors.”  Later, he thanked his wife, Breanna for her “love and unconditional support.”

For winning the title, Johnson received a championship buckle, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July 2025 in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Professional auctioneering is in Johnson’s DNA, as his late uncle, Darell Dunkle, became a well-respected auctioneer from 1965-2022.  When Johnson was a little boy, he vividly remembers attending the Clare County Livestock Auction with his father, Matt Johnson.   As fate would have it, now Colt Johnson is an auctioneer for the Clare County Livestock Auction and sells every Monday.

The 2016 Clare High School graduate attended the World-Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa at the tender age of 15.  Immediately upon graduating from auction school, he began working with Sykora Auction Service and is celebrating his 11th work anniversary with the prominent auction firm.   Johnson also works at the Clare County Livestock, which he says, “it is the highlight of my week”.  He enjoys all auctions, but his favorite types of auctions are farm equipment and cattle auctions.

 

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Established in 1951, the Michigan Auctioneers Association is dedicated to the enhancement of Michigan’s Auction Industry through education, promotion, advocacy and networking. The MAA is the professional association for auctioneers in Michigan, continuing to be 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, 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.

Timothy G. Bos, MAA Hall of Fame Inductee 2025