All posts by Tricia Wiltjer

Caleb DeKorne Named 2026 Michigan Auctioneers Association Champion

Caleb DeKorne Named 2026 Michigan Auctioneers Association Champion

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. — January 30, 2026 — Caleb DeKorne of Kent City, Michigan, was crowned the 2026 Michigan Auctioneer Champion during a competitive contest held January 30 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association’s 75th Anniversary Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Grant Phipps of Plain City, Ohio, earned First Runner-Up honors, while Ben Herrera of Liberty, Indiana, was named Second Runner-Up.

DeKorne’s victory reflects years of dedication to the auction profession. He first attended an auction with his older brother, Joe, at the age of 15, and was immediately captivated by the rhythm of the auction chant. After weeks of practicing on his own, he began attending as many auctions as possible, eventually working for Art Smith Auctioneers, the company where his passion for auctioneering was born.

In June 2016, DeKorne attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, a transformative nine-day program that honed his skills and cemented his career path. After a brief hiatus to support his family’s beekeeping business, he returned to auctions in 2022, working extensively for Art and Noah Smith and pursuing a career as a contract auctioneer.

Today, DeKorne conducts over 100 auctions annually across Michigan, including farm, estate, and benefit auctions, as well as two weekly livestock sales. He attributes his success to mentors, colleagues, and family members who provided guidance, constructive feedback, and support along the way, including Art and Noah Smith, the late Kelly Merryman, and Ed Leist.

“Caleb’s skill, professionalism, and dedication to his craft make him a true champion in every sense,” said an MAA representative. “His respect for clients, bidders, and the auction process exemplifies the values of the Michigan Auctioneers Association.”

DeKorne is based in Kent City, Michigan, and serves clients throughout the state.

 

Aaron Peters Named 2026 Michigan Auctioneers Association Ringman Champion

Aaron Peters Named 2026 Michigan Auctioneers Association Ringman Champion

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. — January 30, 2026 — Aaron Peters of Elida, Ohio, was crowned the 2026 Michigan Ringman Champion following a competitive contest held January 30 during the Michigan Auctioneers Association’s 75th Anniversary Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Owen Leist of Boyne City, Michigan, earned First Runner-Up honors, while Tay Tobey of Greenville, Michigan, was named Second Runner-Up.

Peters’ championship win marks a significant milestone in a career built on persistence, passion, and a deep respect for the auction profession. Growing up attending auctions alongside his father and grandfather, Peters developed an early appreciation for the fast-paced energy of the auction ring and the relationships formed through the auction process. Those early experiences, combined with his strong agricultural background as an FFA State Degree recipient, laid the foundation for a lifelong calling.

“This win is especially meaningful,” Peters said, “because it represents years of learning, refining my skills, and staying committed to doing the job the right way.”

Prior to claiming the Michigan Ringman Championship, Peters earned recognition as a two-time Ohio State Bid Calling Finalist (2022, 2023), a Michigan Auctioneer Championship Finalist (2024), and 2nd Runner-Up in the Michigan Ringman Championship in 2025. His steady progression through the ranks underscores the dedication that ultimately led to his championship performance in 2026.

Specializing in real estate, estate sales, charity events, firearms, heavy equipment, agricultural auctions, business liquidations, and consignment auctions, Peters is known for his versatility, professionalism, and calm presence in the ring. Beyond technical skill, colleagues and clients alike recognize him for a people-first approach that helps individuals and families navigate major life transitions with confidence.

Auctioneering is a true family affair for Peters. His wife and son work alongside him, sharing the same commitment to service and integrity. Outside the auction world, the Peters family enjoys farming, hunting, and spending time together—values that mirror the work ethic and community focus he brings to every auction.

“Aaron understands that behind every bid is a person and a story,” said an MAA representative. “That perspective, combined with championship-level skill, is what makes him an outstanding Ringman and ambassador for the profession.”

Aaron Peters is based in Elida, Ohio, and serves clients throughout Ohio, Michigan, and surrounding regions.

Brad McGovern, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2024

Brad McGovern, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2024

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Brad McGovern from Lima, Ohio, won the title of Michigan Auctioneer Champion at the 35th Annual Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship took place on February 2 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The 5 Finalists in the Auctioneer Division were Kurt Mingerink (Byron Center, MI), Greg Holiday (Belleville, MI), Colt Johnson (Clare, MI), Brad McGovern (Lima, OH) and Brad Stoecker (Dimondale, MI). For winning the title, McGovern received a championship ring, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During his acceptance speech, McGovern praised his faith in Jesus Christ and shared a story about how he met his wife, India McGovern who is also a professional auctioneer, at the Ohio Auctioneers Association championship in 2019 and the profound effect she has made in his life along with his father-in-law.

He was emotional when he spoke of his grandmother, who recently passed. “She believed in me, and she was my everything. She raised me; she got me through auction school. She was there. She was my rock.” Said Brad McGovern.

McGovern is a seasoned auctioneering and real estate professional, driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to community service. His commitment to the industry was reflected when he was elected to serve on the Ohio Auctioneers Association Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023. McGovern also played key roles as co-chairman of the Mentorship Committee and the Legislative/Advocacy Committee, shaping the future of the auctioneering profession.

McGovern served as Chairman of the Youngstown-Columbiana Association of Realtors Legislative Committee, and the Legislative/Advocacy Committee. The Ohio Realtors appointed him as a state and federal political coordinator.

McGovern is the CEO of McGovern Auctioneers, LLC. Additionally, he serves as a dedicated auctioneer at Auctions on 309 in Lima, Ohio, and serves as a Realtor with CCR Realty.

 

Ray Tosch inducted into MAA Hall of Fame

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI – One of the better-known and respected professional auctioneers of all time, the late Ray Tosch from Tosch Auction Services in Capac, Michigan, was enshrined in the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.   The prestigious honor is bestowed after a rigorous qualification process and ultimately voted by the Hall of Fame committee.   Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest recognition any auctioneer can receive in the auction industry.

 “Several qualified candidates were nominated, but one former member stood out from the pact – and that was Ray Tosch. Sadly, Mr. Tosch passed away in 2014, but the Hall of Fame committee felt strongly that this man deserved a place in the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. His reputation within the industry and community was impeccable, and his contributions to the Michigan Auctioneers Association will forever be appreciated. Importantly, several members of his family were present during the induction, and they were taken aback by the warm reception Mr. Tosch received after all these years.” Said Executive Director and fellow Hall of Famer, Tricia Wiltjer.

Ray Tosch was born in 1929. While working on his parents 2500′ acre farm, he became a real estate broker and sold farm and industrial equipment. In 1955, he graduated from Reisch Auction College in Mason City, Iowa, and worked with one of the most prominent auctioneers in the livestock auction industry, CB Smith, from Williamston, Michigan.   Meanwhile, he established Ray Tosch and Associates. His son, Ron, would join him in 1977, along with his son Bobby.

He was a longtime Capac, State Bank board member, and a lifetime member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association. He was universally known as “a man of his word” with time, money, and knowledge. He aided the Boy Scouts of America, Capac area churches, private schools, and more. He worked for nearly 60 years as a professional auctioneer and conducted approximately 4,000 auctions in his lifetime.

His most significant contribution to the Michigan Auctioneers Association came in the 1950s when the association was in dire financial straits, and the future of the association was bleak. Stan Perkins motioned that the association sells Life Memberships to provide instant relief. The motion passed, and three members, Stan Perkins, CB Smith, and Ray Tosch contributed.   Seventy years later, the Michigan Auctioneers Association is thriving, and it is one of the most successful associations in the country. 

Thousands of auctioneers have become members of the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and only 43 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The MAA is honored that Ray Tosch will forever be remembered and treasured with the highest possible recognition any auctioneer can achieve.  

Ridge Bollheimer Wins Michigan Auctioneer Championship & Michigan Ringman Championship!

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Ridge Bollheimer of Clarklake, Michigan, won the titles of Michigan Auctioneer Champion and Michigan Ringman Champion for the year 2023. This is the first time that one contestant has won both competitions in the same night!  The Championships took place on February 3 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The 5 Finalists in the Auctioneer Division were Kurt Mingerink (Byron Center, MI), Caleb DeKorne (Cedar Springs, MI), Ridge Bollheimer (Clarklake, MI), Colt Johnson (Clare, MI) and Darby Walton (Upper Sandusky, OH). For winning the title Michigan Auctioneer Champion, Bollheimer received a championship buckle, trophy, and he will compete in the International Auctioneer Championship in July in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The contestants were judged by accomplished auctioneers, including National Auctioneers Association Director, Mike Fisher, International Auctioneer Champion, Bryan Knox, Michigan champions Art Smith and Doug Sheridan and perhaps the worlds most recognizable Ringman, Sam “The Hitman” Grasso. The Michigan Ringman Championship contestants were judged on four categories:  Crowd/Buyer Interaction, Performance, Relaying Bids and Communication with their Auctioneer, and Appearance/Presence.  Also taking home honors were Brad Stoecker (Dimondale, MI), 1st Runner Up, and Greg Holiday (Belleville, MI), 2nd Runner Up.

Not to be confused with a ‘Bid Spotter’ – the professional Ringman is an occupation in the auction industry essential to professionally conducted auction events.   In layman terms, the auction ringman works in unison with the auctioneer. The Ringman is a skilled negotiator who is confident, energetic, and assertive to help make the bid happen instead of simply waiting for the bid to happen.

Ridge Bollheimer was born and raised in Clarklake, Michigan. He was first introduced to the world of auctioneering at a young age, while attending many livestock and machinery auctions with his father. Ridge continued to enjoy the energetic atmosphere of auctions and the world of outdoorsmen, as he showed 4-H in his scholastic years, became an avid hunter, and went on to attend Jackson College and The Ohio Auction School. He received an Associates Degree in Business Administration and completed the program for auctioneering. From selling his toy animals to his family, to preparing 4-H livestock for sale to the local communities, and finally to taking the stage himself, auctioneering has always been a strong passion for Ridge.

Ridge launched his official auctioneer career when joining the Michigan Auctioneers Association and continued his devotion for the outdoors with the purchase of his own farm, Lane View Farm, located in Lake Somerset, Michigan. His seasonal dedication to Legends Ranch as a whitetail hunting guide, and the founding of Sunshine Acres sunflower fields with his fiancé Lindsay Meckley keeps their entrepreneurship moving forward. At just 26 years old, Ridge has been a member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association for 6 years and has continued to engage in strengthening his auction services while competing for the MAA. Achieving both the Auctioneer and Ringman Championship in the same night was a dream come true! His goal for this year is to expand his footprint to the communities of fundraising and benefits, while continuing to improve the abilities of his services while promoting the auction industry.

Kenny Lindsay Inducted into MAA Hall of Fame

 METRO DETROIT AUCTIONEER RECEIVES HIGHEST INDUSTRY HONOR

MT. PLEASANT, MI. – New Hudson, Michigan auctioneer Kenny Lindsay, who is in his 25th year as a professional auctioneer with American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company, received the highest honor bestowed to the professional auctioneer. Lindsay was inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame on January 27 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference. He is the 42nd auctioneer inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Hall of Fame since its inception in 1951.

 “Through his contributions as a leader in the auction industry, Lindsay’s work and legacy have created long-lasting benefits to the Michigan Auctioneers Association and the auction industry alike,” said Executive Director and fellow Hall of Famer Tricia Wiltjer.

Lindsay was instrumental in creating numerous industry-changing ideas. In 2009, Lindsay started the Michigan Auctioneers Association’s Public Promotions department. Two years later,  he introduced the grassroots ‘Auctions Work!’ marketing campaign, which proved to be a phenomenal marketing strategy adopted by thousands of auctioneers, including the National Auctioneers Association. USA Today reported, “Succinct and powerful, the message’s staying power has been evident from the outset.”

Lindsay identified the critical need to educate professional auctioneers to be mindful that hundreds of local municipalities throughout the State of Michigan require auctioneers to be licensed or obtain a permit to conduct auctions. In 2015, Lindsay proposed and presided over a comprehensive guide that provides data to the professional auctioneer on the rules and regulations in specific municipalities in the state of Michigan to conduct auctions. 

Lindsay is the 2015 recipient of the MAA’s Garth Wilber Presidential Award of Distinction awarded to the “most influential” association member. In 2019, he became the Champion of the Michigan Ringman Championship.   Over the past 20 years, Lindsay has been a guest speaker at numerous industry events, including the National Auctioneers Association Annual Conference & Show. He has also competed in the International Auctioneers Championship on three occasions. In 2015, he was featured in the ‘The Legends’ of auctioneering trading card set released by the Michigan Auctioneers Association.

For more information about Kenny and American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company, visit www.michiganauctioncompany.com or call 734-223-3277.

Mathias Donat Wins the Michigan Ringman Championship!

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Mathias Donat was awarded the honor of 2022 Michigan Ringman Champion on January 28, 2022, at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.  Five Contestants competed for the coveted title.  Contestants were judged by a panel of five accomplished auctioneers, including an International Auctioneer Champion 5 Michigan Champion Auctioneers. They were judged on four categories:  Crowd/Buyer Interaction, Performance, Relaying Bids and Communication with their Auctioneer, and Appearance/Presence.  Also taking home honors were Ridge Bollhemier of Jackson, 1st Runner Up, and Ray Krakowski of Dryden, 2nd Runner Up.

Working his way up from auction day grunt to Auction Manager/Auctioneer for both, Braun and Helmer Auction Service as well as The Super Auction, Mathias is a first-generation auctioneer that has been constantly committed to the success of the auction industry since his early high school years.

Since the start of his career, Donat has graduated from Washtenaw Community College with an Associates in Business, Liberal Arts, and Motorcycle Service Tech I Cert.; has graduated from Ohio Auction School in 2017, become an MAA and NAA member, completed the Certified Estate Specialist (CES) designation, and has been involved in over 500+ live, online, and benefit auction events.

Specializing in management, product presentation, and straight downright selling, Donat takes pride in bringing the excitement of auction day to life! From thrilling million dollar vehicle auctions to your local neighborhood hoarder, Mathias has experienced many of the industries extremes, all the while discovering that one thing is for certain – #AuctionsWork!

“I look forward to helping the auction industry grow and thrive in this post pandemic economy and appreciate all those who gave me the opportunity to serve once again on arguably the most successful state association” states Donat.

Donat is currently a Heavy Equipment Operator (MOS 1345) for the United States Marine Corps Reserves and is the 2022 Ringman Champion.

Jordan Miedema Becomes the third Miedema to Win the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. Elected as MAA President Hours Later

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Jordan Miedema of Byron Center, Michigan, won the title of Michigan Auctioneer Champion at the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship took place on January 28 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. For winning the title, Miedema received a championship ring, trophy, and he will compete in the International Auctioneer Championship in July in San Diego, California.

Miedema was born into one of the most prominent auction families in the United States, Miedema Companies, owned by his father, Sid Miedema, and his uncle, Scott Miedema. Over the past two decades, he has worked in every conceivable role in the auction business. Jordan started with delivering sales sheets to working the warehouse operating forklifts. He did the gradual climb to working in advertising and marketing, and in 2018, he received his broker’s license and is now President of LASTBIDrealestate, an online real estate auction company.

Miedema is a graduate of the Reppert School of Auctioneering and obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Davenport University.   He also attended Indiana University and completed the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) program, the highest designation in the auction industry.

In 2018, his peers elected him onto the Michigan Auctioneers Association Board of Directors. He proved to be such an asset to the association that he was then elected as Vice President of the organization.   On January 27, 2022, he was sworn in as the President of the Michigan Auctioneers Association – a position that his father and uncle once held several years prior.

Jordan’s father, Sid Miedema, Jr. was elected as President of the MAA in 1992 and won the Michigan Auctioneer Championship in 1995. Jordan’s uncle, Scott Miedema, served as President of the MAA in 2000 and won the Michigan Auctioneer Championship in 2005.

Jason Clark wins 2021 GotoAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship!

IGNACE, MICHIGAN – Professional auctioneer, Jason Clark from Alma, Michigan took top honors at the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship – one of the most popular auctioneer competitions in the nation.

The GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship saw a field of 16 top quality auctioneers from around the Midwest competing for the title of the Grand Champion of the coveted auctioneer championship.   The championship was held in conjunction with the Midwest Auctioneers Roundup hosted by the Michigan Auctioneers Association.

The highly esteemed auctioneer championship saw five finalists including: Noah Smith of Howard City, Michigan (5th place), Jason Lamoreaux of Belding, Michigan (4th place), Grant Cole of Beulah, Michigan (3rd place), Ed Leist of Petoskey, Michigan (2nd place) and of course, the Champion Jason Clark.  All finalists received a plaque commemorating their achievement and a cash prize.

The Champion, Jason Clark was born and raised on a small dairy farm and exposed to a lot of auctions. One of his earliest memories of an auction was a small farm liquidation that his Uncle Dick and Bill Clark conducted north of Breckenridge, Michigan. Clark says, “I remember this sale because it was the first sale I felt the excitement of the auctioneer saying ‘SOLD’ to me personally. I was bidding on a small two-wheel trailer that I could haul my pig manure in. I remember the excitement of the auction, with the huge crowd of people standing around and visiting, the auctioneers on the loudspeakers, and the food wagon – it seemed more like the county fair than an auction!” Determined to be a good auctioneer like his Uncle Dick, he practiced around the farm and sold a lot of cattle off a 4010 John Deere while feeding them. He didn’t realize it at the time, but pretty much everyone around the farm could hear him, but instead of laughing, they encouraged him.

That encouragement led to his first paying job with John Tomaschko working as a contract auctioneer. After four years working for other auctioneers, he felt comfortable enough to be in business on his own and purchased Pioneer Auction Service from his Uncle Dick. Over the fifteen years he’s been in the industry, he’s competed five times in the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The first few times, his nerves got the best of him and was so hard on himself he didn’t come back for a few years. Every time he competed, he felt he left as a better auctioneer, so he kept trying. In 2020, took home the Championship.  “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 would strongly encourage any auctioneer to become a member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and to compete in the available competitions. You will better yourself and your auction business all around.”  This was the first time Jason competed in the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship.  He said “The appeal of this contest is that it’s all about bid calling.  I was nervous, but not having an interview made it less nervewracking.” Jason dedicated his win to his Dad and his Uncle Dick, who have both passed in the last two years.

The GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship was broadcasted live to a worldwide audience.  If you missed it, the videos are available on www.youtube.com/michiganauctioneers. “This is a unique competition in the sense there isn’t much in the way of rules – other than they must wear a hat, any hat and sell what they are selling within a two-minute time frame. Contestants are scored exclusively on their real-world auction chant – and man, do they put on an authentic show!” Said GoToAuction.com co-founder and Marketing Director, Kenny Lindsay, CAI.