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.

BRIAN BRAUN INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN AUCTIONEERS HALL OF FAME

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI – Ann Arbor Auctioneer, Braun Braun, received the highest possible honor any auctioneer can receive with his induction into the Michigan Auctioneers Hall of Fame on January 31 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference.

Brian Braun is a second generation auctioneer, the son of Lloyd R. Braun who started Braun and Helmer Auction Service in 1971 with his friend, Jerry Helmer.  Brian’s first experience with auctions was helping his dad at auctions and attending Michigan Auctioneers Association Conferences as a kid.  After Brian graduated high school in 1984, he attended Ferris College. However, like many auctioneers, he decided college was not for him.  He left school and started a very successful landscaping and stump removal business and worked at that along with helping at auctions for several years.

In 1996, Brian decided he would pursue a career in the auction business, so he attended Missouri Auction School with Jerry’s son and his friend, David Helmer.  Right after returning, Brian’s Dad put him to work on the auction block and he has never looked back.  For over 30 years he and his partners have grown the business to be one of the most respected and busy auction companies in Michigan. With the success of the business, in 1997 he was able to purchase the Centennial Farm of his Grandparents, where he lives now.  His love of the farm and everything country is evident in the pride he takes in keeping up his property, everything painted, roofed and kept up.

Brian’s hectic auction schedule leaves little time for other things, but he always finds time to give back to his community presenting at the local Historical Society and sharing his vast knowledge of antiques, collectibles and farm primitives. With a special interest the past few years of all things, fruit jars!! He has a very impressive collection of antiques, tractors, truck & autos which would be enough to open a very nice farm museum.

Brian Braun is life member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association, a member of the National Auctioneers Association and holds the Graduate Personal Property Appraisal designation.  He has served on the MAA Board of Directors and has donated well over $35,000 to the association fund raiser auction, which includes the famous Memorial deer hunt at his farm.  Each year since 2004 this hunt has been the highlight of the auction, including this year where spirited bidding topped out at $3500. He also finds time to spend with his family and hosts many family get-togethers at the “Pole Barn” locally known as the place to be for deer season and generally a great place to hang out.  Brian enjoys hunting and travels with other MAA Members to hunt Elk, Antelope, Deer, Coyote and Moose.  When not in the woods hunting animals, Brian can be found hunting mushrooms, finding sheds and taking pictures. He also enjoys processing, smoking and canning many of his home grown foods and many MAA Members can attest that he is an accomplished wine maker.

He now joins is Father and both of his partners as MAA Hall of Fame Members. Lloyd Braun passed away several years ago, but Brian, David and Jerry are still taking the auction industry by storm, conducting hundreds of auctions every year.  For more information about Brian and Braun & Helmer Auction Service, visit www.braunandhelmer.com or call 734-368-1736.

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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.

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MICHIGAN AUCTIONEER CHAMPIONSHIP

Jason Clark, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2020

Jason Clark of Alma, Michigan, won the title, Michigan Auctioneer Champion, at the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship took place on January 30 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Sixteen Contestants competed for the coveted title. The Five Finalists were Ridge Bollheimer (Clarklake, Mich.), Jason Clark (Alma, Mich), Ed Leist (Petoskey, Mich.), Ashley Peters (Riverdale, Michigan), and Darby Walton (Upper Sandusky, Ohio). For winning the title, Jason received a championship ring, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July in San Diego, California.

Also taking home honors were Darby Walton and Ashley Peters. Walton was the 1st runner up and Peters was the 2nd runner up.

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 fourteen 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 2019, he finally made the finals and placed 2nd runner up. He was so glad he didn’t take time off this year because it felt more familiar than in years past. Jason says that winning the Championship is an honor and a highlight in his life. Ever since he was a little boy, he wanted to be a good father, farmer and an 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 would strongly encourage any auctioneer to become a member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and to compete in the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. You will better yourself and your auction business all around.”

During the conference, Jason was elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Auctioneers Association for a three-year term. He’s excited to serve the association and represent the industry as the Michigan Auctioneer Champion.

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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.

Larry Harb Wins the Michigan Ringman Championship!

Mount Pleasant, Michigan –

Larry Harb was awarded the honor of 2020 Michigan Ringman Champion on January 30, 2020 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Eight Contestants competed for the coveted title. Contestants were judged by a panel of five accomplished auctioneers, including an International Auctioneer Champion and the world’s most famous auctioneer, Leroy Van Dyke. 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 Clarklake, 1st Runner Up, and Mike Furlo of Midland, 2nd Runner Up.

Larry Harb was first introduced to the auction industry through the insurance side of the industry. After working with several auctioneers on their insurance needs, he became intrigued by the business and decided to attend auction school in 2008. He started his auction career working for Geyer Auction Service in Williamston in 2008 as a ringman and fill in auctioneer for his quarterly consignment auctions. In addition he has assisted with several benefit auctions for groups like Habitat for Humanity. Larry has also worked as Ringman with a number of different auctioneers at fundraising events for Ingham and Shiawassee County Pheasant Forever Groups and other charitable organizations.

Harb has competed in the ringman competition in previous years. He thought he could win the competition by just spotting bids and making noise. However, he learned that there is a legitimate art to working the auction ring and began to educate himself on the mechanics of being a professional ringman then bringing the complete package to the competition.

Larry is a member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association as well as a graduate of the Ohio Auction School and the Professional Ringmen’s Institute. He has attended over 100 different state association conferences and been a speaker at approx 25. Mr. Harb has over thirty years of experience in the financial services and insurance industries. During his career he has also served as an instructor at Michigan State University and Illinois Institute of Technology. He is also an instructor of Auction Risk Management for the Kentucky Auction Academy, Continental Auctioneers School and the North Georgia School of Auctioneering.

Mr. Harb holds a Masters of Management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelors degree from Northern Illinois University. He coauthored the book “Reinventing the Retail Bank” published in 1994. He is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist and has written numerous articles and is a frequent guest speaker at industry conferences.

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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.

RIVERDALE, MICHIGAN AUCTIONEER, ASHLEY PETERS WINS PRESTIGIOUS GOTOAUCTION.COM MIDWEST AUCTIONEER CHAMPIONSHIP

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN – Professional auctioneer, Ashley Peters from Riverdale, Michigan which is just South of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan took top honors at the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship – one of the most popular auctioneer competitions in the United States of America.

The GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship saw a field of 15 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: John Beechy of Nappanee, Indiana (5th place), Clayton Neal of Tiffin, Ohio (4th place), Grant Cole of Beulah, Michigan (3rd place), Sam Baer of Galion, Ohio (2nd place) and of course, the Champion Ashley Peters. All finalists received a plaque commemorating their achievement and a cash prize.

The Champion, Ashley Peters, who owns Statewide Auction Service with his brother, Avery Peters has become a well-known and respected professional auctioneer in the state of Michigan. Over the past several years, Peters has become highly sought after by other auction companies that employ him to work their live auction events.

Upon receiving the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship purse of $2,500 and the championship award, Peters was noticeably surprised when he was declared the champion. Peters said afterward, “I was pumped that I made the finals. When I realized I was in the Top 2, I thought to myself, “No Way!” and when announced that I won, my mouth hit the floor, jaw hanging open. It was a pretty surreal moment.”

One of the judges commented, “This was a really difficult championship to judge based on the amount of talent. We were looking at accomplished auctioneers that compete on the national level. However, it was many of the lesser known names that do not compete in similar contests that kept this competition especially tight. In the end, Peters amassed the most points.”

The GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship was broadcasted live to a worldwide audience. “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.

To watch video of the competition, visit www.youtube.com/michiganauctioneers

FRANK C. LEIST INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN AUCTIONEERS HALL OF FAME

Auctioneer Frank C. Leist, of Boyne City, MI recently received the highest distinction any auctioneer can receive when he was inducted into the Michigan Auctioneer Association’s Hall of Fame. The induction occurred on February 1, 2019 during the President’s Ball to conclude the annual Michigan Auctioneers Association’s Annual Conference held this year in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Current Michigan Auctioneer Association Hall of Fame members vote each year on whether to induct nominated members into their honorable fraternity. Frank’s career was recognized as worthy of induction after considering his years in the industry, high standard of professionalism, business integrity and contributions to the industry and auctioneer association. Frank was the lone auctioneer inducted in 2019. Dozens of family and close friends were on hand during the ceremony to watch the induction and celebrate the moment with association members in attendance.

Frank’s auction career has spanned five decades selling primarily livestock, estates, farm dispersals and real estate. Frank graduated from the Reich World Wide College of Auctioneering in 1984. Frank returned after graduation and promptly went to work building a successful auction business on the grounds of integrity and honesty. Frank’s career has since seen him sell hundreds of auctions, dozens of farms, and countless estates including some totaling well over a million dollars.

Frank knew early in life that he wanted to be an auctioneer. As early as grade school he shared his talents on the school bus by auctioning off his sister’s lunch, a stunt that earned the dismay of his mother, Ruth Leist. After auction school Frank’s first auction netted a meager $100 commission. Frank and his wife, Janet invested their first commission into their fledgling business by purchasing office equipment.  Commissions became larger with each auction, but Frank’s investment into his career remained. Frank invested earnings into not just auction equipment, but into his education by earning designations in the auction industry such as AARE (Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate), CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute) as well as becoming a broker of real estate. Frank’s investments into his career earned him knowledge and experience that few auctioneers in the state possess.

Though he’s conducted auctions in virtually every niche of the industry. Frank’s real passion has always been as a livestock auctioneer. After graduating high school in 1973 Frank learned about livestock auctions by hauling cattle to the Gaylord Stockyard. In 1979 he and his father, Frank Sr. began hauling cattle to the Marion Stockyards where Frank would soon begin working as their auctioneer. Frank quickly and steadily became one of the busiest livestock auctioneers in the state, selling every week at markets in Marion, Clare and Alpena. During this time Frank was recognized by the Livestock Marketing Association as their Region 1 Champion Auctioneer from 1996 – 1999.

In 2000 Frank stopped working at the Marion Stockyards and began managing the stockyard in Gaylord. Frank and Janet would purchase that stockyard two years later and name it Northern Michigan Livestock. Frank continued to sell for his close friends Bud Gernaat in Clare and Gene Hanson in Alpena until both men passed away.  Both of those markets were the chief competition to Frank’s own market and his strong relationship to their owners is a testament to his character and loyalty. Frank continues to call bids and manage Northern Michigan Livestock during their weekly livestock auction on Wednesdays.

Frank’s legacy in the auction industry extends far beyond his own career. Frank’s two eldest sons Ed Leist and Wade Leist are both active in the auction industry as well. Frank has been a mentor to them in the industry and deserves credit for their accomplishments and success.

Frank, his cousin Jerry Schmoldt, along with Ed and Wade all currently manage dozens of auctions each year as Leist Auctioneers. Their company continues to grow and adapt within the industry to feature traditional live auctions, as well as online and simulcast auctions. Adapting to current trends has helped Leist Auctioneers manage a multitude of asset classes to meet the needs of their clients.

Frank and Janet stay plenty busy outside of the auction industry by managing a large cattle farm in the Boyne City area. Together they have three sons, Ed, Wade and Brandon, along with 6 grandchildren. Frank is honored to be the inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

Billy Peyton, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2019

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Billy Peyton of Middletown, Ohio won the title, Michigan Auctioneer Champion at the Michigan Auctioneer Championship. The Championship was held on January 31 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. 12 Contestants competed for the coveted title. The 5 Finalists were Samuel Baer (Galion, Ohio), Ridge Bollheimer (Clarklake, Mich.), Jason Clark (Alma, Mich), Ashley Peters (Riverdale, Michigan), and Billy Peyton (Middletown, Ohio). For winning the title, Billy received a championship ring, trophy, and entry into the International Auctioneer Championship in July in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Also taking home honors were Samuel Baer and Jason Clark. Baer was the 1st runner up and Clark was the 2nd runner up.

The Champion, Billy Peyton is a proud member of the Ohio Auctioneers Association, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and the National Auctioneers Association. The highly talented auctioneer is no stranger to top placements in major auctioneer championships. Peyton won the 2017 Ohio Auctioneers Association Junior Auctioneer Championship and the GoToAuction.com Midwest Auctioneer Championship in 2018. In two consecutive years, Peyton was ranked in the Top 15 finalists in the 2017 and 2018 International Auctioneers Championship. Then he appeared in the 2018 World Automobile Auctioneers Championship coming in as a finalist in that competitive contest. When not selling automobiles and equipment, Billy is part of his wife’s cattle/grain farming operation of over 800 acres.

Upon winning the championship, Billy said, “I’ve been wanting to be an auctioneer since I was five years old. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Ever since I went to that first auction, I was hooked and I’ve made my dream come true and became an auctioneer. I’m a proud member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and thrilled to be able to represent my association and industry this year and at the International Auctioneer Championship in July.” Peyton went on to thank his wife, Katie for her unwavering support, his parents, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and many others that were pivotal in his early successes as a professional auctioneer.

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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.

Bob Howe Wins the Michigan Ringman Championship!

Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Auctioneer Bob Howe was awarded the honor of 2019 Michigan Ringman Champion on January 31, 2019 at the Michigan Auctioneers Association Annual Conference in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. 5 Contestants competed for the coveted title. Contestants were judged by a panel of 5 accomplished Michigan & International Auctioneer Champions. They were judged on 4 categories: Crowd/Buyer Interaction, Performance, Relaying Bids and Communication with their Auctioneer, and Appearance/Presence. Also taking home honors were Mathias Donat of Saline, 1st Runner Up, and Kelly Merryman of Fremont, 2nd Runner Up.

Bob Howe graduated from Central Michigan University, with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1968 and Master’s Degree in 1971. He graduated from the Missouri Auction School in 1977 and held his first auction in September of that same year.

He has conducted thousands of auctions and owned three auction companies starting with Brother Bob’s Auction Service, then Heritage Action Firm which he sold in the late 90’s and finally Epic Auctions and Estate Sales which he sold in July of 2018.

He has been a consecutive member of the MAA since 1977. He has served the industry by serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Auctioneers Association twice in his career, one long stint in the late 70’s and 80’s and then again recently. In addition, he completed his CAI designation in 1988 and thereafter served on the CAI Board of Governors.

This was Bob’s very first time competing in the Michigan Ringman Championship and he said while waiting in the wings for his turn that he just wanted to go out and have fun. Looking at the results, it appears that he did just that.

Bob is semi-retired and always looking to assist any auctioneer or auction company in any way that he can. He lives in East Lansing, Michigan with his wife Sheila who is also an auctioneer, ring person, clerk and cashier.

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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.