A new record high auction sale price on September 24 at a Miedema Auctioneering Live Auction on the John Deere 4250 with only 947 actual hours sold on a central Michigan farm estate auction. Also note…it was a “2WD” model, not MFWD. Watch the Youtube video above and you can watch it sell for $50,000. Thank you to Machinery Pete for publishing this great video and Auction Results.#AuctionsWork!
Forest Hill farm auction draws bidders, window shoppers
Beth Rose, International Auctioneer Champion 2016
Beth Rose, CAI, AARE, (President of Beth Rose Real Estate & Auctions, Maumee, Ohio) was named winner of the National Auctioneers Association’s, International Auctioneers Championship, Women’s Division. Beth topped a field of 94 competitors to take the women’s division and her daughter Sara Rose-Bytnar, placed right behind her as 1st Runner Up. The International Auctioneer Championship was conducted as part of the National Auctioneers Association’s 67th annual International Auctioneers Conference & Show, which occurred in Grand Rapids, Michigan during July 19-23.
Ms. Rose received a $5,000 cash award, trophy and championship ring for her winning efforts. The competition featured a preliminary bid-calling round, an interview session consisting of three questions, and a final round of bid-calling that included the top 15 men and 7 women. In the two divisions, 74 men and 20 women competed for the right to be known as THE BEST auction professional in the world.
In addition to this prestigious title, Ms. Rose will serve as the National Auctioneers Association’s ambassador for the next 12 months. She will also be an ambassador for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and travel to Memphis, Tennessee in December to conduct a fund-raising auction for kids receiving treatment at St. Jude’s.
During the NAA Conference and Show, Beth Rose Real Estate & Auctions also received top recognition from the 2016 NAA/USA TODAY Marketing Competition Award as “Auction Marketing Campaign of the Year” for The Ridgeland Estate Luxury Auction.
Beth’s path to a successful auction career was paved by her father, David Rose. David started as a traditional real estate broker when Beth was born and had one of the largest Century 21 franchises in the country in the 1980’s. David then sold the successful Century 21 franchise to focus on selling real estate at auction. David mentored under some of the top auctioneers in the country to develop Rose Auction and Realty. David put his company on the map by educating the general public in Toledo, Ohio to utilize auctions as a first choice in selling real estate and assets. Rose Auction and Realty credits the likes of Marty Higgenbotham, Hugh Miller, Brent Semple, Walt Driggers, Merle Booker and the late Keith Bradley for leaving a lasting legacy and helping develop this now nationally recognized auction firm.
Unfortunately, David’s life was cut short at the age of 55 when he was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. David had been preparing to enter his third and final year of CAI when he received the news. He was advised to get his affairs in order and was therefore unable to attend his final year of CAI. David’s CAI classmates had a phone brought into the classroom so that David was able to speak with the entire class and say his goodbyes. David received his CAI Designation as an Honorary Designee through the efforts of his CAI 1998 classmates. The relationships he made during his time at CAI helped carry on his legacy. Each year a newly designated CAI graduate is presented with “The Rose Award” in honor of David.
David passed within six weeks of his diagnosis. His abrupt passing happened when Beth was just 33 years old. “We never planned for this to happen at such a young age,” says Beth. “Because of the NAA, we were able to sustain our company’s growth and build on his legacy. I remember my dad always telling us that knowledge is power and it doesn’t matter how long you are in the business, we need to evolve constantly and to invest in yourself and always attend educational classes. And the NAA has provided us with all the vital tools, training, and mentorship we’ve needed to thrive as women in the auction industry.”
David’s legacy lives on through Beth and her three sisters who are also in the auction business, Pamela, Dawn and Karen Rose. David set his daughters up to be the ultimate sales women by making them all competitors. Beth always remembered her father saying, “Treat every appointment as if your sister is sitting in the driveway and you will get every deal.” This has made all four girls leaders in their marketplace and they still live by this philosophy. They compete to be at the top of their game. Though competitors in business, Beth is very close to all of her sisters, stating, “We may compete against each other in business, but we are best friends. It really works for us!”
Beth’s daughter, Sara Rose-Bytnar is also an accomplished auction professional. Sara is the managing partner of Beth Rose Real Estate and Auctions and lives in Naples, Florida. Beth and Sara have a special bond since Beth raised Sara as a single Mother. At a very young age, Sara knew the real estate and auction business from traveling with Beth on appointments and auctions. “Sara has made her voice and the business her own. She is an amazing businesswoman and I couldn’t be more proud to share the stage with her in the IAC Competition. It was the most rewarding experience any parent could ever imagine.” Sara was the 1st Runner Up in the IAC Competition and only lost by 0.1 point. “We are still in awe of how close we both were. Since we started competing together five years ago, our goal was for both of us to place first second, and this year we did it!”
The Michigan Auctioneers Association is fortunate to have both Beth and Sara as active and engaged MAA members. Beth and Sara are at nearly every MAA event and have shared their experience and knowledge by hosting numerous seminars for MAA members in the past. The MAA congratulates each for their outstanding performances during the 2016 NAA C&S and looks forward to having Beth Rose represent our industry for the upcoming year.
Junior Staggs, Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Champion 2016

The “Slam Down” differs from other auctioneer competitions because it is all about Bid Calling. There is no interview and the rules are simple: “sell what you brought in two minutes, and you must wear a hat”. The “Slam Down” is becoming known throughout the Midwest as one of the most challenging and entertaining auctioneer competitions in the world. Competitors lay it all on the line as they call bids in a manner that is similar to an actual live auction setting. Many competitors enjoy this type of competition as they are not judged on anything other than how they sound.
This year’s competition was fierce. 5 Finalists were announced from the field of 28. The 2016 Finalists were John Beechy (Nappanee, Ind), Justin Croy (Plymouth, Ind), Frank “Ed” Leist (Petoskey, Mich), Jarron Miller (Huntington, Ind) and James “Junior” Staggs (Puryear, Tenn). The placings were then announced and were as follows: Justin Croy (5th), Jarron Miller (Tied for 3rd), John Beechy (Tied for 3rd), Frank “Ed” Leist (2nd), and James “Junior” Staggs (Champion). The top 5 finishers were awarded with trophies and cash prizes. All of the top 5 finishers were members of the Michigan Auctioneers Association.
Junior is no stranger to auctioneer championships. He is the current Kentucky State Champion Auctioneer, the 2014 Tennessee State Champion Auctioneer and the 2015 Southeast Region Champion Auctioneer. Junior is also a two time (2015, 2016) Mule Day Auctioneer Reserve Champion.
Junior is an Auctioneer/Affiliate Real Estate Broker with Doug Taylor Auction Service in Puryear, Tennessee. Although Junior didn’t grow up around auctions, he caught the “bug” when he worked as a “grunt” for his wife’s uncles firm. He attended Nashville Auction School in 2007 and was elected to class president. He has been licensed in real estate for over 4 years. Junior is also creative. He is the owner/founder of The Auctioneer Print, a poem written and produced about the Auctioneer.
Junior and his wife, Katie, live on a small farm in Puryear, Tennessee with their two daughters, Savannah Kate and Sophie Beth (both future auctioneers).
Special Thanks to Judges for the Super Summer Slam Down Bid Calling Championship: Chuck Haarer, Scott King, Dave Brooks, Bill Sheridan, Lee Smittendorf. Also, special thanks to John Narhi for handling the live feed and video. To view the 2016 Super Summer Slam in it’s entirety, visit www.FindMichiganAuctions.com or www.youtube.com/MichiganAuctioneers.
John Beechy, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2016
John Beechy, Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2016
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
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
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
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!
Click the Link below, fill out the form completely and follow through with the Checkout.
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
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.