Meet the Team – Leist Auctioneers (2024)

• 2019 inductee Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame
• CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute)
• AARE (Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate)
• Lifetime member and former Board of Director of the Michigan Auctioneers Association
• National Auctioneers Association Member
• Licensed Real Estate Broker in Michigan

Frank has over 40 years in the auction industry, culminating in a 2019 induction into the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. Frank’s passion to become an auctioneer began when he sold his sister’s lunch on the school bus in grade school. Frank continued his desire to work in the auction industry after high school when he worked at livestock sale barns and for respected auctioneers in the area.

In 1984, Frank graduated from the Reich World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA. Frank immediately applied his auction education and began conducting farm and estate auctions. Frank’s talents soon lead him to sell livestock at 3 sale barn locations throughout Northern Michigan every week. Since then, Frank purchased the Northern Michigan Livestock sale barn in Gaylord, MI and sells livestock there every Wednesday. Frank’s auction experience extends far beyond selling livestock. Frank’s list of successful auctions includes business liquidations, farm dispersals, estate settlements and real estate.

Frank has been married to his wife Janet for over 40 years and he enjoys watching Tigers baseball and Lions football. Frank is also a second-generation farmer.

• 231.838.2780

• Michigan Auctioneer Champion 2015
• Midwest Auctioneer Champion 2015
• Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneer Champion 2020
• Reserve Champion at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship 2019
• Finalist at the World Livestock Auctioneers Championship 2019
• Past President of the Michigan Auctioneers Association
• National Auctioneers Association Member

Wade graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering in February 2004. After graduating auction school Wade worked and studied the auction profession under his father, Frank C. Leist. Wade recently retired from law enforcement as the Detective Sergeant of the Emmet County Sheriff Office and thus officially became a full-time auctioneer in May of 2018.

Wade is one of the few livestock and personal property auctioneers in the country to also find success conducting fundraising auctions. Non-Profit Organizations from around the country rely on Wade to assist with their fundraising through live auctions and event consultations. Wade helps his Non-Profit clients raise millions of dollars every year to fund their mission and help those in need. Seewww.wadeleistbenefitauctioneer.comfor more details.

Wade and his wife Sarah have 4 daughters- Morgan, Katie, Aubrey and Madeline. Sarah is a Department Analyst of the Intelligence Operations Department for the Michigan State Police. She recently was awarded the Civilian of the Year Award for her superior employment performance and community dedication.

• 231.330.1042
• wadeleist@gmail.com
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• Michigan Auctioneers Championship Finalist 2011, 2016, 2017, 2020
• 2nd runner up in the Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneering Championship 2020
• Michigan Auctioneers Association Member
• National Auctioneers Association Member

Ed began conducting auctions with his father, Frank C. Leist in 2001. Ed attended and graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering in February of 2004. Ed is a highly sought-after livestock Auctioneer and regularly sells livestock at several auction markets throughout Michigan. He is also often contracted as an Auctioneer for many horse auctions throughout the state. Ed is known for having a smooth auction chant and high energy while marketing not only livestock, but all assets.

Ed and his wife Becky have 2 children Owen and Brynn. Becky is a Teacher and Administrator at Concord Academy- Boyne where both of their children are students. Ed enjoys team roping and has previously worked as a contract welder all over the United States. Welding is a passion Ed has passed on to his son, Owen who- while also fulfilling his duties as a student at CAB- also attends welding school in East Jordan.

• 231.838.1484
• valleybrokehorses@gmail.com
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• Michigan Auctioneers Association Member

Jerry has nearly 25 years experience in the auction industry as an auction manager and avid auction buyer. Jerry not only manages the Leist Auctioneers Bi-Annual Equipment Auction, but also assists on the back end of each auction with set up, clerking and software implementation. Jerry has vast knowledge of equipment, tools, antiques and automotive which is crucial on most all auctions. Jerry brings a unique perspective to the auction team as an experienced auction buyer who travels across the country for antique tractor auctions.

Jerry is the founder and co-owner of North Bay Hydroseed located in Boyne City, MI. Jerry and his business partner provide landscape and plowing services to hundreds of clients in the area.

Jerry enjoys camping with his Wife Cassie and their 2 children Carrie and Jenny. Jerry also enjoys collecting anything Minneapolis Moline related.

• 231.675.1325
• nbhydro@yahoo.com

• Michigan Auctioneers Association Member

Kim has worked for Leist Auctioneers for over 10 years as a clerk and cashier. Kim also assists during the cataloging and photographing for many auctions. She also works in the office at Northern Michigan Livestock on Wednesdays and enjoys interacting with producers and buyers. Kim's versatility is important to the auction team where she can be counted on for pre and post auction help.

Tricia grew up in the auction industry and began helping Leist Auctioneers in 2015. Tricia is a Hall of Fame member of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and serves as the associations Executive Director.

Tricia graduated from the Texas Auction Academy in 2000 and has been involved with multiple facets of the auction industry for many years. Tricia's experience is exceptionally valued by Leist Auctioneers as she manages the auction cashier office for most of our auctions.

• 1984 Graduate Stark Auction School- Claremont, Florida
• Professional Auctioneer 1984-2004

Sam is an "auctioneer emeritus" Sam retired from the auction business in 2004 after a long career as a local auctioneer, although he still uses his auctioneering skills every Wednesday at the Northern Michigan Livestock Barn selling hay and small animals. In 2004 Sam hired Wade and Ed Leist to assist him for what would be his very last auction. Since that day he has been recommending Leist Auctioneers as the leader in the industry. Sam brings a wealth of knowledge regarding antiques, firearms, local advertising items and various personal property items. Sam's duties include ring man, occasional bid caller and constant crowd entertainment.

• Graduated from Davenport University in 2010 with a degree in BusinessAdministration

Sam’s daughter Elizabeth joined the Leist Auctioneer staff upon Sam’s retirement. Elizabeth works as a clerk/cashier and has been in the auction business from birth. She is very precise and accurate in her duties and is well versed in the auction industry which makes her a valued member of the team.

Tom works as a ring man during many of the auctions. Tom has been on staff for many years and enjoys coming to the auctions.

Tom has also been on staff at Northern Michigan Livestock for several years.

Tom and his wife, Cyn, have been married for over 47 years and have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Steve helps with the organization, load out and set up of our bi-annual consignment auctions, as well as stepping in as a ring man when needed.

Alongside Jerry Schmoldt, Steve is the Co-Owner of North Bay Hydroseed. Together, Steve and Jerry provide landscape and plowing services to hundreds of clients in the area.

Steve enjoys playing softball and bowling. His dog, Tonk can often be found riding along side him in the passenger seat of his truck.

Being the Grandson of Frank and the son of Ed, Owen has grown up to the tune of an auction chant. Recently Owen began to take on a more consistent role in the conducting of auctions by learning to become a ringman. Owen is willing and eager to help with the set up and load outs and understands the value that it brings to customer service.

Owen attends Concord Academy Boyne and also recently passed his 1G MIG Welding Certification test. After graduating High School, Owen plans to continue pursuing his welding certification at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Ohio.