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. See www.wadeleistbenefitauctioneer.com for 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.
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
