About Us
We're your Northern Michigan Auctioneer!
| Don Hower was born and raised north of Lake City on a farm where he spent his formative years working the farm and living the good life. He graduated from Lake City High School and upon graduating went to work in construction for a short time before taking a job at the Lake City State Bank where he worked for 12 years. During those 12 years, he married a McBain gal, Brenda (Wiinikainen), had two children and purchased a farm south of Lake City where they raised beef cattle. |  |
In 1967, he grew tired of the banking business and decided to change careers. Upon the suggestion of Brenda, he decided to go to auctioneer school. He graduated from Reisch Auction College in Mason City, Iowa and upon returning home, held his first auction for Jim Vanderlaan, known as Van the Lumberman. He left the banking business in 1968 and during the next ten years while the auction business was growing, Don worked various jobs including fieldwork for MSU Experimental Station, hauling livestock, milking cows and ½ owner of Marion Livestock Barn in the 70’s. Don also spent 20 years as a northern Michigan field man for the MACMA Feeder Pig Division of Michigan Farm Bureau while keeping busy on the farm and selling auctions.
| Don Hower-Auctioneers includes his wife, Brenda who handles the cashier duties and advertising duties. Their son, Darin graduated from Missouri Auction School in 1984. Darin is also a CAGA Certified Appraiser and will be involved in the personal property appraisals. Jim Michmerhuizen of Zeeland and Russ Westdorp of McBain also share the auction duties along with a crew of workers and clerks who all help to make the auctions successful and efficient. Whether you are a seller or buyer at a Hower auction, the intent is to always treat you with respect, humor and a friendly smile. |  |
Don Hower-Auctioneers have conducted many successful auctions in northern Michigan during the last 44 years. Don’s love of people and his friendly manner have enabled him to meet many wonderful people throughout his career. Don is well known for his many charitable auctions over the years and was named Lake City’s 1998 Citizen of the Year.
Don considers himself just a country boy who has been fortunate to have spent his years in a business that he enjoys so much and is looking forward to selling many more auctions – maybe even yours!