Leland's and Clean Sweep merging.

[edhans]

Per this morning's email. Best of luck to Steve, Mike and their team.

[Leon]

I agree. Two great teams combining. Here is the announcement.

For Immediate Release September 26, 2024
Contact Name: Steve Verkman
Contact Telephone, Email: (516) 625-0900 or cleansweepauctions@gmail.com

Collectors First Auction Group Announces Merger of Lelands and Clean Sweep Brands
Unbundle Your Collection, Maximize Your Outcomes

Port Washington, NY, September 26, 2024 – Collectors First Auction Group is thrilled to announce the merger of two of the most esteemed brands in the sports card and memorabilia industry: Lelands and Clean Sweep Auctions. This strategic union aims to provide collectors with an innovative and optimized, one-stop solution that maximizes the value of every item hobby collector’s wish to sell.
Tailored Auction Solutions for Every Piece in Your Collection
Collectors First Auction Group will offer four distinct types of auctions, each regularly scheduled throughout the year and targeted to varying levels of collectible interests and pricing. With a total of 12 regularly scheduled auction events per year, collectors can expect a tailored approach that ensures the best outcomes for each piece in their collections.
“At Collectors First Auction Group, we believe that every piece in your collection deserves the right platform to shine,” says Steve Verkman, CEO of Collectors First Auction Group. “Our goal is to help collectors unbundle their collections, maximizing value through tailored auction solutions that bring their items to the right audience at the right time.”
Combining Expertise and Trust
The merger combines the unparalleled sports collectible knowledge and experience of Lelands and Clean Sweep, two of the most established and highly successful brands in the hobby. Lelands, known as the “Original Sports Auction House,” brings an unmatched 40-year legacy of delivering premium sports auction experiences and valuable collecting advice. Clean Sweep, respected for its fair and trustworthy approach, has built a loyal and committed client base over 30 years through its dedication to a client-first approach.
 

Leadership and Continuity
Steve Verkman, President of Clean Sweep and a long-time hobby veteran, will assume the role of CEO for Collectors First Auction Group, overseeing both the Lelands and Clean Sweep brands. Michael Heffner, President of Lelands, will act as Special Advisor to the CEO during the transition period, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations while continuing to provide his 40 years of expertise and guidance as needed.
Commitment to Excellence
Lelands and Clean Sweep will combine their expertise and resources but will continue to operate as they have for decades, with no significant changes planned for either brand’s auction operations or marketing. All sports collectible experts and auction support personnel from both brands will continue to provide exceptional auction experiences and client services, maintaining the high standards that collectors have come to expect.
"This merger represents an exciting opportunity to enhance the services both brands provide to our valued clients," said Michael Heffner, President of Lelands. "By joining forces, Lelands and Clean Sweep Auctions will be able to offer even greater value and more tailored auction solutions, while maintaining the same trusted operations and marketing strategies that have served our clients so well for decades. Rest assured, our commitment to delivering exceptional auction experiences remains unchanged."
Clean Sweep Auction is Live Now
Clean Sweep’s current auction, closing on October 9th, is one of their most interesting and diverse to date. Key lots include Old Judge cards of Mike "King" Kelly and Harry Wright, a 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Pittsburgh Pirates Honus Wagner, an E102 Ty Cobb (PSA 2 mk), T206 Ty Cobb (green background, PSA 1.5), T206 Cobb (bat on shoulder, PSA 4), and a Cy Young Portrait (PSA 5). The auction also offers a wide range of vintage baseball cards, autographs, and programs. In addition, high-grade and premium basketball, football, and boxing cards, tickets, and autographs are featured, including a rare 1984 Star 101 Michael Jordan true rookie card. A special section highlights a historic collection of presidential autographs, with signatures from nearly every president, from Washington to Carter. View the auction at www.cleansweepauctions.com.


(continued) 
Lelands Fall Classic Auction Opens September 29
The Lelands 2024 Fall Classic is shaping up to be one of their finest auctions yet. Opening on Sunday, September 29th, this auction offers over 1,600 lots of premier sports memorabilia and cards. Highlights include extraordinary collections of game-used, game-worn, and photo-matched memorabilia, along with a wide selection of vintage and modern sports cards. Key cards featured are an immaculate PSA 10 Honus Wagner 1/1 Cut Autograph, a 1948 Leaf Satchel Paige PSA 7, and a 2020 LeBron Gold Prizm #1 PSA MINT 9. Also, up for bid is a “Holy Grail” item—a 1914 Baltimore Orioles original team photo featuring Babe Ruth. Collectors can preview these lots and much more here.
About Collectors First Auction Group
Collectors First Auction Group is dedicated to providing collectors with optimized auction solutions that maximize the value of their collections. Through the Lelands and Clean Sweep Auctions brands, the group offers tailored auction experiences that cater to every level of collector, ensuring the best outcomes for the sale of sports memorabilia and cards.
________________________________________

[Hankphenom]

Verkman and Heffner, doesn't get much better than those guys, this should make for a great company. Reading between the lines, it sounds like perhaps Steve has actually bought Leland's, and that Mike might be retiring. Whatever the case, best of luck to two of the hobby's legendary practitioners and good guys.

[puckpaul]

Steve is a class act, congrats to him. This should be good for all.

[pawpawdiv9]

Awesome. I use both of these guys.
Cant wait for the new venture: Collectibles First
I guess we'll have to create new accounts and such, when available.
Assuming we still get catalogs as well.