Clean Sweep Auctions - Appraisal/Buying/Consignment
Contact: Steve Verkman, (516) 435-3806 or info@cleansweepauctions.com
Collectors First Auction Group Announces Merger of Lelands
and Clean Sweep Brands
Unbundle Your Collection, Maximize Your Outcomes
Mattawan, NY, September 25, 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.”
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.
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.
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."
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.
For more information, please contact: Steve Verkman