Apple Tree Auction Center

The Apple Tree Auction Advantage * Prime central location on SR 16 in Newark with easy access to Interstate 70 and only 30 minutes from the Columbus Airport. * Over 30,000 square feet in two separate climate controlled buildings * Comfortable seating for over 250 people * Display monitors that make even small items easy to see * Electric turntable that displays large items; furniture and oriental rugs * Computer operated sales and inventory system, streamlines sales and consignment process * Attractive and secure display and viewing areas * Excellent food service and casual eating area History Apple Tree Auction began with a gift and has become a legacy. "Apple Tree Auction Center's story truly is the story of the Schnaidt family. At about twelve years of age, I received an antique toy as a gift. Little did I know that the gift would spark an interest not only in antique toys and cars, but would be impetus for my life's work. My wife Heidi and I grew together in our love for antiques, opening a shop in Granville, Ohio in 1972. At the time, we not only bought and sold antiques, but also conducted small-scale auctions. By the early 1980s, the need for a full-service auction center in Central Ohio had become apparent to us, and Apple Tree Auction Center was born." - Sam Schnaidt, President and Founder Sam graduated from The Reppert School of Auctioneering in 1963 and graduated from Ohio University in 1964. After college, Sam went to work with his father and began his career as an independent insurance agent. Sam began holding estate and real estate auctions on the weekends throughout the 1960's. In 1970, he became a charter member of HCA (Heisey Collectors of America) where he has served as Past president and on the board of directors. In 1971, he conducted the inaugural auction of all Heisey Glass, which has continued on an annual basis ever since. In 1972, Sam and Heidi opened an antique shop in Granville, Ohio's historic Opera House which also served as a venue for numerous auctions. Sam and Heidi traveled to the Eastern US several times each year on buying trips and attended many of the finest auction galleries in New England. At these auctions, the Schnaidt's observed many characteristics that seemed to add to the success of those auctions. Eventually, they saw a need to establish a full-service auction facility in Ohio and wanted to incorporate many of the ideas that they had observed from other successful auction houses. In 1983, the bricks and mortar of Apple Tree Auction Center were established. Since then our buildings have expanded from the initial 5,000 sq feet building to a facility which presently covers over 30,000 sq feet. In 1993, Sam and Heidi were joined by their son, David. He is a 1993 graduate of Hope College is Holland, Michigan. David graduated with a B.A. in Communications but also gained experience during college participating in a London, England business term and a semester internship in Philadelphia, working for the director of Marketing at Campbell's Soup in Camden, New Jersey. David is a now vice-president and co-owner of the corporation. David is a licensed auctioneer and realtor. David was responsible for the addition of technology areas including the company's web site and live on-line auctions through Ebay. David also has a strong interest and knowledge in Fine Art and Decorative Arts. He was appointed by Governor Taft to the State of Ohio Auction Commission in 2005 and was elected as Chairman in 2007. "I truly love being an auctioneer, I enjoy being a member of the auction commission because it gives me the opportunity to share that passion with other professionals that want to uphold the principals of auctioneering and advance our industry." David's wife, Becky, a 1992 graduate of Hope College in Business and Communications initially worked full time in the area of accounting and bookkeeping but now works part-time as a consultant to the business with an expertise in staffing and time management and is responsible for managing the internet bidding on auction days. "Our staff is comprised of 20 dedicated full and part-time employees, several of whom have been with us for over twenty years. Through the combined expertise of our family and staff, we are always exploring new ways to develop and maintain a superior level of service to our customers. As our business has grown and evolved, the founding principals have not changed. Our goal is to provide a professional, quality auction experience for our buyers and sellers. We strive to achieve the highest possible price for every item that we sell through competitive bidding and above all to maintain our long standing tradition and reputation for honesty and integrity in auctioneering." - David Schnaidt, Vice-President