It Happened in Crawford County: Galion couple's bid was right career call
Craig Miley is a son of Gerald “Gord” and Barbara Swartz Miley, and his siblings are Gary, Cheryl and Cory. Craig started school at Iberia and then went to Northmor where he enjoyed classes, but was anxious to start working.
He took a job during school with Schwan and helped farm with his dad, graduating from Northmor 1978. Craig learned to auction from his dad who did "bid calling" while working for auctioneer Clarence Patzer. Craig would hold his hand over his ears; he was tired of hearing it. Craig was about 12 when he started "bid calling" just like his dad, saying, “I think I’ve got it.” That set the stage where he knew he wanted be an auctioneer.
During this time, Craig married Marilyn Kendall, daughter of Ross and Eva Mae Kendall. She went to Galion schools where she studied hard and graduated in 1979. She began working at McDonald's when she was 16 and became assistant manager before working at ITT in Delaware − or sometimes at home caring for their two children.
Craig was shot in a hunting accident on Thanksgiving 1986. While in the hospital he said, “You never know what tomorrow will bring.” It prompted him to make a career change, to attend Midwest School of Auctioneering in Bellefontaine and soon after leave a good job in supervision. His dad was so worried, and Craig asked him to be patient and give him a chance to succeed.
Craig also was a rural mail carrier for a time. He received his license to auction and went into business in 1986 with his wife, Marilyn. He volunteered to auctioneer the Kid’s Livestock Sale in 1987 at the Crawford County Fair and has volunteered since then. He also auctions the livestock sale at the Morrow County Fair. He enjoys working with the kids and parents at the sales. He has made a lot of friendships.
Volunteering is a positive thing. Over the years they’ve done a lot of benefit auctions, including Duck’s Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Wild Turkey Federation, athletic and other benefits for schools, people in need medically, including Hospice in Morrow County, Avita Heart Ball, a Black-Tie event and dancing.
Career path takes another turn
Craig started working full time for Fred Barr Reality in 1989 after receiving his real estate license. Then, in 1990 he convinced Marilyn to get her real estate license, and she also began working at Fred Barr Realty. The couple opened Craig A. Miley Realty and Auction, 703 Harding Way West, Galion, when Marilyn got her broker’s license.
They opened the business at their farm home. It expanded so quickly and other Realtors joined them. They outgrew their home and continued to expand. They can’t believe how fast the business took off. They opened their second business in Farmer’s Bank, Bucyrus, in 2008 and their future plan is to open a third business in Mt. Gilead.
They have a big range of service from as far west as Hicksville, near the Indiana line, the Columbus area, Cleveland, Lake Erie, in surrounding counties including Richland, Crawford, Knox, Morrow, Delaware, Marion, Wyandot, Seneca and Ashland.
“Marilyn’s the one that has kept me going all these years," Craig said.
Marilyn is an amazing organizer. She used to help box up the items for the auctions. She typed the ads on a typewriter. It was frustrating, typing and retyping with additions and corrections until it was final. Computers have made it much easier; changes can easily be made to the ad. Craig would drive the finished ad around to all newspapers. There wasn’t fax or email service and mail was too slow to get the sale bills out to the public.
Big changes since the time ads were hand-delivered to newspapers
The regular auction people were accustomed to has changed dramatically because there is a higher percentage of the sales online. Farm machinery and equipment is sold live and online at the same time. Most of the real estate auctions, whether it be land or housing, is done by live auction, but during COVID it was mostly online.
COVID actually changed the industry. It went from mostly live auctions to online. Household items can also be sold online, which is as helpful you can reach a larger volume of people.
Craig and Marilyn’s daughter, Nicole, joined them in the business in 2011. She graduated from OSU just six months before receiving a doctorate degree in physical therapy. During that time she was very ill and was hospitalized, off and on, for the better part of two years. Health-wise, she was told it wasn’t in her best interest to continue on with her doctorate degree. When that door closed, she joined the family real estate business. God had his way.
She enjoys working with the people and helping them make life-changing decisions, settling estates or moving. She has been a major contributor to the business. Nicole and her fiancé, Keith, have a son, Brayden. The Miley’s have 10 realtors. Three are auctioneers and a fourth is Cory, Craig’s brother, plus a great auction crew.
Craig and Marilyn’s daughter, Dr. Ashley Miley (Dustin) Bryant, practices internal medicine at OhioHealth on Fourth Street, Ontario. They have two children Mac and Mae.
Craig says the auction business has propelled them and the entire business where they meet a lot people who have helped them. Marilyn said they have been able to fill a need for the public. They’ve met a lot of fun people and characters along the way. They’ve always said the should write about the experiences. It’s been a blessing watching so many people’s lives they have affected.
Go online for more of Mary Fox’s stories and photos on bucyrustelegraphforum.com. If you are interested in sharing a story, write Mary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Path of success for Miley Realty and Auction in Galion and Bucyrus
