Aces of Trades: David Wyeth provides personal touch in auctions, real estate

NEWARK — He’s a military veteran now on a mission to “redefine and elevate the auction landscape.”

“Following my high school graduation,” recalled David Wyeth, “I enlisted in the United States Air Force, dedicating six years of my life to serving four tours in Iraq. Following that, I spent seven years in Kuwait as a government contractor. Upon returning to Ohio, I made the decision to re-enter the banking sector while also engaging in buying and selling online items from local auctions on the side.”

“I founded Wyeth Auctions out of a deep passion for auctions,” he continued, “aiming to reshape the industry with a transparent and user-friendly online platform. My commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation reflects a personal mission to exceed expectations in the auction experience. Wyeth Auctions is more than a business — it’s my heartfelt endeavor to redefine and elevate the auction landscape.”

Wyeth, 39, grew up in Newark and graduated from Licking Valley and Licking County JVS (C-TEC) in 2002. He earned both a bachelor’s in criminal justice and an MBA from American Military University.

“In 2018,” he said, “I had an epiphany that being an auctioneer would be a more fitting role than simply engaging in resale. Recognizing the ideal blend of customer service, I felt a strong calling toward this profession. It offered a perfect equilibrium, allowing me to assist families while pursuing my passion.”

“At Wyeth Auctions,” he noted, “in a typical auction, we might have around 120 buyers. I’m hands-on, even participating in physical activities like lifting a porcelain stove from a basement and serving as a cashier.”

Wyeth joined Century 21 Frank Frye Real Estate last April.

“So I’m a real estate agent and auctioneer,” he said. “In situations involving relocation, where individuals must part with their possessions, this synergy creates a convenient one-stop-shop solution.”

Phil Frye is principal broker at Century 21 Frank Frye Real Estate.

“We’re very glad to have David as a Realtor and auctioneer on our staff,” Frye said. “He loves his job, and he’s passionate about helping people, whether it’s selling real estate, household contents, or charity items to benefit a local non-profit agency.”

Gary Babcock, an auctioneer and real estate agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, agreed.

“David is passionate about helping people,” said Babcock. “David is ahead of his time in the ways he markets his products. He utilizes the Internet and social media unlike anyone I’ve encountered. As a realtor and auctioneer of over 25 years, I’ve learned a few new tricks from David.”

“Absolutely, it’s deeply rooted in a commitment to helping people,” Wyeth responded. “The core of our work, whether in real estate or auctions, is built on personal connections and referrals. The motivation comes from a genuine desire to assist individuals, especially in moments where sentimentality is involved, such as selling family possessions.”

“Selling family possessions,” he concluded, “is often more challenging than real estate due to the emotional attachment involved. The heartfelt aspect of what we do is what makes the entire process meaningful and fulfilling.”

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs — whether they're unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Aces of Trades: David Wyeth provides personal touch in auctions