By RACHEL SHALLENBERG
Antique Week Correspondent

INTERLOCHEN, Mich. — Mike Bell of Bell Auction Service knows one thing for sure; he can ‘flip his lip,’ and since he’s new to the auction scene in Michigan, that’s a good thing.

“My wife tells me every day to shut up and let somebody else say something,” Bell said. But it’s obvious from just one encounter, that he loves people and loves to talk. He’ll even ask you before you get too far into conversation, “want me to sell you something?” And it’s easy to see that he really wants you to say yes.

Mike Bell and his wife are starting a new life in Interlochen. Bell started in the auction business in 1984 in southern California. He was big in the flea market circuit and would attend auctions to find treasures he could resell at the flea markets. Eventually he realized, “if I can buy stuff at the auction and resell it, I can stop being the middleman and do it all.” So he did. Bell then started auctioneering.

Eventually, Bell tired of the auction scene and tried his hand at the resort business. They had vacation resorts in the northern part of Michigan, but because of a bad knee and other health problems, they had to sell.

Not ready for retirement, Bell missed his auctioneering days and decided to try his hand at the auction business one more time. So, Bell Auction Service was born.

To date they have had five auctions, but it is obvious Bell is an old pro. With the wisdom of a seasoned vet, he knows the key is to keep an honest, open business. Bell explained that his contract for consignment is only one page long and there is no fine print anywhere.

“I’m honest. We didn’t come here to cheat people; we came here to start a new life. People are hungry for honesty, there’s so much greed, cheating and scamming going on in the world, I’m tired of dealing with it. We’re very cut and dry.”

Along with his professionalism, Bell also has an excited spirit about him, “It’s Christmas every day,” referring to the new merchandise that’s consigned each day, “it’s always something new.” Even with his years of experience there’s stuff he’s never seen before and it makes him excited. Along with the new products, Bell simply enjoys talking and meeting new people.

Bell acknowledges that it’s going to take awhile to get his name out there. But he is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Currently, Bell Auction Service has an auction each Saturday night at their facility, located at 2138 Old Grade Ave. Bell Auction Service will also do on-site auctions, estate auctions, farm sales, real estate and more.

Bell is willing to travel throughout the lower Michigan area. Eventually, Bell Auction Service will have food auctions as well.