History of Schrader of Fort Wayne.
Schrader Real Estate & Auction of Fort Wayne, LLC is built on decades of commitment, hard work, and a passion for helping clients through the Auction and Real Estate industry. What began as a small, independently run auction company has grown into a respected and dynamic part of the Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc., with a dedicated team serving Northeast Indiana and beyond.
The roots of Schrader of Fort Wayne trace back to 1981, when Jerry Ehle, the company's current owner, first stepped into the world of auctions and real estate. In those early years, Jerry honed his skills by working alongside various auctioneers and companies, learning the ropes across multiple sectors. One of his most unique early experiences was in the collector car auction industry, which took him across the country, attending high-profile car auctions and building a solid network in the auction community.
In addition to his car auction work, Jerry played a vital role in business liquidations throughout the Northeast Indiana area. He also spent time working at auto auctions in Fort Wayne and Mishawaka, all while steadily growing his expertise and reputation in the field.
In 1990, Jerry and his wife, Ruth, decided to form their own company—Ehle Auctions. Under this banner, they conducted numerous estate, farm equipment, and farmland auctions throughout the region. At the same time, Jerry expanded into residential real estate, helping individuals and families buy and sell their homes. His dual knowledge in both personal property and real estate gave him an edge and earned him the trust of the local community.
A major turning point came in 2000 when Jerry was approached by Rex Schrader and Gene Klingaman of Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. They proposed a merger—inviting Jerry and Ruth to bring Ehle Auctions under the Schrader umbrella. After a period of thoughtful consideration and prayer, the decision was made to join the Schrader team.
By 2002, Jerry had officially launched Schrader Real Estate and Auction of New Haven, operating out of an office in New Haven, Indiana. The business continued to grow, and on June 1, 2007, Jerry made a pivotal move—relocating the office to its current location in Fort Wayne. With the new address came a new name: Schrader of Fort Wayne, LLC. This move marked the start of a new era, with expanded reach, increased capacity, and a more visible presence in the region.
Over the years, Schrader of Fort Wayne has grown into a highly capable team of full-time professionals. Key figures have joined the business and helped shape its success:
● Jared Sipe, a licensed appraiser, became an essential part of the team. In addition to his appraisal work, Jared manages numerous estate and land auctions each year, bringing precision and professionalism to every sale.
● Mike Roy, a seasoned auctioneer with years of experience in antiques and collectibles, joined the team and added depth to the company's offerings. His knowledge in unique property categories has helped elevate the estate and land auction division.
● Nick Krauter serves as the Managing Broker of the Residential Real Estate Division. With a strong understanding of the residential market, Nick leads a team dedicated to helping clients buy and sell homes with confidence and expertise.
● Justin Griffin, Reid Yoder, and Stephanie Swinehart each contribute as licensed Auctioneers and Realtors. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to customer service have enhanced the company's ability to serve a wide range of client needs, from family estates to farmland transitions.
● Jensen Jeffries contributes as a licensed Auctioneer, supporting sales with energy and attention to detail across all types of property auctions.
Today, Schrader of Fort Wayne is a modern, versatile auction and real estate company. The team conducts auctions for estate personal property, homes, farm equipment, and farmland. With a collaborative relationship with the Schrader home office in Columbia City, the company actively supports land and farm auctions across the Tri-State area.
In residential real estate, Schrader of Fort Wayne's specialists offer full-time support to buyers and sellers. Their deep knowledge of the local market, paired with decades of experience, ensures a smooth and successful transaction whether you're purchasing your first home or settling an estate.
What sets Schrader of Fort Wayne apart is not only its years of experience but the family-like team that brings care, integrity, and professionalism to every project. From humble beginnings to a respected position in the region's auction and real estate scene, the company remains committed to the values that started it all—honesty, hard work, and service to the community.
Whether you're selling your family farm, settling an estate, or searching for your next home, Schrader of Fort Wayne is ready to walk with you every step of the way.
