Midwest Auto Auction, Inc. was founded in 1952 by Al Michel. For a number of years, Midwest operated in both Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. Midwest was initially a two person operation, with Al running the "outside" operation, and his wife Dorothy, running the office.

In Detroit, Al first named his company Midwest Recovery and Adjustment Service, Inc., and it had its first locations on Roosevelt Avenue, and subsequently on Lonyo in Detroit. Originally founded exclusively as an automobile repossession agency, Al Michel used his previous knowledge and experience from recovery operations in the banking industry to build the most successful auto recovery business in the greater metropolitan Detroit area. In 1957, Al Michel expanded his business to include a new corporation called Midwest Auto Auction, and the scope and focus of the company now grew to include weekly auctions that were open to the public. That tradition continues today. Today, servicing the recovery needs of the financial community nationwide, Midwest is owned and run by George Badeen. George started out with Midwest as an adjuster, worked his way into a supervisory position, was promoted to Vice President, and ultimately became President and Owner. George has many years of experience in the auto recovery and auto auction business and brings that expertise and knowledge to the organization which today is acknowledged as the best in its field. George serves on the Executive Committee of Allied Finance Adjusters and is their Treasurer as well. He also is a Past President of the Redford Township Chamber of Commerce, and has been very active in fund raising activities for The Boy Scouts of America.