Our Staff

Joshua Heldt

HID/Owner

Josh began working in the grocery business with his Dad and Grandfather at a young age.  As an adult he proudly served his country and completed one deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In 2018 Josh decided he was ready for a change and began working for Brian Hillesland at Preferred Hearing Aid Center and Jefferson Hearing Aid Center.  He quickly grew to love the industry and purchased the business from Hillesland in 2023.  Josh enjoys continuing to work with Brian and gaining knowledge from Hillesland’s 30 plus years of experience.  The aspect of the business Josh enjoys the most is building relationships with patients and helping them choose the best possible options for their hearing needs.

When not in the office Josh can most likely be found at a BMX track with his three youngest children or on the golf course with friends.

AnnaMae Leibold

Office Manager

AnnaMae was born and raised in Brainerd, MN.  After high school she worked as a care provider for adults with disabilities.  She joined Preferred Hearing Aid Center in 2020 answering phones and is now the office manager.  A typical day consists of helping patients, scheduling, preparing materials for appointments, supporting the providers, and managing Preferred Hearing’s three offices.  AnnaMae’s favorite part of working at Preferred Hearing is helping take care of patients’ by finding solutions for their needs and creating new relationships with people in our community!

Outside of the office AnnaMae enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping with her daughter and fiancé.

Christian Larsen

HID Trainee

After hearing his family talk ‘hearing aids’ for many years Christian finally began the transition to join the family business in 2022.  He learned very quickly and excels at understanding the needs of our patients and recommending the best options for their situation.  Christian’s favorite part of working at Preferred Hearing is getting to work with his family and being able to see the changes hearing aids make in the everyday lives of our patients.

When he is not in the office Christian can be found with his wife and two daughters running back and forth between activities or in his kayak fishing on one of the many beautiful lakes in the area.

Marcie Heldt

Owner/Administrator

Marcie owns Preferred Hearing Aid Center and Jefferson Hearing Aid Center with her husband Josh.  She has her bachelor’s degree in social work and previously worked as a child protection social worker and has enjoyed her shift into the family business.  Marcie mainly works behind the scenes but enjoys the times she gets to work directly with patients. 

Marcie has five children.  Her two oldest works at Preferred Hearing Aid Center.  When she is not in the office she can usually be found at the BMX track or some other activity with her three youngest children or spending time with her three beautiful granddaughters.

Patient Reviews

Read a Few of Our Google Reviews

5 out of 5 Stars based on 172 Reviews on Google.

Read what some of our patients have to say about our staff and our office!

Very prompt. No wait time. Seems very knowledgeable about the hearing aide business. Listened to my concerns. Explained things well. Did some small adjustments. Offered some tips and advice. I plan on returning for new hearing aides in the near future. Nice to work with.

Reviewer Profile Photo Bruce & Carol Triplett, on Google

A very good delivery of the product. A very thorough explanation of the features and how to use them. My questions were answered directly and effectively. Very happy with my selection of this company for my hearing aids.

Reviewer Profile Photo J. David Martin, on Google

3/24/26. Joshua made adjustments to my hearing aids today. He has shown great patience as I work to adjust to wearing hearing aids. The office staff are helpful. Easy to work with Preferred Hearing. ——-/——- Joshua tested my hearing and fitted me for hearing aides. He made the process easy...

Reviewer Profile Photo S M, on Google

Josh was exceptional with the care I needed. Takes the time to explain and go over everything until you understand it. I highly recommend them. It’s nice to work with someone who has a personality along with professionalism.He fixed the problem in minutes!

Reviewer Profile Photo Michelle Smith, on Google

Simple fix. Phone updated automatically and my left hearing aid was not working properly. The app couldn’t find it.

Reviewer Profile Photo William Adams, on Google

Very knowledgeable, gave advice and tips. Super helpful!!!!

Reviewer Profile Photo Mary K, on Google

Always very polite and positive person. Nice to deal with.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jack Davis, on Google

Easy to scchedule appointmennts which are handled to innclude possible additional issues you may be incountering.

Reviewer Profile Photo David Erickson, on Google

Great service listened to what I had to say. Didn't try to push my husband with a hearing aid he would not be happy with.

Reviewer Profile Photo Shari Birch, on Google

very prompt in scheduling and very competent in fitting and adjusting my hearing aids.

Reviewer Profile Photo Rick Gabriel, on Google

Excellent service. Was able to solve the problem getting my husbands hearing aid hooked into his Tru hearing app. Were so happy to know that Preferred Hearing carries Tru Hearing aids!!

Reviewer Profile Photo Ruth Jansen, on Google

Friendly, professional staff. I really appreciate them unpacking the differences among the brands, styles of ear devices. They also explain the ins and outs of insurance and warranties. I like technology but I also needn’t explained to me—they are are patient as I learn.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jean Neitzel, on Google

Great customer service. All questions addressed.

Reviewer Profile Photo Beth Solheim, on Google

I always get quick friendly service at Preferred Hearing.

Reviewer Profile Photo kent buckingham, on Google

Very informative

Reviewer Profile Photo Sue Enghauser, on Google

Dustin was fantastic! He knows his stuff and is very patient and friendly.

Reviewer Profile Photo D.M. Kinney, on Google

Very friendly staff and easy to do the test

Reviewer Profile Photo Regina McGuire, on Google

I’m a retired ear nose and throat surgeon And found Dustin Bowers to be exceptional.

Reviewer Profile Photo Rose Mohr, on Google

I was very pleased with Marcies professional visit she is a very nice lady thank you

Reviewer Profile Photo Eugene Gangestad, on Google

I needed the end (in-the-ear) pieces for my oldest pair of over the ear aids. She gave me several of them , in two sizes. She also made sure I had the replaceable tip pieces, that fit this set. I'm planning to wear the old ones near the water, so...

Reviewer Profile Photo Diane, on Google