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 what some of our patients have to say about our staff and our office in our Google Reviews!

5 out of 5 Stars based on 184 Reviews on Google.

Great customer service. All questions were addressed with a good plan made to move forward. Thank you.

Reviewer Profile Photo Beth Solheim, on Google

Josh was a rep that knew what talking about helped me out to get the right hearing aides for me

Reviewer Profile Photo Scott Pierson, on Google

Great appointment. Technician was very professional and helpful.

Reviewer Profile Photo John Vinar, on Google

I have been so impressed with the continued care I have received after the initial purchase. (December 2024) As my ears have rapidly changed the staff has worked just as fast to keep my hearing aids adjusted. All of my concerns and questions have been answered with respect and compassion.

Reviewer Profile Photo Leslie Bauman, on Google

It was great. Extremely educational. Super nice helpful guy we worked with (forgot his name) very knowledgeable.

Reviewer Profile Photo chuck swanson, on Google

I was very pleased with the service that I received. He was kind and attentive. Answered all my questions.

Reviewer Profile Photo Roberta Odom, on Google

Dustin is so nice and very helpful wonderful place

Reviewer Profile Photo Renae May, on Google

No waiting---Problem eliminated in minutes--- Excellent service...

Reviewer Profile Photo Keith Nelson, on Google

It was a good experience, very helpful and informative.

Reviewer Profile Photo ardell green, on Google

Outstanding service for 2 years, now. I recommend them to you.

Reviewer Profile Photo Raymond Reinertsen, on Google

Josh was very good at explaining and showing me how the aid works. Plus I was in before my apt, that was nice.

Reviewer Profile Photo MaryJane DeLong, on Google

Good customer service by Josh.

Reviewer Profile Photo Scott Weihrauch, on Google

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