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 60 Reviews on Google.

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

It was a great experience. the people I dealt with are so experienced and knowledgeable about hearing aids .

Reviewer Profile Photo Tom Ferdelman, on Google

Josh answered my questions. I have no complaints of any kind and was satisfied with the experience.

Reviewer Profile Photo Dave Larkin, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo JoAnn Burke, 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.

Reviewer Profile Photo Michelle Smith, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Paul Schweiger, on Google

Good service and so far pleased with my new hearing aids. I have used aids for 11 years and cannot fault either the service or the product.

Reviewer Profile Photo Robert Bayless, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Marie Porter, on Google

I can always count on the staff to help me with needed tweeks. Plus FREE batteries!

Reviewer Profile Photo Diane, on Google

Joshua was really easy to work with. Took his time explaining the different options and how and what was needed to improve my hearing loss. Friendly and easy to get into see. Highly recommend

Reviewer Profile Photo John Halda, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Martha Mumaw, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Virginia Torgerson, on Google

I found out some things I didn’t know and I had my other questions answered so I was very happy with my appointment

Reviewer Profile Photo Bernice Sobiech, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Steve Carder, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Patrick Murn, on Google

Great customer service. All questions addressed.

Reviewer Profile Photo Beth Solheim, on Google

I am very pleased with Preferred Hearing. I am a decades, long hearing aid user. I was impressed at how well the technician listened to my needs, and was then able to act on them.

Reviewer Profile Photo Tom Mettner, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Alan Ascheman, on Google

Very helpful and professional.

Reviewer Profile Photo Stephanie Houston, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Jade Racelo, on Google

I reached out to Preferred Hearing Aid Center as they were a location that could provide support to my product. Not knowing what to expect walking into the Duluth location, I was greeted with excellent customer service and the Dustin knew about the exact product I needed service on. He...

Reviewer Profile Photo Brandon Kime, on Google

Wonderful place, very informative, great experience! I would recommend to others 👍

Reviewer Profile Photo Lynette Taylor, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Teresa Davey, on Google
Reviewer Profile Photo Ms.Stephanie Holmes, on Google

Polite, efficient, very pleased with visit

Reviewer Profile Photo Julie Lepisto, on Google

Excellant customer service and extensive product knowledge

Reviewer Profile Photo Brian Avery, on Google