If you're from the Parkland, there's a pretty good chance you've heard of Garton's Auction Service, whether you've bought or sold equipment through them, or just hearing about them in passing.
After building up the business for 34 years, Larry Garton, Owner of Garton's Auction Service, is looking for someone to take over, and continue the upward trajectory.
"I've been running this business for 34 years, I started out on my own, I didn't take over from another company or anything, so I've built the business up myself, to a point now where I feel it's time for somebody else to step in, take over, there's a ton of potential to build this business from where we're at...we're still at the low end of commission rates, we're still at the low end of buyer's premiums, and we have never went out begging for equipment or anything, it's what's come to us, and I think there's a real opportunity for someone to take over at this stage and build the business to where it should be," said Garton.
Garton said recent sales have shown the business is still going strong. They recently wrapped up their large equipment consignment auction, which Garton said saw slightly lower numbers because of flood damages, but overall went very well.
"Overall it was still a fairly good strong sale, and we certainly saw that with the Bernat sale last week as well, that equipment is still selling strong," said Garton.
What's next for Larry Garton? A soft retirement, checking things off his list, and taking it a bit easier. But there's a lot he'll bring with him from his 34 years building up Garton's Auction Service, from positive experiences with customers, to building lasting relationships with staff. Garton wants to give thanks to everyone.
"All of our customers, both buyers, sellers, and certainly our staff for the years of good memories, and we hope to continue on, that somebody will take it over and make some more memories with people," said Garton.
Serious inquirers are able to take a look at Garton's Auction Service's finances over the years, provided they sign a non-disclosure agreement. For more details about the sale of Garton's Auction Service, click here to visit their website.
