Real People. Not Robots. Not Corporate.
We're a growing equipment auction company that believes in straight answers, real relationships, and actually answering our phones. Erik built this business on transparency. Josh runs sales with the same philosophy. The rest is just details.
Meet the team
The People You'll Actually Talk To
Not a faceless corporation. Not a call center. Just real people who know equipment, answer phones, and actually care whether you get the outcome you need.
Erik Jacobson
La Porte, MN
John Hietala
Lincoln, NE
Company Story
How We Got Here
Main West Equipment was founded by Erik Jacobson in 2020 with a simple idea: treat equipment sellers like partners, not transactions.
Erik runs the La Porte, Minnesota yard and handles equipment inspection, logistics, and operations. When you call the first number on this website, you're calling his cell phone. That's intentional.
Josh Hill leads sales and marketing from our Lincoln, Nebraska office with a team of about 17-18 people. They handle inbound consignments, buyer relationships, and making sure equipment gets in front of the right bidders.
We're focused on being the most trustworthy auction company in America. The company you call back years later because you remember we told you the truth the first time.
We're expanding - moving to a larger Lincoln office in spring 2026 - but we're not changing how we operate. Same people. Same phones. Same philosophy.
Transparent
You'll Know Where You Stand
Real people with real phone numbers. Faces visible on this website. Honest about market conditions, even when it's not what you want to hear. No corporate double-speak. No hiding behind policy. Just straight talk.
Advisory
40-Year Relationships, Not Quick Flips
We're not here to grab your commission and disappear. We exist to help you understand the market, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions. Sometimes that means talking you out of listing. Sometimes that means recommending you sell elsewhere. We're playing the long game.
Flexible
We Can Facilitate Whatever You Need
Equipment stays at your location. Sell it elsewhere? We're genuinely happy for you. Changed your mind? No listing fees if you pull it. Everyone's situation is different. Our job is to adapt to yours, not force you into our template.
Fast
Same-Day Listing When You Need It
Send us photos and details today. Listed tomorrow. If you need money in two weeks, we'll get you money in two weeks. Speed isn't always necessary, but when it is, we deliver.
Why we are different
What Sets Us Apart
The equipment auction industry has some big players who move a lot of iron. That's not us.
What makes us different isn't size. It's approach
No-risk reserve option - Our biggest differentiator. You set the floor. We find the ceiling. Test the market without committing to a sale.
Owner answers the phone - Erik's cell is the first number on this site. Call it. You'll talk to him.
Equipment stays at your location - 95% of consignments never come to our yard. We come to you.
True middleman protection - We hold buyer funds until pickup is verified. Both sides protected throughout the transaction.
Honest pricing advice - We'll tell you what your equipment is really worth, not what you want to hear. Trust is built on truth.
Flexibility without penalty - Sell elsewhere? Great. Changed your mind? No fees. We're not here to trap you into anything.
For Sellers
Contact Us
Text, call, or fill out the form. We respond same day.
Get Honest Advice
We'll tell you what your equipment is really worth and recommend the best selling method.
List Fast
Same-day listing capability. Reserve or no-reserve. Your choice.
Get Paid
We hold buyer funds until you verify pickup. Protected on both sides.
For Buyers
Browse & Register
See equipment details, location, and reserve status upfront. Register on our auction platforms.
Bid with Confidence
We're the middleman. We hold funds until you verify the equipment matches the listing.
Coordinate Pickup
Arrange shipping or pickup. We'll help connect you with transport partners.
Coordinate Pickup
Arrange shipping or pickup. We'll help connect you with transport partners.
65,000+ Registered Bidders
Your equipment gets seen by serious buyers nationwide.
All 50 States + International
We've sold equipment from Minnesota to Egypt. Your market is bigger than you think.
Multiple Auction Formats
Weekly no-reserve, bi-weekly reserve events, and direct marketplace sales. We'll recommend what fits your timeline and price needs.
95% At Your Location
No hauling to our yard. We come to you for photos and inspection.