The people behind the process: Mike Spradlin & Richard Spacek

When government agencies think about selling surplus equipment, the conversation typically starts with logistics, what and when to sell, and how to get the best return. 

But for our two new Territory Managers, the conversation starts with people. 

Mike Spradlin and Richard Spacek are the faces of Ritchie Bros.‘ growing focus on the government sector, covering territories that stretch from the Missouri Ozarks to the Texas Gulf Coast. They come from different backgrounds, but they share the same philosophy: the best business relationships are built on trust and not transactions. 

Two different roads, one shared approach 

Richard grew up in southern Missouri, the son of a sawmill family who also farmed and eventually started a trucking and construction business. Equipment was simply part of life. 

“I got a little bit of green, got a little bit of red, got a little bit of yellow in me,” he says, nodding to a lifetime around John Deere, Case, and Caterpillar machines. When a friend in the auction world pulled him in, Richard discovered his real calling. It wasn’t the equipment itself, but the people who use it. 

“You can talk to 20 different construction guys, 20 different farmers, or 20 different commissioners, and none of them are the same,” Richard says. 

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Mike arrived in the online auction world about 13 years ago, right as the industry was transforming. 

“Online auctions were new and no one really understood it,” he recalls. “Instead of just 200 people showing up, you can have 2 million.” 

But even as the digital reach expanded, Mike kept his focus close to home with literally being on the road, knocking on doors and sitting across from customers. 

“People want to do business with people they know,” he says. “In an online auction, you have to build trust, and to really do that they have to know you.” 

More than a one-time sale 

For government agencies, the relationship Ritchie Bros. offers goes well beyond the auctions. One of the biggest misconceptions Mike hears is that surplus sales have to happen in big, infrequent batches. 

“They don’t have to wait to sell twice a year,” he says. “They can sell one or two assets a month and we can be a revenue source for them. Instead of waiting every six months to get $300K, we can sell $50K a month.” 

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For smaller counties and cities, that steady, predictable income makes a real difference. 

Richard frames it in terms of fleet health and budget planning. Many agencies are working with budgets that fluctuate year to year, and knowing what their equipment is actually worth gives them something to plan around. 

“We can offer a sense of comfort and provide a pretty good idea on what their equipment is worth,” he says. But Richard is also quick to point out that the benefit isn’t purely financial. When crews are running newer, better-maintained equipment, morale improves, too. 

“They’re sitting around newer equipment instead of a 20-year-old piece,” he says. “They got a new toy.” 

Both TMs are also eager to dispel the idea that Ritchie Bros. is only worth calling if you have a lot to sell. 

“There is no limit upwards or downwards,” Richard says. “If you sell two things or you sell 200 things, you’ll get the same service from us.” 

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Mike echoes that with his signature opener: “It all starts with ‘How can I help you today?'” 

Get to know Mike & Richard 

Outside of work, these two are easy to picture at a cookout or a Little League game. Mike recently became a grandfather and spends his free time golfing, hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife. Richard is married with four kids, hits the golf course when he can, and spends many weekends at horse shows cheering on kids chasing a dream. 

If your agency is looking to get more out of its surplus equipment — or just want to explore what’s possible — Mike and Richard are ready to listen. Reach out to connect with the Territory Manager in your region and start the conversation. 

See also

A farmer’s checklist for preparing equipment for resale