J.M. Wood brings proud legacy to Ritchie Bros.

Ritchie Bros. has welcomed J.M. Wood Auction Co. to the RB Global team and the fit couldn’t be more seamless. Our shared values and culture align naturally, particularly in our commitment to putting our partners and customers first.

J.M. Wood is a respected leader in the heavy equipment auction business with a legacy of more than 50 years.

“We’re keeping the people, the service and the experience our customers expect, while adding more ways to deliver value,” said Bryant Wood, President of J.M. Wood.  Customers of J.M. Wood will gain access to Ritchie Bros.’ global buyer base, digital tools and value-added services, while continuing to work with the same trusted team. For Ritchie Bros., the move adds deep regional expertise, sectoral strength, and a proven live-auction operation. 

From small roots to an Alabama auction powerhouse

J.M. Wood started in 1973 when Malcolm and Brenda Wood took a small idea and, with a lot of hustle, grew the company into one of the most respected auction houses in Southeastern U.S.

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Malcolm had a gift for selling, and Brenda had the business sense to keep everything running smoothly. Together, they made a great team and laid the foundation for everything J.M. Wood does today.

It wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life for them. That mindset of showing up and doing the work still drives how they operate.

“One of the main reasons we’ve been successful for more than 50 years is that we never lost sight of what matters. You do what you say, you treat people right, and you deliver results. That’s how you build lasting trust,” said Russ Wood, Vice President of J.M. Wood. “Our customers come back because they know we’re consistent, we’re honest, and we care about doing the right thing — not just making the sale.”

J.M. Wood sees a bright future with Ritchie Bros.

After Malcolm passed, Brenda stepped up and led J.M. Wood with grit and determination. She brought in good people, trusted her sons and daughter, Kim Wood-Cox, to step up, and never compromised on what made J.M. Wood special.

They didn’t just inherit a business — they inherited a standard, a responsibility to keep that legacy alive while continuing to grow.

Sons Russ and Bryant grew up in the business — folding brochures, sweeping floors, riding out to job sites. Kim was instrumental in making the company what it is — having been taught by Brenda to run the books, the office, and anything else needed to make customers and employees succeed.

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Brenda passed away in 2013. When the family thought about the next chapter for J.M. Wood, they looked for a partner who shared their values and could help scale up without changing their identity.

“Ritchie Bros. was the clear choice,” said Bryant. “They started small, just like we did. They’ve built trust over time and stayed focused on their customers. That felt familiar to us — it felt right. We’re still J.M. Wood — just stronger, faster and ready to grow even more.”

What does this mean for customers?

Customers of J.M. Wood will still see the same faces and get the same hands-on service. What’s changing is that J.M. Wood now has access to better tools, broader reach and more resources to help customers succeed.

As per the official announcement, J.M. Wood will maintain its Montgomery headquarters, in-person auction format and leadership team. The company’s upcoming auctions will continue as scheduled, with added support and reach through the Ritchie Bros. network. 

For Ritchie Bros., the move adds deep regional expertise, sectoral strength, and brings along the Wood family and their talented team of sales professionals with deep local relationships on board. Together, we are building on a strong foundation to better service our customers.

“J.M. Wood has earned a reputation for performance, integrity and strong relationships,” said Jim Kessler, Chief Executive Officer of RB Global. “They’ve built a business that reflects our own values – honest work, great service and long-term trust. With our combined strengths, we’re raising the standard in this region and beyond.

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“This is a bold step forward, not a change in direction,” Kessler said. “With J.M. Wood’s regional expertise, sectoral strength, and customer relationships, and Ritchie Bros.’ scale and technology, we’re bringing together the best of both worlds to create even more opportunities and deliver even more value for our customers.” 

See also

Beyond the Bids: Building the most liquid marketplace in the world