Sacramento-area contractor Jim Dobbas Inc. Held Major Consignment for June 9 Auction

Jason KellerApril 2, 2022 · 3 min read

It may sound funny, but Don Dobbas is going to miss getting called into dangerous situations. The owner of Jim Dobbas Inc., a Sacramento-area heavy equipment contractor who specializes in emergency train derailment responses among other jobs, is transitioning his career into a new phase and retiring the business. He conducted a complete dispersal of well-maintained equipment and trucks in a Sacramento auction on June 9, 2021.

“I’m going to miss the excitement and enthusiasm of an emergency or getting a new job,” said Don, who succeeded his father Jim in the business. “But mostly I’m going to miss the people, the relationships and the comraderies between everyone – employees and customers.”

Much of Don’s work took place in California’s rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. There were plenty of mountainside jobs in tough situations with unpredictable weather. And for a company to be relied upon in situations like that, you need to maintain the best equipment in top working order.

“We maintain our equipment really well with great service,” said Don. “For emergency situations, your stuff cannot break down. We always keep it in quality shape.”

Jim Dobbas Inc. sold over 250 pieces of heavy equipment and attachments. A few items that stand out for Don are a 2015 Cat 349FL hydraulic excavator and a 2013 Caterpillar D6T crawler tractor.

“They are quality stuff with a story. If each one could talk,” laughed Don

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Contractor business with long, proud history ready for its final chapter

Jim Dobbas Inc. was started in 1968 as a trucking business before transitioning into railroad restoration and other emergency response services likes floods and natural disasters. Don joined the business right out of high school and worked his way up through the field before ultimately becoming the owner 20 years ago. Over the years, Don became a frequent customer at Ritchie Bros. auctions.

“We’ve used Ritchie Bros. for years and have travelled to various Ritchie Bros. auctions all over,” said Don. “We bought equipment in Wisconsin and Texas, for example, and sold at the Sacramento site. With Ritchie Bros., you know you’re going to get a world-wide audience when you sell.”

The Sacramento auction June 9 featured over 1,500 items and everything will sell via an automated Timed Auction system. Don’s consignment package will be an auction highlight, with top-quality excavators, loaders, heavy haul trucks, trailers and much more available to the highest bidder.

While Don is used to the live auction format, with bidders in attending in person, he accepted an online-only format would be different. However, he trusted Ritchie Bros. to help him get the best returns possible.

“We have had a relationship with Ritchie Bros. for years. I felt comfortable with it. Our local rep Brian Hamre put this deal together. It’s a big deal and I’ve known him for years. So, trust is definitely part of it.”

See also

How to sell surplus for government agencies: 5 tips for better results