A New Kind of Equipment Auction Company
Built on experience, professional execution and the human connection.
Bringing Auctions Back to What They’re Meant to Do
EliteGear is a next-generation equipment auction company built for the people who grow crops, move dirt, and build what comes next. Auctions have always been about price discovery — and when done properly, they still outperform shortcuts that rely on exposure alone.
Privately owned and independent, every decision we make is client-first — grounded in preparation, professionalism, and respect for what’s at stake.
We’ve seen how the industry traditionally operates, and we’ve built EliteGear to challenge those norms. Where others rush to sale day, we invest weeks in preparation. Where others rely on volume, we focus on quality. Where others automate, we show up in person.
The result is an auction experience that sellers feel good about — and results that reflect the true value of their equipment.
A Better Way to Sell Equipment
The auction industry has changed over the last two decades. With 25+ years in the auction industry, we’ve lived through the shift from early online bidding, to modern simulcast auctions, to the rise of timed-only platforms. Each change brought new tools, and new tradeoffs.
EliteGear was built on a simple belief: technology plays an important role in modern auctions – but it shouldn’t make the final call when stakes are high.
Auctions still do what they’ve always done when they’re run properly – they create true price discovery through informed buyers and real competition.
What We Believe
At EliteGear, we believe auctions should feel:
- Professional and well-prepared
- Transparent and fair for both buyers and sellers
- Human-led when bidding matters
- Built around the equipment and the seller — not the calendar or a fixed format
Timed auctions have their place. But when value is being decided, experience and live execution still matter.
That’s why we combine modern reach with real auctioneers involved throughout the sale.
Our Team
Tyler Ruttan
President
Tyler Ruttan is the President of EliteGear Auction and brings a unique combination of equipment industry expertise, technology awareness, and customer-focused sales experience. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of heavy equipment, farmland and price discovery models — helping buyers and sellers maximize value through innovative auction solutions. Tyler is passionate about modernizing the auction experience while preserving the human approach that delivers true market value. His approach is built on transparency, strong relationships, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for every client.
Ken Friesen
Strategic Advisory Partner
Ken Friesen serves as Strategic Advisory Partner for EliteGear Auction, providing decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the founder of Alliance Concrete Pumps, Ken and the team built the company into one of North America’s leading concrete pump manufacturers, earning a reputation for quality and customer service. His extensive knowledge of the construction and equipment industries provides valuable strategic insight to the EliteGear team. In addition to his business interests, Ken continues to operate a farming operation near Didsbury, Alberta, maintaining a strong connection to the agricultural community.
Jason VanGarderen
Chief Financial Officer
Jason VanGarderen serves as Chief Financial Officer for EliteGear Auction, overseeing the company’s financial strategy and operational performance. Raised on a dairy farm, he developed an early appreciation for hard work and practical decision-making. Jason began his accounting career with MNP before advancing into ownership roles with a variety of Western Canadian businesses, including Concorde Distributing. His blend of public accounting expertise and real-world business experience helps ensure the company operates with financial discipline while delivering outstanding service to clients and partners.
Rikki Ruttan
Operations
Rikki Ruttan is a key member of the EliteGear Auction operations team, supporting the day-to-day execution of auctions and client transactions. Drawing on her background as a Legal Assistant, she brings exceptional attention to detail, organization, and professionalism to every aspect of the business. Rikki works across multiple areas of operations, helping coordinate documentation, communications, and transaction management to ensure a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers.