Yoder & Frey has expanded its U.S. presence with the appointment of two experienced industry professionals, Kevin Simmons and Nick Rager. Their addition reflects the company’s strategic focus on growth and enhanced service across key regions.
Simmons to Lead Georgia Sales Expansion
Simmons has been named Georgia Regional Sales Manager, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the heavy machinery sector. Having built his career primarily at a leading Caterpillar dealership, Simmons has worked in parts, used sales, and branch management, eventually overseeing multiple territories.
“The opportunity with Yoder & Frey was too good to pass up,” Simmons said. “Working for a smaller company with strong family values and exciting growth potential really appealed to me. I’ve known about Yoder & Frey for years, buying and selling through them, and I’ve also been keeping an eye on the Euro Auctions brand as it has expanded globally.”
Simmons was particularly impressed by the hands-on leadership approach at Yoder & Frey and its parent company, Euro Auctions.
“At the recent Kissimmee sale, the owners of the Euro Auctions Group were actively involved. When a machine wouldn’t start and couldn’t be moved across the ramp, the president of the company personally stepped in, jerry-rigged it, and got it moving. That was incredibly refreshing to witness, the company founder working alongside his team. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
In his new role, Simmons will focus on expanding business in Georgia and strengthening Yoder & Frey’s presence in the Southeastern U.S. Based in Georgia, Kevin enjoys family life, playing golf, and spending time on his latest acquisition—a boat.
Rager to Manage Midwest Territory
Rager has joined Yoder & Frey as Territory Manager for Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana, and Southern Michigan. Rager brings extensive auction industry experience, having served as Operations Manager at JJ Kane Auctioneers, where he specialized in fleet vehicles and equipment for the utility sector.
Rager was drawn to Yoder & Frey’s strong reputation and family-run approach. “Of course, Yoder & Frey is well known in the industry. Now in its 51st year, the company is recognized as the architect of the world-famous Kissimmee Winter Sale in Florida. It was built on strong family values, and that’s something I was looking for,” Rager said.
Rager’s decision to join the company was reinforced by its connection to Euro Auctions, a global leader in heavy machinery auctions.
“Following my initial conversation with Mike Thurston, senior vice president, everything fell into place. Yoder & Frey still conducts live sales, just as Euro Auctions does globally, and their core values align with my own.”
In his new role, he will work to expand the company’s client base and strengthen relationships in the Midwest. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rager is passionate about woodworking and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting.
