Equipment Auction Service Recognized Among Elite Entrepreneurs 

Inc. magazine today ranked Purple Wave Auction No. 3176 on its Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy — America’s independent entrepreneurs.

 “A ranking on the Inc. lists for three consecutive years is an indicator the company is doing the things necessary to serve our customers and be successful in a tough economy “ says Purple Wave CEO Jerrod Westfahl. “As always, Purple Wave is proud to be recognized.”

Founded in 2000, Purple Wave focuses exclusively on selling construction and ag equipment for businesses and public institutions.  Purple Wave now boasts the largest community of registered equipment buyers in the no-reserve, Internet auction business, with over 90,000 registered bidders and over 200,000 visitors each month to purplewave.com.

Westfahl believes the Inc. listing affirms Purple Wave’s grasp on why a business would sell equipment at auction in the first place. “Helping sellers effectively access our substantial buyer community effectively and easily to solve a variety of business needs is what we are all about,” says Westfahl.

Many customers believe Purple Wave is growing and garnering attention like the Inc. 5000 because of its experienced staff and dedication to excellent customer service. “A business is only as good as its people—and that’s especially true for us,” says Westfahl.  Purple Wave currently employs more than 60 people in six central states.

Purple Wave conducts auctions online without losing the auction experience. The auctions are all no-reserve, meaning only arms-length bidders set the prices and assets always sell.  Sellers receive market values they can trust and benefit from a full-service experience, without the worry of bad weather or event logistics. 

Inc. 5000 companies are distinguished for spurring innovation, providing jobs, and driving the economy forward. Purple Wave Auction is one of 42 Kansas businesses recognized in 2012. Three other Manhattan, KS companies are recognized, including CivicPlus, GTM Sportswear and Farrar Corporation.  Additional Kansas companies include Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Crop Quest and SafeMart.

Shoes and clothing retailer Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Jamba Juice, Timberland, Clif Bar, Pandora, Levi Strauss, Pintrest and Facebook are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.