Customer Successes

Customer Successes, Results ` & Testimonials

Inside: - Customer Testimonials & Reviews - Equipment Dispersal Results - Statistics & Outcomes

Trust Through Results BLACKSTARACA.COM 800-610-2192

2025

Contents What our customers have to say ....................................................................................................................... 3 Black Star Engagement Team ........................................................................................................................... 4 Dispersal Results: EMI Landscape ..................................................................................................................... 4 Dispersal Results: McConnell Ready Mix, LLC ................................................................................................. 5 Dispersal Results: J. P. Hopkins ......................................................................................................................... 5 Dispersal Results: Patnick Construction, Inc. ................................................................................................... 7 More of what our customers have to say .......................................................................................................... 8 Dispersal Results: MTK Acquisitions ................................................................................................................. 9 Dispersal Results: O’Connor Contractors ......................................................................................................... 9 Dispersal Results: KR&G Excavating .............................................................................................................. 10 Even more of what our customers have to say ............................................................................................. 11 Dispersal Results: ABC Rental Center ............................................................................................................ 11 Dispersal Results: St. Croix Truck & Trailer ................................................................................................... 12 Dispersal Results: Corteva (Puerto Rico) ....................................................................................................... 13 Past Auction Results ......................................................................................................................................... 14 About Black Star ............................................................................................................................................... 15

What our customers have to say

Once we decided to turn over our snow fleet, we knew we would need outside help to sell 40+ pieces of equipment. I wanted to focus on what we were purchasing rather than what went out. By enlisting Black Star, I avoided the overwhelming number of phone calls and questions that would undoubtedly have come my way.

We agreed on a range of values, took pictures, and collaborated on descriptions, and away we went! Andrew, Mike, Jim, Belle, and Susan took care of the rest. They were able to sell the equipment from the East Coast to the West Coast, from Canada to Mexico! I would not have been able to drive that kind of interest alone.

The most crucial part about working with Black Star is that I always trusted what they told me. They genuinely want to do right by all parties by finding a fair value and seamless transaction.

Bob M Black Star helped us sell some used equipment that we wanted to liquidate into cash. Andrew spent time doing a thorough inspection to determine the equipment’s value and condition, so it was represented accurately at auction. Each item was given a fair amount of attention at the sale, rather than rushing through the process, so I felt confident about the final selling prices.

I was initially skeptical, but Andrew quickly gained my trust. He was honest as we discussed the ground rules and I felt like he was truly "working for me" and he was always there to answer my questions. Andrew and the Black Star staff made the process, from beginning to the end, easier than I expected in selling my farm equipment.

“JB”

As a past buyer at a Black Star auction – and being very pleased that the equipment I purchased was as described - I trusted that selling with them would get me the results I wanted. As a first time auction seller, Black Star represented my equipment well with a detailed online description and photos. I got what I needed out of the sale and I will definitely refer them and be a repeat customer in both buying and selling.

Steve V

Finding people you trust to host an auction is probably the biggest challenge when selling machines this way. Not only are the folks from Black Star nice people and easy to deal with, but they are honest and trustworthy, which is something that I appreciated very much.

When our efforts at liquidating our equipment had stalled, we consigned with Black Star for one of their upcoming auctions and the results were fantastic. Mike’s team assessed our equipment’s value, organized photography, wrote detailed product descriptions, and handled all the marketing.

We couldn’t have done this ourselves and we were beyond happy with the results. A few of our pieces are being shipped to overseas buyers — Black Star’s reach is pretty impressive. Everything sold at prices we were happy with, so we highly recommend!

Mike S

Frank Z

Black Star saved me the hassle of listing the equipment myself, which typically generates dead end buyer leads and wasted time. Their buyer reach extends way beyond my own contact list — one of my pieces ended up in Mexico!

After completing a concrete project, we had some excess equipment to sell off. We discovered Black Star online and quickly realized they were easy to work with, trustworthy, and had the right connections to get top dollar for our equipment. At other past auctions, we had no control over the selling price, but Black Star made the negotiations super simple — they inspected our equipment, we agreed on pricing, then they actively advertised and sold it for what we wanted. Would definitely use them again and recommend to others looking to unload equipment.”

Jim A

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Black Star Engagement Team

Mike LeMaster President & CEO mikel@blackstaraca.com

Andrew LeMaster Co-Founder & Chief Sales Officer 312-898-5355

Rob LeMaster Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer robl@blackstaraca.com

Jim LeMaster Outreach Director & Asset Collaboration Partner 312-343-3878

Lynn Schroeder Chief Appraisal Officer & Auctioneer 309-361-5101

Belle Nigro Asset Manager 800-610-2192 x 706

Casey Moss Accounting

Susan Hyde Marketing 800-610-2192 x 707

Mike Nigro Financial Services Director & Asset Collaboration Partner 224-343-9250

Dispersal Results: EMI Landscape Fleet realignment: snow removal equipment – private selling and online auction. Landscaping & Maintenance

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Dispersal Results: McConnell Ready Mix, LLC Business closure – private selling and online auction. Concrete ready-mix plant.

As the Controller for McConnell Excavating, I was, at the outset of our relationship with Black Star ACA, concerned that reporting wouldn’t be adequate or timely, integrity of the information would be lacking and the handling of auction monies would not be totally transparent. But Black Star exceeded what I was hoping for in these matters. They did an awesome job of timely reporting with accurate information. Everyone I dealt with including Mike, Jim, Lynn, Brandi and Belle were professional, courteous and easily accessible. I highly recommend these folks for assistance in the sales of excess equipment. Thank you, Black Star!

Dave Sustar, Controller - McConnell Excavating

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Dispersal Results: J. P. Hopkins Retirement dispersal – live, virtual, unreserved auction. Sewer & Water.

Thanks Mike. I appreciate you and Lynn, and all Black Star. It was the best business decision I have made. It was very hard to do, but it was the right one.”

And… “I’m very happy with the efforts of Black Star and wouldn’t have changed anything.

Jim Hopkins, J.P. Hopkins

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Dispersal Results: Patnick Construction, Inc. Retirement dispersal – live, virtual, unreserved auction. Sewer & Water.

Black Star did an excellent job advertising the equipment & communicating with us. The majority of auction sales achieved expected or better than retail prices. Mike, Andrew, and Lynn did a great job too with inspections and it was wonderful working with you guys.

Don Di Silvio

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More of what our customers have to say

Truly could not ask for a better company to do business with. Whether you're looking to buy, sell or auction off equipment, Black Star is the only company I'll ever recommend. We've been doing business together for a few years now and no one comes close to the service they provide. They make themselves available to you 24/7 and that's honestly a very rare thing to find these days!

Garrett H

Our partnership with Black Star has delivered great results.

Initially having a positive buying experience resulted in us taking a leap of faith and selling our equipment with them. The trust we placed in their team paid off, and the level of communication from inspection through to the sale, meant we were informed every step of the way. The entire process was uncomplicated, transparent, and convenient. This company did exactly what they said they would do, and more.

Shane E

Working with Black Star has been a pleasant surprise. All too often in our industry, the people we deal with over promise and under deliver. This hasn't been the case for us. Whether we are buying or selling, the process has been streamlined and very detail oriented. From the LeMasters to Taylor, everyone has been available and on the ball every step of the way.

Terry B

Great company to work with. They know and understand the market.

Robert V

Everything went really well, from the initial contact through to the pickup of my wheel loader. I experienced good contact and follow up from everyone at Black Star. I got the money I asked for at auction, everything went smoothly!

Jacob H

In dealing with Mike, Andrew and crew is a great experience. You get true personal service with people who get to know your business and fit the solution to your needs. We appreciate what they do!

Rick N

Jim and Black Star helped us get top value on our equipment. Their team was easy to work with from start to finish.

Kevin U

Purchased a truck through Black Star this month, let me tell you, I do business with many auctions and the guys over at Black Star knocked it out of the park! Mike Nigro was awesome to work with, answering all my questions and getting everything figured out! I also have to give a hand to the folks who do their title work! I got a tracking number like 2 days after the auction which is almost unheard of, and the title was here in a matter of a few days! I will definitely use these guys in the future! Highly recommend!”

Alex P

You all did a great job, and I highly recommend you.

Ben C

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Dispersal Results: MTK Acquisitions Retirement dispersal – live, virtual, unreserved auction. Demolition.

Black Star’s hands-on approach and their commitment throughout was invaluable to us. I couldn’t have asked for a better team, and the results were beyond expectations.

Tim Kennefick

Dispersal Results: O’Connor Contractors Retirement dispersal – online auction. Construction.

I was very satisfied with the auction results. The Black Star team outperformed on every level, and they were very knowledgeable and professional. As a company, they exceeded my expectations – they gave it their all and I’m grateful.

Jim O’Connor

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Dispersal Results: KR&G Excavating Retirement dispersal – private selling and online auctions. Earthmoving, grading, excavating.

The Black Star team worked diligently on and off site – everything went as expected.

I put my trust in them, and they delivered.

Dave Kellogg

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Even more of what our customers have to say

Hard working, honest family owned business, with a high standard of service. Dependable and responsive!

I have used Black Star a few times this year and they have made the process very easy. Will use them again in the future too.

Colin W

Repeat Buyer

Working with Black Star really took the pressure off me. They did what they said they would and the results were better than expected. Great team effort, and a positive experience.

Thanks so much, you guys have your process dialed in and it was a pleasure to work with you all.

Jason N

Chuck H

Great people to work with! Very easy to work with…can’t wait to do business with again.

Thanks for everything. You’re the man, Jim. Hope to do more business with your company.

David M

Jack H

Click HERE to see our 5-Star reviews on Google!

Click HERE to learn more about our equipment dispersal expertise

If you’d like to sell your equipment, please contact our sales executives at 312-898-5355

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Dispersal Results: ABC Rental Center Store closure – online auction. Consumer and industrial equipment rental.

You guys did it all for us, and you did it really well.

Molly Kelley, Owner

Dispersal Results: St. Croix Truck & Trailer Retirement dispersal - online auction. Aerial Lifts & Trucking.

Black Star did right by us from start to finish and I am beyond happy with the results.

Gary Nagy Page 12 of 15

Dispersal Results: Corteva (Puerto Rico) Seed plant closure – combination of private selling, pre-auction selling, and 2-day online auction. Agriculture.

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Examples of Past Auction Highlights LIVE ONLINE AUCTION

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About Black Star We sell, we find, and we appraise equipment.

Black Star is a family-owned business bringing many decades of combined experience, expertise and visibility in construction, agriculture and transportation arenas, and the financial services sector. We have a solid grasp on the mechanics of the big iron industry and can find the right sellers and buyers, and meet your equipment needs.

We operate with the highest integrity to ensure our customers have the right equipment at the right time to run their businesses profitably. Whether a customer is selling or buying equipment, we will deliver!

Our customers want and deserve to have options beyond the generic – something fresh that provides a sense of involvement and ownership in the process. There are some decisions to be made that gives control back to the customer, which we have found works well for everyone.

If equipment is no longer serving you profitably, if cash flow is needed to enhance your competitive edge, or if retirement is in sight – whatever your reason for selling, talk with us. We offer a diverse range of options that will increase demand for equipment and deliver more than expected.

Mike & Andrew LeMaster talk with Greg Peterson of Machinery Pete about what differentiates Black Star from all the rest in the heavy equipment market.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

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