For Nicole and Daniel Pruitt, intention begins at their farmstead. Their mornings often start with coffee, gathering eggs from their chickens, watering the plants and carving out time for prayer and gratitude. Before they dive into work, they sit down to talk about the rest of their day.
“That early rhythm sets the tone before the business side of the day begins,” says Nicole.
Their attention then turns to TriStar Auction Group, where their hearts for hospitality shine. The couple-founded, live-virtual auction company specializes in helping people sell heavy equipment and trucks. That focus felt clear to the Pruitts.
Nicole says, “... It became a natural specialty for us because it is an industry built on trust, relationships and real-world value. These are not just machines, they are tools people rely on to make a living.”
The couple brings complementary strengths to TriStar that help the company shine.
Daniel is widely recognized as a leading source of equipment valuation in the Southeast, with a deep understanding of market trends, asset values and the details that truly matter in heavy equipment sales. His expertise provided a strong technical and strategic foundation for the business.
Nicole brings a strong background in customer service and relationship building, with a focus on communication, organization and creating experiences where people feel supported and confident throughout the process.
TriStar Auction Group grew out of a very practical need to help people move assets honestly and efficiently. It connects buyers and sellers across the country through its cutting-edge digital LiveCast platform, providing the energy and accountability of auctioneers with the accessibility of a virtual format. While the Pruitts value efficiency and technology that serve buyers and sellers well, they prioritize connection that many may not expect in a virtual-based process.
“What sets us apart is that we have never let technology replace connection,” says Daniel. “We use digital tools to extend our reach, but we still believe in clear communication, transparency and walking both sellers and buyers through the process personally. Whether someone is bidding from across the country or working with us behind the scenes, we want them to feel informed, confident and well supported from start to finish ... Even though everything sells virtually, our goal is for the experience to feel personal, professional and rooted in strong values on our equipment yard and office.”
Professional growth and leadership are two of the values driving TriStar. Daniel is a graduate of the Certified Auctioneers Institute and is the current president of the Tennessee Auctioneers Association.
The Pruitts have been active in the National Auction Association since 2013, and Daniel’s involvement with the Certified Auctioneers Institute helped lay a strong foundation for TriStar.
Nicole joined the CAI in March to further her learning and grow as a professional in the industry.
“CAI represents the highest level of education, ethics and leadership in the auction profession,” says Nicole. “Being part of that community allows me to deepen my understanding of market strategy, valuation and best practices, which directly benefit both our sellers and buyers. It elevates the experience by ensuring every auction is approached with intention, transparency and professionalism.
“At the end of the day, it is about stewardship. When people trust us with significant assets or important purchasing decisions, they deserve partners who are committed to continual learning and excellence.”
Beyond the role of furthering how she serves buyers and sellers, Nicole says her professional growth is also about faithful representation.
“As a woman in a predominantly male industry, it is important to me to show up fully, lead with confidence and ensure my strengths are clearly represented,” says Nicole. “I also believe it matters to create space for other women in the auction industry, showing that expertise, leadership and professionalism come in many forms.”
TriStar Auction Group is one of the fastest-growing equipment and truck auction companies in Middle Tennessee and a finalist in the National Auction Association Marketing Competition for good reason. The strong foundation of values, commitment to high-quality live virtual experiences and continued education set this company apart.
When asked how sellers can maximize the value of their assets at an auction, the Pruitts say several factors matter most:
Preparation is key. “Clean equipment, accurate descriptions and complete documentation build buyer confidence and encourage stronger bidding. When buyers clearly understand what they are purchasing, they are more willing to push the bid button. TriStar takes great pride in listing your equipment and trucks on the best platforms the auction industry provides and marketing it in ways that are cutting edge in the industry.”
Understand your selling options. “At TriStar Auction Group, we offer the flexibility to sell equipment either from our place or directly from the seller’s location. Selling from the seller’s site can reduce transportation cost, while selling from our place, we can handle all the details. We help sellers choose the option that best fits their operation so the process is efficient and straightforward.”
Choose the right auction partner. “Sellers benefit from working with a team that understands heavy equipment, markets the machines to a global market and represents their assets with honesty and care. Our role is to guide sellers through every step and create a transparent environment where value can rise naturally.”
In addition to their auctions, the Pruitts host events at the farmstead where people can experience the hospitality at the heart of what they do. PruittsFarmstead features a custom-built home designed with people in mind. They have hosted countless celebrations, gatherings and special occasions over the years. It’s also where they rest at the end of the day and gather with friends and family for dinner.
“The farmstead keeps us grounded,” says Nicole. “It is where we begin and end our days, and where we are reminded that the most meaningful work is often the quiet, intentional work done at home.”
Looking ahead, the couple sees TriStar Auction Group as a lasting business that continues to set the bar for heart and hospitality in their work. The same mission is embodied by PruittsFarmstead, where Nicole and Daniel are eager to welcome people for events they will remember for a lifetime.
615.301.1600
TriStarAuction.com
@tristar_auction_group | @pruittsfarmstead
What sets us apart is that we have never let technology replace connection.
It is where we begin and end our days, and where we are reminded that the most meaningful work is often the quiet, intentional work done at home.