About us

In the fast-paced world of auctions, standing out is essential. That's why auctioneers across the industry choose Auction Techs, the premier white label software provider. At Auction Techs, we don't just license software. We consult and advise auctioneers on the best practices for creating their own branded auction solutions. Our management team is the most experienced in the business, pioneers in webcast auctions, and dedicated to helping you succeed. With Auction Techs, you'll have all your software needs in one easy-to-use platform. At Auction Techs, our mission is to empower auctioneers, helping them take control of their business and gather critical data for success. Take your auction business to the next level with Auction Techs.

 

Meet the Management Team

 

 

Larry Garafola - Founder and Chairman

Larry Garafola is a trailblazing entrepreneur, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the auction industry. As the Founder and Chairman of Auction Techs, the leading white label provider of auction software, Larry has revolutionized the way auction companies conduct auctions in the digital age.

Larry's journey in the auction industry began with the establishment of Equipmentfacts, the first-ever online marketplace dedicated to equipment and truck auctions. As the Founder and CEO of Equipmentfacts, he recognized the immense potential of leveraging technology to transform the auction experience. Under his visionary leadership, Equipmentfacts quickly gained prominence as the go-to platform for industry professionals, connecting buyers and sellers in an efficient, user-friendly, and transparent manner.

Driven by his passion for innovation and his desire to push the boundaries of what was possible, Larry ventured into new territory by founding Auction Techs. Leveraging his deep industry expertise and a keen understanding of market needs, he spearheaded the development of white label auction software that empowers auctioneers to create their own customized auction platforms. Today, Auction Techs stands at the forefront of the industry, offering cutting-edge technology solutions that streamline the auction process and empower businesses to take control of their auctions.

Larry's entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his commitment to excellence, has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and industry influencer. His forward-thinking ideas and strategic insights have shaped the evolution of the auction industry, propelling it into the digital era.

Umesh Mahajan - CTO

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Umesh leads product development, engineering, cybersecurity, technical strategy, and production support at Auction Techs. With over 20 years of experience in technology leadership, software development and delivery, product strategy, and solution engineering, Umesh brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
 
Prior to joining Auction Techs, Umesh served as an Executive Director in the Electronic Trading group at J.P. Morgan Chase, where he was responsible for designing and developing high-speed low-latency electronic trading systems for institutional clients. His tenure at J.P. Morgan showcased his ability to drive digital transformation and create impactful software solutions.
 
Before his time at J.P. Morgan, Umesh held senior positions in electronic trading groups at esteemed investment banks including Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. Umesh's expertise in developing high-throughput, real-time online trading systems has been instrumental in introducing innovation to the auction industry at Auction Techs.
 
Umesh holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur.

Marlene Pereira - COO

 

Marlene Pereira is a seasoned professional and a driving force behind the success of Auction Techs, the leading white label provider of auction software. With her extensive experience in the equipment and truck auction industry, Marlene has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and operational excellence of the company.

 Marlene's journey in the auction industry began at Equipmentfacts, the groundbreaking online marketplace for equipment and truck auctions. As the Vice President of Operations, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of the industry's intricacies. Her dedication and expertise were instrumental in establishing Equipmentfacts as a trailblazer in the online auction space, setting new standards for efficiency and transparency.

Drawing upon her wealth of experience, Marlene assumed the crucial role of Chief Success Officer at Auction Techs. In this capacity, she spearheads the company's commitment to delivering exceptional value and success to its clients. Marlene understands that the success of Auction Techs lies in enabling auctioneers to harness the power of technology to optimize their auction processes and achieve their goals.

With a customer-centric approach, Marlene leads her team to provide personalized solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements. Her deep industry knowledge and insights empower Auction Techs' clients to maximize their auction performance, enhance user experience, and drive growth.

Aprana Deshpande - CMO

Aparna leads the marketing strategy and execution at Auction Techs. Her expertise lies in digital marketing for B2B SAAS companies stemming from over two decades of software start-ups and Fortune 100 company experience. 
 
Prior to Auction Techs, Aparna was the Co-Founder and COO at Greenlight Technologies, a leading risk and compliance technology company (now Pathlock). She has more than 12 years' experience managing the delivery of diverse business technology initiatives including solutions for regulatory compliance, enterprise web infrastructure, customer relationship management and sales force automation.
 
Prior to Greenlight, Aparna worked in the technology consulting practice for Cap Gemini and PC. She also held technology management positions with AT&T Bell Labs and Merrill Lynch. Aparna holds a B.S. degree in electronics engineering and attends an advanced marketing program certification at Kellogg school of Management. 
 
 
 
 
 

Jeree Ball Milligan -CSO

Jereeis a seasoned Auction Specialist with Auction Techs, where she has dedicated her entire career to the auction industry. With over four decades of experience in various auction roles, Jeree is a true expert in handling all aspects of auctions, including training, consulting, and client retention. Her passion for auctions and commitment to excellence have made her a respected figure in the field.

Having grown up in the auction business, Jeree's early exposure to the industry was under the guidance of her father, John Ball, who is recognized in the Oklahoma Auctioneer Hall of Fame. Her brother, Justin, also contributed to the family legacy, becoming an Oklahoma State Champion auctioneer and a finalist in multiple competitions. Jeree's family background instilled in her a deep appreciation for the profession and an unwavering dedication to maintaining its integrity and success.

Throughout her career, Jeree has worn every auction "hat" imaginable, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability within the industry. From learning the ropes by marking numbers on bidder cards with a big fat marker to handling clerking and running online bidding platforms for renowned auctioneers across the country, Jeree has experienced every aspect of the auction process. She has even been known to step up and take the auctioneer's role herself by plugging in her microphone.

Jeree's education is equally impressive, having earned her undergraduate degree in strategic communication on a scholarship for public speaking and leadership. She immediately channeled her education into a successful career, gaining experience in various fields such as TV and radio, publishing, sales, healthcare, customer service, risk management, politics, public policy, and human resources. Her wide-ranging expertise has led her to present to various corporate and political groups, as well as at conferences and conventions for trade, civic, and veterans’ organizations.

With her vast knowledge and experience in the auction industry and beyond, Jeree continues to be a driving force in Auction Techs, making valuable contributions and ensuring the success of every auction she oversees. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the auction business have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.