When I joined Machinery Marketing International (MMI) this past October as President and Head of Asset Management & Recovery, I knew right away this was a special place. You can feel it; in the people, the culture, the way the phones ring, and the passion that runs through every deal we touch.
MMI isn’t new to this game. We’ve got more than 30 years of experience helping manufacturers, lenders, and investors buy, sell, and recover value from industrial assets. But what really sets MMI apart is the combination of experience, technology, and attitude — that “cowboy spirit” that says, we’ll find a way to get it done, and we’ll do it right.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time with our team across the country: touring facilities, meeting clients, and diving deep into what makes MMI tick. What I’ve learned has only reinforced my belief that we have a real advantage in the marketplace.
A Shifting Market Brings New Opportunity
If you’ve been following U.S. manufacturing lately, you know it’s been a tale of two trends. Some regions are still struggling to regain their footing, while others; especially Texas are seeing strong momentum. Supply chains are reshoring, investment is flowing into automation, and companies are rethinking where and how they build.
At the same time, credit conditions have tightened, and 2025 has already been one of the most challenging years for corporate solvency since 2010. But challenge always brings opportunity. There’s growing demand for experienced partners who can help businesses unlock value, manage transitions, and move assets efficiently.
That’s where MMI shines. We work across the entire industrial spectrum; from metalworking and aerospace to energy and heavy manufacturing, helping clients turn machinery and equipment into opportunity.
We partner with:
- Business owners thinking about selling or succession planning
- Financial institutions looking to maximize recovery on assets
- OEMs and dealers who need a trusted, brand-safe liquidation partner
Private equity and investors sourcing deals or distressed opportunities
Every day, our team helps connect the dots between capital, equipment, and strategy, with speed, transparency, and care.
Why Tangible Assets Still Matter
In a world obsessed with tech multiples and digital growth stories, I’m a big believer in the real economy; the people, equipment, and production that actually make things happen. There’s something timeless about walking a plant floor, seeing precision machines at work, and knowing those parts will end up in airplanes, cars, or turbines powering cities.
And as we see more volatility in markets, investors are starting to remember what has always held true: hard assets hold real value. MMI sits right at that intersection, where capital markets meet the physical world. Our job is to make sure every piece of machinery finds its next life, and every owner gets the value they deserve.
It’s All About People and Relationships
Here’s something I’ve learned over the years: the best business isn’t built at conferences or through cold calls. It’s built through real relationships, with people you trust, respect, and enjoy working with.
That’s one of the first things I noticed about MMI. This company genuinely cares about its people and clients. Whether it’s a small shop owner selling a few CNCs or a global OEM managing hundreds of assets, our team treats every relationship with the same level of commitment and respect.
I try to live by a simple rule: do good work, be kind, and stay connected. That approach has served me well; and it’s at the heart of how MMI operates.
Looking Ahead
Manufacturing is entering a new chapter: automation, reshoring, and digital transformation are all accelerating. Some companies will struggle to adapt; others will thrive. My goal is to make sure MMI is the go-to partner for anyone navigating that transition; a firm built on trust, powered by technology, and driven by great people.
If you’re a business owner thinking about selling, a bank or PE firm managing assets, or an OEM or dealer looking for a partner to move inventory quickly and safely, I’d love to connect.
We’ve got an incredible team here, and the future looks bright.
Let’s build something great together.
Robert Person
President, Head of Asset Management & Recovery
robert@mmi-direct.com
