A year or so ago, when the workforce of the recreational vehicle industry began to wane, Karl Yoder knew that he would have to make some career changes. 
After a period of thoughtful contemplation with his father, the Yoder men had a flash of inspiration, and as the younger Yoder puts it, they decided to pursue a different venture by “jumping in to see where it would lead.”
And that’s how Tri County Consignment was launched. Karl Yoder’s fledgling business is headquartered at his family farmstead in rural Ligonier, and from the first opening moments, Yoder has been busy and blessed with support from his community and beyond. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” he says.
The concept of consignment is to create an environment in which clients are seeking to sell items, and they enlist the assistance of an outside source to help them reach potential customers. Tri County Consignment is that liaison between the seller and buyer, and through the workings of a typical consignment contract, the seller makes a profit, while the consignor earns a percentage of the revenue from the sale.
Yoder explains that the sales are typically scheduled once per month, with a variety of items cataloged and readied for patron perusal. Prospective sellers contact Yoder to discuss what they wish to sell, and Yoder makes arrangements to pick up the items, usually within a day or two of the sale date.
Currently, Tri County Consignment is preparing for a sale this fall, and they are willing to accept merchandise. Thus far, most of the sales have focused on farm implements and tools, including new products from such reputable manufacturers as Makita, Milwaukee and DeWalt. The sales events are being held at the Claywood Event Center near Nappanee. Attendance at the sales events has been steady, Yoder notes, with an average of approximately 250 people in the crowds.
Even with the positive reception and rising success of Tri County Consignment, Yoder is hopeful for growth and expansion in the near future. He is hoping to add to the inventory of sales items with antiques, horse sales, real estate, family estates, and storage units. Meanwhile, in the midst of the surge in business, Tri County Consignment is lending their support to a benefit sale that is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of October 5. All of the proceeds from this sale will be given to a local family to assist with medical costs for an ill infant.
To learn how to assist with the upcoming benefit, or to learn more about Tri County Consignment, contact Yoder at 260-350-4672, or simply stop by the farm, located at 11460 North 1100 West in Ligonier. They are accommodating to visitors during any day except Sunday.
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