WEST FARGO, ND – After 37 years with Tri-State Auto Auction, Fargo, Curt Hakanson has announced his decision to retire from the auction business. Hakanson has held many positions at the auction in West Fargo over the course of his career, from the reconditioning center all the way up to executive vice president and auction general manager. He was also partner in the Z&A Group of Companies, which owns Tri-State and its sister facility, Sioux Falls Auto Auction.

Hakanson’s retirement brings some changes in the auction management structure. The auction’s EVP/COO, Mike Thorstad will assume duties as Tri-State’s general manager, in addition to his current role. Chuck Tangen has been promoted to the auction sale operations manager, as he continues to manage the auction’s sales staff. His new duties include sale day coordination, lane assignments, sale day staffing, auction promotions, and related activities. Dave Carlson, partner and executive vice president, has moved from Z&A’s DSI Automotive Products division to handle responsibilities as dealer development/marketing manager for both Tri-State and Sioux Falls auctions.