About Penn McMichael
Faith-based. Relationship-driven. 25+ years in the heavy equipment industry.
Who We Are
Penn McMichael Equipment Trading
Penn McMichael Equipment Trading was founded in 2015 and is rapidly growing within the heavy equipment industry. Located in Reidsville, N.C., Penn serves all of Rockingham County and its surrounding areas.
Penn offers earthmoving equipment, material handling equipment, service trucks, mechanics trucks, and trailers — representing the industry's biggest brands: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, John Deere, and Case.
With a faith-based foundation, Penn McMichael Equipment Trading is committed to quality service built on trust, loyalty, and respect. Penn has built his reputation on strong, personal relationships with every customer.
Looking to rent, buy, sell or trade? Give Penn a call today →
Penn McMichael · Founder
The Story
Penn's History
Learning the Trade
Penn started in heavy equipment in high school, working the phones for his father at Trax Inc. in Atlanta. After graduating from UNC in 1997, he joined Carter Machinery — the Caterpillar dealer in Virginia.
A Life Changed Forever
A drinking and driving accident resulted in the death of a friend and two felony convictions. Through the weight of that loss, Penn accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He served two years in prison in North Carolina.
Starting Over
Released in December 2000, Penn couldn't find work. Trax Inc. offered him a commission-only role. Without a driver's license, he rode a bicycle to work. He and his brother Jule later used proceeds from a single machine sale to start Trax North Carolina.
Tar Heel Machinery
Penn partnered with Christian brother Scott Woody to form Tar Heel Machinery — a full-service dealership offering rentals, sales, and service. In 2013 they added the Sany excavator line. The company sold in October 2015.
The Rockingham Rescue Mission
After the sale, Penn felt called to serve his community. He connected with pastor Torrey Easler and helped transform a small food ministry into the Rockingham Rescue Mission — a faith-based shelter now serving hundreds.
Penn McMichael Equipment Trading
With Torrey leading the Mission full-time, Penn returned his focus to heavy equipment — believing his business will continue to be a major financial supporter of the ministry and the people of Rockingham County.
Committed to the Community
Penn is a founding supporter of the Rockingham Rescue Mission — a faith-based shelter and addiction recovery program serving Rockingham County, NC. Every deal Penn closes helps fund this mission.
Learn about the Rockingham Rescue Mission →Read Penn's Personal Testimony
Penn's journey — from high school sales calls to prison, to faith, to building two successful dealerships and a rescue mission — is a story worth reading. Hear it in his own words.
Ready to Work with Penn?
Rent, buy, sell, or trade — Penn is ready to help.
Contact Today