S.E. Incorporated, a family-run transmission line contracting business in Deaver, Wyo., is having a liquidation sale with Hunyady Auction Co. after 40 years. More than 1,000 items will be up for bid in multiple states, marking the end of a successful era.
Hunyady Auction Co. photo
Mark Sorenson, president of S.E. Incorporated, and Mike Hunyady, president of Hunyady Auction Company, stand atop a Pengo three-drum puller.
In the small town of Deaver, Wyo., population 200, a big legacy is coming to a close.
Mark Sorenson, president of S.E. Incorporated, and his three brothers — Craig, David and Steve — are winding down their family-run transmission line contracting business after more than 40 years of operation.
Founded in 1983, S.E. Incorporated was born from a shared vision among the Sorenson brothers, who all had prior experience in power and construction.
"Our goal was to be a transmission line contractor," said Mark Sorenson. "We had the background, and we had the dream."
That dream carried them across vast and rugged terrain, from near the Mexican border to the Canadian border, covering much of the western United States.
Among the company's most memorable projects was an 80-mi. reconductoring job for Western Area Power in Wilcox, Ariz. — one of its first major contracts in the 1980s. It involved specialty wire and structures that tested the young company's capabilities and set the tone for future endeavors.
In the early 1990s, S.E. Incorporated tackled its first major helicopter-access job: constructing steel towers in the mountains of Wyoming.
"It was a big learning experience," Mark said. "We used helicopters for everything — pouring concrete for the foundations, setting towers, stringing wire — it was a whole different level of challenge."
Another milestone came in 2008, with the construction of 100 mi. of transmission line for a major federal client. This project cemented S.E. Incorporated's reputation as a capable, nimble player in a field dominated by larger contractors.
"Our goal was always to remain a small business but be big enough to sneak a good job away from the big guys once in a while," Sorenson said.
The Sorenson brothers' bond has remained the backbone of the company throughout its existence. Raised in Deaver, all but one still live in the area, and all continue to work in the business to this day. At its peak, the company employed up to 60 workers, though it typically operated with a core crew of approximately 30 — enough to handle major transmission projects while retaining the tight-knit culture that defined the firm.
Now, as regulatory pressures and industry complexities mount, the brothers have decided it's time to step away.
"We've been doing this our whole lives," Sorenson said. "The business has changed a lot in 40 years — more regulation, more consolidation — and it's just time."
As part of their wind-down, S.E. Incorporated has partnered with Hunyady Auction Company to liquidate its fleet of equipment.
"I've known Mike Hunyady [president of Hunyady Auction Company ] since the beginning, back when he was with Vilsmeier Auction Company," Sorenson said. "He's always supported me — it just made sense."
Over three days. June 10, 11 and 12, 2025, and across three states, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona, more than 1,000 items will go up for bid. Mike Hunyady gave a preview of what buyers can expect at the auction.
"These folks are transmission high-tower power line builders," Hunyady said. "So naturally, we're talking about a late-model fleet of 4x4 pickup trucks used by the crews, along with all the transport equipment — trucks, trailers and more. The auction will offer a comprehensive suite of gear required for every phase of power line construction. This includes foundation equipment like production diggers and caisson machines, tower erection tools, such as boom trucks, cranes and forklifts, and a wide range of material-handling loaders. Also available are pullers and tensioners — critical for the wire stringing process — as well as boom trucks with man baskets and radio remote controls reaching heights over 100 feet."
"No industry uses more small tools than transmission line construction," Hunyady added. "Every stage of the job — from setting foundations to pulling conductor through the stringing blocks — requires precision tools for an enormous range of tasks."
The event also carries a personal meaning for Hunyady, who has known Mark Sorenson, one of the retiring owners, since the early 1980s.
"I first met them at an auction in Casper, Wyoming, when I sold them their first major three-drum puller back in 1983," he said. "We've stayed in touch ever since. These gentlemen are the real deal. Their company is rooted in family values, hard work and integrity — truly the American dream in small business. I am deeply honored to be part of this milestone in their lives. After decades of grueling, dangerous work, I wish them a long and fulfilling retirement."
And what will Mark Sorenson miss the most?
"The camaraderie," he said. "The nucleus of loyal people we've had, the satisfaction of a job well done. There's nothing quite like building something that matters, with people you trust." CEG
Craig Mongeau
Craig Mongeau has been Construction Equipment Guide’s editor in chief for the past 21-plus years. He directly manages CEG’s Northeast and Southeast editions (which includes New England, Georgia and Alabama state supplements); Superintendent’s Profile; Crane Guide; Northeast and Southeast-based anniversary magazines; and special event publications. He also oversees CEG’s Midwest and Western Editions as well as all CEG website content.
A Hofstra University graduate, Craig began his publishing career as a staff writer for local Southeast Pennsylvania newspapers. He then became an associate editor and book editor of Springhouse Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based medical publishing house and then worked as a managing editor of Rockhill Communications, based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., where he created and managed content for a national Voluntary Hospital Association website.
Originally from Pittsfield, Mass., Craig has lived in North Wales, Pa., for the past 27 years. He has been married to his wife, Hillary, whom he met in college, since 1998 and together, they have two daughters, Jolie and Aubrie.
Read more from Craig Mongeau here.
Today's top stories
