Mike Kilander, Chief Operating Officer of Auction.com, received a 2025 HousingWire Vanguards Award for his leadership in driving strategic growth and operational improvement.
“I’m honored to be recognized by HousingWire, but this award is truly a reflection of the incredible team at Auction.com,” said Kilander. “Their dedication, innovation, and commitment to our mission make achievements like this possible.”
A former Army intelligence officer, Kilander joined Auction.com in 2023. Since then, he has led initiatives that enhanced organizational alignment, expanded the platform’s predictive analytics, and improved the buyer and seller experience.
Enhancing Operational Alignment
Over the past year, Kilander unified teams, including Product, Buyer Marketing, Buyer Experience, and Live Foreclosure Operations under a single strategy. This streamlined structure has helped the company grow cross-functionally and clarify responsibilities. As a result, asset processing times improved and accountability increased.
Strengthening Predictive Tools
Kilander transitioned the company’s data model to focus on predictive analytics. Key developments under his direction include enhancements to the following models:
- Estimating the likelihood that a property will sell at a given price
- Tracking user behavior to assess purchase intent
- Gauging buyer interest in specific properties
These tools now help guide how the company prices properties and improves its marketing and efficiency while reducing waste.
Deepening Buyer Insights
To better understand buyer behavior, Kilander supported cross-functional research into transaction and engagement data. These insights now shape both marketing and site personalization.
He also created a Matchmaking Team to connect buyers with fitting assets. This group has increased buyer engagement and improved seller communications.
In addition, Kilander combined the REO and foreclosure teams into asset-lifecycle groups. This shift removed redundancies and improved responsiveness, even amid market fluctuations.
Maturing SmartSale™ Operations
As part of the leadership behind SmartSale™, Auction.com’s pre-foreclosure sales platform, Kilander implemented structured funnel management. This clarified accountability at each step, from lead to close.
These practices stabilized operations and positioned SmartSale for growth in a changing market.
Mission-Driven Results
Kilander’s work aligns with Auction.com’s goal to improve results for buyers and sellers through transparency, technology, and care. His data-driven approach helps sellers understand key drivers of liquidity, such as buyer demand, absorption rates, condition, and comps.
This clarity empowers sellers to make more informed pricing decisions.
“Mike’s unique expertise and collaborative style are accelerating our move toward a truly customer-centric, data-enabled marketplace,” said Auction.com President Ali Haralson.
Leadership Grounded in Humility
Reflecting on leadership, Kilander said, “Leadership requires humility. Technology is always evolving, and businesses must adapt. That means learning constantly, which starts with listening, admitting what you don’t know, and embracing failure as part of growth. My time in the military reinforced that listening and adaptability are at the heart of leadership.”
Kilander’s recognition underscores his role in advancing Auction.com through integration, insight, and innovation.