Zachery Shepherd has dedicated his entire career to The Branford Group, where he currently serves as vice president of Valuations and Consulting. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives, provides consulting and appraisal services, and works with industry leaders to strengthen Branford’s market position.
Shepherd’s path with the company began as a college intern, thanks to an opportunity from family friend Bill Gardner, Branford’s president and CEO. After graduation, he returned as a valuations associate, quickly developing expertise in asset valuation. By 2013, he was promoted to manager, overseeing appraisal projects for global clients.
“My journey at The Branford Group has been marked by continuous learning, professional growth, and the privilege of contributing to a company that feels like family,” Shepherd says.
His interest in industrial machinery and equipment inspired his career. He enjoys the analytical challenge of assessing depreciation, market trends and equipment functionality. He also values the investigative aspect — researching historical data, comparing market values and evaluating pricing influences.
Beyond technical skill, Shepherd emphasizes the trust clients place in accurate assessments for major financial decisions involving machinery.
He has helped modernize the appraisal process with advanced valuation software and real-time databases, improving accuracy, reducing subjectivity and enhancing efficiency. Shepherd sees great potential in blending traditional valuation with data-driven approaches, especially as electric and autonomous machinery and sustainability reshape the industry.
Artificial intelligence and global supply chain shifts are also influencing asset values, pushing appraisers to account for carbon impact and energy use.
As a designated Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Shepherd remains committed to professional growth, regularly attending key industry conferences.
