OPE People

OPE People celebrates the makers, innovators, and doers of the outdoor power equipment industry. Join host Brian Ethridge, editor-in-chief of OPE+ magazine, in personal discussions with movers and shakers in the landscaping and power equipment world and see what makes this unique industry truly special.

Episodes

Aug 18, 2026

12 min

Municipal customers have unique needs, but they also offer dealers the opportunity to build long-term relationships that can lead to years of repeat business. OPE People sits down with Joey White of Eden Lawnmower LLC to discuss what municipalities value most in an equipment dealer.

Aug 18, 2026

12 min

Jun 15, 2026

19 min

From family transitions to third-party acquisitions, succession planning has become one of the biggest conversations shaping the dealership landscape. OPE People sits down with Pat Albero of Performance Brokerage Services to discuss dealership valuations, buy-sell activity and what owners should be doing today to prepare for the future.

Jun 15, 2026

19 min

Apr 14, 2026

24 min

Successful sales is more about the strategy behind the handshake than the equipment for sale. OPE People sits down with NAEDA to explore how dealerships can strengthen their approach to sales training.

Apr 14, 2026

24 min

Nov 6, 2025

28 min

For this one, I kinda snuck up on Husqvarna and turned a story interview into a podcast – the conversation was that interesting, to me anyway. We talked about change and stability, about chainsaws and robots and batteries, and more.

Nov 6, 2025

28 min

Oct 17, 2025

36 min

Will this new AI tool save you? Will Yosemite Sam boost your business efficiency? Or is AI going to eat all of us? We talk AI agents with experts in software and equipment dealerships. Join us for a near-future discussion on the potential of AI for OPE dealers. 

Oct 17, 2025

36 min

Oct 1, 2025

22 min

From mower blade manufacturing to global parts distribution, Rotary Corp. is making a lot happen from a small town in south Georgia. We talk with Chris Roessler to learn more about what makes Rotary go ‘round.

Oct 1, 2025

22 min

Sep 15, 2025

24 min

Power-equipment nerds discuss the OPE+ award-winning products, trends and evolution of equipment, and what they’re looking forward to seeing at Equip Expo. If you like the history and future of power equipment, listen now!

Sep 15, 2025

24 min

Aug 28, 2025

28 min

I love hardware stores, especially the independent ones in small towns, with the squeaky wood floors, the old key cutter working in the back, and a stray cat inside. But is there a 60-in zero-turn mower? Or just an up-front display of toilet repair kits? OPE People talks with Ace execs about power equipment, service and pro buyers. 

Aug 28, 2025

28 min

Jul 2, 2025

16 min

It’s not about Why you should put robotic and autonomous mowers to work. It’s about How. OPE People talks with leaders in the sale and implementation of autonomous mowers. And the story is this: bigger and better business for those who bring autonomous to life on lawns and fields. Listen now for the details.

Jul 2, 2025

16 min

Jun 10, 2025

24 min

OPE dealers and landscape contractors are talking about autonomy today, and so are we. OPE People sat down with Exmark product manager Lenny Mangnall to talk about the company’s newest product for pro users. The autonomous Exmark Turf Tracer is out in the market and we were curious to know more about it.

Jun 10, 2025

24 min

About the Host

(Episodes 25 - present)

Brian is the editor of OPE+, overseeing content that serves professionals in the outdoor power equipment and landscape industries. With a background in agriculture, construction, industrial manufacturing, financial and sports media, he has a history of producing relevant and engaging content across a broad range of industries.

About the Host

(Episodes 1 - 24)

The editor of OPE+, Glenn Hansen has been telling stories about dealers, manufacturers and other interesting people for many years. And he's love to talk to you too. Connect with Glenn by email or on LinkedIn. 

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