OPE People

Change and chainsaws – talking with Husqvarna

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.

Yosemite Sam to the rescue

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. 

The South Georgia Giant

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.

Award-winning Trends in Power Equipment

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!

Is Ace The OPE Place?

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. 

Putting Robots to Work

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.

Who’s driving these new mowers?

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.

His Hobby is People

I need to talk with Tom Shay every so often to check myself and my priorities. And he’s a reminder of why the OPE People podcast exists. Tom is a power-equipment sales expert and he’s an interesting human. Tom and I talk sales, customers, employees, and people in general. Join us (until you get a chance to spend time with Tom Shay yourself!).

Powering up a better website

OPE People talks with George Houle about power equipment dealerships and their websites. How can they get better, what are the possibilities, how much work is required, and how can George help? He works for Dealer Spike, a digital services company in power equipment, powersports and more.

OPE in the Family?

OPE People talks with Jay Gaskins, power equipment dealer, acquisition expert, father, son and all-around good guy. Business succession planning – whether you own a dealership, landscape business, or any other – begins immediately, actually yesterday! Gaskins has run and purchased power equipment shops, and he shares is expertise on the topic, with OPE+ editor Glenn Hansen.