Shortly after Labor Day weekend, Outdoor
Power Equipment magazine asked several
OPE dealers to reflect on the past year and
look ahead to next year. Specifically, we
asked them the following two-part question:
How has your dealership fared in
2015, and what are your expectations
heading into 2016?
Based on the following written re-
sponses, listed in the order they were re-
ceived Sept. 15-24, we're pleased to report
that most dealers were enjoying a success-
ful 2015 and expressed an optimistic out-
look about the coming year, assuming that
Mother Nature cooperates of course.
Business has been very, very good with
no slowdown in sight. Two-cycle, mower
and now leaf vac sales have been strong.
One way I track growth is by tracking how
many new customers come in and how
much they spend per visit. Repairs have
stayed steady, keeping the guys in the shop
on unlimited overtime. We just added a
new guy, which should take some of the
burden off. My outlook for 2016 sees con-
tinued growth, and if we have another
snowy winter, I feel it will be a blockbuster.
— Matthew Borden, owner
Ed & Matt Equipment
Greenville, R.I.
2015 has been a remarkable year! One of
the best in our 49-year history!
All phases have shown significant in-
creases in volume and profits! Unfortu-
nately, whole-good margins continue to
decline!
Uncertain as to what 2016 could
bring…hoping a repeat of 2015! Not sure
if that is realistic, though!
— Ernie Butitta
K&D
Baton Rouge, La.
Tractor sales for 2015 projected at -10 per-
cent primarily because the factory ran out
of 30- to 35-hp. tractors for 90 days in the
spring.
— Gary Mize, president
The Tractor Place Inc.
Knightdale, N.C.
Coming off a good 2014, we were hoping
customers would continue to shake off bad
economic news and start to spend money
again. So far, 2015 is our best year in the last
FEATURE STORY | Dealer Survey
18 NOVEMBER 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com
OPE's 2015 Year in Review
Dealers reflect on this year, share expectations for 2016
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