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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/621618
COVER STORY www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT JANUARY 2016 19 We're excited about the market share we've gained within the commercial space, and we feel that we've grown a deeper understanding of what the end user is looking for. Our products deliver on the things that are most important to them — efficiency, durability, performance and quality. 5) What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2016? Jeff Dewosky: We expect the industry to grow single digits. CHRIS VERNON VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER DIXIE CHOPPER (COATESVILLE, IND.) 1) What is new and exciting about your company or organization heading into 2016? Chris Vernon: Upon our acquisition from Jacobsen less than two years ago, we made a promise to our dealers and customers that we would improve on all sides of the business. We are making good on our promises, and as result, we've seen a strong recovery in our business. We were thrilled to be recognized by NAEDA (now known as EDA) as the "Most Improved" OPE manufacturer in the industry, and we are working hard to keep improving. At GIE+EXPO, Dixie Chopper unveiled its 2016 product lineup, which looks fantastic. Our dealers were excited with the improvements and the updated look of the machines. With our new product lineup and the double-digit growth Dixie Chopper saw in 2015, I am very confident that 2016 will be a fantastic year. 2) What were the OPE industry's top news stories in 2015, and what will they be in 2016? Chris Vernon: Gas price volatility was a huge topic of 2015 and will probably continue to be in 2016. If gas prices begin to rise again in 2016, we may see accelerated growth of EFI and other alternative fuel options. In 2015, we saw several product innovations focusing on user comfort and ride quality. For our 2016 product lineup, Dixie Chopper added a more comfortable and ergonomic seat across all of our models. We also saw some new key players enter the zero-turn market, including Jacobsen. 3) What are your predictions for the 2016 U.S. presidential race — who will be each party's nominee, who will be elected the next president, and how will the outcome affect the OPE industry? Chris Vernon: I don't think anyone got this right 4 years ago…which proves there is a long way to go before the general election, but I'll bite. I predict Clinton vs. Rubio in the general election, with Rubio winning by a very slim margin. While only time will tell who is elected as the next president, the outcome will affect the OPE industry. We need a president that is a friend of small business when it comes to health insurance costs, immigration, worker compensation costs, retirement plans, and emission and water/irrigation regulations. The combination of these impacts can make or break a commercial landscape business or OPE dealer. 4) What will be the OPE industry's hottest trends in 2016? Chris Vernon: The businesses that invest in technology will come out on top. We will continue to see the Internet playing a larger role in the way that consumers research and make purchases. This expansion in Internet sales will extend beyond products into services as new apps continue to arrive to help with securing services such as landscaping. A consumer's first impression of an OPE dealership will be online, so dealers need to make a strong first impression. 5) What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2016? Chris Vernon: Weather permitting, 2016 will be a healthy year for the OPE industry. The economy will continue to improve with modest GDP growth, and the ratio of consumer debt to disposable income is at a relatively low level historically, which should help drive spending in 2016. It is a good time to invest and grow, and Dixie Chopper has big plans to do both. OPE