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5) What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2016? Harold Redman: Consumer products will likely see a single-digit increase as housing continues its slow return and the U.S. market continues forward without major interruption. The forecast includes the assumption of normal spring weather. Consumer zero-turns are likely to grow at an accelerated pace versus tractors or other riding products, to which dealers still sell an estimated 50 percent of the category volume. The forecast for commercial products is mid-single-digit growth, with research suggesting that consumers are continually willing to pay for lawn and landscape services based on the economic environment. Let's hope for a warm, wet, early spring. DAVID WITHERS PRESIDENT JACOBSEN, A TEXTRON CO. (CHARLOTTE, N.C.) 1) What is new and exciting about your company or organization heading into 2016? David Withers: Just a few months ago, we introduced our all- new Professional Series commercial-grade mowers and utility vehicles. We made a big splash at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville and have seen a lot of interest from commercial cutters, professional turf managers, and OPE dealers who are interested in carrying our line. Building out our distribution network for these exciting new products will be a top priority for us in 2016. Moving into 2016 and beyond, Jacobsen will leverage our long history in golf to enter new market sectors where our products provide better results for customers and a unique selling proposition for OPE dealers. As a result, I think we will see the early interest in our Professional Series commercial-grade mowers and utility vehicles translate into many customers and dealers deciding to add these great products to their lineup. 2) What were the OPE industry's top news stories in 2015, and what will they be in 2016? David Withers: Obviously, for us the biggest news was Jacobsen entering the zero-turn market. Our expansion was partly a response to the professional turf manager being asked to take on more responsibilities and projects. As a result, they are looking for a wider range of maintenance tools to help them complete a variety of different tasks. 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? David Withers: As a native Brit who has only been in the states full-time a little more than five years, I'm still learning the political landscape in the States. But regardless of who wins, the ramifications for the OPE industry can't be overstated. The majority of professionals in our industry run small businesses that are very sensitive to any changes in health insurance, labor, water and environmental regulations, and fuel prices. We hope that the next administration is an advocate for small businesses everywhere, especially in our fast-growing industry. 4) What will be the OPE industry's hottest trends in 2016? David Withers If gas prices continue to fall, we may see more landscape contractors enter the market as the fuel barrier is lowered. I also think consumers will continue to demand easier ways to buy landscaping equipment and services, with contractors and manufacturers expanding their use of web and smartphone technology to connect with these customers. I think we'll also see maintenance budgets continue to shrink, forcing many to do more with less. As a result, machine productivity and reliability will be a top priority for equipment purchase decision makers in 2016. 5) What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2016? David Withers: If the optimism and excitement we saw at the GIE+EXPO in October is any indication of the state of the OPE industry, I would say the outlook is overwhelmingly positive. I think a mild winter and early spring would be a great springboard for the year. Good weather, low gas prices and rising consumer spending could combine to make 2016 a very good year for the OPE industry. 30 FEBRUARY 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com FEATURE STORY Continued from page 17 OPE