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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/270157
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT w w w. o u t d o o r p o w e re q u i p m e n t . c o m 24 A fter a slow start to 2013 due to lack of snow, we had a great remainder of the year. It rained when it needed to rain from spring to fall. Weather trumps everything for us. We also had some early snow in November, and it hasn't stopped yet. We will sell out of snow blowers for the first time in quite a few years. 2014 has started out good with snow blower sales, but people are chomping at the bit for spring. We need to be ready to hit the ground running as soon as it warms up, and we are. There is a lot of pent-up demand to get out in their yards, so early sales will be strong. As long as the weather is in our favor, I expect 2014 to be a very good year. Let's hope for an early spring. — Guy Clark, owner Cedar Street Sales and Rental, Batavia, N.Y. Total revenue was about the same as last year. Costs of doing business have risen, so margins are tighter. Looking for other sources of income due to seasonal weather in this area. — Larry Comer, owner KC Mower Shop, Casey, Ill. 2013 was somewhat above average... However, 2014 could depend greatly on the timing of spring. Doesn't look promising at this time! — Ernest Butitta, president K&D, Baton Rouge, La. Business was slower this year than the last 10 years. Down 25 percent. — Walt Glista, owner Walt's Power Equipment Repair Columbia, Conn. Business income was up 9 percent over 2012. The forecast/goal for 2014 is 12 percent based on the current moisture projections. — Tim Curless, president Ruim Equipment Co., Lowell, Ind. 2013 was my best year ever. I hope this year is as good or better. — Allen Cutter, owner Cutter's Mower Repair, Rising Sun, Ind. Business was great in 2013 not because of anything we did, but what the Lord did for us. We had rain every week, a lot of sunshine, very little hot humid days from March through November, and a lot of snow early. The weather does more for our business sales, service and parts than any promotions I can do. 2014: If the weather is going to be like last year, it will be another great year. If it stops raining and is dry till September, then it will not be a great year. — Herb Beck, VP sales/general manager Wm. Beck & Sons Inc. (since 1951) Beavercreek, Ohio 2013 was great for us as we were getting enough rain to bring us out of drought conditions. 2014 looks to be starting off very wet, and that directly relates to lawn equipment sales. Our economy in Texas is very good, and if the rain continues, we expect better sales than 2013. — "Ozzie" Osborne, president D&W Lawn Equipment La Marque, Texas Sales were down overall in 2013. Service was up; folks are getting things fixed rather than buying new to get some more life from their equipment. I expect sales and service to be slightly better. — Les Benedict, president/CEO Ehsa Outdoor Power Products Hogansburg, N.Y. Image above ©istockphoto.com/The-Tor. Image below ©istockphoto.com/NLshop. Dealers' Domain Question: How was business in 2013, and what is your outlook for 2014?