Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) recently
surveyed several executives about the state
of the OPE industry heading into 2015.
Specifically, we asked the following
thought-provoking questions:
1. What should OPE dealers know
about your company's plans for 2015?
2. What were the OPE industry's top
stories in 2014, and what do you predict
they will be in 2015?
3. What will be the OPE industry's
hottest trends in 2015?
4. What advice do you have for OPE
dealers in 2015?
5. What is your overall outlook for the
OPE industry in 2015?
OPE received the following written
responses, in order, from Dec. 9, 2014,
through Jan. 8, 2015:
DARYN WALTERS
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
EXMARK MFG. CO.
(BEATRICE, NEB.)
1. What should OPE dealers know about
your company's plans for 2015?
Daryn Walters: Exmark remains com-
mitted to delivering tools that help our
customers be more productive and profit-
able. For 2015, we're introducing a num-
ber of new machines for landscape main-
tenance and lawn care professionals that
allow them to work faster and more effi-
ciently, while using fewer resources.
2. What were the OPE industry's top
stories in 2014, and what do you predict
they will be in 2015?
Daryn Walters: In 2014, we've seen a great
deal of consolidation in the marketplace at
the contractor level, and I think as the mar-
ketplace matures, it's a trend that will con-
tinue. That said, we work with a lot of small-
and medium-sized contractors who are
doing very well for themselves. By staying
nimble and being the best at delivering the
services that customers want, these smaller
contractors clearly understand the value of
being viewed as the "lawn expert." One-stop
shopping has a lot of value, and we think
successful landscape contractors, both large
and small, are embracing that concept.
3. What will be the OPE industry's
hottest trends in 2015?
Daryn Walters: Doing more with less
is a theme we hear our customers talking
about frequently, so it's a driving focus for
us here at Exmark. Whether it's electronic
engine management, EFI, or alternative
fuels, we're going to continue to focus on
equipment that helps customers produce
more using fewer resources.
4. What advice do you have for OPE
dealers in 2015?
Daryn Walters: Embrace the opportu-
nity that exists to sell commercial equip-
ment to non-commercial customers.
Farm and acreage owners, in particular,
represent an incredible opportunity for
OPE dealers.
5. What is your overall outlook for the
OPE industry in 2015?
14 FEBRUARY 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com
FEATURE STORY
What can expect to be seen in 2015?
The following is the last of a two-part series:
Industry Forecasts
Embrace the
opportunity that
exists to sell
commercial equipment
to non-commercial
customers.
