OPE+

Let's meet at Equip Expo! The highlight for me last year at Equip Expo (my first time at the show) was meeting smart professionals who are passionate about their work. And about seeing the latest equipment and ideas in Louisville. But it’s the people for me. I can go to my local dealer and see equipment. The thing I love about trade shows is the people who attend. See you there? https://lnkd.in/gEAEi_ns

Join Ego and OPE+ Tuesday for an info-packed webinar.

Many Presidents have used tariffs for different reasons. Donald Trump's talk (threat?) about tariffs he'd impose takes the policy to a whole new level. Here's a take on his latest idea that hits John Deere directly. https://lnkd.in/eKcu4uen

I'll be hosting this webinar with Nick Feld of EGO Commercial as he discusses battery charging infrastructure for today and tomorrow. This will be fun and you should join us. https://lnkd.in/g5mYpvP2

Breaking: Written word guy goes Audio! I am having big fun with the new OPE People podcast. Recording this twice-a-month conversation helps me learn, connect and improve relationships. My latest discussion with Kevin Sabourin of Rollick is a good example of the types of stories and conversations I love to share. Kevin is a curious, smart, and well-connected problem solver with deep experience in and out of the power equipment industry. And that's not even the best part! Check out our conversation that covers a range from lead generation to ukuleles to aerial athletics. https://lnkd.in/gSFH5qM4

A diverse range of media are reporting on John Deere's just-announced change to diversity policy and communication. From the Washington Post to the Wall St. Journal, news outlets are covering the response from different impacted groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Black Farmers Association. Here is, in part, what Deere said in a statement posted on X, (Twitter): Deere posted: "Based on ongoing conversations, we have committed to the following: • We will no longer participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events. Business Resource Groups will exclusively be focused on professional development, networking, mentoring, and supporting talent recruitment efforts. • Auditing all company-mandated training materials and policies to ensure the absence of socially motivated messages, while being in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Reaffirming within the business that the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy. • We fundamentally believe that a diverse workforce enables us to best meet our customers' needs and because of that we will continue to track and advance the diversity of our organization. We remain committed to listening to our customers, employees, and other key stakeholders." 

Will we see interest rates fall soon?

I'm back in the office after a great week attending the OPEI Annual Meeting. And while sales could be better, currently, for many in the industry, the future is indeed opportunity-filled. Like this sunrise shot from the site of the meetings in Florida. I met interesting (and important) industry leaders, laughed with good friends, golfed with better players, and shared in discussions that expand on my hope for the near and distant future of the power equipment industry. Thanks to this short list of people (and others) for making it an amazing week. Chris Keffer Matt Glendon Chuck Bowen, CAE David Johnson Tim Berman Cheryl Mailloux, MBA Kevin Sabourin Eric Voyer Eric Johnson Harold Redman Mike Clancy Randy Reinke Peter Vold Brett Beddow Sara Martin Ed Wright Gary Haasch Steve Thul Dan Ariens

ECHO Incorporated is on the lookout for a talented Digital Marketing Manager to join our dynamic team! As we continue to experience exponential growth, we're thrilled to introduce this new role within our company. Please reach out if you, or someone you know is interested. https://lnkd.in/ghNnKWFF

Join us in this discussion about electrification of power equipment - the realities and opportunities and challenges. Sign up now for both webinars.