I’d Rather Be A Customer Than An OEM ‘Partner’ by Dale Stotts

Earlier this year I watched a PBS special, the “Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” honoring George Carlin. I have always been a fan of George Carlin’s work and his thought processes that often made me stop and think: “You know, he’s got something.” I think the main reason I’ve enjoyed his work was how he viewed the way we used/misused the English language and how many things didn’t make sense. Now, what does this have to do with today’s power equipment industry? The way this industry’s manufacturers use certain phrases, I think would get Mr. Carlin’s attention.

Take for instance: “We are your partners.” With this simple phrase, OEMs try to convince their dealer networks how important the dealer is to the OEM. Yet many suppliers are only interested in their profit line and don’t honestly care how profit is accomplished. If it means selling to Mega Stores, so be it. Dealers can’t get sentimental because “it’s only a business decision.” Dealers still get the repair work, so w

Dealers Offering Green Solutions

From fuel prices to climate issues, local and national media have certainly made all things related to the environment a lead topic. The subject transcends many facets of our lives and the power equipment industry is no exception. From equipment emissions to emerging technologies, the environment is headlining discussions in the industry and many retailers are taking note—and action.

To gain insight into current trends and how social, cultural and economic and technological forces shape how customers spend time and money in their yards, Husqvarna commissioned a Global Lawn & Garden Trend Report in January 2009. At the center of the analysis is the impact and adoption of technology and innovation.

Dealers Push ‘Green’ Products, Services by Amanda Jo Napier

In light of both growing concern for the environment and high fuel costs, dealers are finding that going green is not only environmentally responsible—it’s good for business, too. And even though fuel prices have dropped from last summer’s extremely high level, more consumers are looking for ways to reduce emissions, and commercial customers are always looking for ways to increase fuel efficiency.

Midwest Power in Okemos, Mich. has experienced first-hand the many benefits of moving to the greener side of business. Based on positive experience selling electric lawnmowers, Midwest Power has added Stihl’s handheld electric products line to the product offering.

GHS Corp. Operates Family Philosophy by Dexter Ewing

Family: The mere mention of the word conjures up many definitions, be it connected by blood or a sense of belonging induced by a single purpose or concept. Walker Mowers is a family-owned company, in business since 1980. Currently, the company is still family owned and operated. It only makes sense that Walker’s Mid-Atlantic States distributor GHS Corp. also carries through with that family philosophy. In existence since 1984 and operating out of the small town of Denton, NC, GHS Corp. handles the distribution of Walker Mowers and attachments/accessories to six states up and down the East Coast. GHS Corp. may be a big business in commercial mowers, but there isn’t anything big about the way they are run. They are only big on the concept of “family.”

“Many other companies use terms like ‘partners,’ ‘team,’ and ‘lean, mean selling machine,’” begins Standish Hopkins, co-owner of GHS along with his father, Levon Hopkins. “Following the Walkers’ lead and our own conscience, we’ve

Green Products

The Ferris Propane Powered IS 3100ZP meets all emission requirements by the EPA. Propane power paired with Ferris’ patented suspension technology makes this machine an attractive package. Briggs & Stratton 895cc Vanguard Big Block engines are designed to meet proposed 2012 EPA emission standards. With Ready Start technology, Vanguard features a 2 year commercial warranty and provides automotive-like starting with no need for a choke lever. This propane engine produces 30% fewer smog-forming emissions. Two propane tanks provide plenty of run time. Fuel will allow for 8-10 hours of cutting under normal conditions. The carburetor is designed specifically for propane use, and the fuel system is designed to conform to NFPA 58 – 2002. The IS 3100ZP is available in 61" or 72" cutting widths. The cut height is 1.5"- 5" and adjusts in 1⁄4" increments. Other features include Hercules cast-iron mower spindles and adjustable, 360° anti-scalp rollers.

To Go Green, Get In The Swing (Coupler) by Ken Boness

Everyone, it seems, wants to “go green” and take the best care we can of this planet we call home. As a retailer, going the green route can be good for your business in various ways. It demonstrates to your customers that you are concerned about the environment you share with them. And “going green” requires awareness to and attention of details, resulting in ways to cut or alter practices that waste resources. “Going green” often comes at a price but, in this case, it comes with a profit.

At this point, it is my pleasure to introduce the Oetiker Swing Coupler. The Oetiker name may be familiar to you because of the other products they manufacture, such as hose clamps. Years ago I became acquainted with their astoundingly efficient, exceptionally safe and simple swing couplers. As soon as I realized the benefits and design features, I was jealous of whoever had invented them. At the same time, I am grateful because now every disconnect in my shop’s compressed air system is an

Spring News Cycle Heats Up by Dan Shell

Like a medieval mob in a movie carrying pike ladders outside a castle moat, there’s an “ethanol army” looking to break through the national standard gasoline “fuel blend wall” of 10% ethanol added and make it 15%.

We’ve got a straight news article on the latest action on the ethanol fuel front on page 6, but here’s the back story: During a press event at GIE+EXPO 2008, officials with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute warned that there could be challenges on several fronts with the impending change in presidential administrations. Now, ethanol producers have seized upon the results of a small study (see powerETblog.com or PET 12/08) by the Dept. of Energy concerning the impact of E15 and E20 blends that was fairly favorable to automotive performance but devastating to small engines as an “all-clear” for increasing the standard ethanol/gas blend to 15%.

Seven Ways To Build An Email List by Neil Anuskiewicz

Building and maintaining email lists is a challenge for all email marketers. However, if done well and consistently, the rewards in terms of new business and customer loyalty can be great. The following outlines seven strategies for tackling the list building challenge.

* Make your list or e-newsletter sign-up forms very easy to find. On many Web sites it is difficult to find the sign-up forms. The forms are often hidden below the fold and only on the main index page of the site.

Go Green For More Green

Haven’t you heard? “Going Green” is all the rage! And though energy prices—gasoline in particular—seem to be in a state of calm right now compared to last year’s cost spikes, more end users are looking to power equipment dealers for innovative products that reduce or eliminate small engine emissions.

By going electric or upgrading to a new engine design, the homeowner consumer gets the satisfaction of reducing his or her “environmental footprint” through less energy usage, while a commercial customer can see an immediate impact to the bottom line through lower fuel costs.

Latest Recreation Products for Dealers

The New 2010 Kymco Quannon 150 is an entry-level motorcycle with sport bike styling that offers big performance in a small package. Its racy, lightweight design and low 31" seat height makes it a real flat-footed confidence builder that is fun to ride and frugal to own. The Quannon 150 is sure to become a favorite among beginners with its sleek race bike look and big bike feel without the price tag. The 150cc 4-valve highly fuel-efficient engine has all the power you’ll need to get you around town with plenty of fuel to spare, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Supplier Sales, Distribution and Program News

Exhibitors and attendees at the 2009 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo) will benefit from the introduction of the New Products Arena, an enhanced feature on the tradeshow floor. The arena will be a larger and more comprehensive take on last year’s popular New Products Live!

Show Director Warren Sellers says, “Research indicates the No.1 reason people attend this trade show is to see new products. The New Products Arena will highlight those and serve as a great orientation area for an overview of the latest items.”

The Latest In New Products, New Technology

QuickBite trailer couplers take the hassle out of hooking up your trailer without ever getting out of the tow vehicle. QuickBites patented Alignment Rod System makes it the first and only coupler to have an alignment mechanism built right into the coupler. Combine that with the increased capture area and the automatic latching mechanism, and you have the fastest and easiest method for coupling a tag-along trailer to the tow vehicle. You will still need to insert the manual safety pin when you go back to hook up the electrical wiring and safety chains, and don’t forget to raise your jack.

QuickBites patented Dual Jaw Locking System makes it the safest tag-along coupler ever built. The full ball capture area makes it virtually impossible for the coupler to ever come loose from the ball. Its automatic locking design helps to eliminate human error when coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle. This feature gives the operator peace of mind and reduces liabilities by reducing the da

Dealer-Driven News and Issues

The conclusions don’t match the data, says an independent researcher commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) to critique a federal report released last year by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) concerning the impact higher percentages of ethanol in gasoline have on automobiles and small engines. Ethanol proponents have seized on the small, preliminary study that showed automobiles fared generally well under higher percentage gas-ethanol blends as a reason to raise the ethanol content of motor fuel from 10% to 15%. This week an ethanol trade group filed a formal request with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asking to expedite a rule-making process that could have higher blend E15 gasoline at retail as soon as nine months from now.

According to environmental researcher Dr. Ron Sahu, the DOE ethanol study executive summary “does not accurately summarize the scope, results (or) uncertainties associated with the testing. Since most policy-makers will fo