August 2024
COVER STORY – Wisconsin Couple Grows More Than Just Plants
MINOQUA, Wisconsin – After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in horticulture, Alec, with a minor in business, and Christine Stenli, with a minor in ag engineering, divided up the state of Wisconsin into a grid to figure out where they wanted to put down their roots. The couple wanted to find the perfect place for a retail greenhouse, ultimately deciding on the lakeside town of Minoqua, with a full-time population in the 10,000 range that swells to 100,000 during the height of the summer season.
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POWERLINES: Ready For A Fun Fall
Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, Power Equipment Trade
Fall has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Growing up in the South, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I truly thrive during football season. I love the pageantry of the sport. From little pee wee plays (my son is a great running back); to the infamous Friday night lights, and all day long on Saturday and Sunday my TV is nothing but pass rush defenses and guys throwing long bombs. Go Cougars! Roll tide! E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!
Fall also means back-to-school (I love shopping for school supplies because I am a dork, I guess) and cooler temperatures in my beloved Southern states. On the work calendar, Fall also means Equip Expo comes October 15. I know I’ve preached for years that Equip is the place where everyone gathers and it feels like a family reunion of sorts—and to me it does. I get the chance to hang out with all my favorite industry friends, meet dealer-readers at our booth and experience all sorts of new and exciting innovations. I know you’ll find me and Kress’ Alex de Courcy at the food trucks again this year enjoying lunch one day. I am hoping for a repeat performance of watching a British man eat fried mac and cheese if I am being honest. We’ll be easy to spot, he’ll look disappointed and slightly perplexed while I’ll be cackling like a hyena.
Every possible inch of exhibit space is sold for this year’s Equip and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) that organizes and owns the show is preparing for another massive crowd this year to cover the over 1 million sq. ft. of things you need to make a lawn and garden business successful.
Oh, and in case anyone might have forgotten: You can get a puppy there too!
Latest News
This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor Will Deliver Keynote for Equip Attendees
Renowned This Old House host and home improvement expert, Kevin O’Connor, will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at Equip focusing on energizing landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers and helping them identify ways to build their business. The trade show, which drew over 27,000 people last year from all 50 states and 46 countries, will be held October 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
Yakta Unveils Full Production Line
Yakta, building upon 35 years of manufacturing excellence through its sister company Arrowquip, transfers a customer-focused approach to the zero-turn mower industry and has announced full-scale production of its range of zero-turn mowers. Fresh off the success of last year’s Equip Expo prototype display, Yakta’s production lineup, including the YXR 710, YXR 610 and YXR 410, with the YXR 910 soon to follow, boast industry-shattering durability, from their strong I-beam caster arm construction to their 7-ga. steel decks—strength that sets a new standard in mower resilience.
Power Suppliers
- Rotary Adds To PNW Sales Force
- New Web App OPE Dealer Hub
- NAEDA Announces Four Elected Directors
- Echo Launches New Resource Library
- Husqvarna Q2 Earnings Are Mixed
- OPEI Seeks Standard Stakeholders
- Stihl Timbersports Hosts U.S. Competition
INDUSTRYvoices
Seven Can’t-Miss Opportunities For Dealers At Equip Expo 2024
Held Oct. 15-18 in Louisville, Kentucky, this event is a can’t-miss experience for dealers across the country.
MOWERpreview
- Archer
- Heftee
- Masport
- Mean Green
- Oregon
- Prufrex
- Rotary
- Stens
- Sunbelt
PETcetera
- What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers
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