Longtime Ariens Co. leader, Michael (Mike) Ariens died at his home Saturday. Grandson of company founder Henry Ariens, Mike was company president from 1969-1992 and chairman of the board from 1992-2014. “Mike leaves us with a legacy of his personal leadership style, a strength of character that people who work with him want to emulate. As a leader he was thoughtful, and insightful with a great sense of humor,” says Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO. “As a businessperson he was pointedly committed to the company’s purpose: to care for our customers like they are part of the family.”
He managed the business through several acquisitions, hundreds of product launches, maturing market shifts and, of course, the un-predictability of the weather. One of the most successful and enduring product introductions under his direction was that of the Ariens Sno-Thro. “Those who knew my father, knew he loved nothing more than a great big snow storm, especially in Boston,” says Dan.
In 1982 he led the acquisition of the Gravely brand when the product line revolved around two-wheeled and four-wheeled tractor products. The move set the stage for entering an emerging commercial grounds care sector that ultimately led to the growth of the Gravely professional brand. “As a leader, one of his most endearing qualities was the one-on-one relationship he had with each member of Ariens Company,” says Dan. “Many remember his personal visits on the day of their company work anniversary. Through his entire career, Mike spent part of each day thanking employees at their workstations for their years of commitment to the company. He continued this ritual through his last day on the job in late 2014.
Mike was active in the outdoor power equipment industry. As one of longest-serving board members on the board of the OPEI, he held various leadership positions over his career including Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. He also chaired a number of committees and task forces for the organization. “Mike was a diplomatic, fair negotiator and respectful of everyone he worked with over his career,” says Dan. “He loved this outdoor power equipment industry and was grateful for all the relationships he shared over the years with his extended OPE family.”
Mike Ariens was 83.