equip magazine | Edition 5

The mission of Equip Exposition’s official magazine, equip magazine, is to inform and to build excitement for show attendees — past, present, and future — on the latest business, technological trends and advancements in the landscape, outdoor living, and equipment industries. equip serves as a year-round resource and point of connection for the greater outdoor power equipment community — reaching more than 100,000 landscapers, dealers, hardscapers, and construction professionals.

SPLASH-FREE DESIGN HOLDS WATER IN, KEEPS LEAVES OUT DOWNSPOUT CLEANOUT AND LEAF FILTER

Stays tight to the house and prevents water from leaking out on the home’s foundation. BUILT IN GUTTER ADAPTER

VENTED CLEANOUT

Remove the center part of screen for easy access to the drain line. CONVENIENT DRAIN ACCESS Removable screen filters out leaves and debris to keep drain line clean. OPTIONAL LEAF FILTER Patented vent helps water maintain velocity through the system for a higher flow rate.

Booth 25062

ALL SYSTEMS FLOW

The shape of our vented cleanout leaf filter is designed to maximize water flow. Rooftop water seamlessly passes through the gutter downspout to the underground discharge line, increasing drainage efficiency and resulting in a drier basement or crawl space.

Fits ANY 3" or 4" Drain Pipe Fits 2" x 3" or 3" x 4" Downspouts Also Available in 4" Round

watch videos, read reviews or shop in the online store

TORRENTIAL RAIN Line TM frenchdrainman.com

BEST-IN-CLASS PRODUCTS

ECHO X Series does power your way. Gas power. Battery power.

Super power. The ECHO 56-Volt Pro-Grade Battery System cuts workdays down to size. MAXOUT®

battery technology gives 100% power until 0% charge. So, what’s best for your workday? Only the best.

PUT OUR PRODUCTS TO THE TEST. OUTDOOR BOOTH #7451D INDOOR BOOTH #5112

ECHO-USA.COM

WELCOME

Your Expo Team

Equip Magazine

OPEI Board of Directors Chair : David Thorne , Vice President, Turf & Compact Utility Business Unit, Deere & Company

Working from offices in Alexandria, Virginia, and Louisville, Kentucky, the staff of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Equip Exposition work year-round to advocate for the industry and produce the industry’s largest trade show. Equip Exposition and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Senior Staff Kris Kiser , President and CEO Chuck Bowen , Vice President, Communications, Member Relations, and Education Juli Clary Morris , Exhibit Contracts and Office Manager Brian Corbett , Equip Exposition Director of Sales, Indoors Richard Corbett , Equip Exposition Director of Operations Evan Cox , Director of Marketing Frances De Leon , Alexandria Office Manager Laura Gipe , Deputy Show Director

Kris Kiser President and CEO

Chuck Bowen Vice President, Communications, Member Relations, and Education

Vice Chair : Rick Olson , Chairman and CEO, The Toro Company

Secretary/Treasurer : Chris Keffer , President and CEO, STIHL Inc.

Evan Cox Director, Marketing

Immediate Past Chair : Mike Clancy , CEO, Chervon North America

Troy Winebrenner Equip Exposition Creative Director

Equip Exposition Show Chairman : Dan Ariens , Chairman and CEO, Ariens Company

Allie Filley Daniel Frank Cole Giordano Jerrod Kraft Photographers

Other Directors Rick Gray , President — Outdoor Power Equipment, Milwaukee Tool Klaus Hahn , President North America, Greenworks Peter Hampton , President and CEO, Active Dynamics Brian Melka , Group President — Kohler Energy Andreas Rangert , President — North America, Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division Doug Redpath, President & General Manager, Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Harold Redman , President and CEO, Echo Incorporated Tom Rugg , Senior Vice President & President Energy Solutions, Briggs & Stratton Nelson Wilner , Senior Vice President and General Manager, Engines, Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA

Bethany Murphy Sales

Suzanne Henry Nathan Mader Rosanne Mastin Ami Neiberger Christy Nielson

Heather Heishman , Database Manager Sam Hodapp , Accountant

Greg Knott , Senior Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs Brandon Martin , Vice President, Battery and Electric Products & Industry Affairs Dan Mustico , Senior Vice President, Government and Market Affairs Marla Popkin , Director, Meetings Suzanne Shomers , Vice President, Finance and Administration Karen Williams , Director, Partnerships and Development Troy Winebrenner , Equip Exposition Creative Director

Amy Perkins Contributors

Want more information? Email: info@equipexposition.com

Call: (844) 770-2963

Visit: 209 E Main St., Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40202

Issue 5 / equip / 3

www.equipexposition.com

WELCOME

Experience What’s Possible

What sets Equip Exposition apart from any other event in the industry is that it is above all a social, peer-to-peer experience. Whether you’re demoing the latest equipment, meeting industry partners, or building new business relationships, it’s dynamic, engaging, and active. You aren’t sitting back in a ballroom watching or listening. You’re in it. And Equip is in it, too. The show walks the walk to support and promote all the industries that support it. Our education arm, the TurfMutt Foundation, is investing $1 million to sponsor the TurfMutt Great Lawn of Louisville, one of the city’s most prominent downtown spaces in Waterfront Park that acts as the city’s front yard. Equip, OPEI, and TurfMutt will use this new lawn as a platform for reaching new audiences and education initiatives. TurfMutt celebrates its 15 th anniversary this fall. Since launching as an educational program to promote the benefits of the managed landscape, TurfMutt has become a global education platform — reaching more than 70 million students, teachers, and families with its message that nature starts at their back door — educating future generations about the importance of the managed landscape. Equip is a global event, too, bringing attendees from all 50 states and 46 countries to Louisville, Kentucky, every fall. Louisville has been the show’s home for more than 40 years, and remains the best place for us to operate. From our office on Main Street to investments like Mulligan’s Bark Park downtown, the TurfMutt canine agility center at the Kentucky Humane Society, and now the Great Lawn, Equip Expo talks the talk

Kris Kiser welcomes Louisville’s mayor and other city representatives to Mulligan’s Bark Park, which debuted during Equip Exposition 2023, and features a building-size mural by local artist Kacy Jackson.

and walks the walk.

These are experiences you can’t get at any other show. Combine that with our 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, an expanded (and sold-out) trade show floor, and cutting-edge education to grow your business, and you’ll see that Equip Expo is the best place for you to experience what’s possible.

We recognize the important role that managed landscape plays in people’s health and wellness, and we champion the role our exhibitors and attendees play in making it a reality all over the world. This year’s show offers plenty of new experiences — a new Certification Center in the West Wing for pesticide and fertilizer CEUs, a Trace Adkins concert at the KFC Yum! Center, Happy Hour in Freedom Hall, and a Welcome Reception at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack.

Kris Kiser President and CEO of Equip Exposition, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, and the TurfMutt Foundation

4 / equip / Issue 5

www.equipexposition.com

COME SEE US AT BOOTH 30060

GERMAN- ENGINEERED WORKWEAR

LET’S DIG IT

STRAUSS.COM

* By visiting our booth and trying on a pair of STRAUSS pants

CONTENTS

9 Equip Experiences 18 Doing is Learning 20 Going for Gold 23 Certification Center Debuts 24 Get in the Game 28 Getting Around 30

32 Test Before You Invest 38 Louisville Neighborhoods 44 This Town Knows Sports 46 10 Things for Under $10 49 3–2–1 … Let’s Install … 53 Memories Are Made at HNA 54 The More You Learn, the More You’ll Earn

56 HNA Awards 61 Contractor Education 83 Dealer Education 90 The TurfMutt Foundation Celebrates 15 Years 92 Humane Hero Award 94 Mulligan’s Mutt Madness Finds New Home 96 Mulligan’s Mutt Madness Pup-Dates

Expanded West Wing

6 / equip / Issue 5

www.equipexposition.com

COme along for the ride

STIHL BATTERY MEETS ZERO-TURN

The all-new STIHL battery-powered zero-turn mowers combine innovative all-day power with the exceptional cutting performance pros expect from a leading brand. With 24 kWh of power and 8-hour run time potential* to mow up to 21 acres On A Single Charge™, these mowers are built for the all-day demands of professional work.

Real STIHL. Find yours at STIHLUSA.COM

Powerful relationships achieve great things. And so, we’re pleased to share that Huntington Distribution Finance (HDF) has been chosen as the exclusive floor plan financing provider for dealers of outdoor power equipment manufacturer Briggs & Stratton. HDF’s expertise and actionable analytics will support Briggs & Stratton’s dealers and their strategic development efforts. Through listening and collaboration, Huntington aims to understand Briggs & Stratton’s business and its needs. The Briggs & Stratton team selected us because they are confident in our expertise to deliver tailored solutions, programs, and insight. Huntington Distribution Finance and Briggs & Stratton proudly announce their new exclusive program. Welcome. “ The team at Briggs & Stratton is excited about our new financing relationship with Huntington Distribution Finance, a testament to our shared commitment to Briggs’ dealers. Together, we’re poised to empower our businesses and drive economic prosperity. While this transition is a large undertaking, it is a move that allows us to deliver improved financial services to our dealers as we continue our path to success. Christin Wam, Senior Director of Marketing, Briggs & Stratton

”

To learn more about Huntington’s financing programs, contact: Zach Thuecks National Business Development Representative zach.thuecks@huntington.com

Lending and leasing products and services, as well as certain other banking products and services, may require credit approval. Huntington Distribution Finance means either Huntington Distribution Finance, Inc. in the United States or Huntington Commercial Finance Canada,Inc. in Canada. In the United States, ⬢ ® , Huntington ® and ⬢ Huntington ® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and Huntington Distribution Finance SM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. In Canada, ⬢ ™, Huntington™, ⬢ Huntington™, Huntington Distribution Finance™ and Huntington Commercial Finance™ are trademarks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2024 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

KEY EVENTS

Equip Experiences Don’t miss these standout events to connect, learn and get inspired at Equip Exposition.

Welcome Reception Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15 Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Churchill Downs: First Turn Club

Mulligan’s 5k Fun Run & Walk Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16 Time: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM Location: Louisville Slugger Field Bring your walking shoes for the third annual Mulligan’s 5k Fun Run & Walk. This event takes runners to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, ranked No. 3 in USA TODAY’s Best Riverwalk (2023), and across the Ohio River on Louisville’s Big Four pedestrian bridge. Participants can join us at Louisville Slugger Field for coffee and donuts starting at 6:30 a.m.

Equip Exposition continues the tradition of hosting all attendees and exhibitors at historic venues around Louisville. Join us on Tuesday, October 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. to immerse yourself in 150 years of championship history at Churchill Downs, the home of the prestigious Kentucky Derby, and Louisville traditions that have stood the test of time.

MULLIGAN’S FUN RUN 5K LOUISVILLE 2024

SPONSORED BY KRESS

Issue 5 / equip / 19

www.equipexposition.com

AWARD WINNING

Going for Gold

Trade Show Executive names Equip Expo to the Gold 100 (again).

Equip Exposition was recently named to Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 list of the largest trade shows in the United States last year. The trade show drew more than 27,000 people from all 50 states and 46 countries in 2023, and covered more than a million square feet of exhibit space. “Equip Exposition continues to grow because we listen to our attendees and exhibitors,” said Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and operates Equip Exposition.

hardscape and outdoor power equipment professionals,” says Kiser. Equip Exposition was also a finalist for “The Marketing Genius Award,” “The Best New Launch in 2022,” and “The Greatest Trade Show of 2022.” Trade Show Executive’s prestigious Gold 100 & Summit recognizes the top trade shows held in the U.S. and offers associations and independent show organizers an opportunity to highlight their achievements.

“The show evolves with the industry every year, and is the place to be for anyone in this business.” In 2023, the show received two Grand Awards in Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Awards program: “Most Innovative Show” and the “Slam Dunk Award: Best New Idea.” “Our awards in 2023 recognized our team’s hard work and dedication to providing the best possible show experience for landscape, lawncare,

Equip Expo and OPEI staff, from left: Evan Cox, Troy Winebrenner, Chuck Bowen, and Richard Corbett, accept Grand Awards for “Most Innovative Show” and “Slam Dunk Award: Best New Idea” for Equip Exposition.

20 / equip / Issue 5

www.equipexposition.com

Special Goatoberfest Financing to build your Goat Herd + Slay Leaf Cleanups with Billy Goat’s High Productivity Duo

VISIT BILLY GOAT AT THE BRIGGS & STRATTON BOOTH DURING EQUIP EXPO, BOOTH #5016 INDOOR AND 6480D OUTDOOR

Leaf Dragon Leaf Loader • True curbside set up offers 45 sq. ft. of clean-up coverage, 2x that of other units on the market • No-tool 2-pin door closure accesses impeller and liner for quick inspection • 12" wide, 10-gauge soft angle steel discharge chute better spreads the load and offers reduced wear •37 gross HP* Vanguard ® EFI for easy automotive-type cold weather starting and fuel savings up to 25%** •6900 CFM and 16" diameter intake for high productivity • Belt driven with longer belt for increased life •Road-ready DOT trailer is integral

Double down on leaf and debris cleanup with the Hurricane ™ P2000 compact stand-on blower at 3500 CFM!

+ Financing subject to credit approval *All power levels are stated gross horsepower at 3600 RPM per SAE J1940 as rated by Briggs & Stratton. **Closed-loop EFI system fuel savings may vary based on debris loading conditions and other factors.

Call 800-776-7690 or visit billygoat.com

Booth #5016 Indoors & 6480D Outdoors

KEY EVENTS

Certification Center Debuts

Spanish Education Sessions for Landscapers at Equip Expo Filling Up Quickly Crew leadership & turf trainings offered in Spanish, valuable CEU credits available. Equip Exposition is expanding its Spanish-language education classes. Attendees can learn how to develop foremen into valuable leaders, and turfgrass management and chemical application classes will be part of the trade show’s education offerings at Equip’s new Certification Center. “A large segment of the landscaping industry speaks Spanish and it makes sense to offer classes to help these entrepreneurs develop their skills and knowledge so they can manage their businesses more efficiently and ultimately make more money,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. The educational session, “From Worker to Leader: Developing Your Foreman,” taught by Armando Actis, Equipment Manager for ILCA and a Judge for the Certified Landscaping Technician (CLT) final exams, will look at developing your crew chief as a valuable leader, who successfully directs, motivates, and critiques employees while working side by side with them. Managing former peers and friends can be especially challenging, and in these workshops, attendees will learn new skills and practice them through role-playing scenarios. These sessions have proven very popular with attendees and two of Actis’ sessions are already sold out.

Equip Expo debuts Certification Center to help landscapers score money-making credentials.

Equip Exposition announces a new Certification Center to be held during the award-winning, blockbuster trade show, where attendees can take courses in weed management, pesticide application, tree and plant health management, tree/shrub pruning, and pesticide safety. Through these courses, landscapers and contractors can maintain valuable certifications that will add to their service offerings and profitability. “We’re excited to debut more than twenty sessions in our new Certification Center in the West Wing. Landscapers and contractors need to maximize their time, and going home from Louisville with CEUs and credits that can help them make more money is huge,” says Kiser Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. Equip will offer turfgrass sessions in both English and Spanish. Some sessions in the Certification Center are free and others are affordable at $30 or $50.

Now Accepted CEUs for Applicators in Indiana, Texas, Kentucky, Ohio

Attendees can earn CEUs in classes taught in English and Spanish.

Regístrese hoy para las clases más nuevas de Equip Exposition impartidas en español: se están agotando rápidamente. Aprenda cómo convertirse en un mejor líder y obtenga créditos para aplicadores de fertilizantes y pesticidas. Visite www.equipexposition. com para registrarse.

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DAVEY INSTITUTE AND TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION

Issue 5 / equip / 23

www.equipexposition.com

KEY EVENTS

Get in the Game

How ‘gamifying’ your business can improve culture and boost profits.

BY NATHAN MADER

Gamify Your Company Culture: Competition Creates Engagement Speakers: Chris Psencik, John Dalton

Wednesday, Oct. 16 C105 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Smart business owners don’t play games with their company. But at the 2024 Equip Exposition, business owners can learn how games can make a business more successful. Hosted by the executive coaches at McFarlin Stanford and presented in partnership with Landscape Management magazine, “Gamify Your Company Culture: Competition Creates Engagement,” will show business owners a novel idea of motivating a younger generation of employees by “gamifying” the job at hand. The panel will be one of several classes in a series of educational content sponsored by Landscape Management , all with the goal of benefiting contractors and the businesses they run. The Gamify panel, offered for the first time ever at Equip Exposition, is presented by Chris Psencik, vice president of McFarlin Stanford, and John Dalton, chief marketing officer, McFarlin Stanford. It will explain this

Bosco adds that minigames have transformed his company culture into one that people are more excited to engage in, leading to a lower turnover of employees. Psencik says employees can also create and choose the minigames they want to play, ultimately building an experience that is uniquely enjoyable to your business and keeping people invested in showing up to work every day with a positive, helpful attitude. “Through (this method), and through these opportunities, we as an organization will win, and we will be successful,” Psencik adds.

unique strategy of gamifying your business to give it a crucial level up. “Minigames are your opportunity for your team to actually create fun games around key performance metrics — that leverage what you’re trying to pull — and they’re actually engaged in it,” says Michael Bosco, an executive coach for McFarlin Stanford who has implemented the concept in his own business. Psencik says a company’s best employees are the ones who drive the business forward, and minigames are a great way to reward them, incentivizing others to participate for their own slice of the pie. When bad behavior is punished, he explains, it does little to elevate the employees putting in the hard work. Other LM -sponsored classes at Equip Exposition include topics such as building an accountable organization, creating a positive culture, using your brand to retain customers, the latest in technology and more.

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

The author is an associate editor at Landscape Management magazine.

24 / equip / Issue 5

www.equipexposition.com

TO GROW? READY Power your business with Synchrony financing.

Synchrony offers one source retail financing for consumers and landscape professionals through

customized credit card and installment loan programs.

The power of Synchrony financing can help spark growth and take your business up a notch.

GET STARTED TODAY! Scan to learn more and enroll or call 866-209-4457.

Visit us at Equip Exposition Booth #8138 | October 15–18, 2024 Kentucky Expo Center

Kress Commercial’s 8-Minute CyberSystem leads the transformation of the lawn care industry The lawn care industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Hundreds of municipalities have banned various types of gas-powered lawn equipment, and the industry as a whole is facing increasing pressure to make gas-powered commercial equipment obsolete. Your customers – businesses, facilities, municipalities and homeowners – are demanding quieter, greener alternatives. Now that alternative can also save you money. In the past, technological limitations have made it impossible for the industry to evolve. Landscapers need a viable alternative to gas, without compromising performance or facing costly barriers to transition. Enter Kress Commercial, whose 8-Minute CyberSystem is redefining the standards of productivity and profitability in commercial landscaping. No compromises: Battery power is a true alternative to gas-powered equipment Kress Commercial’s 8-Minute CyberSystem is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about exceeding expectations and setting new standards for efficiency and user health benefits. With a charge time of only eight minutes 1 and mobile charging capabilities, this proprietary battery technology ensures that commercial landscapers maintain uninterrupted operations while significantly reducing their operational emissions 2 – and gas bill – while the operator enjoys reduced vibrations. In addition to industry-leading charge times, Kress CyberSystem batteries produce higher power Embracing the battery revolution

Join the revolution with Kress Commercial The 8-Minute CyberSystem is not just a product; it’s a commitment to a productive and profitable tomorrow. Commercial landscapers can now be at the forefront of this transformative movement, adopting a solution that not only meets the evolving industry demands, but also propels their businesses into a new era of efficiency and profitability. Visit kress.com to explore our full range of products and discover why operators everywhere are choosing Kress. Interested in trying it out for yourself?

output – equivalent to a 55cc two-stroke engine 3 – and offer longer lifespans – up to 3,000 lifecycles 4 – than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This translates to cost savings for business owners, further demonstrating that profitability can exist without compromise. 1 Charging time of the Kress Commercial 8-minute batteries when charged with the CyberTank charger on Flash Charge. Cooling just-discharged batteries before recharge is not required. Charging in boost mode is designed for one battery at a time to ensure maximum charging speed. 2 Kress Commercial equipment is California CORE eligible and American Green Zone Alliance tested and approved. 3 The maximum power output for the benchmark 2-stroke engine is based on average performance data from a selection of widely used commercial-grade 2-stroke engines for landscaping power equipment. Actual power can vary based on specific engine models. 4 The 3,000-cycle lifespan is based on tests conducted under high-capacity C discharge rates, indicative of high output power that reflects real-world commercial landscaping applications.

Visit indoor booth 1054 and outdoor booth 7650D to learn more.

NAVIGATION

Getting Around

Make the most of your time on the floor and outside.

Education Center Located in the “C” hallway, this is where you’ll find the education sessions presented by our partners. Check out the app for a full schedule. Freedom Hall The arena on site sits between the West Wing and the North Wing at the KEC. This year, it will feature a Happy Hour for all attendees after the show closes on Wednesday.

UTV Test Track Located in the rear of the Outdoor Demo Yard, the UTV Test Track is even bigger this year, with more area to drive the latest utility vehicles. It’s also where we’ll announce the UTV Giveaway on Friday, where you can win $15,000 toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

With more than 1.2 million square feet, including 30 acres of Outdoor Demo Yard, Equip Exposition can feel like a lot. Don’t worry — we’ve made it easy to find your way around the facility and make the most of your time on the floor. West Wing The newest space for attendees this year is an expanded West Wing, with more than 66,000 square feet of Equip Expo and Hardscape North America exhibitors. This is also where show shuttles will drop off in the morning. The West Wing is home to several important new show features, including the Certification Center, which offers pesticide and fertilizer courses in English and Spanish (check www. equipexposition.com for the current list of states participating). You’ll also find Mulligan’s Garden Park, a garden center and greenspace, where we’ll host Mulligan’s Mutt Madness on Thursday, where you can adopt a rescue dog from the Kentucky Humane Society. Also new in the West Wing is an infinity pool, provided by our partners at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, which will feature demonstrations and education on how to add pool installation and maintenance to your business.

South Wing and East Hall

The historic center of the show is home to the largest number of exhibitors for Equip Exposition. You’ll also find doors to the Outdoor Demo Yard. North Wing Home to Hardscape North America exhibitors as well as more Equip Expo exhibitors. Walking out the rear of the facility here takes you to HNA’s Hardscape House, where they host their demonstrations and installer competition. Outdoor Demo Yard Just walk out any door in the rear of the KEC, and you’ll see it. Thirty acres of turf and asphalt where you can try out the latest equipment. Anyone 12 and older can enter the Outdoor Demo Yard, and attendees ages 16 and older with a valid driver’s license are eligible to operate equipment in the outdoor demonstration area. Each individual exhibitor determines participation at exhibitor booths.

Equip Expo Mobile App Looking to navigate Equip Exposition with ease? Our mobile app has you covered! Find your favorite companies, attend education sessions, and locate food effortlessly. The app provides the latest session times, exhibitor locations, and all essential information. The Equip Mobile app is available now. Download it by searching Equip Exposition on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Other key areas at the show include:

North Wing Lobby This is the “front door” of the Kentucky Exposition Center, and where you’ll find the main registration areas for Equip Exposition and Hardscape North America.