OPE Business

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Foundation just released its Landscape Design Empire learning experience on the virtual platform Roblox, one of the largest virtual platforms in the world with millions of users. Designed in collaboration with Epic Reach, Landscape Design Empire offers young players an immersive virtual and interactive learning experience while they design, install and maintain landscapes.

OPE+ will once again recognize the top products for landscape and irrigation industry professionals with the OPE+ Twenty for 2024 New Product Awards (formerly the Landscape Business Twenty for 2024 New Product Awards).

According to an Ideal and c-Systems survey of dealers across North America, 56% said being short-staffed/hiring new talent would be a challenge in 2024. This is especially true with service technicians. With this scenario on the horizon, the emphasis on retaining existing talent has never been more critical. OPE dealerships seem to be lagging in updating their labor rates, which may contribute to retaining talent becoming even more challenging. Check the complete 2024 OPE Trends Report from Ideal.

In its recent financial performance reporting on the full year of 2023, TTI Group, the parent company of Milwaukee Tools, Ryobi, Hart and others, reported a substantial increase in revenue and gross profits. The company reported sales for its Milwaukee Tool brand rose by 10.7%. Despite the growth, the company experienced a decline in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) and net profit due to the contraction of the consumer business and increased promotional activities.

On March 7, 2024, Toro reported its Q1 2024 financials, citing sales of $1,001.9, that’s 13 percent below Q1 2023 when Toro reported $ 1,148.8. Toro’s Q1 ended Feb. 2, 2024. Toro reported net sales to the Professional segment for the first quarter were $756.5 million, down 14.1% from $880.7 million in the same period last year.

STEC announced a partnership with Landmaster to offer Landmaster’s Industry Pro commercial utility vehicles to the distributor’s growing line of equipment. Built for commercial, industrial, and rental applications, the Industry Pro brand includes gas-powered and lithium-powered utility vehicles. The UTVs are designed, engineered, welded and shipped out of Landmaster’s Indiana manufacturing facility to ensure prompt product delivery times.

Exmark introduced two new products to its stand-on mower lineup with the Vertex X-Series and compact Vertex E-Series. The new models join Exmark’s existing Vertex S-Series and electric Vertex V-Series. Exmark Director of Marketing Jamie Briggs said the new machines expand the Vertex line, with a complete range of models in cut widths from 32- to 72-inches. “Our customers were very happy with the Vertex models we launched last year,” Briggs said.

Milwaukee Tool introduced the new Roll-On 7,200W/3,600W 2.5kWh power supply. “Milwaukee has a vision to redefine how users utilize power on a jobsite,” said Jake Van Wormer, group product manager at Milwaukee Tool. “Current power solutions on jobsites often introduce issues such as safety hassles, outlet overcrowding, or breakers tripping, ultimately impacting the amount of work users can get done.

In August 2023, Briggs & Stratton’s named Loe Liotine its chief executive officer. In early February this year, the company announced his departure without adding any explanation. Liotine was formerly the COO and president of Whirlpool Corporation, a company he had worked with for nearly two decades. Liotine’s LinkedIn page gives no update on a new occupation. Current Senior Vice President and CFO Kristina Cerniglia, who’s been with Briggs & Stratton for two years, will serve as interim CEO.

Inc. magazine revealed that Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals is No. 128 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the region’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses, such as Weller Brothers. “We are honored to be recognized by Inc.