OPE DEALER COUNCIL

The Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Council is a collaborative and representative body that brings together dealerships specializing in the sales, service, and distribution of outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and other similar tools and machinery. The primary purpose of the council is to facilitate communication, cooperation, and mutual support among dealers in the industry.

The OPE Dealer Council serves as a platform for OPE dealers to share their expertise, insights, and challenges, and to collectively address issues affecting their businesses and the industry as a whole. The council has strong ties with the North American Equipment Dealers Association and may also seek to engage government agencies, and other stakeholders to advocate for the interests of outdoor power equipment dealers. This can involve participating in industry conferences, trade shows, and lobbying efforts to promote dealer-friendly policies, regulatory changes, or initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The council will meet a few times a year, either in person or virtually, to discuss topics such as market trends, industry developments, product innovations, customer preferences, pressing issues and business strategies. These discussions allow dealers to stay informed about the latest industry updates, exchange best practices, and learn from one another’s experiences. The council will help identify areas of improvement, address common concerns, and provide feedback to manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment.

The Dealer Council may collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers to provide input on product design, features, pricing, and marketing strategies. By sharing their knowledge and insights, council members can influence the direction and priorities of the manufacturers, ensuring that the products and services meet the needs and expectations of the end customers.

Overall, the OPE Dealer Council serves as a united voice for dealerships in the industry, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action. By working together, dealers can enhance their individual businesses, strengthen the industry as a whole, and ultimately provide better products and services to their customers.

Outdoor Power Equipment Council 

• Ken Weingartz, Weingartz Supply Co., Utica, Michigan – Chairman

• Jim Herbert, Bud Herbert Motors Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio – Vice Chairman

• Aubie Campbell, Campbell’s Lawn Equipment Forest Park, Georgia

• Sharon Killian Radke, Killian’s Hardware Hickory, North Carolina

• Scott Jardine, Arns Equipment LTD Calgary, Canada

• Andy More, More Farm Stores, Columbia City, Indiana

• Stacey English, Louisville Outdoor Turf Products Lexington, Kentucky

• Jason Huber, Central Equipment Lexington, Kentucky

• Mike Gillum, Gillum’s Service & Repair, Inc. Ashland, Kentucky

• Lance Ralston, Voss Brothers Sales & Rental, Inc. Powell, Ohio

• Melvin Sauder, Ebling’s Service Plus Myerstown, Pennsylvania

• Scott Muehlhauser, Scott’s Power Equipment Bridgetown, Missouri

• Laura Bentley, Bentley Bros., Inc. Brockport, New York