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What does it mean to be an OPE dealer ? I mean , product-wise .

For about eight months , I ’ ve been asking people that question , or something like it . Where does “ power equipment ” end and “ ag equipment ” begin ? Or tools and hardware ? Construction and maintenance ? Outdoor power equipment is a huge category , and I want to define it .

I started with this graphic . This quasi-Venn diagram shows the possible retail outlets for outdoor power equipment . Lots of crossover to different types of vendors and users and marketplaces . This is your competitive world . When I started here at the beginning of 2023 , I could have easily assumed that my audience worked in that center circle . I knew , though , that you might also inhabit that blue circle on the top left .

Then I considered all the other circles . My diagram is not to scale , economically or geographically or in product numbers . It ’ s just my opinion ( and I

GLENN HANSEN thought it looked good ). But why did I do it and why does it matter ?

I did this , and I ’ ll alter it with data and expert opinion , because the power-equipment market is in a state of flux . Equipment is changing , expanding , evolving . Manufacturers are entering or leaving the market . The retail experience is different today .

And it will be different tomorrow . That ’ s not easy for many of you in the middle of that OPE circle who have years and money

CONSTRUCTION invested in this business . OPE Business is

AG EQUIPMENT here to serve your needs in any way we can .

ONLINE

OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

SMALL ENGINES

HARDWARE

RENTAL

BIG BOX STORES

At the same time , we ’ re here to help the industry expand and evolve along with all the changes in retailing and technology and manufacturing . That ’ s why my red circle is connected to all the others . You can move in and out .

Look , I ’ m not saying your experience as an independent OPE dealer is accurately represented by my Photoshop work . I ’ ve been reporting on a range of small businesses for many years . I ’ m here for local and independent business owners of any kind ( and I ’ m married to one ). I ’ m also about making business-building progress as an industry evolves .

I continue to say this : I ’ m excited to be a part of an industry that is succeeding through radical change and major technology advancements . I ’ m excited to learn more from you and help you succeed .

And I hope you ’ ll join me at our OPE Business Dealer Forum in November to discuss this more . See event details on page 22 . OPEB

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4 OPE Business October 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com