awards

RYAN DODSON

Owner , American Pride Power Equipment Ryan Dodson started in 1990 with a small

lawn care company in Zanesville , Ohio . In 1997 , he opened American Pride Power Equipment in an old retail space . His goal remains to provide both commercial landscapers and homeowners with the right lawn care equipment at an affordable price while providing quality parts and excellent service . Editor ’ s note : Check out our story on American Pride and its unique new building , see page 8 .

“ The best thing about this industry is the relationships you build with suppliers and other dealers , and the community . It ’ s in my blood . And with the construction of our new building , I ’ m in for another 10 to 15 years .”

ANDREW FIRTH

Yakta , CEO

Andrew Firth has the ability to get everyone behind his vision for the company . His leadership and vision have resulted in the development of Yakta and its new mowers . Firth focuses on the power-equipment dealers above himself and profits . Taking care of the dealers helps the entire industry work better . His saying “ love our dealers to death ” is echoed throughout the entire Yakta business .

JEREMY KRUEGER

Stihl Inc ., Director of Business Development Jeremy Krueger has held several roles with Stihl since starting as a technical service assistant with one of the company ’ s distributors . He was most recently the marketing manager for Northeast Stihl before taking on his current role as director of business development in June . Kruger uses all these experiences to enhance processes that will secure new dealers . Krueger encourages ideas and empowers his team members to be innovative . He recognizes the talent that each of his employees has to offer and aligns responsibilities to their strengths .

• Scraper Bars

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• Belts , Shear Pins , Carburetor Kits

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• Accessories

FREE CATALOG for dealers & distributors

1.800.841.3989 or visit rotarycorp . com Servicing dealers and distributors only .

11 OPE Business December 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com