awards
UNDER 40
The OPE Business Under 40 Award celebrates those who do amazing work and have many more years to do so . The award winners work in dealerships , in technology , in services , and in manufacturing . Nominated by their peers and chosen by our staff , the professionals honored here are driving improvements in sales , customer service , marketing and technology , engineering , and more . The Under 40 Award recipients are helpful and relentless innovators , solving problems with new ideas , strategies and tactics .
JOSH FLYNN
CEO , Power Equipment Plus Josh Flynn took over three dealerships as part of an acquisition . He put in place clear organization structures where each store has a dedicated manager that reports to CEO . He transitioned the business systems resulting in significantly better business insights . He expanded product offerings to better meet customer needs , and he put business on track for continued growth over next several years .
JUSTIN ESPY
Senior Manager of National Service , Stihl Inc . Justin Espy is responsible for all field testing before the launch of a product , plus support for dealers and end-users . He aims to provide faster service and more streamlined communications to the dealer , providing more efficient service to the end user and ultimately making Stihl easier to do business with . Since starting this role in early 2023 , Espy has already introduced new and improved business systems and communication channels for the dealer . Espy ’ s experience with the OPE industry started back in 2002 and he is an ISA-certified arborist .
CAMERON GILLUM
Service Manager , Gillum ’ s Service and Repair Gillum enthusiastically learns the ins and outs of his family ’ s business . After gaining valuable outside perspective as an intern with the North American Equipment Dealers Association , he jumped into the family business . He demonstrates a unique perspective on customer relationships and gaining customers for life as he works in service and on the sales floor .
“ I ’ ve learned in service that you have to have broad shoulders , and you have to ask the right questions . Most people don ’ t know what they need , so you ask questions , and that can result in happy customers .”
RAY HARNEY
General Manager , Mowers Inc . Bradenton Ray Harney has grown Mowers Inc . business from a $ 1 million-a-year dealership to over $ 5 million in three years . He enables employees to grow their skill sets and he ’ s always willing to share his knowledge and to lead by example . Harney excels at identifying opportunities and will develop a plan to help grow that employee .
“ Everything is based on service . If we provide outstanding service , everything else falls in place . All of our customers are much more knowledgeable today . They have so many more options . It ’ s about relationships and service .”
JACOB MANDOZA
Senior Product Manager , Utility Vehicles , Kubota Tractor Corporation Mandoza ’ s experience in the golf industry and with Polaris on the utility vehicles side helps him excel at Kubota . He embraces the complexity of the product manager role with a growth mindset . He brings new ideas to executive-leadership along with strategy and plans of action . Mandoza is bringing new utility vehicle products to the market , while also streamlining manufacturing and strengthening product offerings for dealers .
“ The industry is broadening , from construction and more , even with the recreational side . I love the product devel-
13 OPE Business December 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com