PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
OPE +: What has been your greatest professional achievement in the OPE space ? CBQ : We launched the first commercial zero turn automated mower in production with our industry partner Wright Manufacturing in 2021 , and it has changed the game for commercial landscapers .
OPE +: As CEO , what ’ s your area of focus ? CBQ : My 10-year-old self would be pinching himself . I get to work on robots and software and help some of the hardest working people care for the most beautiful properties in the world .
As co-founder and CEO , I lead our team of robotic software developers , systems engineers and operations teams to partner with the best manufacturers of OPE to offer Greenzie-equipped mowers on their products .
On a typical day , I ’ ll work with our software team to make sure our software running on hundreds ( for now ) of mowers in the field helps our customers get more work done , and that it meets the needs of landscapers and those who support them . I ’ ll help our systems team with new prototypes and pilot units , including getting them into the field , and then get feedback to make them better . I also assist our amazing manufacturers , distributors and dealer teams to demo and sell this new product .
OPE +: What have been the biggest challenges for Greenzie ? CBQ : A lot of people think that autonomous mowers will put people out of jobs . That ’ s the biggest push back we get , and mainly from social media commenters who haven ’ t run a mower for eight hours in the hot Georgia sun . When our partner dealers demo a mower to anyone who actually runs a crew ( or is on a crew ), they say , “ About damn time .” They were waiting for this technology . They need all the help they can get . Like all technology used right , this technology can make them more productive and efficient , giving them
more time to do the work they need and love , that ’ s making properties look beautiful . It ’ s still a big change though , and there ’ s always fear of changing the way things have been done .
Safety is also a concern . We often hear from landscapers , “ Is it safe ?” And the answer is yes . One day , we ’ ll look back and ask , “ Why did it take so long for the industry to find solutions to mitigate accidents , rollovers , cuts , burns , extreme sun exposure and other repetitive stress injuries for workers ?” Robotic software is capable , affordable , proven and always improving to address such concerns . And Greenzie is leading the way to help those outdoor workers operate more safely and efficiently .
OPE +: What ’ s been key to your success ? CBQ : We listen carefully to customers . But it ’ s not the loudest ones , or the brashest ones complaining . It ’ s the hardworking ones that are just silently getting it done , the ones who suggest a new feature or change that would save them even more time . We regularly take feedback and weight it .
www . OPE-Plus . com December 2024 OPE + 17