OPE+ March 2024 | Page 4

itor From the Editor From the Editor From the Editor From the Editor From the Ed

Announcing OPE +

OPE
The outdoor power equipment industry is evolving ; so are we . Announcing OPE +, the information source for outdoor power equipment and landscape professionals . OPE + mixes education , data analysis , journalism and marketing to serve changing industries and help businesses grow .
What ? So what ? Now what ? I use this three-question exercise for planning , and I employed it here to think about the evolution of our business . Try it next time you start something . 1 . What is the problem , issue or opportunity ? 2 . So what ? Why does that matter ? 3 . Now what ? What are we going to do about it ?
What ? While the outdoor power equipment and landscape industries have solid historical foundations , they are changing drastically as products evolve , service needs
GLENN HANSEN grow and user habits shift . New retailing methods , automation and robotics , electrification ; shifts in sales , marketing and distribution channels ; property owner desires ; regulatory changes and more . As our green industries face these shifts , they come together in interesting ways . We see ever-closer associations between outdoor power equipment and professional users when it comes to sales , marketing and product use .
So what ? If the businesses of the equipment industry and pro users are closer than ever , shouldn ’ t a single and focused communication identity serve that ? OPE + is a merger of the editorial and marketing teams of OPE Business and Landscape Business . These two brands have served their respective industries for decades , and will now report on the even stronger alliance between these two industries .
Now what ? Starting now , OPE Business and Landscape Business together equal OPE +. In print , online , in podcasts and beyond . As we plan and create stories , we ’ ll consider the larger green industry .
OPE + helps answer one more question I ’ ve been asking : What is an OPE dealer ? The answer ? An OPE dealer is an independent retailer of power equipment , and also a hardware store , and an ag dealer , and a rental operation , and a powersports shop , and a big box store , and a small-engine repair shop . Some people don ’ t like all the options in that answer , but the reality is there . Landscape professionals – also a highly diverse group of businesses and service offerings – interact with all those OPE dealers , as do the equipment manufacturers and distributors and other service providers .
Our job in all this is to be respected journalists , creative storytellers , business stewards and connected marketers for these evolving industries . We know we need to “ create content ” that helps green industry businesses do better . We are here to deliver words , audio and video that expand opportunities and add up to business success .
This is OPE +.
BUSINESS STAFF Sr . Vice President / Sales Content Director
Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director
Assistant Editor Associate Art Director Contributing Writer :
David Voll Glenn Hansen
John Kmitta Robert Augsdorfer Lindsay Zigan Heather Wilson
ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Edwin Rosario Marketing & Engagement Sales Executive Phone : ( 763 ) 383-4495 erosario @ epgacceleration . com
Roberto Almenar Sales Executive Phone : ( 763 ) 383-4494 ralmenar @ epgacceleration . com
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EDITORIAL OFFICES EPG Media & Specialty Information 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 Bloomington , MN 55435 Phone : ( 763 ) 383-4400
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Publisher ’ s Notice : We assume no responsibility for the validity of advertising claims in connection with items appearing in OPE Plus . Commercial product names are used for the convenience of the reader . Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by OPE Plus or EPG Brand Acceleration , or preference over similar products not mentioned .
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