“ I believe that work ethic – the commitment to rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done right – is something I share with every professional in the outdoor power equipment industry”
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My Path to OPE
+OPE + STAFF Sr. Vice President / Sales
BRIAN ETHRIDGE
If there’ s one thing I’ ve learned over the last 20 years of my professional life, it’ s that a career— much like a challenging jobsite— rarely follows a perfectly straight line.
When I was barely old enough to drive, I was determined to become the next Tony Kornheiser, the famous sports personality from ESPN’ s Pardon the Interruption. In pursuit of that dream, 16-year-old me reached out to numerous sports websites asking if they needed writers. I didn’ t have any experience, but one online publication gave me an opportunity to write for free— and I took it.
Even if it meant getting yelled at by my mom for tying up the family phone line on dial-up internet for hours at a time, I kept writing. At the time, I thought I was chasing one specific dream. In reality, I was building skills that would carry me in directions I couldn’ t yet see.
That early determination and love for storytelling became the thread tying together every step of my career.
Fast forward to today, and while I’ m still a passionate sports fan, my professional love has shifted a bit. More than a decade ago, I began applying that experience to industries where informative content wasn’ t nearly as abundant as it should have been— industries like construction and agriculture.
I believe that work ethic— the commitment to rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done right— is something I share with every professional in the outdoor power equipment industry. It’ s the same mindset that has guided my career and led me to where I am today.
“ I believe that work ethic – the commitment to rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done right – is something I share with every professional in the outdoor power equipment industry”
As the new managing editor for OPE +, I want to ensure that the publication continues to be an essential resource for your business.
By the time this issue of the magazine is published, I will have been in this role for a few months and, hopefully, we have already had the chance to connect. If not, I would welcome the opportunity. I’ d love to hear your advice or insights on how OPE + can best serve you and your business moving forward.
Please feel free to reach out at any time by shooting me an email at bethridge @ epgacceleration. com.
Managing Editor
Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director
Art Director
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4 OPE + March 2026 www. OPE-Plus. com