OPE+ staff is now accepting nominations for its two awards programs – the Movers & Shakers Award, and the Under 40 Award. Submission deadline, Nov. 1, 2025. Visit ope-plus.com and look for Awards.
The OPE+ Movers & Shakers Award recognizes professionals in the OPE industry who lead with vision and influence to move the industry forward. In the past year, these leaders have embraced the challenges facing the industry, they’ve taken the opportunity to rethink the way they do business, and they’ve managed teams and projects. Winners of this award can work in retail, distributing, manufacturing, professional service, technology, and more.
Winners of this Movers & Shakers award are leading people and teams to success. “Success” might be an objective outcome, goals focused, or it might be more subjective, resulting in a process improvement, a design direction, or a cultural change.
Nominees can be from any company, group or organization that does business in the OPE industry as long as they are showing the vision and leadership to move their company and the industry forward.
Nominate: ope-plus.com/movers-shakers-awards/
Past winners of Movers & Shakers Award
2025
Mike Baum, General manager, Brodner Equipment, Equipment dealer, Rochester, N.Y.
Neal Lackritz, Sr. director of advanced technology, Ariens, Equipment manufacturer
2024
Ryan Dodson, Owner, American Pride Power Equipment, Equipment dealer, Zaynesville, Ohio
Jeremy Krueger, Director of business development, Stihl Inc., Equipment manufacturer
Sean McLaughlin, CEO, Flyntlok, Technology provider
Rob Reynolds, Vice president & COO Midwest Equipment and Supply, Distributor
Robb Ponn, Senior production manager, Yellowstone Landscape, Landscape service
Jake Segrin, Business development, Wright Manufacturing, Equipment manufacturer
The OPE+ Under 40 Award celebrates the younger generation of OPE pros who are doing amazing work in dealerships, in technology, in services, and in manufacturing; all who work in the OPE industry. 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. They’re helping grow the industry locally and nationally. And we need your help finding and recognizing them.
Winners must be under 40 years old on Jan. 1, 2026. We accept nominations from peers and from potential winners themselves. Check the OPE+ website under Events & Awards.
Award criteria is largely subjective; but you know a leader when you see one, and we do too. The Under 40 Award recipients are innovators, solving problems with new ideas, strategies and tactics. They are relentless, with a work ethic that sets an example. They are helpful, working unselfishly beyond their own job title and description. And they are promoters, helping advance the OPE industry for future growth and opportunities.
Nominate: ope-plus.com/under-40-program/
Past winners of Under 40 awards
2025
Cameron Wedde, Field sales manager, Medart Engine, Distributor
Kenneth Paul, Lead technician, Paul’s Lawn & Garden, Equipment dealer, Massillon, Ohio
Michael Broetzman, Technical publications and training, Rehklo, Engine manufacturer
2024
Justin Espy, Sr. manager of national service, Stihl, Inc., Equipment manufacturer
Josh Flynn, CEO, Power Equipment Plus , Equipment dealer, Long Island, N.Y.
Cameron Gillum, Service manager, Gillum’s Service and Repair , Equipment dealer, Ashland, Ky.
Ray Harney, General manager, Mowers Inc. Bradenton, Equipment dealer, Bradenton, Fla.
Jacob Mandoza, Sr. product manager, Utility Vehicles, Kubota, Equipment manufacturer
Nick Vincent, Sales manager, Wooster Power Equipment, Inc., Equipment dealer, Wooster, Ohio
Jon VantZelfde, Sales & marketing, Woodland Equipment, Equipment dealer, Grand Rapids, Michigan
We will feature the 2025 award winners in the December 2025 issue of OPE+.
Nominate now on the Events & Awards page at ope-plus.com, by Nov. 1, 2025.