OCTOBER 2021

COVER STORY- The Power Shop Grows Through The Pandemic –

FORDS PRAIRIE, Washington – Family owned and operated, The Power Shop is a long-established business that continues to adapt to the new “normal” of operating a business under pandemic conditions as the store brand is promoted as a key member of the community and a business that provides premium lawn and garden equipment solutions.

Share On Social

The Power Shop

FORDS PRAIRIE, Washington – Family owned and operated, The Power Shop is a long-established business that continues to adapt to the new “normal” of operating a business under pandemic conditions as the store brand is promoted as a key member of the community and a business that provides premium lawn and garden equipment solutions.

Located on the north end of the adjacent towns of Chehalis and Centralia along the fast-growing I-5 corridor less than 30 minutes south of the greater Olympia area, The Power Shop has a good mix of residential lot and rural landowner business requiring a wide range of premium equipment.

The business dates back 65 years to its founding. Cedric and Diane Pruitt are the latest owners, since 2005. After years in the construction business and running a gas station in Edmond, Washington, the Pruitts were looking for a change and a new business opportunity.

Article by Dan Shell, Senior Editor, Power Equipment Trade

Latest News

Yakta Unveils Full Production Line

Yakta, building upon 35 years of manufacturing excellence through its sister company Arrowquip, transfers a customer-focused approach to the zero-turn mower industry and has announced full-scale production of its range of zero-turn mowers. Fresh off the success of last year’s Equip Expo prototype display, Yakta’s production lineup, including the YXR 710, YXR 610 and YXR 410, with the YXR 910 soon to follow, boast industry-shattering durability, from their strong I-beam caster arm construction to their 7-ga. steel decks—strength that sets a new standard in mower resilience.

Rotary Announces New Additions to Sales Team

Rotary Corporation has appointed two new territory sales managers as it expands the sales division to meet the needs of a growing dealer network, according to an announcement by Mark Smith, Chief Sales Officer.

POWERLINES: Let’s Just Belly Laugh

After the last 18 months, I find I want a little more silliness in my life. The world seems to be in even more turmoil than I could have ever imagined, which is saying a lot considering how much of a doomsday person I was for the better part of mid-2020. So, let’s belly laugh.

Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, Power Equipment Trade

OPEI

POWERsuppliers

  • Exmark, George Kittle Partner On Blog
  • Altoz Hires New District Sales Manager
  • Briggs Acquires SimpliPhi Power
  • Arrowhead Acquires Red Hawk
  • Deere Purchases Robotics Company
  • Yamaha Celebrates U.S. Milestone
  • Black & Decker To Acquire MTD
  • Michigan To Help Walbro Expand
  • EXPOelite

    EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies submitted editorial profiles and images to complement their advertisements in the Power Equipment Trade October 2021.

  • ARCHER
  • ASPEN
  • CURTIS INDUSTRIES
  • ECHO INC
  • HEFTEE INDUSTRIES
  • HUSQVARNA
  • MASPORT MOWERS
  • STIHL
  • SUNBELT OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
  • TD BANK
  • TRILINK SAW CHAIN
  • WALBRO
  • Here’s An Idea: Use Video Marketing

    With customers’ realities and needs changing, many companies had to pivot to more online marketing. YouTube has become an essential marketing tool for a simple reason: It is often easier to connect and engage with potential customers through video than with text. By creating videos that introduce your dealership or explain how to change a lawnmower blade, for example, you can make personal connections with your customers and even reach new audiences.

    Article by Jacqlyn Kirkland, Online Content & Marketing Manager, Hatton-Brown Publishers

    Stihl icademy

    Variety Of Accredited Training Programs

    The Northeast Equipment Dealers Association (NEDA) and Stihl Inc. are evolving vocational tech training programs to increase emphasis on closing the gap on technician shortages at power equipment dealerships nationwide.

    Article by Patrick Dunning, Associate Editor, Power Equipment Trade

    Parker HT-Series Service Kits

    SHOWroom

    PARTS & ACCESSORIES:
  • Parker HT-Series Service Kits
  • Rotary Battery-Powered Sprayers
  • Five Minutes With OPEI’s Kris Kiser

    It’s been a rollercoaster of a year and a half. Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, gives dealers a five-minute pep talk.