After 19 years of service with Exmark, Daryn Walters, vice president, has announced his retirement, effective April 18. Greg Janey, vice president, contractor and residential, of The Toro Co., says Walters’ passion for the Exmark brand and its customers has been key to the company’s profitable growth and market share leadership.

“I am grateful for Daryn’s partnership, leadership and his numerous contributions to the success of our landscapes and contractor business,” Janey says. “Daryn’s focus on fostering trusted relationships has been integral to creating alignment with other Toro Co. businesses, and expanding distribution channels for Exmark and Spartan.

Walters’ storied career began following completion of his undergraduate studies at Florida State University in 1989. After co-founding, then exiting a business in the technology sector, he held a variety of other leadership roles in marketing and technology.

In late 2006, Walters joined the Exmark team while also pursuing a MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Walters saw the potential of the Exmark brand immediately when he joined the company. Under his guidance, Walters’ team expanded the powerful brand to resonate with landscape contractors and drive increased customer loyalty with creative, lifestyle-focused marketing programs.

In 2018, in recognition of his outstanding contributions as a key member of the Exmark leadership team, Walters was promoted to general manager. He thrived in his new role, overseeing a continuous flow of innovations and new product introductions, including groundbreaking battery-powered and autonomous mowers, among others.

Walters was an important part of the acquisition and integration of L.T. Rich products, which included the Z-Spray line, as well as the successful launch of the Z Turf Equipment brand of lawn care machines. In 2021, Walters leveraged his industry relationships with the Intimidator Group, which led to the acquisition of Spartan and its related brands. He was promoted to vice president, Exmark and Spartan later that year.

In 2024, Walters once again demonstrated his talent for cultivating strong, trusted relationships by leading a significant expansion of the Exmark distribution network through a new partnership with Texas Outdoor Power Equipment. He considers this collaboration one of the proudest achievements of his career.

Exmark Director, Marketing and Customer Care, Jamie Briggs will serve as the interim general manager for Exmark and Spartan as The Toro Co. identifies the next leader for the companies.

Walters was a steadfast supporter of Exmark’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the Beatrice community in a variety of ways. These included equipment donations, green space enhancement grants, Exmark Big Rock project grants, fundraising through the United Way, and more.

Walters credits his wife, Katie, for being the backbone of the family, and his strongest supporter throughout his career. Following retirement, Walters and his wife plan to relocate to Florida to be closer to family and enjoy a much deserved break.