INDUSTRY NEWS & EVENTS

Renowned This Old House host and home improvement expert, Kevin O’Connor, will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at Equip focusing on energizing landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers and helping them identify ways to build their business. The trade show, which drew over 27,000 people last year from all 50 states and 46 countries, will be held October 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

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 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.

Lightspeed DMS LLC, a recreational dealer management software provider, has announced that Brian Provost has been appointed chief executive officer, succeeding Kris Denos. Lightspeed offers a comprehensive, modern dealer management software platform and suite of solutions used by 3,800 North American locations. Lightspeed is a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners, the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Partners owns and operates businesses like Lightspeed that provide essential products and services and which benefit from a strong competitive position.

       In August 2023, Joe Liotine was named Briggs & Stratton’s Chief Executive Officer after spending 18 years working as a Whirlpool executive. He detailed desires to propel the engine...