Following my editorial in December’s issue with regards to data management, we have had a flurry of calls and emails. It seems that, like me, once you start really thinking about how dealer data is managed and who owns what, just like how literally all our data is managed and owned, the rabbit hole is endless.

One voice was louder than the crowd’s: Chief Operating Officer of Spark Dealer Group Cody Armstong. Offering a counterpoint to some of the questions and comments I raised, he has submitted the following Letter to the Editor. I have agreed to print his response below, which I have not edited in any way. These comments are his own, and do not necessarily represent those of Power Equipment Trade’s Editorial Board. His contact information is below, should anyone want to continue the conversation with him directly.

—Jessica Johnson
Managing Editor, Power Equipment Trade
[email protected]

To The Editor:

We understand that succession planning is one of the most significant and personal decisions for any outdoor power equipment dealer. It’s complex, and a perfect answer is rare.

Spark Dealer Group was created to provide a new, compelling option. An option that allows owners to step away successfully while ensuring their business remains local, their team stays in place, and the legacy they built is honored.

We recognize the recent discussions about dealer data have created uncertainty, and we want to be absolutely clear on Spark’s data policy and operating principles.

Our Pledge on Dealer Data:

No Automatic Access: Spark does not have standing access to a dealer’s financial, operational, or customer data. This is true regardless of our ownership structure, investor relationships, software platforms, or third-party partnerships. We receive no data automatically or through shared systems.

Due Diligence Only: Any information we review as part of a potential transaction is provided directly by the dealer, exactly as in any standard buy-sell transaction across all industries. There is no shared database, no pooled information, and no access beyond what the owner explicitly chooses to share.

No Resale or Aggregation: We do not sell, aggregate, or reuse dealer data for any purpose.

Trust is paramount in this industry; it takes generations to build and moments to lose. We take the responsibility of trust seriously in every interaction.

Dealers should ask tough questions. We welcome it and we’re confident in how we operate.  We provide succession strategies designed to safeguard the legacy and value that operators have spent a lifetime building.

This letter is meant to state the facts and ensure clarity for those following the conversation.

Cody Armstrong
Chief Operating Officer
Spark OPE Ventures Inc.
[email protected]