OCTOBER 2021

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

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. <p><p>Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, <em>Power Equipment Trade</em></p></p>

<li><a href="https://www.powerequipmenttrade.com/exmark-george-kittle-partner-on-backyard-life-blog/">Exmark, George Kittle Partner On Blog</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.powerequipmenttrade.com/altoz-hires-new-district-sales-manager/">Altoz Hires New District Sales Manager</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.powerequipmenttrade.com/briggs-stratton-acquires-simpliphi-power/">Briggs Acquires SimpliPhi Power</a></li> <li>Arrowhead Acquires Red Hawk</li> <li>Deere Purchases Robotics Company</li> <li>Yamaha Celebrates U.S. Milestone</li> <li>Black & Decker To Acquire MTD</li> <li>Michigan To Help Walbro Expand</li>

<p>EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies submitted editorial profiles and images to complement their advertisements in the Power Equipment Trade October 2021.</p> <li>ARCHER</li> <li>ASPEN</li> <li>CURTIS INDUSTRIES</li> <li>ECHO INC</li> <li>HEFTEE INDUSTRIES</li> <li>HUSQVARNA</li> <li>MASPORT MOWERS</li> <li>STIHL</li> <li>SUNBELT OUTDOOR PRODUCTS</li> <li>TD BANK</li> <li>TRILINK SAW CHAIN</li> <li>WALBRO</li>

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. <p><p>Article by Jacqlyn Kirkland, Online Content & Marketing Manager, Hatton-Brown Publishers</p></p>

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. <p><p>Article by Patrick Dunning, Associate Editor, <em>Power Equipment Trade</em></p></p>

PARTS & ACCESSORIES: <li><a href="https://www.powerequipmenttrade.com/parker-ht-series-service-kits/">Parker HT-Series Service Kits</a></li> <li>Rotary Battery-Powered Sprayers</li>

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.