Upfront: New year, new hope
By Steve Noe
If you’ve come here expecting to read about just how bad things are in this industry, our country and the rest of the world, I’m sorry to disappoint you. You’ve come to the wrong place. You can find plenty of that gloom-and-doom talk just about everywhere else that you turn these days.
Yes, I’m well aware that times are tough, and deeply sympathize with those who are suffering. Yes, I realize that things are bad and likely to get worse before they get better. However, after spending some quality time over the holidays to visit with family and friends, count my blessings, and recharge my battery, I have decided to approach 2009 with renewed hope. And, if you take the time to read the first of our two-part “2009 Industry Forecasts” series inside this issue, you will find that many of our industry’s finest leaders share my positive outlook.
As Bob Walker, president of Walker Manufacturing Company, noted in an article titled “Harder Times,” which he recently read at onperformance.com, author Nick Burkholder suggested three things to keep in mind during these tough times:
1) Things are never as bad as the media and naysayers are reporting — bad news sells;
2) Your action in hard times sets the rewards for good times. Make your own success by not getting distracted by the times, by focusing on what is important and what you need to do; you’ll benefit from being clear headed and keeping as stable as possible as you steer your business through turbulence; and
3) Good times follow bad times; there is a season.
Bev DeVriendt, president of Power Equipment Distributors, Inc., Richmond, Mich., and president of the Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association, also had some very encouraging words, including her keen observation that dealers appeared to gain ground on big box stores in 2008 and likely will continue to do so in 2009. “Many consumers are finding value in what the dealer has to offer them,” she said. “I believe that will be expanded on in 2009, and the innovative dealer will have an opportunity to outshine his competition.”
DeVriendt’s sentiments were echoed to varying degrees by nearly all participants, including Dave Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc.
“Clearly, national news reports show consumer spending in general has been affected by the down economy, but consumers will still require equipment,” Zerfoss said. “Lawns will still need to be mowed, trees and hedges will still need to be trimmed, and leaves will still need to be blown. OPE dealers will be more important than ever to showcase their value to customers. Their ability to help customers choose the right products, provide support and service, and offer financing options will be essential.”
Stihl Inc. President Fred Whyte also expressed his optimism about the future of the OPE industry and his belief that a golden opportunity lies ahead for independent servicing dealers.
“The first half of 2009 will likely prove particularly challenging, with more possible attrition among manufacturers and downsizing of employees across industries,” Whyte said. “We remain optimistic for signs of a turnaround in the second half of the year. No matter what twists and turns the future may hold in 2009, dealers who actively and consistently promote their key points of difference through the exclusive brands they carry and the superior services they provide will find opportunity where others may only see uncertainty.”
OPE Editor Steve Noe
snoe@m2media360.com
