Award Winners – Under 40
Our Under 40 honorees do amazing work and have many more years to do so. Nominated by their peers and chosen by our staff, the professionals honored here are driving improvements across the industry. The Under 40 Award recipients are helpful and relentless innovators, solving problems with new ideas, strategies and tactics.
Cameron Wedde, Field Sales Manager, Medart Engine
Cameron Wedde has a career trajectory spanning nearly two decades, starting back in high school when he worked in a local maintenance shop. His journey continued as he ran his own OPE and powersports dealership while attending North Dakota State University (NDSU). Following his entrepreneurial success, Wedde transitioned into the distribution side of the business and played a pivotal role when Medart Engine and Central Power Distribution came together.
The 34-year-old Wedde, now Field Sales Manager at Medart Engine, has demonstrated an ability to lead with empathy and insight, ensuring that both his team and customers achieve success. He currently manages a team of 11 territory managers across the Northern Midwest, guiding them through the nuances of the industry and offering practical solutions to the diverse challenges dealers face every day.
His approach to leadership is centered on a simple philosophy: Lead by example. A former territory manager himself, he understands the intricacies of the role and applies that experience to mentor his team. His positive attitude and ability to solve problems helps him build strong relationships with dealers, earning their trust and loyalty. Wedde encourages his team to focus on asking questions, not just selling a product. Understanding the specific needs of each dealer allows for tailored solutions, which can significantly impact their business success.
“One of the key things I coach my team on is asking the right questions to uncover what the dealers really need,” said Wedde. “We have to get to the core of the issue and present a solution that fits. Sometimes it’s a small win that makes a huge difference for a dealer. Seeing that positive impact motivates me every day.”
As the industry adapts to trends, such as electrification and automation, Wedde remains focused on helping his team navigate the complexities of the market. He recognizes that electrification is growing, and also that the internal combustion engine will remain a vital part of the industry for years to come.
“My experience in different areas of the industry has given me a well-rounded view of the challenges we face,” says Wedde. “I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter, and that empathy helps me provide better solutions for our customers and support my team more effectively.”
In addition to his role as a leader, Wedde is passionate about simplifying the product landscape for his customers, recognizing the overwhelming number of brands and products available in the market. He believes that by making the buying process more straightforward, dealers will be able to better serve their customers and streamline their operations.
As he looks ahead to 2025, Wedde remains optimistic about the future of the OPE industry. “My goal is to continue supporting our dealers by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. For my team, I want to keep helping them grow and reach their full potential,” he said.
Kenneth Paul, Lead Technician, Paul’s Lawn & Garden
Just 23 years old, Kenneth Paul has already made significant contributions to Paul’s Lawn & Garden, the dealership his family has owned for decades, elevating the business’s performance while also setting a high standard of customer service and technical excellence.
As a teenager, Paul started at the dealership pressure washing mowers and other serviced equipment. His early exposure to all aspects of the business gave him a well-rounded perspective, allowing him to rise quickly through the ranks. By the time he was 16, Paul was a full-time member of the payroll, and since then, he’s worked his way up to become the lead technician.
His relentless drive has helped raise the business’s billable labor hours year after year, contributing to the service department’s overall growth. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Paul worked tirelessly to ensure service turnaround times remained minimal and that customers were always satisfied with the work done.
Committed to excellence. Paul holds himself and his work to the highest standard, and this drive to provide the best service possible resonates throughout his department. His repairs are known for being efficient and accurate, ensuring that customers can trust the quality of the work.
His leadership within the service department is also a key factor in his success. His collaborative approach has fostered an environment where everyone works together toward a common goal of providing excellent service to customers.
Paul’s technical expertise is another standout aspect of his young career. He is a Briggs Master Service Technician, a Gold-level Scag Tech, and is certified across all the major OEM brands in the dealership. He enjoys the challenge of working on larger, more complex equipment, such as stand-ons and skid steers, and his ability to work with his hands is one of the driving forces behind his success.
Paul’s unique perspective as the younger generation brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the table. He’s always looking for ways to improve and innovate, particularly when it comes to catering to the needs of commercial customers. He sees the growing demand for battery-powered equipment, autonomous machinery, and heavier-duty equipment as a way to stay ahead of the curve in an evolving market. His insights into how the business can adapt to the changing landscape have helped steer the company in a direction that balances tradition with forward-thinking solutions.
He remains focused on continuing his growth as both a technician and a leader. He’s actively pursuing further education, with plans to complete Kubota certification and learn about new products and technologies in the industry. Paul’s commitment to ongoing learning ensures that he will continue to contribute to the dealership’s success and stay on top of industry trends.
Michael Broetzmann , Sr. Manager, Field Service Technical Training, Rehlko
In 2020, Michael Broetzmann played a pivotal role in expanding the Rehlko (then “Kohler”) Technician and Dealer Certification programs, achieving double-digit growth in Technician Certifications across various product lines. Under his leadership, Rehlko hosted more than 100 technician schools, both virtually and in hands-on settings, helping train and certify a new generation of service professionals.
One of his major accomplishments has been onboarding large franchise chains as authorized repair facilities for Rehlko’s KDI product line. This initiative is strengthening the company’s service network and ensuring customers receive reliable, high-quality support. Managing a global network of more than 10,000 authorized repair locations is no small task. Yet, Broetzmann’s leadership in developing training programs has helped Rehlko maintain a highly skilled technician base, keeping its products running smoothly worldwide.
Broetzmann, 38 years old, has a deep understanding of the importance of relationships in the industry. As an engine supplier, Rehlko works with a diverse range of customers, each with different approaches to managing their service and dealer networks. Broetzmann has excelled in customizing training programs to meet these varying needs, ensuring that each partner receives tailored, effective solutions.
“Every OEM tackles their service and dealer network differently,” Broetzmann explains. “Our job is to be flexible and create training programs that work for each of them. It’s not just about technical expertise, it’s about relationships. Success in this industry depends on strong connections between OEMs, distributors, and dealers.”
By fostering these relationships, Broetzmann has helped Rehlko become a trusted partner in the industry. Whether he is working with individual dealers, OEM customers, or distribution networks, he is willing to listen and develop solutions for industry challenges.
Broetzmann is also deeply committed to mentoring his colleagues. He actively works to help co-workers grow and succeed by encouraging different perspectives in conversations and advocating for customer needs within the company.
“I always stress the importance of flexibility and being easy to do business with,” he says. “My goal is to demonstrate to newer associates how to build strong working relationships with customers and make sure we’re providing the best possible service.”
As the industry faces a growing shortage of qualified technicians, Broetzmann is focused on making technician training more accessible and efficient, and to using data-driven insights to expand their reach and effectiveness. His goal is to ensure that the industry’s workforce remains strong, capable and prepared for the future.
Receiving the OPE+ Under 40 Award is a testament to Broetzmann’s impact on the industry. His ability to drive growth in training programs, foster meaningful relationships, and mentor the next generation of technicians makes him a standout professional in his field. His leadership is helping to shape the future of technician education, ensuring that service networks remain strong and effective for years to come.
