The Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation is pleased to officially open its headquarters in Orlando. The building is directly across the street from Massey Services’ corporate headquarters. To celebrate the opening, the foundation hosted an open house on Nov. 19, welcoming invited guests from area nonprofit organizations to tour the new facility and learn more about its resources.
Created to support and strengthen local nonprofit organizations, the new facility features two reservable spaces available at no cost to 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The modern conference room comfortably sits up to 12 and is fully equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, presentation tools and a bright, professional environment — ideal for team meetings, client presentations or strategic planning sessions. For smaller, more informal gatherings, the collaboration room offers seating for five and four additional soft chairs, providing a comfortable and adaptable space for brainstorming, client conversations or creative teamwork.
“This building represents more than just a new home for the foundation — it’s a place designed to empower the incredible nonprofit organizations doing vital work across Central Florida,” said Andrea Massey-Farrell, president and CEO of the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation. “By offering these meeting spaces at no cost, we hope to make it just a little easier for organizations to focus on what matters most: their mission and the people they serve.”
The Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation was established in 2014 by Massey Services founder Harvey L. Massey and his wife, Carol. It was established to further solidify the company’s long-term commitment and mission of being a “contributing member to our community and industry.” Andrea Massey-Farrell has served as the president and CEO of the foundation since its inception.
The Foundation’s commitment to fostering collaboration and providing resources for nonprofits reflects its ongoing dedication to strengthening the areas of arts and culture, education and human services, according to the foundation.
Viral bear thief sparks charitable Husqvarna initiative
Husqvarna, a global producer of outdoor power products, stated it just picked up an unexpected new title as the No. 1 brand for bears.
After a bear recently wandered into a homeowner’s yard and boldly walked off with a Husqvarna chainsaw — a moment captured in a viral clip that’s racked up millions of views — the company is turning the internet newest bear thief into a force for good.
In honor of the viral encounter, Husqvarna announced on social media that it will donate $1 to the National Park Service for every Husqvarna chainsaw sold between now and the end of the year. Interested buyers can find pro and residential chainsaws on sale now at the Husqvarna or Amazon website through Dec. 7 as part of the brand’s “Season of Savings” campaign.
Watch the viral clip of Husqvarna’s bear thief here.
Waterloo Turf reflects on one year of franchise growth
Waterloo Turf, a turf and synthetic grass franchise, rapidly approaches its first anniversary of franchising with several new and existing franchise partners.
From former military and law enforcement to those both new and experienced with franchising, Waterloo Turf stated its versatile array of franchise owners is a testament to a year of growth and the work that went into building a stable foundation for long-term success.
Stephen Tong – Waco, College Station, Texas
Franchise partner Stephen Tong oversees service throughout Waco and College Station. Like many Waterloo franchisees, Tong has a background in law enforcement, having been a deputy sheriff, a member of SWAT, a K9 handler, a field handler, a field training officer and a detective in the Major Crimes Unit. After 10 years in law enforcement, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
“Law enforcement is a very secure and stable job. I spent a decade doing it. It proved to be too much working nights, weekends and holidays, just missing so much time with my family and friends,” Tong said. “Becoming an owner of my own business and having that control and flexibility to be my own boss and have a work-life balance is life changing.”
Hunter Knowles – Boise, Idaho
Hunter Knowles is the proud owner of Waterloo Turf Boise, where his passion for outdoor living and quality family time drives every project. As a husband, dad and active member of the Treasure Valley community, Hunter stated he brings a people-over-product mindset.
“I started my career in law enforcement before transitioning to medical sales, which is where I have been for the past three-and-a-half years,” Knowles said. “I thought about sticking with sales and continuing to work for someone else. Ultimately, I chose Waterloo once I realized I really wanted to build something of my own and create a family legacy.”
Joshua Boyett – Fort Collins, Boulder, Colo.
Joshua Boyett is the owner of Waterloo Turf Fort Collins and Boulder, where he brings a strong passion for outdoor living, community and quality service backed by real-world business experience. With three years of experience so far in franchising, Boyett is focused on integrity and long-lasting results, according to the company.
“I actually sold my first turf job before I even finished training,” Boyett said. “Waterloo’s unmatching franchise and training support equipped me with the tools needed to sell that job and make that first-ever community connection as a local business owner.”
Boyett has been instrumental in paving the way for new franchise partners to build a name for themselves and Waterloo Turf in Colorado. A new franchise partner will be overseeing the Denver area by Q1 of 2026.
“2025 was a year of strong growth and real momentum for us. We built a solid foundation, expanded our network and proved our franchising model works,” CEO Tim Lovett said. “In 2026, our focus is on scaling with excellence, supporting our franchisees, strengthening operations and continuing to lead the turf industry forward as the first national artificial turf company.”
Spark Dealer Group boasts new website to strengthen acquisition model
Spark Dealer Group, an acquirer and operator of outdoor power equipment dealerships in the U.S., announced the launch of its new website at sparkdealers.com. The platform gives dealership owners a more clear view of the company’s acquisition approach, long-term strategy and commitment to protecting local legacies.
The new website provides clear explanations of Spark’s acquisition process, employee stories and details on its permanent capital structure. The company stated that it serves as a resource for owners exploring partnerships or evaluating exit strategies.
As for the company’s acquisition strategy, Spark Dealer Group operates as a permanent capital business. The model differs from traditional buy-and-flip acquisition strategies and centers on long-term ownership and investment in dealerships and their employees. Owners receive all-cash transactions that remove uncertainty and shorten the sales process, according to Spark.
“We do not just acquire businesses, we strengthen them for the future,” said Jon Salinas, CEO of Spark Dealer Group. “When owners choose Spark, they know their legacy will continue. Our all-cash structure gives sellers clarity from the start.”
Spark also focuses on smooth ownership transitions that prioritize employee retention and career development. While some acquisition firms cut staff to improve short-term results, Spark maintains existing teams and invests in long-term growth across its network.
“The first time I talked to the Spark team, it felt like family,” said Lonnie Bohrer, former owner of Mowers Inc. in Sarasota, Fla. “My biggest concerns were my employees and my customers. Spark promised neither would be compromised. Eight months later, they kept their word, and I could not be happier with the entire experience.”
Spark Dealer Group works with established dealerships representing major manufacturers, including Exmark, Scag, Gravely, Toro, Hustler, Wright, Stihl and Echo. The company focuses on proven brands and strong operators rather than building new locations from the ground up.
The outdoor power equipment industry is experiencing staffing shortages, increased demand for battery-powered equipment and pressure on sales performance. Recent data shows that 41 percent of dealers plan to increase investment in staff training in 2025, while 32 percent cite technician retention as a major challenge. Spark’s focus on long-term stability and employee development aligns with these priorities and provides an alternative to traditional acquisition models, according to the company.
