Exmark introduced the eighth and final video in its “Lazer Z Legacy Interviews” series, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the company’s Lazer Z commercial zero-turn mower.
Available to watch on the Exmark’s YouTube channel, the eight-part video series is a journey into the history and people behind the signature Exmark mower. The series features interviews of the original 1995 Lazer Z design team members, including: Garry Busboom, Connie Heidbrink and Steve Finkner, as well as H. John Smith, former CEO of Exmark.
Exmark Lazer Z Legacy Video Series: Episodes:
- The Beginning
- The Signature Exmark Cut
- A Team Effort
- A Legacy Begins
- What’s in a Name?
- A Strong Foundation
- The Customer Comes First
- Continuous Improvement
Exmark director of marketing, Jamie Briggs, said the Lazer Z Legacy Interview series offers a unique look at the story and people behind the company’s iconic Lazer Z family of mowers.
“When Exmark built the first Lazer Z, there was nothing else like it on the market,” Briggs said. “Guided by a customer wish list of mower must-haves, these innovators designed and built a revolutionary new type of mower.
Continuing with Exmark video news, Z Turf Equipment launched a new episode of its Signature Stories video series featuring Brighton, Mich., contractor, Modern Lawn and Tree Care.
Signature Series episodes offer a look inside the day-to-day operations of some of the top lawn care professionals across the country that are using Z Turf Equipment lawn care machines and Exmark mowers to take their businesses to the next level, according to the company.
Modern Lawn and Tree Care is a family operation founded in 2003 by lawn care industry veteran, Jeff Roberts. Together with his sons Brett and Brad, Roberts works hard to treat each of his customers like family.
“With our company, it’s just like a big family,” Jeff Roberts said. “We can pass that onto our customers, treating them like they’re family as well.”
According to Brad Roberts, one advantage Modern Lawn and Tree has is the equipment it chooses. The company has been using Z-Spray spreader sprayers since 2011.
Briggs said the Signature Stories video series highlights the persistence, perspective and skills lawn care professionals must possess to run a profitable, sustainable business.
“All of us at Z Turf Equipment and Exmark are honored to work with many of the best landscape professionals across the country, and we see how hard they work,” Briggs said. “That’s why we’re committed to building the lawn care equipment and commercial mowers they need to finish jobs faster, so they can do more each day. ”
Develon heads to D.C. for the Celebration of Construction event
Develon recently participated in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 14–16.
The AEM Celebration of Construction takes place between the Capitol Building and Washington Monument and brings together industry leaders, policymakers and the public to highlight the critical role of construction equipment in building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure. Develon featured its DX225LC-7X crawler excavator equipped with an Engcon tiltrotator, coupler and bucket to demonstrate its latest advancements in excavator technologies.
“Returning to the AEM Celebration of Construction allows us to engage directly with the industry and showcase how our latest excavator technologies are driving the future of construction,” said Morgan Stallings, senior director, product management and marketing at Develon. “This special event provides a unique platform for industry collaboration, allowing us to share knowledge, showcase innovations and work together to build a stronger future for the North American construction sector.”
The Develon DX225LC-7X crawler excavator made its debut at Conexpo in 2023 and features an advanced electro-hydraulic control system that enables precise 2D grading through sophisticated machine guidance. This system provides operators with supplementary assistance for precision tasks, including grade assist mode, ground slope setting, swing assist, lift assist and a weighing system.
Develon participated in the first AEM Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in 2023. On display was a DEVELON -7 Series wheel loader featuring the Transparent Bucket technology. Develon stated was such a positive experience that enticed the company to sign up to participate again in 2025.
Stellar Industries celebrates 35th anniversary
Stellar Industries, a 100-percent employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of mechanic and service trucks, service cranes and more, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, marking a legacy of company innovation, growth and customer-centric service.
Founded in 1990 by Francis Zrostlik, Jim Vlaanderen and Gary Bomstad, Stellar began its journey as the first U.S. company to design and manufacture a domestic hydraulic hooklift, according to Stellar. Over the past three and a half decades, Stellar has grown from a small-town operation in Garner, Iowa, to a global manufacturer in the construction, waste and work truck industries.
“We are incredibly proud of the 35 years of progress Stellar has made,” said Dave Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “What began as a small, dedicated team working tirelessly to create reliable, high-quality products has evolved into a company that impacts industries across the globe. Our employees have been the key to our success. Some of them have been with us since the very early days of the company’s existence, bringing their passion and expertise to every product we create. The company’s accomplishments reflect their hard work and the relationships we’ve built with our customers and distributors.”
In 2023, Stellar achieved a monumental milestone by becoming 100-percent employee owned. The transition to 100 percent employee ownership has further deepened the sense of commitment and pride within the workforce, according to the company, allowing each team member to directly benefit from the company’s growth and achievements. Stellar now has more than 800 employee-owners, each of whom is integral to the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
“This transition to 100-percent employee ownership was a game-changer for us,” said Zrostlik. “This shift has further cemented a culture of accountability and shared success, where everyone is aligned in driving Stellar forward. It’s a powerful incentive for excellence because every employee has a personal stake in our continued success.”
Though Stellar’s roots are firmly planted in the heartland of America, the company’s impact is felt on a global scale. The company was recently recognized with the prestigious E Award for exports, honoring its success in expanding its global footprint. Stellar’s presence at Bauma 2025 in Germany, marking the company’s first appearance at the international exhibition, reflects its growing reach.
As Stellar celebrates this notable anniversary, Zrostlik said he’s looking ahead with excitement.
“Reaching 35 years is an incredible milestone, but we’re not stopping here,” said Zrostlik. “We’re continuously looking for new challenges and ways to improve. The future is bright, and we’re ready to take on the next problem and find innovative solutions for it.”
Project EverGreen completes second phase of Phoenix park renovation
Project EverGreen and ScottsMiracle-Gro have completed the second phase of a major renovation at Barrios Unidos Park in Phoenix, Ariz., that includes the planting of trees, grass and native plants.
This transformative effort, part of Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative and funded by ScottsMiracle-Gro, aims to bring cooler green spaces and improved recreational opportunities to one of Phoenix’s most heat-stressed neighborhoods. Located near Sky Harbor Airport, the park is in a dense urban heat island with some of the highest summer temperatures in Phoenix. The city of Phoenix and Arizona Sports Field Management Association have partnered on the initiative.
The first phase, completed in fall 2024, involved planting 50 mature shade trees, including southern live oak and evergreen elms, and an expansion of the irrigation system to maintain the new trees.
The second phase took place on May 14, 2025, and included revitalizing the park’s softball field to make it safe, playable and inviting for community use. Work included grading and grooming the infield, installing Bermudagrass sod around the lip of the infield, applying topsoil and conditioner and replacing bases and pitching components. The outfield was reseeded with drought-tolerant Bermudagrass seed. Roughly 80 native plants were also planted to add more shrubs and color around the walking path within the park. The total project value of both phases is $150,000 and also relies on donated materials, labor and equipment from green industry professionals and volunteers.
These upgrades enhanced the park as a whole contributing to the positive environmental footprint of the park. The grass and trees at Barrios Unidos Park sequester more than 250,000 pounds of carbon and produces more than 381,000 thousand yards of clean air for the community, according to Project EverGreen’s Clean Air Calculator. That’s the equivalent of removing the emissions of about 32 cars from this neighborhood every year.
“Green spaces are far more than an amenity. They are essential infrastructure that promote public health, environmental equity and stronger communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This project demonstrates what can happen when passionate professionals and partners come together to create something lasting and meaningful for future generations.”
John Sass, senior vice president of Lawns for ScottsMiracle-Gro and chief creative officer for its Scotts and other brands, added, “Lawns and green spaces are where real life happens. They provide opportunities for people to gather, make connections and enjoy the outdoors in ways that enhance health and well-being. Just as importantly, they bring environmental and climate benefits in both the short and longer term.”
