In celebration of the Lazer Z commercial zero-turn mower’s 30th anniversary, Exmark launched a new eight-part “Lazer Z Legacy Interviews” video series. This video journey takes a deep dive into the history of the mower and how it impacted the landscaping industry. It is available to watch on the Exmark Lazer Z Legacy microsite.
According to Jamie Briggs, Exmark director of marketing, the Lazer Z Legacy Interviews series is a look into the people and stories behind the company’s Lazer Z family of mowers.
“Like most innovative ideas, the Lazer Z story began out in the field, asking customers what they wanted in a mower that they couldn’t currently get,” Briggs said. “Armed with that information, our team built the first Lazer Z, and it quickly changed the industry.
“From listening to our customers, to our commitment to innovation and constant improvement, the original ideals that led to the first Lazer Z are ones that continue to guide us today.”
Exmark interviewed 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’s Lazer Z Legacy Video Series episodes include:
- 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
Positec Group secured commitments for its first round of equity financing
Positec Group, a manufacturer of power tools, lawn and garden equipment and more and the parent company of Kress, secured commitments for its first round of equity financing, a $250 million investment that will be leveraged for R&D and product development as Positec continues the global expansion of its consumer-facing brands. The financing was led by Frontier Investment, joined by other investment institutions including Rockets Capital, CLSA Capital Partners, NRL Capital and more.
“Securing our first round of equity financing is a significant milestone for our organization,” stated Don Gao, founder and CEO of Positec Group. “This investment recognizes three decades of technological innovation, operational excellence and commitment to sustainable development. This funding will further the ongoing research and development of green energy technology and intelligent products, fueling Positec’s market expansion, while we seek to accelerate the electrification and transformation of the global tool market. Importantly, Positec is looking forward to bringing high growth and long-term value returns to investors and partners and making positive contributions to our industry. Personally, I’m tremendously proud and grateful to our global team for their hard work and dedication that made this moment a reality.”
Having a heavy focus on autonomous robotic mowers, Positec Group has sold more than one million units of its robotic lawn mower under its consumer brand Worx. As the robotic mower category transitions from boundary wire to wire-free technology, Positec continues to invest in this new technology, according to the company.
Through its commercial brand, Kress, Positec Group introduced RTK technology, which has redefined wireless technology for robotic mowers in both residential and commercial use through precise location data, according to the company. Rather than requiring multiple on-site antennas like other RTK mowers, Positec’s technology leverages a global network of base station antennas, allowing any mower within the network’s coverage area to operate seamlessly without a local antenna.
“This investment is tremendously exciting for the ongoing global initiatives of Positec Group,” said Michael Jones, president and CEO of Positec Americas. “While honoring Don Gao’s lifetime commitment to revolutionizing the industry, these funds also position the organization for continued double-digit growth in the US retail market and further strengthen our resources for penetration in the commercial space under the Kress brand. I look forward to working with the global leadership team in the deployment of this capital against strategic priorities as we continue to innovate and deliver best-in-class products to consumers and professionals alike.”
As Positec Group amplifies its focus on the commercial garden market, Kress has introduced a new, proprietary battery technology aimes to help commercial landscapers replace gas. The battery affords up to 8-minute mobile charging, more than 3,000 cycles and high-power discharge performance to match the power of gas tools.
Takeuchi gets two new dealer locations through Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment
Two Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment locations in Valdosta and Warner Robins, Ga., will now sell and service Takeuchi equipment.
“We’ve been in business for 30 years, and we feel we have great market penetration, all the way from Macon to the Florida line,” said Ray Hedgecock, president of Powerhouse Equipment. “We’re in the process of expanding each of our locations, and we believe that taking on the Takeuchi product line will help us continue to grow our brand.”
Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment is a family-owned business launched by Ray and Russ Hedgecock in May 1993. Since then, the Hedgecocks have brought a long-time employee, Raymond Mullins, on as an additional co-owner. Today, Powerhouse Equipment has a total of four locations that were originally lawn and garden retail stores that have expanded to offer tractors, construction equipment and rentals. Over the past three decades, the business has grown to employ 57 individuals, several of whom are third-generation employees.
Powerhouse’s motto is, “We are in the easy business,” meaning that it’s the company’s goal to make every element of the buying and ownership process easier for its customers.
“Powerhouse has always taken pride in creating long-term relationships with their customers, which include landscaping and construction contractors,” said Eric Wenzel, Southeast regional business manager for Takeuchi-US. “Their staff provides excellent service during and after the sale, and that’s helped Powerhouse develop a very positive reputation throughout the region. We’re very pleased to have them join the Takeuchi dealer family.”
Canopy Lawn Care opens new Florida location
Canopy Lawn Care, an eco-friendly lawn treatment franchise, opened its newest location in Miami, Fla. The company said this addition marks an exciting step forward in its mission to impact the lawn care industry through environmentally conscious, science-driven solutions. Following the Miami launch, Canopy plans to expand operations to Michigan and Idaho, with a total of 11 states targeted by spring 2025.
“We are excited to launch our innovative lawn treatment franchise in south Florida during December, with Michigan and Idaho targeted over the next couple of months,” said Jack Humbert, senior vice president, franchise development. “Canopy will be in 11 states by spring. Canopy Lawn Care is resolved to bring safer lawn treatment for families and pets.”
Canopy Lawn Care aims to differentiate itself in the industry by offering proprietary, science-based treatments designed to improve soil health and create healthier, greener lawns. Canopy specializes in recurring fertilization and weed control applications, prioritizing sustainability and the safety of families, pets and the environment with a proprietary program including components like repurposed coffee grounds, sea kelp, probiotics, amino acids and other organic-based products to bring the soil back.
According to Canopy, the company’s scalable, subscription-based franchise model has made it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs and professionals in the lawn care industry.
“2025 is a pivotal year for Canopy Lawn Care as we continue to expand and transform the lawn care industry,” said Hunt Davis, CEO and founder of Canopy Lawn Care. “Currently in eight states, our growth into Miami, Michigan and Idaho is just the beginning. We are committed to not only delivering eco-friendly solutions but also empowering ambitious entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses that make a difference in their communities. This is more than just lawn care — it’s about creating opportunities and improving lives.”
