Episode #118
118: The Man Behind Equip Exposition with Kris Kiser
Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), joins us for a big one. This episode is a pretty cool full-circle moment for us. The Crooked Stripes Podcast started because of our love for this industry and Equip Exposition, and now we get to sit down with one of the people behind the organization that makes it all happen. We talk with Kris about his journey into the outdoor power equipment industry, what OPEI actually does, and everything that goes on behind the scenes to support manufacturers, dealers, contractors and the industry as a whole. Of course, we had to dive deep into Equip Exposition. We talk about how the show has grown, what has changed over the years, what makes Equip different, and where the show is headed next. We also get into the upcoming move to Orlando in 2029, what that could mean for the show, and the outdoor demo area that everyone has been asking about. We also get into some bigger industry conversations around technology, battery equipment, robotics, the relationship between manufacturers and contractors, and where Kris sees the outdoor power equipment industry heading. Thanks for listening to Episode 118! Takeaways: Kris Kiser’s journey into the outdoor power equipment industry What OPEI actually does How Equip Exposition has grown The future of Equip and the move to Orlando in 2029 Outdoor demo areas and the future of the show Technology, battery equipment and robotics The relationship between manufacturers and contractors Where the outdoor power equipment industry is heading Other Links: Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada ️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn
