There is a shift these days toward throwaway or disposable products. Mass merchandisers have emerged to sell these products and it works. They essentially tell the customer, "You don't need service. If it breaks, just throw it away and buy a new one. Or we'll give you a new one within the warranty period." It is clear that the traditional dealer providing dealer services is not needed in this scheme. Some have foretold the demise of the independent dealer network as a result of these changes in products and retailing.

Sandy Weaver, owner of Albuquerque Grounds Maintenance, is feeling pretty good these days. After all, this is her company's tenth year in business. AGM has an excellent reputation as well as a good mix of commercial business. And it's backed up by a cadre of loyal, hardworking employees. In Sandy's own words, "I'm glad to be where I am. But it sure wasn't easy getting there."

Few environments are more demanding for a mower than a school. Trees, hills, entrance ways, ball diamonds and football fields require machines to mow on a variety of landscapes with equal agility. For Humke Elementary, in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, the demands are even more challenging since the school grounds are open in the summer to host baseball leagues.

Picture what the country's largest, gated retirement community looks like. Then superimpose a spectacular setting in Southern California. The image would be Leisure World where 20,000 residents enjoy a living environment second to none.Imagine theaters, 27 holes of golf, tennis courts, riding stables, arts and crafts along with wood and machine shops, a radio station and newspapers, not to mention two dedicated garden centers and a bus line. There's a library, too, and boccie ball courts, lawn bowling... and the list goes on.

Finding the right dealer is clearly as important as finding the right equipment The best equipment in the world will fall short of expectations if the selling dealer fails to back it up or offer critical support when the customer is in need.

Take exit 90 off Interstate 65 in Indiana and turn left twice and you'll be on the doorstep of Reynolds Landscape Maintenance. Located in Franklin, Indiana, approximately 20 miles south of Indianapolis, Reynolds maintains 78 residential properties in and around Franklin and mows 80 acres of industrial turf. The company started mowing lawns better than 20 years ago, before, in the words of owner Dave Reynolds, it "became fashionable to be in the maintenance business."