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I’m grateful to OPE+ magazine for honoring me with an Under 40 award. It’s exciting to see the abundance of young talent within Rehlko, and our distribution partners at Medart and Gardner Inc. I’m especially thrilled that Cameron Wedde received recognition too. Check out the latest issue of OPE+ magazine here:

This week's news contains financial updates, new products, social media tips, sales stats, and more

OPE+ industry news for the week of March 5

In unsurprising news, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced it is suspending enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act for U.S. companies, thereby ending - for real this time - the need for Beneficial Ownership Reporting requirements. On March 2, Treasury posted on its website, writing: "The Treasury Department is announcing today that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either. The Treasury Department will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. Treasury takes this step in the interest of supporting hard-working American taxpayers and small businesses and ensuring that the rule is appropriately tailored to advance the public interest."

Worth sharing.

We have a range of new this week from companies in manufacturing, technology, and retail. Check it out here.

OPE+ weekly news for week of Feb. 19, 2025. You can find more news details on our website anytime.

Tucker Smart and Adam MacBain, two longtime employees of WoodMaxx Power Equipment, Ltd. Power Equipment, have co-founded The Back Forty Group to purchase the brand which is known for manufacturing woodchippers, backhoes, snowblowers and other attachments. The Back Forty Group said they promise to uphold the brand’s core values while introducing meaningful improvements that will enhance the customer experience and product standards while expanding their market presence. “We’re committed to building WoodMaxx into the industry leader it deserves to be”, said Tucker Smart, president of The Back Forty Group. “Our vision is for WoodMaxx to be the go-to brand when people think of tractor implements”. Having led the manufacturing and engineering teams at the company based in Akron, N.Y., Smart and MacBain are uniquely positioned to guide the brand forward and carry-on WoodMaxx’s legacy of unparalleled product quality and innovation, while bolstering its customer service reputation; ensuring the brand continues to meet the demands of today’s customers. Since the start of WoodMaxx in 2008, the company’s products have been available only online, direct-to-consumer. Canadian product retailer and distributor DK2 acquired the company in April 2024. That added retail channels to the mix of Woodmaxx vendors. With the purchase by The Back Forty Group, Woodmaxx plans to remove retail channels (Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Northern Tool and Tractor Supply) from its distribution plans. Woodmaxx plans to build a network of independent power-equipment dealers that can sell its products beginning in 2026.?This strategic shift will provide more personalized buying and support experience for their customers. The company said it will continue online sales. The Back Forty Group has other acquisition targets and said it plans to stay within the outdoor power equipment industry focusing on standalone equipment. “It was always my dream to be a business owner, and to be able to take the reins of WoodMaxx and guide it into a new era with Adam is an incredible honor”, said Smart. “We’ve poured years of sweat equity into this company, and we’re committed to taking it to new heights with a customer-first mindset and unmatched quality.” “To our customers, we truly appreciate your loyalty over the years,” said MacBain. “We hope WoodMaxx has been a brand you can count on, and we’re committed to keeping it that way. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re dedicated to continuing the tradition of quality you know and love.” “When you choose WoodMaxx, you’re not just buying equipment—you’re investing in something that’s built to last a lifetime,” said Smart. “Our goal is to create products that you can depend on for years to come and even pass down to the next generation.”

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