OPPAA Celebrates 40 Years of Industry Leadership at its Annual Meeting

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Since 1986, the Outdoor Power Parts & Accessories Association (“OPPAA”) has been dedicated to promoting the growth and availability of high-quality replacement parts and accessories for the outdoor power equipment industry. In recognition of this milestone, OPPAA welcomed nearly 100 attendees in Orlando, Florida, January 24–26, 2026, to celebrate its 40th Anniversary at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

The Annual Meeting served as both a celebration of the industry’s legacy and a forward-looking forum focused on the future of outdoor power equipment. A dynamic curation of speakers delivered strategic insights spanning applied artificial intelligence, market and retail trends, regulatory developments, and long-term business planning that equipped members with tools to navigate the evolving business environment. Invited speakers and industry experts included:

• Adrienne Spear – OpenBrand
• Brandon Lassiter – ProfitOptics
• Gene Marks – The Marks Group
• Grant Farnsworth – The Farnsworth Group
• Greg Knott – Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Networking and relationship building remained central to the anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the strength of OPPAA’s member community while supporting the outdoor power parts and accessories industry.

The Annual Meeting also brings new perspectives to its Board of Directors that represents more than 40 leading organizations across the industry supply chain, including manufacturers, parts companies, and distributors. OPPAA remains committed to protecting the interests of its members while supporting a healthy and sustainable network. The 2026-2027 elected officers include:

• President:                           Rick Jackson, Oregon Tool
• Vice President:                   Shawn Carothers, Toro
• Secretary/Treasurer:           John Walker, Dometic
• Immediate Past President: Jim Depolo, VP Racing Fuels
• Director:                             Todd Geyer, Gardner Inc.
• Director:                             Chris Roessler, Rotary
• Director:                             Craig Smith, Stens
• Director:                             Darold Dunham, Power Distributors
• Director:                             Ryan Koch, Rehlko
• Director:                             Carissa Gingras, Briggs & Stratton
• Director:                             Dan Jernberg, Whirltronics
• Observer:                           Dave Johnson, Constellation

OPPAA is a member-driven organization with the ultimate purpose of facilitating the growth and availability of quality replacement parts and accessories for outdoor power equipment industry. Visit www.oppaa.org to learn more.

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About OPPAA OPPAA, originally established in 1986 as OPEAA, promotes the quality of replacement parts and accessories as an equivalent and economical means for the maintenance and repair of power equipment. OPPAA’s ultimate purpose is to facilitate the growth and availability of quality replacement parts and accessories for outdoor power equipment. For more information, contact Brandon Martin (info@oppaa.org), call 703.549.7600, or visit www.oppaa.org.