Exmark Awards Extreme Cup to Lawn Equipment Parts Company

Exmark has selected Lawn Equipment Parts Company (LEPCO) of Marietta, Pa., as the winner of its 2008 Extreme Cup.

Exmark, the leading manufacturer of commercial lawnmowers, awards the Extreme Cup annually to the most outstanding manager or parts department of a company that distributes Exmark products.

LEPCO supplies aftermarket parts to more than 800 dealers, including Exmark dealers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia. Parts Manager Doug Ulmer led LEPCO's parts department in 2008 before retiring in December after about 30 years with the company. Glen Burkholder now serves as LEPCO's parts and service manager.

"I have never seen a distributor win more dealer loyalty and engagement in the service parts business than LEPCO," said Mark Aldendifer, parts and accessories marketing manager at Exmark. "Under Doug and Glen's direction, LEPCO has done a tremendous job marketing Exmark parts, and their 2008 growth reflects that commitment."

Burkholder said the parts department has benefited from the work of LEPCO parts warehouse manager Chris Reinhold, who continues to strengthen the company's relationships with outdoor power equipment dealers.

Operational efficiency also is a key to success, Burkholder said.

"We've made a big commitment to having parts on hand because it all starts with having what the dealers need," Burkholder said. "Then it's just as important to have quick response time from our guys in receiving, getting parts onto the shelf and packaging orders. It's the entire process running smoothly that makes us successful."

LEPCO was nominated for the award by Jim Lysle, Exmark regional sales manager.

To determine the winner of the Extreme Cup, Exmark evaluated parts distributors nationwide in several categories such as order fill rate to dealers, rate of increase in sales and marketing efforts for Exmark parts.