This December issue marks the final edition of the monthly FocusOn Landscapers. After publishing eleven e-magazines under the FocusOn Group banner, I’ve made the decision to close the online publication at the end of this year. It has truly been an incredible journey over the past 24 years since the first FocusOn issue rolled out. Looking back at those early editions, it’s striking how many companies—some of them major industry leaders at the time—are no longer around. Was it truly unexpected, or were the warning signs already there? Many failed to innovate, misjudged emerging customer needs, or simply succumbed to weak management.

I’ve been in the equipment business since the 1970s (yes, I really am that old!), and if you had told me back then—or even 15 years ago—that battery-powered chain saws, blowers, commercial mowers, tractors, skid steers, backhoes, and excavators would become mainstream, I would have answered with more than a little skepticism.

But here we are. As all of you know, high-performance battery-powered tools are not only viable—they’re here, and they’re beginning to dominate major segments of the market. Some of today’s leading commercial battery powered equipment manufacturers were virtually unknown just a few years ago.

So what comes next? Will lithium-ion remain the battery of choice, or will we see the rise of lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion, graphene-based, zinc-based, or solid-state technologies?

Or perhaps batteries themselves won’t be the final answer—maybe hydrogen or another emerging power source will take center stage. The only thing we can say with certainty is that researchers across the globe are working tirelessly to innovate on behalf of our industry.

While I’m stepping away from the publishing world, my passion for equipment—and my connection to this field—will never retire.

It has been a true pleasure working with the outstanding FocusOn team to deliver industry news, innovations, and insight. I will genuinely miss that part of my life. And to you—our readers, supporters, and subscribers—thank you for your interest, engagement, and loyalty to our content, whether through the monthly editions, the twice-weekly Industry Insiders, or the Weekend Rewind summaries.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season and continued success and happiness in 2026 and the years ahead.

Rick Vandekieft
Publisher / CEO
The FocusOn Group Inc