LEPCO (formerly known as Lawn Equipment Parts Company) is a wholesale, multi-line distributor of outdoor power equipment, parts, and accessories. We serve nearly 1,000 dealers in the Northeast US and represent seven quality brands with lawn care products for both consumer and professional landscaper use.
From the Trunk of His Car…
In 1970, Merrell Clark and Jay Hertzog founded Lawn Equipment Parts Co., which continues to serve as a family-owned and operated wholesale distributor of quality outdoor power equipment, parts, and accessories. Originally, LEPCO operated as an aftermarket parts distributor to independent lawn equipment dealers, with our first customers being Brandt’s Mower Service and Arcade Equipment.
The original warehouse was an 800-square-foot rented facility. Local customers had the key to the building, so they could pick their own parts and leave Merrell a note to bill them later. At that time, all packing slips and invoices were written by hand until a Wang computer system was installed later in the 1970s. The culture of trust, hard work, and personal service still rings true today.
As the company grew, operations moved into various new and larger locations until arriving in the current space in 2007. Our story includes:
Merrell first sold aftermarket parts out of the trunk of his station wagon
The company’s first delivery truck was a rented vehicle with an elephant painted on the side
The first equipment line was MacKissic
LEPCO began distributing ECHO in 1975 when the total US volume was just $5MM
LEPCO is an original founder and investor of Exmark since 1983
We have been distributing each of the current lines for multiple decades each, demonstrating longevity in the market and a deep understanding of product knowledge
What started humbly is still growing strong. Today, we’re a third-generation family with over 85 employees.
Fertilizing Our Future
Over the years, LEPCO has continued to grow, becoming one of the preferred distributors in the industry. LEPCO completed a 131,000-square-foot warehouse expansion in 2021, a solid investment for the future. By investing in our people, our capital assets, and technology advancements, our commitment is unwavering.
Maintaining our reputation for outstanding customer service to our dealers, our brand partners, and our community continues to be our everyday focus. When we provide quality products and services to our group of independent dealers, they in turn provide a higher level of service and support to the end-users for all of the brands we represent. We see the value of each channel partner amplified through our core programming.
We sell exclusively to retail dealers in our region, consisting of: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Mark Merrifield, Assistant Warehouse Manager
Assistant Warehouse Manager since 2018
The people, atmosphere, work ethic, and environment. Everything is great. Starting from a small garage and a station wagon, to seeing how far we have gone in 50 years in astonishing. Around my time of hire, there were 2 employee retirement parties totaling close to 80 years of LEPCO experience. You do not see that anywhere today. At LEPCO you are not just an employee number. They care more about you then any other job I have ever worked.
Paige McConnell, Customer Support Representative
Customer Support Representative since 2012
I love working at LEPCO because everyone is helpful and it is a family atmosphere and laid back.
Eric Hosler, Service Technician
Service Technician since 2022
I am enjoying the family atmosphere, getting to know people, and working in a very clean shop.
Tony Eberly, Warehouse Associate
Warehouse Associate since 2021
One my favorite things about working at LEPCO is the teamwork the shipping crew shows. I’m fairly new but any questions I have, they never hesitate to answer.
Christy Doran, Credit Specialist
Credit Specialist since 2015
I love working at LEPCO because of their values. Everyone experiences a sense of belonging from the owners and management team.
Emily Fritz, Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager since 2021
Since Day 1, everyone at LEPCO has been committed to providing me the training and tools I need to succeed in my role. The onboarding was thorough, well-planned and terrifically executed. While there was a lot of information to absorb, the people on my team all demonstrated patience and understanding. Now that I’ve developed a better sense of my position, I know how I can make a difference for the company and our customers – and I’m empowered to do so!
Michael Shafer, Territory Manager
Territory Manager since 2013
Both the relationships I’ve made within the walls of LEPCO and the ones outside with our dealers are like no other. I love to grow and help my dealers grow. LEPCO is my home – the people have helped me grow. I’ve learned that my smile is my logo, my personality is my business card, and how I leave others feeling after they have an experience with me is my trademark.
Nicole Mueller, Customer Support Representative
Customer Support Representative since 2020
LEPCO definitely takes care of their employees. I’ve never worked for such a caring company.
I enjoy working at LEPCO because of the family atmosphere. You hear companies stating they are family-oriented or are like a family and you later find out that is not correct. With LEPCO, it’s actually true.
Glen Burkholder, Service Manager
Service Manager since 1994
LEPCO has been generous. After 2 years as Assistant Service Manager, I was promoted to Service Manager. I was young and a bit green, but LEPCO gave me the chance to prove myself. Things worked out well and again I was given the opportunity to grow into the parts purchasing role about 10 years ago. I am grateful and thankful for those opportunities and for LEPCO’s generosity. Many employees and management I consider friends and not just coworkers.
