Heather’s Outdoor Power

by Jodi Varnado

Heather Hapner, owner and operator of Heather’s Outdoor Power, opened her showroom to the Rome community on February 1, 2022. With an expansive inventory of eXmark mowers and Stihl equipment, Heather’s Outdoor Power is a destination for landscapers, tree arborists, and homeowners alike. Along with Heather’s impressive name brand selection, her 8,000 square foot repair shop also services Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki, and Kohler engines. Whether you are looking to upgrade your lawnmower or are in need of a quick repair to your current one, Heather’s Outdoor Power is here to serve you!

Heather, who grew up in Indiana and Springfield, Ohio, is no stranger to the integrity and warmth we are all accustomed to here in the south. A heartwarming anecdote of a stranded high school marching band trailer and Heather’s pink and white pick-up truck rescue exudes evidence that Heather was destined to serve this Georgia community. After coming across Rome High School’s marching band halted by a broken alternator, Heather jumped at the opportunity to hook up their tailer 22 // May 2022

to the back of her truck and haul the instruments to their long-awaited performance at Johns Creek—the opening game of the season. Heather transported the trailer to and from the game, and this assistance deemed Heather as the new band mom.

Two years after this incident occurred, Heather took a job across the street from Rome High School—a sweet symbol of assurance that Heather was finally home. “I fell in love with Rome twelve years ago. Within months after high school and art college graduation, I married my husband and we moved to Georgia. I have always dreamed of owning my own business, one that caters to the industry I have grown into,” said Heather. Heather entered the outdoor equipment industry when she was eighteen years old, and has continued her education and practice since. With thirty-three years of experience, Heather is one of the 1,300 people to be a Stihl Gold Certified Service Technician, as well as servicing eXmark, Honda, Kawasaki, and Kohler engines. Heather has picked up right where Action Outdoor Power left off, with quality sales and service. Heather’s Outdoor Power offers new and used equipment for sale and

a certified technician is always onsite and ready to service or repair your equipment.

“We want our community to know that we are still here, in the same location. We are here, and here to stay! We want to set higher standards for our customers, quicker turnaround times for our repairs, and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere,” said Heather. “We have updated our facilities with a lounge area for guests, including a coffee station for customers waiting for service, along with free water for all. We want everyone to feel at ease, including women. We want husbands to feel comfortable having their wives here, knowing we are not going to take advantage of them financially. Everyone is treated equally and with respect.”

Heather, as a service technician and now business owner, has learned how to navigate this often maledominated industry. “The technician industry is seen as one where girls aren’t supposed to be, especially when I started out. I have learned that knowledge is power in this industry. I have learned how to communicate with people, and I can sell products because I know the products, and I know the competition—and their prices,” said Heather. It has taken years of dedicated experience for Heather to gain the respect she now has, and she has every intention of keeping it through continued education and communication with dealers and the community around her.

Heather’s Outdoor Power serves Rome-based landscaping companies and local homeowners, as well as communities across Chatsworth, Dalton, Marietta, and Chattanooga, TN. Heather offers financing options through 1st Franklin Financial and Sheffield Financial on showroom equipment and provides quick service times for equipment maintenance and repairs for landscapers. Thus, landscapers only can enjoy the convenience of not having to leave their equipment overnight to be serviced mid-job. Heather and her five employees will provide you with the personal service, attention, and expertise you are deserve. Heather’s Outdoor Power is located at 90 E Callahan Street, Rome, GA 30161, and is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. For any questions, you can call Heather at (706)-291-7830. You can follow Heather’s Outdoor Power on Facebook, @heathersoutdoorpower, to keep up to date on new inventory. Visit Heather and her team for all your commercial and industrial outdoor equipment needs today!