Hardscapes-focused distribution platform Outdoor Living Supply has acquired Back Yard Living of Abingdon, Mass., an independent paving stone, segmental retaining wall unit, fireplace, outdoor appliance, and lighting dealer. The transaction extends OLS’ Northeast market stake and provides additional product expertise.
Peter and Paul Fiore founded Back Yard Living in 2005 to accommodate discerning homeowners, builders, landscape architects and contractors. The brothers understood early on displays’ role in fueling customer imagination and driving sales. As a result, OLS notes, Back Yard Living boasts one of the Northeast’s most elaborate outdoor showrooms, with 20,000 square feet of paver and SRW displays, natural stonework, fountains, fireplaces, footpaths, steps, statues, pergolas, and ponds, plus outdoor kitchens, furniture, lighting and speakers.
“This new partnership expands our footprint into Massachusetts while also strengthening outdoor appliance and accessories growth,” says OLS CEO Brian Price. “The outdoor showroom is a great example of [Back Yard Living’s] market-leading approach, effectively combining and bringing to life products via inspiring vignettes.”
“We believe in empowering our customers’ purchasing decisions by allowing them to see, feel, and experience product through our life-size hardscape project displays,” the Fiores add. “We chose to partner with OLS as they share our passion for outdoor living and commitment to creating an innovative and exceptional customer experience. We are confident this partnership will provide our employees, suppliers, and loyal customers with great opportunities and benefits.”
Rochester, Minn.-based OLS launched in late-2020 to develop hardscape, outdoor living, landscape accessory, and bulk material distribution or retailing operations. Management is growing the platform in partnership with Trilantic North America, an affiliate of New York middle market private equity operator Trilantic Capital Management L.P.
iQ POWERS LANDSCAPE PROGRAM
iQ Power Tools’ educator and certification provider outreach recently saw delivery of an iQMS362 Masonry Saw to the Brigham Young University-Idaho Landscape Construction & Materials Program amid its work with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute on a paver installation module.
“Applying for a ‘Tools for Schools’ Grant, we reached out to iQ requesting a quote for the dustless masonry saw,” says the BYU-Idaho’s Skylar Westergard. “It was one of many landscaping tools for our program here on campus, which includes a 10-acre botanical garden setting the stage for our ‘outdoor lab.’”
“Preparing students to identify and solve any problem they may face head-on is imperative to the success of our industry,” adds Paul Guth, president of Product Development for iQ Power Tools, Moreno Valley, Calif. “If we can help offset some of the costs for these local communities and students, then it is a win-win for everyone. If we’ve trained just one up-and-coming mason or landscape contractor how to work more efficiently and safely, and to enjoy the artistry of what they are creating with our tools, then frankly, we’ve made a difference in the industry.”