Michael S. Ariens: 1931 – 2015
Countax Limited reflects on the life of 83-year-old Ariens Company Chairman Emeritus, Michael S. Ariens, who died at home on 28th February.
Grandson of Ariens Company founder, Henry Ariens, Mike served as Ariens Company President from 1969 – 1992 and as Chairman of the Board from 1992 – 2014. He celebrated his 55th anniversary with the company in November of 2014 among family and several hundred Ariens Company employees.“Mike leaves us with a legacy of his personal leadership style, a strength of character that people who work with him want to emulate. As a leader he was thoughtful, and insightful with a great sense of humor,” says Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO. “As a businessperson he was pointedly committed to the company’s purpose: to care for our customers like they are part of the family.” Michael S. Ariens: 1931 – 2015.
The company experienced significant growth under his direction, according to Dan. He managed the business through several acquisitions, hundreds of product launches, maturing market shifts and, of course, the unpredictability of the weather. One of the most successful and enduring product introductions under his direction was that of the Ariens Sno-Thro®.
Mike was active in the outdoor power equipment industry. As one of longest-serving board members on the board of the OPEI (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute), he held various leadership positions over his career including Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. He also chaired a number of committees and task forces for the organization.
“Mike was a diplomatic, fair negotiator and respectful of everyone he worked with over his career,” says Dan. “He loved this outdoor power equipment industry and was grateful for all the relationships he shared over the years with his extended OPE family.”
