Dixie Chopper Appoints GM and Expands Staff

Lawn mower manufacturer appoints general manager and adds four employees to staff
COATESVILLE, INDIANA (JUNE 12, 2014) – On the heels of Dixie Chopper’s recent acquisition by Jacobsen, a Textron (NYSE: TXT) Company, the mower manufacturer has appointed a new general manager and added four more employees to its growing sales and marketing divisions. The new key roles are part of Dixie Chopper’s ongoing commitment to developing relationships with dealers, partners and customers.

Chris Vernon, previously Vice President of Strategy and Product Management for Jacobsen, has accepted the position of Vice President and General Manager of Dixie Chopper, effective immediately. Since 2001, Chris’ extensive experience includes sales, marketing, and product management for Greenlee’s telecommunication product lines, general management for Rothenberger, a pipe tool manufacturer and Greenlee joint venture partner; and, most recently, his role at Jacobsen.

David Hunt was hired as a Product Sales Demonstrator and will support customers in North and South Carolina. David will be based out of Charlotte, North Carolina and comes to Dixie Chopper with 20 years experience in sales.

Jason Sentell recently started as a Territory Sales Manager and is responsible for supporting dealers and customers in western North and South Carolina. Jason joins Dixie Chopper with seven years experience in sales and marketing

Dena Jenkins was hired as the Marketing and Events Coordinator at Dixie Chopper headquarters and will be specializing in trade shows, event planning and marketing strategy. Dena brings over 18 years experience in marketing communications to Dixie Chopper

Sierra Kennedy recently started as the Public Relations and Communications Specialist at Dixie Chopper’s headquarters. Sierra will be managing media relations, social media and other marketing initiatives.

“I am very excited about my new role at Dixie Chopper and the direction we are headed,” said Chris Vernon, Vice President and General Manager of Dixie Chopper. “With Jacobsen and Textron behind us, we are making significant investments in our parts fulfilment, our products and our people. The four new strategic hires in our sales and marketing departments will help us continue the positive momentum we’re experiencing in the marketplace. Expect to hear a lot more from Dixie Chopper in the near future.”

About Dixie Chopper
Founded in 1980, Dixie Chopper revolutionized the entire lawn and garden industry by providing the first zero-turn lawn mowers built specifically for commercial mowing contractors. Today Dixie Chopper continues to lead the industry in innovation and quality. Known as “the World’s Fastest Lawn Mower,” Dixie Chopper mowers are about much more than being fast. The company prides itself on providing quality and reliability in addition to speed. To learn more about Dixie Chopper and view the complete lineup of zero-turn lawn mowers, visit the company’s website at www.dixiechopper.com. Dixie Chopper is owned by Jacobsen, a Textron (NYSE: TXT) Company.