BRILLION, Wis. — Ariens Co., today reflects on the life of 83-year-old Chairman Emeritus, Michael S. Ariens, who died at home on February 28. Grandson of Ariens Co, founder, Henry Ariens, Mike served as Ariens Co. 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 Co. 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.”

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.

“Those who knew my father, knew he loved nothing more than a great big snow storm, especially in Boston,” says Dan.

In 1982 he led the acquisition of the Gravely brand when the product line revolved around two-wheeled and four-wheeled tractor products. The move set the stage for entering an emerging commercial grounds care sector that ultimately led to the growth of the Gravely professional brand.

“As a leader, one of his most endearing qualities was the one-on-one relationship he had with each member of Ariens Co,.,” says Dan. “Many remember his personal visits on the day of their company work anniversary. Through his entire career, Mike spent part of each day thanking employees at their workstations for their years of commitment to the company. He continued this ritual through his last day on the job in late 2014.

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.”

As part of OPEI he took the lead on several high profile initiatives. In the early 1980s, Ariens represented the industry before the Consumer Product Safety Commission to initiate a more orderly conversion to new safety standards. He led the fight on behalf of manufacturers and dealers for a rational transition. He was also a pioneer in blending rational business compromise among the engine manufacturers and consumers through several landmark emissions standards initiatives. And he was a strong advocate for the creation of OPEI’s own exposition to showcase the industry and its products (today known as GIE+EXPO).

He was a graduate of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Indiana

University and served in the Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to joining Ariens Co., he worked for the chairman of the board of Cummins Engines.

Throughout his career, Mike dedicated time to serve on the boards of many business, civic and philanthropic organizations. Some of these include WPS Resources Corp.; Schneider National Inc.; U.S. Oil Co.; Calumet County Bank; Interstate Corp.; L.M. Becker Co.; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Education Counselor); St. Mary of the Woods College; Catholic Diocese of Green Bay; Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Green Bay.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mimi, of 58 years; children Michael II (Renee), Daniel (Julie), Margaret (Marty) Denten, Kathryn (Mike) Martell, Peter (Didi), Mary (Emo) Dellanina, Christopher (Israel), and Andrew (Brooke); and 23 grandchildren.

Click here for the obituary and service details.