Hey there, fellow Oregonians! If you’re like me, you want your lawn and gardens looking tip-top. But who has the time and know-how to get it done right? Well, that’s where my friends down at Stark Street Lawn & Garden come in handy!
These folks have been helping Oregon homeowners and landscaping pros get the right outdoor power equipment for over 50 years. I wanted to share their story so you can see why they’re my go-to shop for mowers, tractors, chainsaws – you name it. Whether you’ve got a tiny yard in the city or acres of farmland, Stark Street has got you covered. Sound good? Let’s dig in!
Background – Values Rooted in Community
Stark Street Lawn & Garden opened up their first little shop back in 1965 over in downtown Portland. A nice couple, Emma and Henry Stark, decided they wanted to help their fellow community members take care of their properties by providing access to quality outdoor tools.
As a family-run shop, they focused on good old-fashioned values – treat every customer like family, support local schools, and lend a hand to those in need. Over 50 years later, the Stark family is still running the show, but they’ve grown to 7 stores all across our great state!
Their secret sauce has always been sticking to their community roots while expanding. Customers appreciate that personalized touch and expertise catered to our unique Oregon climate and lifestyles. Stark Street really understands our needs – whether you’re mowing a plot in the city or managing hundreds of rural acres.
Awesome Outdoor Power Equipment
Stark Street is my favorite place to shop because they have a wide variety of high-quality equipment from the best brands, such as:
- Lawn Mowers: Toro, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna
- Tractors: John Deere, Kubota, Mahindra
- Chainsaws: Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna
- Trimmers: Echo, Stihl, Redmax
- Blowers: Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo
- Tillers: Honda, Troybilt, Yardmax
And way more! Because they have relationships with all the leading manufacturers, you can often get really nice discounts and financing through Stark Street, too. Makes getting your hands on pro-level gear much more affordable.
The Stark Street team can guide you through the maze of options to find exactly what you need:
Lawn Size? Terrain? Mowing frequency? Special needs?
They’ll take it all into account and set you up with the right mower or tools tailored to you. No cookie-cutter stuff here! Just friendly, thoughtful advice.
Service is the Secret Weapon
Now, here’s what really separates Stark Street from the big box shops…their service and maintenance for the long haul! Their techs have decades of real-world experience, specifically on outdoor power equipment.
They offer absolutely everything to keep your equipment humming season after season:
- Tune-ups and oil changes
- Engine repairs
- Blade sharpening
- Winterization
- Carburetor cleaning
- Ignition service
- Filter changes
- And way more!
Plus, they have special discount packages to make routine maintenance more affordable. And if you can’t bring equipment in yourself, no problem – Stark Street provides free pickup and delivery.
Taking care of your equipment helps avoid nasty breakdowns. The team at Stark Street can extend the lifetime of your investments considerably through their meticulous service. This gives me serious peace of mind!
Convenient Locations All Across Oregon
Now, let’s talk about convenience – Stark Street has 7 stores perfectly positioned to cover our state:
- Portland (HQ)
- Salem
- Eugene
- Bend
- Medford
- Albany
- Gresham
No matter where you reside in Oregon, you’re never far from a Stark Street location. They position their stores right off the main highways and thoroughfares, which makes getting in and out a breeze.
Their facilities range from 15,000 to 30,000+ square feet, so plenty of inventory of equipment, parts, and accessories. At each spot, they’ve got knowledgeable staff providing personalized service tailored to that region. Really makes you feel taken care of!
3 Generations of Family Ownership
You’ve got to respect a family-owned business that’s made it over 50 years and 3 generations, right? Many similar companies fizzle out when leadership changes hands. But the Stark family has built something special with longevity here.
Founders Emma and Henry instilled that tight-knit community focus back in ‘65. Then, sons Greg and Ronald steadily expanded statewide in the 80s and ’90s to improve access to Oregonians needing quality equipment to care for their land.
Today, grandson Shaun Stark runs the show as President, combining innovation and technology with the traditional values that made Stark Street a trusted name decade after decade. Shaun says their loyal customers and employees who share their passion are the reason they’ve lasted. Now that’s cool!
What’s Next? Growing to Serve You Better
While they honor traditions, Stark Street always looks ahead to serve customers better. Some cool things they’re working on:
- Launching an online store for quick shipping or in-store pickup
- Expanding their electric/battery equipment selection for zero-emission, quiet operation
- Adding rental services so you can test-drive equipment before purchase
- Opening 2-3 new store locations across Oregon to improve access statewide
When you’ve been around as long as Stark Street has, you get a sixth sense of what customers need before they even ask! I’m pumped to see these improvements because it shows their commitment to our community.
Why Stark Street Stands Above the Rest
Hopefully, you can see why Stark Street Lawn & Garden has been my trusted partner for high-quality outdoor power equipment over the years. Their excellent selection, customer service, and local community focus just can’t be matched.
Whether you’re a homeowner needing a new mower or you own a landscape company outfitting an entire crew, Stark Street has the right equipment, parts, and friendly advice to get you taken care of. As more developments expand across Oregon, having these experts in our corner will be more important than ever.
I don’t see Stark Street Lawn & Garden losing their #1 position here in Oregon anytime soon! They’ve secured my loyalty for many years to come.
Most Popular Mowers at Stark Street
Now, let’s get into some specifics. Lawnmowers are one of Stark Street’s most popular categories. They carry all types – push, self-propelled, zero turn, riding mowers – from all the big brands.
Choosing the right mower depends on a few factors:
- Lawn Size – Under an acre can use a push mower; over 2 acres likely needs a tractor.
- Terrain – Flat areas allow wider decks, slopes need better maneuverability.
- Mowing Frequency – Occasional mowing needs just basic features; it frequently needs durability .and efficiency.
- Special Needs – Tight spaces need zero turn radius, and towing needs require high-capacity.
The pros at Stark Street will assess your unique needs and match you with the ideal mower or tractor. No more guesswork!
Self-Propelled Mowers:
| Model | Engine | Cutting Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 | 18hp Kohler Engine | 46” | $1799 |
| Troybilt Mustang 46 | 19hp Briggs Engine | 46” | $1099 |
| Husqvarna YTH18542 | 18.5hp Briggs Engine | 42” | $1299 |
Riding Mowers:
| Model | Engine | Cutting Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT46 | 18hp Kohler Engine | 46” | $1799 |
| Troybilt Mustang 46 | 19hp Briggs Engine | 46” | $1099 |
| Husqvarna YTH18542 | 18.5hp Briggs Engine | 42” | $1299 |
Zero Turn Mowers:
| Model | Engine | Cutting Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50” | 23hp Kohler | 50” | $3699 |
| Toro TimeCutter HD 48” | 24.5hp Toro | 48” | $4299 |
| Husqvarna Z254 54” | 26hp Kohler | 54” | $5299 |
Chainsaws key details
Now, let’s talk about chainsaws! I rely on these rugged tools for pruning trees, cleanup, gathering firewood, and more. Stark Street has pro-level gasoline chainsaw models from Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna.
Here’s a quick rundown of how chainsaws work their magic:
A 2-stroke engine provides power to the sprocket, which rotates the sharpened chain around the guide bar to cut through wood. With protective gear and proper handling, gas chainsaws allow you to tackle big projects.
The team at Stark Street can match you with the right saw for your needs:
| Use Case | Model | Engine Size | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional Use | STIHL MS 170 | 30cc | Toolless chain adjust | $199 |
| Frequent Use | STIHL MS 271 | 50cc | Decompression valve | $469 |
| Professional Use | STIHL MS 661 | 91cc | Reduced vibration | $1,239 |
All saws include factory warranties. Their service techs can optimize performance through chain sharpening and bar maintenance, too. Treat your saw right, and it’s a lifetime partner!
Stark Street’s Green Commitment
As Oregonians who love the outdoors, sustainability is important to us all. Stark Street has really stepped up by offering more battery/electric equipment with zero emissions and quiet operation.
They continue expanding their eco-friendly lineup with electric mowers, chainsaws, trimmers, and more. Batteries are getting better, too – some tools now match gas model run times!
Stark Street also runs promotions to encourage customers to go green:
- STIHL Battery Trade-Up – Discount on battery tools for trading any old gas model
- Summer Savings – 10% off electric mowers, 15% off ego battery tools
- Community Cleanups – Free electric blower use and volunteers to help neighborhoods and parks
I love that Stark Street is leading the charge on more sustainable land care. It shows their commitment to preserving the gorgeous natural landscapes we all enjoy here in Oregon.
Celebrating 70 Years Serving Community
This year, Stark Street Lawn & Garden hit a huge milestone – 70 years in business! Reaching the 7-decade mark as a retail company is incredibly rare. It really speaks to the loyalty of their customers.
Since Emma and Henry Stark opened that first Portland shop back in March of 1955, the company has grown steadily while supporting the community. Consistent family leadership provides stability through the generations.
Now, with 7 stores and 160 employees statewide, they’ve helped thousands of Oregonians care for their land over the years. Customers share fond memories of buying their first mower at Stark Street or learning how to operate a chainsaw safely.
Even as they expand, Stark Street stays involved with local schools, charities, and events. Pretty inspiring to see a business rooted in community thrive for this long!
I’m excited to see what the next 70 years bring for Stark Street Lawn & Garden. Here’s to their continued positive impact across Oregon for generations to come!
Inside Perspectives from Long-Time Employees
I wanted to share some insider perspectives from long-time employees at Stark Street. Hearing their thoughts shows why it’s such a great place to work and build a career.
Mark Davis – Sales Manager, Beaverton Store – 25 Years of Service
- “I started part-time in parts while in college. The growth opportunities over 25 years are what I value most. I’ve gained experience across service, inventory, purchasing, and now sales leadership.”
Jenny Ward – Service Tech, Salem Store – 15 Years of Service
- “The problem-solving and hands-on wrenching keeps my job exciting. I came up through the Chemeketa CC engineering program. Stark Street supported my progress to become one of few female master techs.”
Ralph Justin – Store Manager, Bend Location – 13 Years of Service
- “I worked summers here while in high school. Coming back to manage my hometown store feels rewarding. We have an awesome team focused on 5-star service that reflects our community.”
The common thread is career development through ongoing training to stay up-to-date on the latest equipment technologies. Investing in their employees allows Stark Street to continue providing excellent expertise.
Sounds like an outstanding environment where passion for the work and community really shines. No wonder their staff tend to stick around and build lifelong careers there!
History and Evolution of Outdoor Power Equipment
It’s cool to reflect on how outdoor power equipment has evolved over the decades in step with American culture and lifestyles. Stark Street maintains an impressive historical collection documenting these important innovations.
Some interesting milestones include:
- 1920s – Suburban housing boom drives demand for compact tractors, allowing homeowners to maintain larger lots readily
- 1940s – Postwar, compact engines from military technology allow scaled-down equipment with increased mobility, like rotary mowers
- 1950s – As veterans reunite with families, appliance and tool demand grows, supporting suburban expansion. Stark Street Lawn & Garden opens.
- The 1960s – Equipment styling mirrors space age design. Mowing luxury features like cupholders and reclining seats emerge.
- The 1970s – The oil crisis and environmental movement sparked a focus on fuel efficiency and lower-emission technology.
- 1980s – The computing revolution reaches outdoor products through digital diagnostics and microprocessor controls.
- 1990s – Brand consolidation and big box retail provide greater equipment access to hobbyists. Stark Street focuses on customer service and value.
- 2000s – Alternative power technologies gain traction along with sensors, automation and intelligence integration.
This desire to tame the land for lifestyle pursuits remains deeply ingrained in American culture. As technology progresses and new generations take up home ownership, demand for ever-better outdoor power equipment marches on.
Stark Street will keep chronicling this national history while providing customers with the ideal equipment needed here and now in Oregon. Exciting to think where the next 70 years will take us!
Closing
This little profile gave you some insight into why Stark Street Lawn & Garden has been my go-to shop for top-notch outdoor power equipment and service for over 20 years now. Their outstanding selection, customer focus, and community spirit create a one-stop-shop able to meet any need.
Whether you’re a homeowner or professional landscaper, the team at Stark Street will treat you like family and get you set up with the right gear to tackle projects around your property. As Oregon communities continue growing, having these experts in our corner will only become more invaluable.
Here’s to at least another 70 years of Stark Street Lawn & Garden helping keep Oregon beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to learn about these local experts – now you’ve got my recommendation to pay them a visit for yourself.
Follow For More Updates
- Linkedin: @StarkStreetLawnandGarden
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