PHOENIX, AZ – June 1, 2026 — Ewing Outdoor Supply, the nation's largest family-owned wholesale distributor of landscape and water management products, and its manufacturing affiliate, Landscape Products, Inc., today announced a strategic leadership transition designed to streamline operational oversight and fuel long-term expansion.
Effective September 1, 2026, Richard York will transition from his role as President and CEO of Landscape Products to manage other corporate ventures with the York family, alongside Douglas York, current Ewing CEO. Steve Deist, current Chief Financial Officer of Ewing, will assume a dual leadership role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ewing Outdoor Supply and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Landscape Products, Inc.
The move is part of a strategically structured leadership succession plan to solidify the organization's executive leadership team, ensuring operational excellence across both commercial distribution and manufactured product development for the next generation.
A Legacy of National Growth and Procurement Innovation
The transition follows a remarkable tenure of leadership by Richard York, whose contributions have been foundational to the modern scale and success of both organizations. As the third generation of family leadership, Richard has been a primary driver in professionalizing and modernizing the distributor's supply chain operations.
Notably, Richard was instrumental in establishing Ewing’s formalized procurement department and successfully led the purchasing, pricing and inventory strategies for several years. His structural efforts transformed how the company managed vendor partnerships and inventory logistics, directly facilitating Ewing's evolution from a prominent regional distributor into a nationwide industry powerhouse with more than 260 locations. At Landscape Products, Inc., Richard’s vision as President and CEO expanded the brand’s market footprint, bringing highly reliable irrigation and landscape solutions to green industry professionals across the country, as well as launching the brand’s professional outdoor lighting line, expanding Landscape Products outside of the irrigation category.
Steve Deist Steps Into Dual Operational Leadership
To succeed Richard and build upon this robust operational foundation, Steve Deist will step into his new dual capacities on September 1, 2026. Deist will vacate his position as CFO to focus on process and operational improvement at both companies, and proprietary products strategy.
As CEO of Landscape Products, Inc., Deist will guide the long-term commercial strategy, product engineering, manufacturing operations, and multi-channel distribution of the brand line. Managing both positions supports better alignment between Ewing's national branch footprint and its core manufacturing arm, accelerating the introduction of new product lines for our customers. Deist brings an extensive track record of financial and strategic acumen to these positions, having steered Ewing's fiscal operations through a period of significant scaling and strategic acquisitions.
Commitment to the Family Legacy
"Succession and long-term vision are what create a stronger family and a stronger business," said Doug York. "Richard's foresight in building our procurement and pricing infrastructure completely transformed our capability to scale nationally. While we will miss his day-to-day guidance at Landscape Products, I am incredibly excited to partner with him on our upcoming family business ventures. Furthermore, I have total confidence that Steve Deist’s deep operational understanding makes him the ideal leader to guide both Ewing's operations and Landscape Products into their next chapter."
"For over 40 years, it’s been rewarding to be part of building Ewing and Landscape Products into the national organizations they are today," said Richard York. "Transitioning at this time allows me to focus on new strategic family ventures while knowing that our manufacturing and operational divisions are in exceptionally capable hands with Steve."
With the executive roles realigning, Ewing leadership is poised to support future growth and maintain the company's family ownership and core identity, safeguarding the unique family culture and dedication to customer services that have defined Ewing for over a century.
About Ewing Outdoor Supply
With more than 100 years of serving the green industry and over 260 locations, Ewing Outdoor Supply has worked to provide irrigation and landscape contractors products and services that offer value to green industry professionals. As the largest family-owned national supplier in the green industry, we offer products and education for irrigation and landscape, turf and land management, outdoor living, sports fields, golf and sustainable solutions. Founded in 1922, Ewing’s nationwide network of friendly, knowledgeable staff helps green industry professionals discover products and services for business success. From exceptional Blue Counter customer service to online account services and rewards programs like the ProAdvantage Program, you can lean on Ewing for all your green industry business needs. For more information, visit www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com.
About Landscape Products, Inc.
Landscape Products, Inc. is a premier manufacturer of professional-grade irrigation, landscape, and landscape lighting components. Focused on delivering reliable, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to contractors and distributors across the country, Landscape Products offers a wide portfolio of products designed to maximize efficiency and performance in the field.
