ATTACHMENT NEWS –
October 2025
Volume 2, Issue 4
October 2025
New England Women in Construction
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, A&D’s President, Donna LaFata, had the privilege of joining a powerful panel discussion at the Women in Construction Conference held at the Farmington Club.
They explored critical topics like the revitalization of the trades, the importance of women in leadership, and their personal journeys as transformational leaders in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Each panelist brought a unique perspective, and together they showcased how a “can-do” mindset and strong drive fuel both individual and company growth.
A heartfelt thank you to Barb DiMauro and her incredible team for organizing such an inspiring event and for bringing together such a dynamic group of women leaders!
A&D Equipment joins the OPEN-S ALLIANCE
The Open-S is the open standard for fully automatic quick couplers for excavators. Its purpose is to give machine operators and contractors worldwide confidence that couplers, tiltrotators, and tools from manufacturers following the S standard will work seamlessly together. With Open-S, a combination of products from different manufacturers will not interfere with or compromise the safety features of each individual product—ensuring both flexibility and safety. Contractors now have true choice.
The Open-S Alliance, an independent organization, oversees the Open-S standard. A&D Equipment has recently joined the Alliance, bringing the total membership to 20 companies worldwide. The Alliance is guided by a council of engineers from all member organizations, including A&D Equipment.
The Alliance’s mission is to drive continued technological development while safeguarding the freedom for companies to choose their partners and solutions. Membership is open to all manufacturers who recognize the value and benefits of a shared global standard.
OPEN-S NEWS
“The Open-S manufacturer standard plays a crucial role in advancing global, progressive technology and empowers consumers to build a more versatile fleet tailored to their business needs. Joining the Open-S community presents an exciting opportunity for dealers and buyers alike”, says Donna J. LaFata, President, A&D Equipment Inc.
Two Great Shows, One Awesome City: Louisville KY
Utility Expo Oct 7-9
The Utility Expo is the largest gathering of utility professionals and construction contractors—bringing together equipment, technology, and the people who use them every day. It’s your chance to:
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Test equipment firsthand
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Attend interactive sessions with leading manufacturers
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Connect with peers at networking events
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Gain insights from panel discussions and classes
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Compare top brands side by side
Be sure to stop by Booth K285 to see what A&D Equipment & Steelwrist can do for you. We look forward to connecting!
Equip Expo Oct 22-24
The Equip Exposition, known as the premier event for landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor power equipment industries, the Expo brings together thousands of landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers.
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Over four days, you’ll find:
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Hundreds of educational opportunities at the Education Center
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Hands-on product demos
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Innovative strategies from suppliers, vendors, & manufacturers
Be sure to stop by Booth 30098 in the North Wing to see what A&D Equipment & Steelwrist have to offer. We look forward to connecting with you and showcasing our products!
Partner Spotlight: NK Landscaping; Living the Dream in Duchess County New York
Nick Houtt & Donna LaFata at Equip Expo 2024
Two kids who grew up together since kindergarten have built something special in New York. Nick Houtt and Kurt Flood started mowing lawns together in 2012 and have been working together ever since. NK Landscaping is a premier landscaping & hardscaping contractor, creating stunning outdoor spaces with expertise and a reputation for excellence (55 five-star reviews)! Their journey and story weave together part motivation, part college, part grit & determination, part trial & error, & a sheer amount of just plain old working hard. The business has changed and morphed over the years from mowing grass into who they are today, a streamlined, skilled, reputable crew.
Attachments have changed the game for NK Landscaping, starting with the addition of a tiltrotator in early 2022. “Having this tool on my excavator has eliminated one full-time employee on the ground at our company,” says owner Nick Houtt. “My other favorites that are always on the trailer and used on every job are the grading bucket, ripper, pallet forks, & the Rotastar screening bucket. The Rotastar has allowed us to reuse all soils on the job and even take extra off-site to be used back at our yard for resale. That is a win-win.”
Nick is a Steelwrist Ambassador and has been working with A&D Equipment for years on all his attachment needs. “I just love working with the A&D team, especially Anthony LaFata, who is never high-pressure sales and always just about sharing knowledge and helping your company improve and make more money.”
NK Landscaping has a robust YouTube channel with many informative review videos of their favorite products as well as a website chock full of info! See Nick’s customer testimonial video below.
