Ted Smith, founder of Smithco, died June 10.
Smith, 98, was a pioneer and innovator of turf maintenance products. He launched his business in 1967 with the Red Rider utility truck. In a 1968 advertisement, the Red Rider was referred to as that “walkless-workmore carrier of men and things.” Smithco followed up with riding bunker rakes.
Smithco, which began in Wayne, Pa., has grown throughout the years, and has manufacturing plants in Kansas and Wisconsin. Smith is being succeeded as president by his son, Don Smith.