From Lake Homes to Local Lawns — A Dad and His Sons Building Something Together

At Ballard Power Works, we’re not just a dealership. We’re a family that discovered robotic mowing out of necessity and ended up building a business around it.

It Started with a Problem

We own rental properties in Northern Wisconsin. Beautiful lake homes in rural areas near Hayward. Over the years, one thing became painfully clear: finding reliable mowing services in those remote spots was tough. There simply weren’t enough contractors to go around. We were spending too much time, money, and energy trying to keep up with something as basic as cutting the grass.

That’s when we decided to try something different.

We piloted a robotic mower from a reputable brand at one of our rental homes. It needed boundary wires and wasn’t perfect, but it worked. It actually worked so well that we added more across our properties. That’s when I started to think. There has to be something better.

Finding Segway Navimow

As I started looking at options for expanding our robotic mower fleet, I found Segway Navimow. A no-wire solution that used GPS and advanced sensors. It was exactly what I was looking for.

What really caught my attention was who was behind it. Segway isn’t just another startup trying to break into outdoor tools. They’ve been a pioneer in personal mobility and robotics since 1999. From their first Segway scooters to their partnerships with DARPA and deployments at global events like the Beijing Olympics, Segway has always pushed boundaries through smart technology.

When I saw that this same company was entering the robotic mowing space, I felt they were serious contenders to become the industry leader. They had the patents, the engineering muscle, and the global reach to back it up. Unlike other brands that have been slowly evolving, Segway was coming in with fresh thinking and next-level tech right out of the gate.

So I reached out to them. At first, I was just looking for a volume discount for property managers like us. But what started as a simple inquiry quickly turned into a real connection. The Segway team was knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and genuinely interested in solving the same problems we had experienced firsthand.

They mentioned they were looking for dealers in Wisconsin. Being the entrepreneur I am, and already convinced this was the smartest mower on the market, that lit a fire in me.

We knew these mowers worked. We were using them ourselves. And with our own challenges as property owners, we knew there had to be others out there facing the same struggles — especially in rural areas.

So we made the leap and became a dealer.

Why We Do This

We’re a small family team with roots in Janesville, where we live, and Hayward, where our rental properties are. This business isn’t just about selling robotic mowers. It’s about building something meaningful together as a family.

When we decided to become a Segway Navimow dealer, part of what excited me most was the chance to work side-by-side with my sons. Todd, my oldest, is a certified Power Sports Mechanic with a deep understanding of engines, electronics, and maintenance. He took to the technical side of the mowers right away and now handles service, diagnostics, and customer support.

JJ, my younger son, is our tech wiz. He’s got a natural talent for anything digital and helps run our installations, app setup, and marketing. He understands how to communicate the value of these mowers and helps customers feel confident about the tech.

As a dad, it means a lot to watch both of them grow into entrepreneurs in their own right. My goal from the start was to help them build something they could be proud of, while doing work that’s forward-thinking and in demand. This business has allowed us to do just that.

We’re not just selling mowers. We’re helping families like ours solve a real problem — and doing it with the same tools and tech we use at our own homes and rental properties. We’ve tested other brands. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Segway’s Navimow stood out from the start with its smart sensors, clean app integration, and no wires to bury. It’s simply a better experience.

Why Buy From Ballard Power Works

We match the prices you’ll see online or at big box stores, but we bring something they simply can’t. Personal experience, real support, and a passion for solving a problem we’ve lived through ourselves. We’ve mowed these lawns, set up these systems, and answered the same questions you might be asking right now.

Our shop in Hayward and our garage in Milton are stocked with mowers, parts, and the tools to keep everything running smoothly. We don’t just drop off a box and wish you luck. We install, we service, and we stand behind what we sell. When you buy from us, you’re not just making a transaction — you’re starting a relationship with a local, family-run business that’s here for the long haul.

This business is more than just a job to us. It’s a way to build something together as a family and help our sons step into a future where they can thrive as entrepreneurs. Every mower we install, every customer we support, is helping us grow that dream.

If you’ve been wondering whether a robotic mower could work for your yard, let us show you what’s possible. It would be our privilege to help your family take back your weekends and enjoy a quieter, smarter, easier way to care for your lawn.

And in doing so, you’ll be helping our family grow this business and turn a shared dream into a lasting legacy.