We Started Young, and Love What We Do.
My name is Brian Rismoen. I am the owner of Modern Mower, and I must confess I am a bit of a geek when it comes to engines, electronics, and just about anything mechanical. I started taking things apart at about age five, and started putting things back together at about seven. The picture on the left is a newspaper article written about a high school competition I competed in as a junior in high school in 1989. That's me in the picture hanging out the car door as the judge on the right evaluated my work. They spelled my name wrong under the picture, but i didn't care. It was a big deal back then to make the newspaper, at least to me.
One of my first jobs in high school was as a mechanic at a moped shop. The owner heard i was modifying mopeds for the other kids, and he offered me a job getting paid to do what i was already doing for free. I was also making my own radio equipment in my bedroom, getting in trouble for distorting the television. I also had a job working at a local computer store. If its mechanical or electrical I just had to know how it worked.
I did not realize as a child, that having the "mechanical mind" to look at something and see the way it works, and fix it was not something everyone could do. I did not know that it was unusual to be able to take something apart and then be able to put it back together without being shown how. It's just something I have always seemed to be able to do. Now i can recognize this in other people, and every one who works at modern mower has this ability.
Now, as the owner of Modern Mower I get to own all the cool tools and work on stuff all day and get paid for it. I am exactly the sort of person I would want to work on my own equipment, and that's the way I care to run my shop. All of the people who work here will tell you this is where they would go if they didn't work here. We do our best for the customer, and we have a lot of fun doing it most of the time.
One of my first jobs in high school was as a mechanic at a moped shop. The owner heard i was modifying mopeds for the other kids, and he offered me a job getting paid to do what i was already doing for free. I was also making my own radio equipment in my bedroom, getting in trouble for distorting the television. I also had a job working at a local computer store. If its mechanical or electrical I just had to know how it worked.
I did not realize as a child, that having the "mechanical mind" to look at something and see the way it works, and fix it was not something everyone could do. I did not know that it was unusual to be able to take something apart and then be able to put it back together without being shown how. It's just something I have always seemed to be able to do. Now i can recognize this in other people, and every one who works at modern mower has this ability.
Now, as the owner of Modern Mower I get to own all the cool tools and work on stuff all day and get paid for it. I am exactly the sort of person I would want to work on my own equipment, and that's the way I care to run my shop. All of the people who work here will tell you this is where they would go if they didn't work here. We do our best for the customer, and we have a lot of fun doing it most of the time.
About Brian Rismoen
Brian Rismoen is the owner and lead technician at Modern Mower in Sterling Heights, Michigan. With over 30 years of professional experience in outdoor power equipment repair, Brian is recognized as one of the top technicians in the industry.
Industry Recognition
A Lifetime of Mechanical Expertise
Brian started taking things apart at age five and putting them back together by seven. By high school, he was already working as a mechanic — getting paid to modify mopeds he'd been working on for free. He built his own radio equipment, worked in computer repair, and discovered early that he had what he calls "the mechanical mind" — the ability to look at something and understand how it works without being shown.
In 1989, as a junior in high school, Brian competed in the Michigan state engine repair competition and won — earning newspaper coverage for his work. That same drive and expertise now powers Modern Mower, where Brian remains hands-on as the lead technician after three decades in the trade.
The Difference an Expert-Owner Makes
At most repair shops, the owner manages while technicians of varying skill levels do the work. When a skilled technician leaves, the shop's capability leaves with them. Modern Mower is different: the owner IS the expert. Brian's 30 years of hands-on expertise isn't going anywhere.
This matters because outdoor power equipment repair is a skill trade. Experience compounds. A technician with 30 years has seen problems that a 5-year technician hasn't encountered yet. When other shops get stuck on a difficult diagnosis, they call Brian.
Forward-Thinking Expertise
Brian doesn't just rest on three decades of experience — he stays at the cutting edge. His published work on artificial intelligence in outdoor power equipment reflects an ongoing commitment to bringing the best available technology and techniques to his customers. Modern Mower uses diagnostic equipment and repair methods that most shops don't have access to.
Industry Recognition
- Published author in OPE Plus Business Magazine on artificial intelligence applications in the outdoor power equipment industry
- 1989 New Jersey High School Engine Repair Competition winner — featured in newspaper coverage at age 17
- Consulted by other professionals when they encounter problems beyond their expertise
- Pioneer in AI-powered diagnostics for outdoor power equipment service
A Lifetime of Mechanical Expertise
Brian started taking things apart at age five and putting them back together by seven. By high school, he was already working as a mechanic — getting paid to modify mopeds he'd been working on for free. He built his own radio equipment, worked in computer repair, and discovered early that he had what he calls "the mechanical mind" — the ability to look at something and understand how it works without being shown.
In 1989, as a junior in high school, Brian competed in the Michigan state engine repair competition and won — earning newspaper coverage for his work. That same drive and expertise now powers Modern Mower, where Brian remains hands-on as the lead technician after three decades in the trade.
The Difference an Expert-Owner Makes
At most repair shops, the owner manages while technicians of varying skill levels do the work. When a skilled technician leaves, the shop's capability leaves with them. Modern Mower is different: the owner IS the expert. Brian's 30 years of hands-on expertise isn't going anywhere.
This matters because outdoor power equipment repair is a skill trade. Experience compounds. A technician with 30 years has seen problems that a 5-year technician hasn't encountered yet. When other shops get stuck on a difficult diagnosis, they call Brian.
Forward-Thinking Expertise
Brian doesn't just rest on three decades of experience — he stays at the cutting edge. His published work on artificial intelligence in outdoor power equipment reflects an ongoing commitment to bringing the best available technology and techniques to his customers. Modern Mower uses diagnostic equipment and repair methods that most shops don't have access to.
About Modern Mower
Modern Mower is a premium outdoor power equipment repair facility located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. We specialize in lawn mower repair, snow blower repair, and small engine service for both residential and commercial equipment.
By the Numbers
Our Philosophy
We believe in repair over replacement when repair is the better option. We invest in premium diagnostic equipment and techniques — like ultrasonic carburetor cleaning — that let us fix what other shops replace. The result: better outcomes that often cost less than the parts-replacement approach used elsewhere.
We also believe that dependability matters more than just "fixed." Our goal isn't just to get your equipment running — it's to make it reliable again. That's why we include services others charge extra for, back our work with real warranties, and focus on eliminating the root cause of problems rather than just treating symptoms.
The Shop Other Pros Call
When other professionals encounter a problem they can't solve, they call Modern Mower. That's not a marketing slogan — it's what actually happens. Our reputation for expertise means we regularly handle the cases other shops couldn't crack.
By the Numbers
- 700+ five-star reviews — one of the highest-rated repair facilities in the world for outdoor power equipment
- 2+ years typical span between negative reviews — a consistency record nearly unmatched in service industries
- 30+ years of expertise from an owner who remains the lead technician
- All brands serviced — if it has a standard 4 cycle engine, we fix it
Our Philosophy
We believe in repair over replacement when repair is the better option. We invest in premium diagnostic equipment and techniques — like ultrasonic carburetor cleaning — that let us fix what other shops replace. The result: better outcomes that often cost less than the parts-replacement approach used elsewhere.
We also believe that dependability matters more than just "fixed." Our goal isn't just to get your equipment running — it's to make it reliable again. That's why we include services others charge extra for, back our work with real warranties, and focus on eliminating the root cause of problems rather than just treating symptoms.
The Shop Other Pros Call
When other professionals encounter a problem they can't solve, they call Modern Mower. That's not a marketing slogan — it's what actually happens. Our reputation for expertise means we regularly handle the cases other shops couldn't crack.