We Celebrate Two Azbee Award Finalist Honors
The Compact Equipment crew continues our tradition of excellence in B2B journalism, earning two regional finalist spots in the prestigious 2025 Azbee Awards of Excellence. This also qualifies us for national awards. Hosted by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Azbee Awards recognize the best in business-to-business (B2B) media across print, digital and design categories. With more than 800 entries judged by 83 experienced B2B editors, designers, freelancers and journalism professors, the Azbee Awards highlight top editorial and design achievements. This year, Compact Equipment earned finalist honors in two categories: Editor at Large: Highlighting the Human Side of Earthmoving Equipment (Regular Column – Heartland Region) and Mini Skid Steer Madness (Online Video – Heartland Region). These accolades mark another milestone in the publication’s award-winning history, boasting 16 awards in the past eight years.
Editor at Large: A Human-Centered Approach to Earthmoving
Compact Equipment’s Editor at Large column stood out for its immersive storytelling. This column, which has won multiple awards over the years, goes beyond covering machine specs to focus on the experiences and personalities behind earthmoving equipment, bringing readers closer to the people and innovations shaping construction. Two 2024 stories helped earn this finalist status. The first covered Caterpillar’s Women in Construction Celebration and Operator Skills Challenge, highlighting 18 skilled female operators competing, networking and advocating for greater diversity in construction. The second featured Volvo Days 2024, where we tested electric machines and explored Volvo’s sustainability initiatives. By blending firsthand experiences with expert analysis, our Editor at Large column provides an unparalleled perspective on the industry.
Mini Skid Steer Madness: A Deep Dive into a Growing Category
Compact Equipment’s Machine Heads video series, hosted by construction equipment expert Wayne Grayson, earned recognition in the Online Video category for its deep dive into the mini skid steer market. The Ultimate Mini Skid Steer Guide is an informative, engaging episode designed to help contractors and landscapers navigate this booming category. Grayson’s dynamic presentation, combined with expert narration, visuals and analysis, makes this video stand out. The episode explores everything from mini skid steer evolution to key performance metrics like lift capacity, hydraulic power and ground pressure. It also examines standout models such as the Kubota SCL1000 and Wacker Neuson SM100, helping professionals make informed purchasing decisions.
Compact Equipment’s latest Azbee honors add to its growing list of industry accolades. In 2022, the publication won a national gold award in the How-To Article category, and in 2023, its July/August print issue was named Best Single Issue. These recognitions reinforce the team’s dedication to producing top-tier content for construction professionals. As Compact Equipment moves into 2025, the team remains committed to pushing industry storytelling boundaries — whether through print, video or digital coverage. Thank you to our readers for your support and engagement. Here’s to another year of excellence in compact equipment journalism.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
