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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 44 years.
4
EDITORIAL
The economic danger of the pandemic has come from an unexpected source.
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
Hy-Cor sold to Five Bo... Brandt buys Cervus...Alex Mackenzie joins Canadian Rental Service
21
EVENTOLOGY
The Women in Rental panel was an inspiring experience.
The equipment customers will need for next spring’s wet season. 10 26 18 22 26
10 THE SPECIALISTS
How High Arctic serves a market like no other.
22
DEWATERING CONSTRUCTION
Your customers can’t build in a swamp. Here’s what to know about jobsite dewatering..
WHAT WENT HONG
Don’t forget about your portable fire extinguishers. by James Hong 14
15 AT YOUR SERVICE
What we can learn from examples of Olympic excellence. by Russ Dantu
PUMP SHOWCASE
30
HOPE IS NOT A PLAN
Keep your eye on your own results. by Adam Snook
COUNTER TALKS
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Price pressure
The economic danger of the pandemic has come from an unexpected source.
Inflation in Canada hit 4.1 percent in August, according to Statistics Canada, and 5.3 percent in the U.S. The Bank of Canada is predicting it to stay above its “control range” of one to three percent for the rest of the year, then subside back to a more normal two percent in 2022. Here’s hoping it is right. One thing is for sure, once the prices of things go up, they don’t come down for a long time, if ever.
I’ve been worrying about inflationary conditions since at least spring of 2020 when it started to become clear that the pandemic was not going to slow demand in most sectors, and actually act as an accelerator in others. Even then, it was clear that it was going to be hard to meet that demand with the restrictions on moving around, congregating and international shipping that were in place. What I didn’t anticipate was the lack of slack in the capacity of our supply chains, leading to bizarre shortages of things you tend to think are in infinite supply, like shipping containers. Supply chains tend to be able to absorb hits to one or two links by replacing those links with different suppliers or suppliers in other areas, or by creatively bridging the gap in the chain by shifting to other products or using different delivery methods. But the pandemic hit everyone, everywhere, at every position on the supply chain all at the same time. And every supply chain has its weak links: bottlenecks where all else is dependent on few or even
ON THE WEB:
Download the CounterTalks podcast at canadianrentalservice.com or wherever you get your podcasts for these recent episodes:
Episode #26: Papers, please Ryan Mallough, Ontario director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses shares what you need to know about vaccine passports.
Episode #25: Hot in Canada
Get John Deere’s take on the Canadian construction equipment market: what’s hot, what’s not, what’s hard to get and what’s coming.
by Patrick Flannery
only one supplier. Impacts at the lowest end of the chains –commodities and raw materials – disrupt multiple chains. And impacts to parts of the chain where alternate suppliers can’t be easily found and production can’t be easily ramped up to clear backlogs – computer chips, for example – create not only broad but long-term shortages.
If you remember the old supply and demand curve in Economics 101, the price of things is where the two curves intersect. When the demand curve shifts upward, the price shifts upward if the supply curve stays the same. That’s what I thought was going to happen when I looked at things early last year. And it has. But what has also happened is the supply curve has shifted down the graph. That brings the price intersection back down toward where it was before, but with fewer goods and services delivered. That’s bad. It’s called economic decline – a shrinking market where less goes on even though demand is still being met and suppliers are still selling at the same price.
So far, with the inflation numbers being what they are, it looks like demand is still outstripping supply by a large margin. But if that goes on indefinitely, higher prices will eventually eat up savings and demand will slip. That will disincentivize manufacturers to invest towards increased production, creating a long-term reduction in supply. Then it becomes a matter of regular, long-term growth to restore activity to where it was before, during which time we’re all a little poorer and doing less business.
So we need to cross our fingers and hope that the Bank of Canada is right in its assessment that the present inflation numbers are the result of shocks to the economy from the pandemic that will dissipate as life returns to normal. And we need to hope that our equipment manufacturers can find ways to get the parts and production capacity they need to clear the present backlogs. These supply issues have derailed the strong general recovery I predicted last year. But equipment rental stores appear to be doing fine, and event rentals are at least back in business. Let’s hope our supply chains can figure things out before the party stops. CRS
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INDUSTRY NEWS
BRANDT BUYS CERVUS
Brandt Tractor and Cervus Equipment have announced Brandt will acquire all shares in Cervus for $302 million.
Angela Lekatsas, president and CEO of Cervus, said, “This transaction delivers tremendous value for our shareholders and clearly demonstrates the successful execution of our strategy. As a private company with a committed, well-capitalized and long-term owner, Cervus will be better positioned for the next stage of evolutionary growth for our dealerships. The size and scale of the entity created by the combination of our two companies will allow for increased investment into Cervus for the benefit of our employees and customers”.
Shaun Semple, CEO of Brandt, said, “The Brandt team is excited about this deal as it will allow us to better serve our customer base across Canada. The addition of Cervus’ offerings will form three brand new segments at Brandt dedicated to serving the agriculture, transportation and material handling industries. These segments, in addition to our existing specializations in construction, road building, forestry and more, will further establish Brandt as a total solutions provider across our diverse customer groups.”
The Brandt group of companies is headquartered in Regina and employs 3,400 people worldwide in diverse divisions including agricultural products, construction equipment, landscaping equipment, tractors and trailers and more. Cervus equipment is an equipment dealer with 64 locations across Canada representing John Deere, Peterbilt, JLG, Clark, Doosan and Sellick.
CFIB OFFERS GUIDANCE ON VACCINE POLICY
The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses has made a new resource document available to members to assist them in developing a policy regarding COVID vaccination for staff. The template is not intended to provide a framework for mandating vaccines for customers or staff, and the CFIB explicitly recommends against doing so in its release. CFIB announcement follows:
“Our members are frequently contacting our business advisors about vaccination in their workplaces. We are pleased to share our new vaccination policy template that we developed in collaboration with lawyers from Sherrard Kuzz. It’s a detailed resource to help you discuss vaccination issues with your staff without spending thousands on professional counselling. As vaccination is a complex topic, this policy can help you have this conversation sensitively and implement the right health and safety protocols for your business. It doesn’t mandate vaccination for your employees but rather outlines your expectations as well as the employee’s rights. As a rule, CFIB does not comment or advocate on medical issues. However, considering the many legal issues involved (health and safety, human rights, privacy, employment and labour relations), we felt it important to give you this tool to mitigate risks to your business and avoid fines, lawsuits and/ or forced closures. CFIB recommends that you use caution in considering any policy that would require employees or customers to be vaccinated. As governments themselves are reluctant to mandate vaccines in settings like hospitals, a small business could face an expensive human rights or privacyrelated lawsuit if it were to implement one. You can find it in our membersexclusive resource library that houses a variety of templates and documents every business owner should have, including:
• New vaccination policy
• Drug and alcohol policy
• Employee handbook
• Social media policy
• Anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies”
ALEX MACKENZIE JOINS CANADIAN RENTAL SERVICE
Annex Business Media is proud to announce Alex Mackenzie has joined Canadian Rental Service. Alex takes on the role of associate editor as Sukanya Ray Ghosh steps into her new role as editor for Manufacturing Automation and Pulp & Paper Canada.
Alex graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2011 with a BS in psychology and subsequently earned their MA in English in 2017 from Southern New Hampshire University. They bring with them diverse editorial knowledge and experience in the B2B publication sector having worked as associate editor for Allured Business Media’s Perfumer & Flavorist magazine from 2019 to 2021.
One of Alex’s primary focuses in this role is to revitalize Canadian Rental Service’s social media presence across all platforms.
BIG MOVES AT FIVE BO
Norseman has announced an agreement with Five Bo, a St. Albert, Alta.,-based multi-line independent representation agent, to represent Norseman products to the equipment rental channel. Five Bo is active in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It will offer Norseman heater duct, air conditioning duct, insulated blankets, secondary containment berms, debris netting, PE tarps, snow tarps and more. Five Bo will maintain a base inventory for emergency fill and small orders with most product continuing to ship from Norseman in Calgary, Edmonton, Langley, B.C., or Newmarket, Ont.
“Our decision to partner with Five Bo was based not only on their combined experience of over 75 years with small to heavy equipment and in the equipment rental industry,” said Gary Webb, Norseman’s business director for construction and ventilation, “but also on their commitment to not just sell product, but to be a solutions provider.”
“Five Bo Inc is excited to partner with Norseman as their manufacturer representative to the rental industry in Western Canada,” said Jim Boddez, president of Five Bo. “The ownership group of Five Bo has a history with Norseman and Northwest Tent and Awning stretching back close to 100 years when our families settled in Western Canada. In addition, we have been working with tarps and ducting from Norseman in the rental market since the late 1980s. We are looking forward to providing our rental partners another ‘solution’ in the form
CLEMENT AT RENTAL MART
The Canadian Rental Mart, Canada’s national trade show for the equipment and event rental industries, will return as an in-person event for the first time since 2018 on March 8 and 9 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. The biennial show had to be postponed due to pandemic lockdown in 2020, then moved online in 2021. The aim of the Rental Mart is to “bounce back better” from the pandemic layoff with some unique new elements. The 2022 edition will feature Centre Stage, an in-show presentation zone where attendees can take in exclusive talks and interactive conversations with experts and industry leaders.
of ducting, tarping and containment from Norseman.” London, Ont.,-based, Hy-Cor, a supplier of temporary power and lighting equipment and personal protection products to the Canadian rental industry since 2009, has been acquired by St. Albert, Alta.’s, Five Bo, a multi-line rental equipment dealer owned by Jim Boddez, Craig Barnstable and Bob Boddez. Hy-Cor owner, Neil Courneya, said, “I am extremely excited for the opportunity to sell Hy-Cor to the great group of people at Five-Bo. It was very important to me after 11 years of running Hy-Cor to have people take over that understand the rental industry, are very well respected and can bring Hy-Cor to the next level while at the same time supporting the wonderful staff that have been with Hy-Cor for so long. I have known, Jim, Bob and Craig for a while now and not only do they work very hard at their business, they are a great group of people to be associated with. I couldn’t be happier for our staff, our vendors, and our terrific customers who will have nothing but a first rate experience with the new owners.”
Jim Boddez commented, “Five Bo has been representing Hy-Cor in western Canada for almost five years, so when the opportunity to purchase Hy-Cor came up, our ownership group saw the acquisition as a direct channel to the Ontario market. Hy-Cor is also the manufacturing representative for Sullair in Ontario so we can now take care of Sullair customers from B.C. through Ontario. Hy-Cor will operate under the same name, with the same staff and location, but they will be picking up some new lines. The first two lines added will be DDM-Concut (diamond blades) and HPI Widder (pneumatic industrial products). Hy-Cor will also be building up the used equipment offering in Ontario. Five Bo has been able to offer some used options to rental houses for their rental fleets and Hy-Cor will be offering the same. Of course, Hy-Cor will also consider trade-ins when customers are looking to buy new equipment. Five Bo Inc will also aid rental houses looking to sell or acquire businesses in the Ontario market. With experience in almost 20 acquisitions, we are here to connect buyers and sellers of rental organizations and help them through the process. The Five Bo ownership group is very excited to grow their offering in Ontario and look forward to providing solutions to the rental industry in a new market.”
Already confirmed for Centre Stage is former federal industry minister, the Honourable Tony Clement. Clement now chairs Reshoring Canada, a public information and advocacy group dedicated to securing Canada’s industrial supply chains and bringing key manufacturing capabilities back to the country. As minster of industry and health in Ottawa and minister of health and environment in Ontario, as well as a term as president of the Treasury Board, Clement is uniquely positioned to comment on the challenges we all face obtaining needed machinery, equipment and supplies in Canada today. The Rental Mart will be your chance to put questions to one of the senior policymakers driving Canada’s economic strategy over the past 20 years.
For more information visit canadianrentalmart.com.
THE UTILITY EXPO ALREADY LARGER THAN RECORD-BREAKING 2019 SHOW
New data from The Utility Expo indicates that the 2021 event will have seven percent more exhibit space than the 2019 record-breaking show.
“We have exceeded 1.4 million square feet of space for the first time in show history, with 1.2 million of that being outdoors,” said John Rozum, show director of The Utility Expo. The 2019 edition of The Utility Expo, then known as ICUEE, was named “The Greatest Trade Show” of 2019; the largest non-annual show of 2019; and the second-largest overall show, among other superlatives by Trade Show Executive. This year will see increased exhibit space and additional layout changes.
“This is going to be the event that utility professionals, especially those making company-level decisions, and those needing professional development hours, can’t miss,”
said Planet Underground president and owner, Mike Parilac, who is producing the first ever beginningto-end underground utility work demonstration, The Jobsite, at The Utility Expo. “It’s one thing to see videos and read articles about these processes. It’s another to see the work in front of you in a way you can ask questions and see for yourself what the equipment and technology can do for your career and business.”
The Utility Expo runs Sept. 28 to 30 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kty. With 85 percent of the exhibit space being outdoors, and the Kentucky Expo Center being a GBAC Star Certified facility, utility industry professionals and exhibitors can be confident in the show’s ability to bring the utility industry together safely to introduce new products, make connections and conduct business.
LIUGONG NORTH AMERICA APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT
LiuGong North America appointmented Andrew Ryan as president of LiuGong North America, in August. Ryan has 25 years’ experience in the construction equipment industry. While at Caterpillar, he served in senior roles in machine marketing, dealer administration, rental and aftermarket parts. Ryan has a global perspective having lived and worked in the U.S., Chile and Singapore. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and Spanish from Illinois State University and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
THE SPECIALISTS
High Arctic relies on expertise to serve a critical
Canadian industry.
To stay ahead of the competition, rental companies do their best to go above and beyond for their customers every single day. But for those that deal with Canada’s northern climate – and service a cyclical, vulnerable, primary industry to boot – good service needs a little extra attention.
by TREENA HEIN
For the rental division of High Arctic Energy Services (officially HAES Rentals but known as High Arctic), it’s all about maintaining excellent relationships with their roughly 30 core customers and maximizing their ability to package their offerings.
High Arctic, now a publicly-traded firm, was founded in 1993. It started out offering drilling and specialized well completion services in the oil and gas industry, doing a lot of what’s called ‘snubbing,’ which is moving pipe in and out of pressurized wells.
Then, around 2012, company leadership looked to expand into rentals. “We were renting a lot of equipment to do our own work and,
by 2016, we’d purchased the assets of Tervita Rentals, including its Whitecourt and Cold Lake locations,” explains Rentals manager, Trevor Barker. “I joined the company in mid-2017, taking over for my boss, Dan, who retired, and we rebranded late that year.”
The company services all of Alberta and sometimes into the Northwest Territories, with regional offices across Western Canada, the U.S. Rocky Mountain region and in Papua, New Guinea. The Canadian headquarters are just outside Edmonton.
High Arctic Rentals’ main outlet is in Cold Lake, about three and half hours’ drive northeast of Edmonton along Highway 28, not far
High Arctic’s technicians are no strangers to bad weather and use a risk matrix to make decisions around travelling when the roads get bad.
from the Saskatchewan border. The other two locations are located northwest along Hwy 43, the main oil sector highway. Whitecourt is about two hours’ drive from Edmonton, and Grande Prairie is about four and half hours out from the city.
The High Arctic rental team is small but mighty. Barker oversees six rental technicians at the three outlets who deliver, pick up and maintain close to 1,600 pieces of equipment as needed – and in all kinds of weather.
“The winter can be a problem,” says Barker. “When the roads get bad, the techs have a risk matrix to refer to for decision making and we also use a ‘journey management’ company. If needed, if it’s really snowy for example, my guys will call its 800 number and the company connects with them at various check-in points. If a truck needs to be located, we use our GPS system.” But the pressure to get equipment delivered today is not nearly as intense as it was in the ‘90s, Barker notes. “The conversation with customers is different nowadays and people
are more understanding of the risks to workers and equipment.”
Barker’s six rental technicians have all been with the company for years, and Barker credits two factors for the low turnover. First, a Rentals job is more stable compared to more cyclical oilfield work. Second, Barker believes every member of his team enjoys providing excellent service to long-standing customers. “It comes down to how fast we answer the phone, how fast can we deliver, how we speak to our customers and make sure we get their needs met,” he says.
While the rental technicians do general maintenance and small repairs, for big repairs as needed Barker calls on a roster of licenced heavy equipment mechanics, some of whom might work for the very customers renting the High Arctic equipment needing repair.
Besides great customer service, the other way that High Arctic stands out is through its ability to bundle. For example, it can combine rental of a hydraulic cat-
walk (more on them later) and an office trailer with a service rig. Barker explains, “We used to be like our current service competitors, only providing services and having to go to a rental firm to get what was needed. Or the customer would have to do that. But we offer it all, so it’s easy. The more we can offer, the better.”
EQUIPMENT RANGE
Among High Arctic’s almost 1,600 pieces of rental equipment, there are probably 100 trailers of various types (mostly office) as well as a lot of pressure control equipment (descriptively called ‘blow-preventers’). There are also a lot of power tongs and many, many other varied pieces of handling equipment, from elevators to bails. The Whitecourt location offers a lot of trailers and power generation equipment, where Cold Lake has that and also a large fleet of pressure control equipment, power swivels and hydraulic catwalks. The line-up at Grande Prairie is mostly pressure control equipment for snubbing.
“Since rentals started in 2016, we haven’t purchased a ton of new things,” says Barker. “I’d say, at the most, probably 60 new items. The catwalks, some pressure control equipment and some power generation such as light plants. The focus has been on retrofitting and recertification of our current fleet to maximise utilization. We are open to future equipment purchases, especially anything that can improve fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability of the oil and gas industry. It’s a necessity. And it’s also important in retrofits.”
For example, High Arctic has already retrofitted some of its light towers by swapping the old energy-intensive halogen fixtures for LEDs, enabling the generators to power much more than lights. Barker is pleased that a lot of the new catwalks are electrically powered (instead of diesel).
CATWALK PURCHASE
In July, High Arctic began acquiring 17 hydraulic catwalks from a company in the Cold Lake area for $1.1 million (previously, High Arctic had only one.) “Catwalks allow remote handling of pipes so it’s much safer,” says Barker. “They’ve been around for a while, and have improved in design over time. In certain areas they’re more in demand. There’s more value in using catwalks when the pipe size is larger, and certainly not every service rig uses them.”
Most of the catwalks are currently deployed with an existing High Arctic customer and as High Arctic incrementally takes possession of them all by the end of the year, assessments and upgrades will get underway. Most of them are ‘skidded’ (moved on a truck) and wheels are being added, for example. The controls are also being upgraded for greater user-friendliness.
COVID IMPACT
Before COVID, the High Arctic rental team numbered 11, including Barker. “When Covid hit, the prices of oil dropped and we had to lay five people off,” he says. “I was able to hire one back last year, but the location managers at the other two locations will not be coming back unless there’s something like a massive upswing in the oil patch. Having Teams on everyone’s cellphones and the
According to Trevor Baker, Rentals manager for High Arctic, all seven of the company’s rental delivery trucks are equipped with GPS tracking for safety.
High Arctic has already begun retrofitting for efficiency and sustainability by installing LED’s in place of older halogen fixtures.
NOT YOUR REGULAR RENTAL FLEET
Oilfield service requires some stuff you may not have seen before. Here’s a primer on some of the unique items
High Arctic stocks.
Hydraulic catwalks
Used to move tubing between the rig floor and the pipe racks. Push/pull catwalks use a ramp and a “skate” that runs on a cable-drive system mounted inside the catwalk deck.
Blowout preventers
Specialized valves that seal, control and monitor oil and gas wells to literally prevent blowouts (the uncontrolled release of oil or natural gas).
Elevators
Handling tools that close around the “collar” of a tube, allowing it to be pulled out of a well.
Tubing spiders
Similar to elevators and hold the pipe to prevent it from falling down into a well.
current activity level in oil and gas means that the seven of us can handle things. I think COVID made businesses across the world look at how they can be leaner and this has resulted in some changes that are now permanent.”
Besides COVID, the only other major recent challenge for High Arctic Rentals has been the general state of the oil and gas industry. “The pressures on the operators have increased,” says Barker, “which puts pressure on us in terms of our rates.”
GPS PROJECT
High Arctic’s seven rental delivery trucks all have GPS, and at about $35 per month, per truck, Barker says it’s a good bargain to ensure the safety of his technicians. However, before COVID, he’d started a project to evaluate whether having GPS on some pieces of rental equipment –basically anything with a motor – would be worthwhile. Monitoring usage means that maintenance can be more efficiently scheduled.
Bails
Large hooks that attach to the block (the part that moves up and down) of a drilling or service rig.
Power swivels
Hook onto and rotate pipes in a drilling hole or are used to turn drills that remove obstructions in a drill hole.
Scrapers
Used with power swivels to remove debris from pipe casings.
Power tongs
Very large, self-locking wrenches that turn pneumatically or hydraulically. They are used to make or “break out” drill pipe, casing or other types of pipe.
Adapter spools
Used to connect two pieces of equipment that have oil or gas running through them at different pressure levels.
Acccumulators
Mobile engine-driven devices that create hydraulic pressure to run hydraulic equipment.
“I think $200 to $400 a year is prettyminimal to monitor usage on a $50,000 piece of equipment, but there are costs that come into play in the field due to lack of cell coverage, having to use satellite phone tech,” Barker explains. “The costs vary too depending how often you want to communicate with the machine. It’s fairly intensive to do the cost-benefit analysis and it will be a while before I have any conclusions. I started before COVID and took a break with COVID, and we’ve also switched GPS companies.”
Barker credits past mentors and his current supervisors for cementing his understanding of the three ingredients for success: safety, customer service and profitability. “They’ve also all encouraged me to broaden your horizons,” he says. “My supervisors are very supportive with that. I’m only three or four courses away from my business management degree and have also taken many personal development courses.” CRS
WHAT WENT HONG
Don’t forget the fire extinguishers
by James Hong
In this issue, I’ll be covering portable fire extinguisher inspections in the workplace. Portable fire extinguishers require monthly inspections and everyone with access to extinguishers in the workplace must be trained to perform them. National requirements fall under the NFPA 10 standards, regulated by the international non-profit organization the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 10 is a hefty set of rules covering 275 codes and standards for effectively every building, process, service, design and installation, including five classes and three hazard ratings. The inspection requirements for Class A extinguishers include a monthly visual inspection; an annual inspection with maintenance; a disassemble and recharge every six years; and a hydrostatic test after 12 years (it is usually less costly to just buy a new one).
Here’s the visual inspection checklist.
Accessibility: Where is it? Can you reach it with ease? Are there any obstructions?
Location: Are the units near exits? Are they near pathways? Are there a sufficient number of extinguishers for the area in question?
Class: Is the class marking clear?
Tags: Does the tag include the inspection date? Does it include the recharging date and servicing agent?
Damage: Is the nameplate legible? Is there corrosion, dents or signs of tampering?
Signage: Is the extinguisher obstructed from view? Do the units require location signage?
Safety ring: Are the ring and pin in place?
Tamper seal: Is the zip-tie in place and unbroken? Is the chain in place and unbroken?
Nozzle: Are the discharge nozzle and nozzle opening clear and free of residue?
Prior use: Is there powder in the nozzle? If there are signs of use, send the unit for servicing.
Charging: Check the charge reading on top. Perform a quick lift test.
Instructions: Are the operating instructions
clear? Are they facing outward?
Now for a few important NFPA 10 portable fire extinguisher installation requirements:
For units weighing more than 40 pounds, the top of the fire extinguisher should not be more than 3.5 feet above the floor. Less than 40 pounds, the top of the fire extinguisher should not be more than five feet above the floor. Except for wheeled units, the base must be at least four inches above the floor. The allowed travel distance between standard-size portable fire extinguishers is determined by the class of extinguishers your facility requires. Class A (ordinary combustibles) allows 75 feet or less. Class B (potential for liquid fires) is 50 feet or less. Class C (energized electrical equipment present) is 75 feet or less. Class D: (potential for fires involving combustible metals) is also 75 feet or less. Finally, Class K (potential for fires involving combustible cooking media) requires an extinguisher every 30 feet or less.
All buildings require Class A extinguishers. Units rated for class B, C, D and K hazards must be installed when those hazards are present. A single fire extinguisher capable of fighting more than one type of fire may meet the requirements for multiple fire types.
As per the Canada Labour Code 937-1IPG-038, employers are responsible for training employees who have access to fire extinguishers in the workplace, as well as providing refresher training between six months to one year. The main take away here, is to have the correct class of extinguisher, know where the fire protection equipment is located, know how to operate the equipment, and remember the acronym PASS: pull the pin; aim at the base of the fire; squeeze the trigger; sweep the nozzle.
Be safe. Be well. CRS
James Hong is an OH&S consultant for the construction industry.
Go for the gold!
What we can learn from Olympic champions.
by Russ Dantu
The Olympics have recently finished and Canada has won the most medals in a nonboycotted year ever! Well done to all the Olympians who trained hard, chased their dreams and grew from the experience. Not everyone came home with a medal, but when you think about what it takes to even become an Olympian, it’s an amazing feat just to be a part of the Olympic team. This got me thinking about what we can learn from our Canadian heroes and how it applies to our workplaces:
1) Finding the right coach or mentor to help us succeed is crucial. Someone with years of business experience in our specific industry and has gone through the good times and bad times can guide us, help us avoid unpleasant situations and help us be our absolute best. When we succeed, they also succeed and share in the big wins we have because they have played such an important role in us accomplishing greatness.
2) You get out of it what you put into it. I see many business owners and managers who are passionate about what they do and they give 100 percent all the time. They encourage and invigorate their teams to do the same and reward them for their efforts. Unfortunately, I also see a lot of business owners and managers who have lost their drive, become stagnant in their growth, given up or just seem like they really don’t care. As business owners, we need to have the same drive we had when we first opened our doors. As managers, we need to continuously strive to up our game and groom our employees to be their best so we are at the top of the pack in our industry.
3)Attitude determines altitude. I remember many times in my youth while playing on sports teams, I would see some incredibly talented athletes who could have gone onto greatness but their attitude was poor. They let greatness slip away because
they thought they were good enough in skill that it would carry them. In business, there are a lot of talented people out there with extremely sharp minds. They rise to the top because they also possess that incredibly important asset which beats out talent all of the time: attitude. Without a positive attitude, you’ll drag yourself down and the team down. With a positive attitude, the sky is the limit.
4) Talent can be taught. Too often, I see amazing people doing such a good job in the position they are in that owners and managers do not promote them when openings happen. I have stated before that sometimes people are pushed into a different position because they excel. It can sometimes backfire, but it’s also true that if we offer them the right training, give them the support they need and encourage them, they can learn new talents and really excel in a new position. Take our Olympic gold medalist, Kelsey Mitchell, who won in the track sprint event. She didn’t start cycling until four years ago. She had always played soccer. Now she’s an Olympic champion cyclist!
When we look at our businesses and our teams, we should think of them like training grounds for the Olympics. If we are going to be the best in our respective businesses, we have to have great coaches and mentors. We have to lead by example and give 100 percent all the time. We have to display a positive attitude when working with our teams, colleagues and customers. We have to find talent within our teams and promote accordingly to take our game to the next level.
Being an Olympian isn’t easy. Neither is being a business owner. These four simple suggestions, that have helped groom many athletes into Olympians, can also help you elevate your company and team to be the very best in your industry.
Take care of yourselves, your teams and your customers! CRS
WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T FIT A SMARTGRADE™ DOZER INTO SMALL SPACES? WE FIT ONE INTO A CTL.
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BEST FOOT FORWARD
PPE built for women better prepares female workers for the skilled trades.
TThe current state of the economy shows an immediate need for workers following the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when it comes to the manufacturing and construction industries.
by ROBIN SKILLING, KEEN UTILITY
But the bleaker picture is the state of these industries over the next decade and the lack of skilled workers to fill the demand for the growing number of projects.
According to the government of Canada, between 2019 and 2028, about 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire. Meeting the demand for anticipated projects will require the recruiting and training of thousands of additional skilled workers.
That being said, there is optimism around meeting these needs, as provinces and the government of Canada along with non-profit groups work together to encourage younger generations and untapped demographics to join the trades. One of the demographics that is essential to reach is women. However, there
are systemic barriers that need to be addressed to encourage women to pursue careers in the trades.
In order to elevate women in the industry, safety must remain a high priority. This means women need the right protective equipment for the job and, more importantly, the right fit. For too long women in the trades have needed to find workarounds for PPE designed largely for men. Gear and equipment such as boots, respirators, and even tools are mandatory for the jobsite. Despite this, many women feel frustrated – and potentially unsafe – using ill-fitting equipment. Keeping every employee on the jobsite safe is non-negotiable and can often be achieved by ensuring proper fit when it comes to PPE.
LEFT: Proper PPE for women ensures jobsite safety and makes it conducive for them to work in the trades.
RIGHT: Innovation and advancement in materials in recent years has contributed to the improved fit and functionality of PPE gear.
RECRUITMENT IS KEY TO IMPENDING SHORTFALL
Although Canada has experienced a small rise in the number of women joining the skilled trades, there is certainly room for improvement. In 2018, Statistics Canada reported that women accounted for roughly 47 percent of the national workforce. Of that, just 12 percent were in construction, and only an estimated four percent working in on-site jobs with the remainder holding off-site roles.
While there is a national movement to recruit all Canadians into the skilled trades, there are also programs that specifically focus on elevating women into these fields. In 2018, the government announced several programs to encourage women to join the trade movement including an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women, a Women in Construction Fund and a new pre-apprenticeship program. These efforts hope to play a part in securing thousands of jobs for women in the workforce.
Further, this past May, parliament members secured nearly $900,000 in funding to the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades for a project housed under the Union Training and Innovation Program.
On top of the national efforts, provinces and territories are taking it upon themselves to incentivize untapped demographics. One example is the Ontario government investing $47 million over the course of the next year to hire more apprentices, improve the quality of training and help them complete their certification through the new Achievement Incentive Program and the expanded Apprenticeship Capital Grant.
In terms of initiatives focused on safety, the Builders Code is a pilot program in British Columbia whose main goal is to ensure the province’s construction employers adopt and champion human resource policies guaranteeing the equal and fair treatment of women. Research has demonstrated that equal and fair treatment of all employees and a feeling of inclusivity is essential for creating a safe and productive workplace.
IMPORTANCE OF PPE OPTIONS FOR WOMEN
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, PPE is the last line of defense for a worker when it is not possible to eliminate a potential workplace hazard. However, if personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can’t be effective.
CCOHS states: “All workers have a right to a safe workplace. PPE designed for the dimensions of an average male worker means that female workers may be forced to rely on gear that is too large or disproportionate.”
With this in mind, a 2016 study of female construction workers in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found a majority of women reported fit problems with many types of PPE including gloves, harnesses, safety vests and work boots. The general complaint was that the equipment was too large to be worn effectively.
At the end of the day, addressing women’s safety needs on the jobsite creates a more inclusive and appealing working environment for them in the trades. When it comes to PPE, safety starts from the ground up. Proper footwear helps reduce the chances of slips, trips and falls along with crush and impact injuries on the jobsite. Additionally, the type of footwear can have a significant impact on comfort and all-day performance. Selecting the right work boot or shoe with the correct fit and appropriate features for the specific trade, task, or environment can play a large part in making the days feel shorter and the job that much easier, not to mention safer.
PUTTING THE BEST FOOT FORWARD
Women in the market for safety boots or shoes should seek out brands that design and fit their products for the specific biomechanics of a woman’s foot and a women’s-specific fit will help to lay the foundation for a better performing work boot. Other fit and safety features include an unobtrusive fitting safety toe cap to give feet room to move, breathe and bend and a heel cup that makes the wearer feel like their foot sinks back into the footwear as the boot is laced up. These elements
TECH TIPS
contribute to keeping the foot comfortable and stable. Stability is crucial when it comes to safety on the job. Being able to trust each step can have a significant impact when it comes to preventing accidents.
Beyond fit, it’s essential to choose a safety footwear that satisfies the proper industry standards. In Canada, all CSAcertified safety footwear must include a puncture-resistant midsole plate for underfoot protection. In today’s market, some of the most important changes to the safety footwear has involved the innovation and advancement of materials. For example, puncture-resistant plates can now be flexible, non-metallic woven textiles, helping to reduce weight and improve flexibility without sacrificing safety.
Other material advancements have bridged the gap between trades and trends. New materials such as non-marring, high-tensile-strength fabrics bring an athletic-inspired breathability and
functionality to the safety market. This has led to the ability to create sportier, more sneaker-like silhouettes. Comfort materials and advanced compounds further add the support and energy return needed for long days on hard surfaces.
When it comes to finding the best fit for footwear, workers should try on shoes towards the end of the day when feet tend to be at their largest. Both feet should be measured when shoe shopping as most feet are not the same size. Workers should also bring a pair of socks they would typically wear with their boots. Socks should provide cushioning and ideally be made of a moisture-wicking material like Merino wool. A smart sock choice can also prevent foot problems like fungal infections or blisters.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF THE TRADES
Now is the time for manufacturers
and purchasing managers to invest in recruiting women to the skilled trades. That starts with creating a safe space for women to work – including proper-fitting PPE. It is up to each business and work crew to set the bar for women’s PPE high and ensure that all employees feel safe and empowered to take on any task at hand. CRS
Robin Skillings is the senior global marketing director for Keen Utility. In her tenure at Keen Utility she has spearheaded the “Tradeswomen Tested” program, enlisting some of today’s leading female tradeswomen to test and advise in the development of future women’s-specific safety products for the brand.
For more tips and tricks for your business, visit canadianrentalservice.com > Tech Tips
Women in rental
by Michelle Nicol
Ihad the pleasure of being part of the Women in Rental panel during last months Rental Mart and let me tell you, it was a powerful and eye-opening experience. If you missed it, hopefully you caught the replay as we shared stories, tips and insight into what being a woman in the rental industry has been like. The panelists were from all different backgrounds, education and had different introductions into the rental industry. For some, they joined because of a family run business, for others, their careers started as just a summer job. For me, I was introduced to a large rental company in Toronto through an industry contact, after graduating from Seneca College’s Event Management program. Upon graduating, I wasn’t sure which sector of events I would head in so I happily accepted the offer, and 15 years later, I have not looked back.
During the Women in Rental panel, we also discussed how we can spread the word to other women looking to get into this industry but who may need a little help. Referral incentives for existing employees and speaking to colleges, universities and trade schools about women in rental are just a few of the amazing ideas we discussed. It’s all about setting an example of what being a woman in the rental industry means and all of the endless possibilities that await them.
Being in the event and party sector of the rental industry, I have been fortunate to have only faced a fraction of the challenges that my female colleagues in the construction and tool industries have, but that is not to say that women in the event rental industry have not had to crush barriers as well. I think we have all experienced that situation of being overlooked by certain customers, those looking to “speak to a manager” or wanting to speak to a man who is perceived as having more experience with certain equipment. We can overcome these obstacles by
continuing to be visible within our industry and increase the representation of women in all areas of rental, whether it be event, construction or tool. We are so fortunate to have many strong women pioneering our industry and setting an example and path for the future of women in rental. Our industry will continue to flourish and grow with women at the helm, but we have to continue promoting why rental is a career that is full of opportunity and growth potential for both women and men alike.
If I were to give advice to any women looking to enter the event industry, it would be to ask all of the questions and never stop learning. Take advantage of all webinars, classes and training sessions, whether it be for sales or equipment. You want to absorb as much knowledge as is available to you, as that is what will keep you engaged and an asset to your company. Also, don’t be afraid to get involved in your local or national boards and committees. You will meet other women in rental from all walks of life who are always eager to share
“It’s all about setting an example of what being a woman in the rental industry means.”
stories, tips and tricks. The rental industry is dynamic, exciting and full of possibilities for a fulfilling and exciting career. CRS
Michelle is an award-winning account manager and festival specialist with Higgins Event Rentals in Toronto. She is an active member in industry associations and enjoys serving on a variety of boards and committees.
DEWATERING CONSTRUCTION SITES
Understand site dewatering to offer better advice..
In Canada, there is a joke that there are only two seasons: winter and construction. Though construction continues at a good pace in many parts of Canada under normal winter conditions, the arrival of spring every March means construction projects can be built quicker and easier as the snow melts and the ground thaws.
by RICHARD GURBERG
Spring also marks the beginning of Canada’s flood season. As temperatures rise, above average snowpack and heavy rainfall can increase the possibility of flooding due to snowmelt and runoff causing overflow in flood-prone areas, especially where the water table is high. For these reasons and more, nearly all construction sites need to carry out dewatering processes to remove water accumulation and/or temporarily lower the water table so that construction can take place.
Construction dewatering refers to the process of removing water from an excavated site, such as a foundation pit for a home or building, when it is located below the groundwater table, or when constructing in a wet area. The purpose of dewatering is to keep the excavation dry so that concrete footings and other foundation work can be properly completed. Dewatering also keeps the workplace dry and safe for construction crews since a muddy work site presents a slipping hazard for both people and machinery, and accumulated water near electrical equipment poses a safety risk. Besides creating a dangerous work environment for crew members, uncontrolled groundwater can cause floods in excavated areas, damaging construction equipment and materials,
causing trench collapses and compromising the structure that is being built. Dewatering can be costly and time-consuming, but the damages resulting from failing to remove the water or putting in preventative measures are almost always worse. Having a dewatering plan is an effective way to help keep the construction project within budget and on schedule by ensuring concrete foundations and footings are kept dry so they set properly. It also helps avoid on-site accidents due to mud and slick conditions.
DEWATERING BEST PRACTICES
When developing a dewatering plan, it is important to consider that each site is a unique environment with its own specific challenges, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. It is best to perform a site-specific evaluation, including assessing historical data if available, and local records of the area to gain a deeper understanding of the groundwater behaviour. If possible, consult with a ground engineering specialist or other experienced professionals with dewatering expertise who can help assess specific project needs and recommend the best solution at an efficient cost.
In any dewatering application, the following
best practices should be mandated:
• Perform an analysis of the water table conditions within the area before beginning any dewatering processes.
• Choose an appropriate discharge location, paying close attention to follow local, provincial and federal requirements and best construction management practices when groundwater will be discharged to wetlands, lakes or directly to sewer inlets.
• Do not discharge groundwater that has been contaminated with grease, oil or chemical products to prevent environmental pollution and avoid legal noncompliance.
• Monitor for signs of soil erosion, such as cracks in the soil and overhangs, and discontinue dewatering if the area shows signs of instability.
• Choose discharge water channels that are stable and heavily vegetated, if possible, to help reduce soil erosion.
• Avoid pumping groundwater directly into slopes to prevent rapid erosion.
• Check with your municipal, provincial and/or federal agencies regarding additional requirements or specific permits that may be needed.
DEWATERING APPLICATIONS
In addition to residential and commercial construction sites, dewatering is also performed for concrete repair jobs; pipeline projects; mining applications; pond or lake excavations for making stormwater management systems; and in the installation and maintenance of utility lines such as sewers, water, telecommunications and electricity. In the aftermath of natural disasters such as floods and storms, emergency dewatering solutions can help to quickly counter the damage wrought on these areas by devastating floodwaters.
DEWATERING TECHNIQUES
There are five main methods of dewatering construction sites: sump pumps, wellpoints, eductor wells, deep wells and inflatable cofferdams. Other methods may include siphoning or using large construction machinery buckets to scoop and dump water, though these techniques are typically reserved for smaller projects.
1. Sump pumps
Sump pumping is the most common dewatering practice. This method uses gravity to collect groundwater in sumps as the water seeps down into the excavation areas and then it is pumped out to the discharge location. There are different types of sump pumps depending on the volume of water needing to be removed and the soil type. For example, if the groundwater is mixed with a lot of silt, a pump with hardened components or coatings might be the better choice.
2. Wellpoint
Wellpoint systems use a series of drilled wells which are aligned alongside the excavated areas. The wells are connected at riser pipes (or dewatering pipes), which are connected to a flexible swing pipe on the surface. A common header pipe connects the entire system, and a vacuum pump at one end of
the header pipe uses suction to draw the groundwater up to be discharged away from the excavation site. Wellpoints are best suited for excavation depths of five to six meters and can be installed in a wide variety of soils including sands, silts, soft clays, gravels and stratified soils.
3. Eductor wells
Eductor wells are similar to wellpoint systems, however they rely on high-pressure water rather than a vacuum to draw the water. Eductor wells are effective for situations in which
up concrete, boulders, and bedrock — mix with water and pour into holes.
One product for all temperatures
The Original.
There are five main methods of dewatering construction sites: sump pumps, wellpoints, eductor wells, deep wells and inflatable cofferdams.
pumping levels are too deep for wellpoints. These systems require a high-pressure supply line at the head of the well and a low-pressure return line. Often, installation, monitoring, control and maintenance experience is required to operate eductor well systems at maximum performance and efficiency. While more costly to install than wellpoint systems, they typically have a lower operating cost and are more scalable.
4. Deep wells
In situations where the water table needs to be lowered to depths of up to several hundred meters, deep wells are
commonly used for site dewatering and are created by drilling boreholes around the excavation area. Deep wells are often used with a submersible pump which extracts the groundwater via discharge lines, lowering the groundwater level to the project’s desired depth. Once the boreholes are drilled, casings are used to stabilize and retain the bored wells. Deep wells are mostly used for projects where large amounts of water need to be pumped away from the excavation site, for example, tunnels and dam building.
5. Inflatable cofferdams
Inflatable cofferdams are water-inflated barriers used for dewatering and/or restricting water from re-entering excavation sites during construction. Unlike traditional cofferdams, which simply hold water away from a work area and are typically used in conjunction with a sump pump or some form of well, a water-inflated dam pumps the on-site water into itself. As it fills with water, the internal baffle system stabilizes to make a 45-degree forward lean, creating a watertight seal along the surface. Water-inflated cofferdams are constructed from industrial grade vinyl-coated polyester, which is extremely durable, making these devices suitable for various conditions and terrain. They are also reusable, and the size can be customized to suit the application, making them a highly cost-effective and sustainable option. Their versatility and the ease with which they are stored, transported and installed also make them a great do-it-yourself solution for general contractors, further helping to save costs. Water-inflated cofferdams are essential for dewatering shallow excavation sites and for use as a flood protection tool to keep residential and commercial properties safe from damaging floodwaters.
At the end of the day, establishing a dewatering plan and choosing reliable dewatering systems are crucial to maintaining a construction project’s critical path. Without a dry worksite, concrete pouring is halted, equipment and materials can become damaged, and working conditions are made hazardous. Dewatering allows work to proceed in dry conditions, with better precision, quality and as much safety as possible. CRS
Richard Gurberg is president and owner of Creatium Equipment, a Canadian distributor of flood protection and water control solutions.
PUMP SHOWCASE
SMALLER AND SHORT-TERM APPLICATIONS
8 wackerneuson.com
Wacker Neuson offers a compact dewatering pump with a self-priming mechanism, ideal for smaller and short-term applications. These high-performance pumps from the PG series
are designed for conveying water not containing large solids (diameters up to 6.5 millimetres). The dewatering pumps are equipped with a cast iron impeller, which is easy to adjust and at the same time has a long service life and is very easy to service. The PG2A is a two-inch pump with a 68-foot discharge head and a 169 gallons per minute discharge capacity. the PG3A three-inch pump boasts an 88-foot discharge head and 290 gallons per minute discharge capacity. Both can handle solids up to a quarter inch and are powered by Honda engines.
TWO ENGINE OPTIONS
8 koshinamerica.com
STV Series semi-trash pumps frok Koshin are suitable for sites with debris in the water stream, including mud, sand, pebbles and other debris. Contractors know that worksite water is often dirty and can wear down a clear-water pump. Koshin’s semi-trash pumps are designed with high-quality components for durability under tough construction site conditions. They feature both Hondadriven and Koshin-driven lines. STV Series pumps now come with a three-year warranty. Koshin’s K-180 engine is designed for low vibration, low noise and high fuel efficiency. Koshin-driven pumps provide a high-quality alternative to Honda with superior runtime on a full tank of fuel. Ideal applications include irrigation, construction, industrial and general water transfer. Silicone carbide mechanical seals increase the STV Series’ abrasive resistance,
leading to longer life and less maintenance. The impellers and volutes are constructed of spheroidal graphite ductile cast iron for durability and long life. The pump housings are made of die cast aluminum for strength, weight reduction and portability. STV Series pumps come with rugged powdercoated roll cages.
USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES
8 generac.com
The Generac ST20K twoinch semi-trash water pump is specifically engineered to handle muddy or sandy water. Powered by a 208-cubic centimeter Generac engine that pumps up to 158 gallons per minute, it’s ideal for tough applications. Features such as a low-oil shutdown to protect the engine from damage make it both durable and easy to use. The ST20K comes with an easy-prime custom funnel design for quick and easy priming; a folding handle for easy transportation; a large
three-gallon steel fuel tank with an incorporated fuel gauge providing up to five hours runtime; and a durable one-inch frame to withstand harsh environments. The all-inclusive kit includes a 12-foot suction hose; a 25-foot discharge hose; and a strainer. Colour-coded suction and discharge ports ensure the correct hose connections. Durable silicone carbide mechanical seals provide protection from abrasive materials. Onboard instructions with icons of key touch points make this pump easy to use.
QUIET OPERATION
8 amtpumps.com
AMT submersible contractor pumps are intended for use in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Applications include construction sites, waste water, storm water, farming, irrigation, excavation, mining, marine, basement and other general drainage applications involving sediment-laden liquids with solids up to 3/8-inch in diameter. The self-cleaning impeller features abrasionresistant high-chromium steel construction for durability. The pumps have a 3,450-RPM electric motor fitted with an unfinished power cord that requires field wiring (no controls are supplied). Motors are rated continuous duty and single-phase models
have thermal overload protection. Other features include a cast iron with stainless steel motor housing; a superior motor design for quiet operation; and silicone carbide mechanical seals and shaft seals. The threeinch and four-inch models feature a companion flange connection.
THERMAL SHUTOFF OPTION
8 sulzer.com
The submersible wastewater pump type ABS AS from Sulzer is designed to be a reliable pump for wastewater removal. The AS range includes models from one to three kilowatts for pumping wastewater and sewage from buildings and sites. The pumps have waterpressure-tight, encapsulated, fully flood-proof motors in standard and explosionproof versions. The provide reliable operation with a Contrablock system for solids from 40 to 80 millimeters and include vortex impellers for fibrous matter. Designed for high reliability even under long-term operating conditions AS pumps are suitable for transportable or fixed installations. They feature easy installation with an automatic coupling system. Ideal applications include domestic and commercial wastewater removal with or without toilet waste and removal of clear water, wastewater and sewage from buildings and
sites. The vortex hydraulics make them particularly suitable for fluids containing fibrous or abrasive matter. The two-inch version is especially suitable for pumping wastewater from underground garages. The Contrablock hydraulic system deals with larger proportions of solid or fibrous matter. A thermal control system with thermal sensors in the stator switches the pump off in the event of overheating and switches it on automatically after cooling down as an option. A high-quality sealing unit uses a silicone carbide mechanical seal between the motor and the hydraulic section, ensuring independent rotation direction and providing resistance to temperature shock. AS pumps include an oil-lubricated lip seal on the motor side and a stainless steel rotor shaft supported in lubricated-for-life ball bearings. Available in three discharge sizes: two, 2.5 and three inches. Models can be free-standing on legs or pedestal-mounted.
PORTABLE AND POWERFUL
8 tsurumicanada.com Tsurumi Canada presents
the newest version of the HS series the HS3(Z).75SL. The SL is a 1 hp portable and compact high-volume submersible pump available in 110 and 220 volts. With a flow rate of 140 USgpm and heads up to 40 feet the SL is a top contender in its class. One of the unique features of this series is its built-in agitator which enables the pump to put sediments into suspension and drop the percentage of solids per volume of water.
Armed with a urethane impeller, silicone carbide mechanical seal and V-ring this pump shines in abrasive applications. Like all Tsurumi pumps, the HS(Z)3.75SL comes with an oil lifter which provides more than adequate seal face lubrification even when oil levels are low or the pump is on its side. A critical component to all submersible pumps is the cable. Tsurumi provides an anti-wicking block which prevents water incursion due to capillary wicking in the event that the cable becomes damaged. The HS3.75 SL is available in both manual and automatic versions, which come with an integrated float switch making it suitable for applications where the flow may be intermittent.
COMING EVENTS
The ARA Show
Oct. 18 - 20
Las Vegas, Nev. arashow.org
2022
Landscape Ontario Congress
Jan. 11 - 13
Toronto, Ont. locongress.com
World of Concrete
Jan. 18 - 20
Las Vegas, Nev. worldofconcrete.com
Canadian Concrete Expo Feb. 17 - 18
Mississauga, Ont. canadianconcreteexpo.com
Canadian Rental Mart
March 8 - 9
Mississauga, Ont. canadianrentalmart.com
IPAF Summit
March 10
London, U.K. iapa-summit.info
World of Asphalt
March 29 - 31
Nashville, Tenn. worldofasphalt.com
National Heavy Equipment Show
March 31 - April 01
Mississauga, Ont nhes.ca
Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show
April 13 - 14
Mississauga, Ont nhes.ca
Canada’s Farm Show
June 21 - 23
Regina, Sask. canadasfarmshow.com
Performance From Billy Goat
HOPE IS NOT A PLAN
Mind YOUR business
by Adam Snook
Social media is not a measuring stick for success.
It’s very easy these days to fall into the trap of comparing yourself and your business to the competition.
Social media is full of people and businesses who show nothing but how great things are going. Very rarely do you see the ones who are struggling to get equipment on rent, retain employees or just make it through another day in what seems like an endless grind.
Just like everyone is a supermodel in their airbrushed pictures, every business is killing it when they post on LinkedIn.
The typical business post on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram goes something like: “Another load of gear off to a great new customer. Equipment is flying out of the yard, book now while there’s still some availability!”
On the other hand, I have yet to see any company post: “Damn, it’s been a hard couple of years. COVID-19 really killed our event business. I’m not sure how we’re going to make it through the next six months.” Or, “It’s unbelievably hard to hire and retain any decent people these days. With rental rates being so depressed and equipment and operating costs skyrocketing, I’m not sure how we can afford to offer more money and still manage to take home enough to cover our bills.” Or, “Man, I wish that the rental industry hadn’t made 45 percent discounts the standard in pricing. Between the 15 percent increase in labour costs, 25 percent increase in insurance costs and 30 percent increase in equipment costs l’m going to be lucky to make five percent net this year.”
It’s not even just online. How often have we talked to a sales person from one of the big rental companies and we get a story that sounds like, “Oh yeah, we’re flat out! We can barely find enough equipment to satisfy all the jobs we’ve got going on!” Only to drive by their yard and see it packed.
The reality is that just like the Instagram “influencer” who takes three hours to get ready for a 15 second video, the companies that are positing about how great business is are going through the same struggles you are.
They’re having to rent equipment out at the same rock bottom rates, they’re having the same struggles attracting quality people and the weekto-week grind is getting to them just as much as it’s getting to you and me. They just do a better job of putting lipstick on that pig than we do.
So, when I say mind YOUR business, I’m talking about worrying about what YOU can control. Don’t try to chase these carefully crafted images people fabricate online.
You can:
• Make sure your equipment is ready to rent and looking good. It’s amazing what degreaser and some touch up paint will do to the look of your fleet. Your equipment will get treated with a much higher level of care if it goes out looking like it’s well maintained to start with.
• Make sure that your shop, office and yard are clean and organized. People like to frequent places that don’t look like scrap yards.
• Advertise what sets you apart. This has been discussed multiple times here in this column and many other places in the magazine because it is absolutely critical!
I’m certainly not saying that social media is to be avoided, on the contrary, it can be a great marketing tool. You should be shamelessly promoting your business by whatever means possible. What I am saying is that comparing yourself and your business to someone else’s online image is a fool’s game. CRS
Adam Snook owns JustBins, a Regina-based provider of waste disposal solutions.
your customers can inspect drain lines far from a power source. The Gen-Pack battery adapter allows up to 12 hours of remote operation with limited access to power. The GenPack is also sold separately.
But wait, there’s more. Your customers can track how far the camera has traveled down the line with the on-screen distance counter. And they can now record on a flash drive or send the recording to their smartphones with the built-in Wi-Fi transmitter.
For more information, visit www.drainbrain.com/XPodPlus, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200
Gen-Pack ™ Battery Adapter. (Battery not included)
