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CREATIVE
EDITORIAL
CIRCULATION Noah Aiden
SUBSCRIPTIONS
POSTMASTER:
Roto-Rooter, of course, needs no introduction to readers in the industry. It is, as you know, the largest drain cleaning and plumbing repair company in North America. Roto-Rooter professionals respond to approximately 1.5 million plumbing job requests per year.
The company currently operates about 51 corporate-owned service locations, has 361 franchisees operating in 400 territories, and 72 independent contractors doing business as Roto-Rooter. Not including the franchises, the company generates almost a billion dollars per year in revenue.
Paul Abrams, the Roto-Rooter Services Company Director of Public Relations, is based at the company’s national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, he tells the story of Roto-Rooter’s history and talks about the future plans of this amazing American institution:
Back in the 1930s, Sam Blanc, the founder of RotoRooter, was humbly working on new solutions for clearing obstructed drains. In those days, people would stick rods down in the drain pipes or dig them up and reinstall the pipes in the ground. He figured out a better way.
In 1933, he finished the prototype for the RotoRooter sewer cleaning machine, which he had put together with wagon wheels, a reel of steel cable, a sharp blade on its tip, and an old motor from a Maytag washer. The invention worked and he got a patent for it.
He started the sewer and drain cleaning company in 1935, during the great depression. His business model was selling the new sewer and drain-cleaning cable machines to people who wanted to provide drain services in their hometowns. The arrangement was that if you bought a machine, you got control of
In 1933, he finished the prototype for the Roto-Rooter sewer cleaning machine, which he had put together with wagon wheels, a reel of steel cable, a sharp blade on its tip, and an old motor from a Maytag washer. The invention worked and he got a patent for it. He started the sewer and drain cleaning company in 1935
the service territory around you.
Then, as long as you continued buying your replacement cables and blades from Roto-Rooter, as needed, that was your exclusive territory. To succeed in the business, Sam Blanc was concerned about selling new Roto-Rooter machines, cables, and replacement parts, not about the service delivery side, which he left up to the franchise owners.
Decades later the patent expired on the RotoRooter machine, and the industry then started seeing competing machines manufactured by others that were close copies of Sam Blanc’s original design. He died in 1964, and his sons and family kept the business running and growing. By then, Roto-Rooter was a national brand and a household name.
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The Blanc family sold the company to Chemed Corporation in 1980. Chemed realized there is more money to be made on the service side than in making machines and selling spare parts. So, they started buying Roto-Rooter franchises and running them directly as company-owned service locations under a new division they named the Roto-Rooter Services Company.
When the Blanc family sold the business to Chemed and moved the Roto-Rooter headquarters to Cincinnati, the company continued manufacturing the Roto-Rooter drain cleaning machines, and the blades and cables for those, as well as other parts at its Iowa factory in West Des Moines.
Roto-Rooter continues to build its machines, cables, blades, and replacement parts for its machines, which range from mainline machines designed for sewer mains 4, 5, and 6 inches in diameter, down to 1½ inch diameter interior drain lines for kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets, laundry and floor drains. Roto-Rooter manufactures both upright and sledtype machines.
For many years, Roto-Rooter also manufactured giant machines designed for municipal and heavy industrial use. We no longer make those since highpressure water jetting is more effective for those oversized pipes. But, our factory in West Des Moines, Iowa keeps expanding its scope by manufacturing a variety of other equipment for Roto-Rooter locations throughout North America and beyond.
We estimate our total number of workers under the Roto-Rooter brand, including company-owned branch employees, franchises, and independent contractors is around 6,000 people. That includes the national corporate office administrative staff, which is about 200 people. The franchise system is a large and important part of the Roto-Rooter business model, and it is a very strong system that reaches from coast to coast. The franchisees are fellow stewards of the brand.
We work well with the Roto-Rooter franchisees, striving collectively for the good of the brand. I was recently out of town in San Diego speaking to the Roto-Rooter Franchise Association (RRFA). They talked about their goals as franchise owners. I was there as a guest of the RRFA. to put on a presentation of current marketing and social media programs and ideas that benefit the entire Roto-Rooter system.
The corporate goal of Roto-Rooter is to have a service location in every population area with over 30 thousand residents. There are several franchises and company-owned branches that have dozens of service trucks, whereas others have only 1 or 2 trucks out in the Dakotas, Arizona, and other remote areas.
Our company-owned branches are models of efficiency and sophistication. They incorporate
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When I took the job with Roto-Rooter, I expected to contribute well to the company, though I didn’t see myself here for more than a few years. But it’s one of those companies that treats its employees well.
high-tech services like trenchless pipe relining and brush coating systems for residential and commercial customers. Some of Roto-Rooter’s largest branches are in NYC, L.A., Chicago, Atlanta, and Baltimore/ Washington D.C., but suffice it to say there’s a Roto-Rooter service in every major city in the U.S. and most of the larger Canadian cities. Roto-Rooter also has master franchises in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Asked about his choice to come aboard with RotoRooter, Paul reflects on how his relationship with the company began. This is my 21st year with RotoRooter. I had been considering a career move when I got a call from Roto-Rooter’s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati asking if I would be interested in just coming in to talk. It was just kind of an exciting opportunity to work with an industry-leading company.
Abrams’ extensive TV news background as both a producer and reporter ideally qualifies him to oversee media relations for the national industryleading Roto-Rooter Services Company and serve as the brand’s public relations director. He holds a degree in Broadcast Communications from The
University of Texas at Arlington and an impressive management track record in Public Relations, Social Media, Corporate Communications, marketing, and Broadcast Media Relations in two different industries.
When I took the job with Roto-Rooter, I expected to contribute well to the company, though I didn’t see myself here for more than a few years. But it’s one of those companies that treats its employees well. They say what they mean and mean what they say, and I noticed most people stay at Roto-Rooter for a very long time, with some spending their entire careers here.
During the 1970s and ‘80s, and even through The Great Recession of 2008, when downsizing companies was so widespread, Roto-Rooter endured and grew stronger. It was because the company values the institutional knowledge of its staff so much. They’ve been careful to keep people, even during those difficult periods, who possess that technical know-how. It isn’t easy to replace people like that. So, I continue to be impressed with the kind of working environment we have at Roto-Rooter.
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A POSITIVE IMPACT
Spencer Lee, Roto-Rooter’s longtime CEO, has a great philosophy. He says, “I hire nice people to work with other nice people.” That’s just so simple, yet so effective. Everybody in every department, even as large as the company has become, is so welcoming. Everyone is very approachable and eager to work toward the same goals together.
About 80% of our business is residential and the other 20% is commercial. From home plumbing to retail store calls, to industrial facilities, we do all
of it. We perform plumbing and pipeline repairs for industrial customers and institutions, hospitals, schools, older buildings, etc. Some needs are especially interesting, such as repairing or replacing underground pipelines below slabs, behind walls, etc. It requires lots of specialized tools and training, and our customers know we invest in all of it to serve them more effectively.
About 80% of our business is residential and the other 20% is commercial.
From home plumbing to retail store calls, to industrial facilities, we do all of it.
Roto-Rooter does a lot of trenchless pipe repair and replacement. Our professionals can remotely rehab drainage systems with minimal or no digging. Modern technologies allow us to extend the life of the plumbing infrastructures and make them almost like brand-new.
The process is usually fast and can be completed without serious interruption of the normal flow of operations during the day. For instance, we don’t have to cause disruptions to patient care at a hospital. We try to complete repairs overnight during the less hectic hours of operation.
We started using social media in 2008-2009 when Facebook became popular and as the marketing
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landscape changed. The public always expects better and more frequent content. Then, all these other platforms came along, like YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and eventually TikTok, evolved and matured into social networks with viable adult audiences. We wanted to make our brand known not just to current homeowners but also to younger people – future homeowners. We began to create useful and entertaining content that works for each social platform.
We were used to doing straightforward “How To” videos, but through the years, there’s been an increasing need for more creative output. I stay very involved in the creative process. We have a talented marketing department in-house, and we work with a social media and advertising agency that helps us develop most of our content. We keep our eyes and ears open to new trends and changes in the social media environment.
Roto-Rooter has one of the most iconic jingles in advertising history. Introduced on radio in 1954, the jingle turns 70 this year. The Roto-Rooter jingle is still featured in most Roto-Rooter TV commercials. It goes like this: Call Roto-Rooter, that’s the name, and away go troubles down the drain. Roto-Rooter.
We’ve increasingly been getting into water filtration and softening, helping customers with their water quality concerns. Many of our residential and commercial customers worry about lead and harmful chemicals in their tap water. What’s in the
government standards might not be as high as some customers’ personal standards. Before the end of the year, we will have water quality programs at all 51 of our corporate branches. Those will feature whole-house filtration, under-sink reverse-osmosis filtration, and water softening options. We want to make sure we have solutions for almost any household budget. It’s a proven successful concept. People are very receptive to water filtration solutions, and we’re excited about expanding our services to feature those important systems.
The trenchless pipe replacement is a big program for us. We’re getting better at it and the technology keeps improving. That we can reline a pipe underground without digging offers big benefits for our customers. Just some years ago, the curing time for a relined pipe was the better part of a day.
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Because of his remarkable invention, the little plumbing services business Blanc started from scratch almost 90 years ago has grown to become the largest in its enormous industry today and the most successful plumbing services company in the history of the United States.
Now, using blue light, we can cure the new liners in a matter of minutes.
The liners can span gaps and cracks in old pipes. It’s an extremely versatile method for rehabilitating a variety of pipe diameters and lengths. And because it’s trenchless, there is little or no collateral damage to landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, and trees.
We use a video camera snake to inspect the finished work. It’s like an arthroscopic tool used for surgery but on a large scale. This kind of restoration is reliable. It’s as good and as strong as a new PVC pipe and is expected to last decades, maybe 50 years. It’s a fascinating option.
We always have something better to offer our customers. Being available 24/7 has also always been a major advantage for our customers and our competitiveness. We’re the plumbing company people can reach 24/7/365 to get assistance.
Sam Blanc, who had no formal education beyond high school, became the great inventor of the
timeless and conceptually unsurpassed draincleaning cable machine still universally used today. Because of his remarkable invention, the little plumbing services business Blanc started from scratch almost 90 years ago has grown to become the largest in its enormous industry today and the most successful plumbing services company in the history of the United States.
The company-owned Roto-Rooter branches and independent contractors are together closing in on a billion dollars in sales per year. That doesn’t include the franchises. Since they don’t have to report job counts or revenue totals, we don’t estimate those figures into the corporate sales totals. For perspective on the total revenues generated by the Roto-Rooter brand, the franchises serve about 88.8 million people in the US and Canada. Our company-owned branches serve around 163.5 million, and our independent contractors serve about 55 million. That means the franchises account for about a third of the company’s service calls each year. It also means that RotoRooter serves over 90% of the US population and approximately half of the Canadian population.
■ Straight Tri–Lobe
■ Performace: Vacuum up to 18 inHg; Flow up to 4805 cfm
■ Flexible Options & Installation
■ Coolest Blower Temperatures in it’s Class
■ More Energy Efficient vs. Other Straight Lobe Blowers Ideal for:
■ Sewer Cleaning
■ Storm Sewers
■ Water Treatment Plants
■ Municipal Water Departments
■ Cleaning & Washing
When it comes to tough sewer cleaning and sewer maintenance jobs, productivity is essential. The Vactor team is constantly developing new and better ways to increase productivity with less operator effort, lower operating costs with enhanced sustainability, and improved quality that results in greater reliability.
The Vactor team is sharing eight examples of technology that maximizes productivity and optimizes sewer cleaning:
1. IntuiTouch Controls - Reduce setup time with a one-touch control system that starts work with the press of a button. The single control panel combines all cleaning functions to one place for easy operation and adjustments.
2. RDP 1015 Boom - Speed up both set-up and teardown time. The RDP 1015 Boom telescopes 10 feet out and extends the debris hose down 15 feet, resulting in no need for extra tubes.
3. Water Recycling System - Save thousands of gallons of fresh water, time, and fuel expense by eliminating trips to water-filling stations. Vactor’s water recycling system is proven to increase productivity.
Reduce component wear and extend product life. Vactor’s Multi-Flow System conserves energy by using less fuel and less water, which allows operators to set water flow at lower RPMs while maintaining peak pressure to clean quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
4. Jet Rodder Water Pump - Break up those tough blockages quicker and easier. The Jet Rodder Water Pump provides smooth continuous flows through its entire operating range and includes an optional, easily activated, powerful “Jackhammer.”
5. Multi-Flow System - Reduce component wear and extend product life. Vactor’s Multi-Flow System conserves energy by using less fuel and less water, which allows operators to set water flow at lower RPMs while maintaining peak pressure to clean quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
6. Park-N-Clean - Minimize set-up time. Park-NClean allows operators to park near manholes to begin cleaning in one to two minutes.
continued on page 22
7. Wireless Controls - Improve productivity and simplify the job. Vactor’s new wireless controls and handheld remotes include two-way transmission and are only two of more than 100 customizable options for Vactor equipment.
8. H.A.L.O - Enhance sight. An important part of any job is being able to see what is happening. With products such as H.A.L.O (Hands-Free Accessory Light Option), operators have a safe, efficient way to see what is happening in those dark sewers.
One of the greatest challenges in municipalities and new developments is the maintenance and improvement of infrastructure. Vactor’s mission is to provide the absolute best equipment available to ultimately ensure the safety and well-being of communities and the families who live and work in them.
For more information on ways to optimize sewer cleaning by utilizing Vactor technology, please visit Vactor.com.
FMC Advisors is currently offering the following businesses for sale:
• Midwest portable sanitation and water hauling, $15mm revenue
• Midwest portable sanitation and septic, $2.6mm revenue
• Northwest septic pumping and installation, $1mm revenue
• West portable sanitation and rentals, $20mm+ under LOI
• Plains solid waste hauler and rolloff, $5mm revenue
• Southeast solid waste and rolloff, $3.5mm revenue
• South portable sanitation, $5mm revenue – under LOI
• Southwest solid waste – rolloff, $1.75mm revenue
• Midwest portable sanitation, $650k revenue
• West coast portable sanitation, $4mm revenue
• Northeast portable sanitation and rolloff, $1.5mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation, $2.5mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation, $2.75mm revenue
• Plains portable sanitation, $800k revenue
• Northeast septic pumping and installation, $2.2mm revenue
• West coast restroom trailers, $27.2mm revenue
• Midwest portable sanitation, $900k revenue
• Many more coming soon
ASSOCIA TION INSIDER
SPOTLIGHT INDEX
Technology changes at such a fast pace that it can be a real challenge to stay up to date. Staying relevant and informed is key to a thriving business, and nowhere is this more apparent than with septic systems. Septic systems are fundamental to maintaining a healthy environment and are expensive to install, so it’s crucial to make sure whatever system is being used is up to date and fit for purpose.
As the expert, your role is to guide and advise your customers to make the best choice for their unique circumstances. Once their system of choice is installed, though, maintenance is key to extending the life of their system, and this is where your knowledge, expertise and experience become fundamental.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of offering septic system modernization services to your clients.
WHY MODERNIZATION SERVICES MATTER
There are a number of benefits to offering
modernization services for septic systems. We’ll look at the following:
4 Increased efficiency
4 Increased lifespan of septic systems
4 Compliance with current regulations
4 Environmental benefits
4 Increased property value
4 Improved customer satisfaction
INCREASED EFFICIENCY
Modernizing systems improves their efficiency, and that ultimately means more money is in the pockets of your customers. Technologies change rapidly,
Septic systems are costly and, for most customers, will often be one of the more significant purchases they make... help your customer avoid large replacement costs and instead manage with smaller, periodic maintenance expenses.
and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging for laymen. As an expert in maintaining septic systems, you can offer your customers peace of mind, helping them maintain their systems in a way that doesn’t challenge their pocket and ensuring their septic setup remains fit for purpose over a long period of time.
Septic systems are costly and, for most customers, will often be one of the more significant purchases they make. So it’s important that whatever system they choose lasts. A system that is fit for purpose will help your customer avoid large replacement costs and instead manage with smaller, periodic maintenance expenses.
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Modernization also helps to reduce environmental impact. Newer systems will have better effluent quality and reduced groundwater contamination. With concerns about how humans affect their environment, it’s crucial to make sure whatever system is in use causes as little harm as possible.
it’s crucial to make sure whatever system is in use causes as little harm as possible. By offering modernization services, your customers can be confident that they are not causing environmental damage.
Modernized septic systems can enhance property value, making them more attractive to potential buyers. Should your client choose to sell their property, a modern and up-to-date septic system will be a bonus to those looking to purchase. An upto-date system ensures that the new buyer will not have to invest in a more environmentally or legally compliant system, making the buying process easier.
Modernization introduces new and improved advanced treatment options, such as aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This helps ensure that septic systems remain up-to-date, efficient, long-lasting and, most importantly, safe.
Regulatory standards surrounding septic systems change as more knowledge becomes available and we understand how we impact the environment. Modernization ensures compliance with local and federal regulations and helps your clients avoid potential fines and legal issues.
Modernization also helps to reduce environmental impact. Newer systems will have better effluent quality and reduced groundwater contamination. With concerns about how humans affect their environment,
Offering septic system modernization services provides your clients with state-of-the-art solutions to their challenges. This, in turn, will help you build long-term relationships and increase your customer satisfaction. Your greatest source of marketing and therefore new customers is your existing client base. Take care of those who have already spent their hard-earned cash with you, and they, in turn, will look after you.
Offering septic system modernization services is key to good customer service and retaining your customers. Septic waste disposal experts should consider adding modernization to your service offerings as it will benefit both your business and your customers.
Stay up to date with the latest news, trends and
developments in the septic waste disposal world. Subscribe to American Liquid Waste Magazine today and never miss an issue. Gain valuable insights and tips from industry experts. Join our community of professionals dedicated to providing the best in septic system solutions!
Sources
https://americanliquidwaste.com/ https://www.epa.gov/septic/why-maintain-your-septicsystem
https://crewsenvironmental.com/blog/upgrading-yourseptic-system-for-a-sustainable-tomorrow/
https://www.emergencyair.com/reasons-why-upgradingyour-septic-system-is-crucial/ https://www.lanikseptic.com/the-future-of-septic-systemsemerging-technologies-to-watch/
https://tx1source.com/blog/aerobic-septic-system-upgrade/ https://www.gofmx.com/blog/benefits-of-preventivemaintenance/
https://upkeep.com/learning/benefits-of-preventivemaintenance/
Vacuum trucks are indispensable in various industries, especially in liquid waste management and infrastructure and environmental services organizations. Regular maintenance is crucial if your organization wants to ensure your vacuum trucks operate efficiently and have a long service life. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your vacuum trucks in top condition.
Set up a schedule for regular inspection and cleaning of your vacuum truck. These are the foundations of good maintenance. Regular inspections and cleanings should include the following:
4 Regular inspection: Check the truck daily for any visible signs of wear and tear, leaks or damage. Pay special attention to hoses, seals and gaskets.
4 Cleaning: Clean the tank and all components after each use to prevent buildup and blockages. Use appropriate cleaning solutions to remove residues that could cause corrosion or contamination.
You can’t expect your vacuum trucks to run properly with inadequate fluid levels. Fluid
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levels are critical to the operation of your vacuum truck. Regularly check and top off the following to the manufacturer’s specifications:
4 Hydraulic fluid: Check to see that the hydraulic system has adequate fluid to operate the pump and other hydraulic components efficiently.
4 Oil levels: Check engine and pump oil levels regularly and change the oil according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
4 Coolant: Maintain the correct coolant levels to prevent overheating and ensure the engine runs smoothly.
3. INSPECT AND MAINTAIN FILTERS
Filters play a vital role in protecting the engine and hydraulic system from contaminants. Regularly inspect and replace the following:
4 Air filters: Dirty air filters can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. Replace them as needed.
4 Hydraulic filters: These filters protect the hydraulic system from debris. Change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4 Oil filters: Regularly replace oil filters to ensure clean oil circulates through the engine and pump.
4. CHECK AND MAINTAIN HOSES AND SEALS
Incorporate a visual inspection of hoses and seals into your daily checks, but make a regular maintenance schedule for them as well. Hoses and seals are essential for maintaining vacuum integrity and preventing leaks.
5. INSPECT THE PUMP AND BLOWER
Any liquid waste industry professional knows that the vacuum pump and blower are the heart of your vacuum truck. Ensure they are in good working condition by:
4 Listening for unusual noises: Any unusual noises could indicate a problem with the pump or blower.
Incorporate a visual inspection of hoses and seals into your daily checks, but make a regular maintenance schedule for them as well. Hoses and seals are essential for maintaining vacuum integrity and preventing leaks.
4 Checking for leaks: Inspect for oil or air leaks around the pump and blower.
4 Performing regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine tasks.
6. DON’T FORGET THE ENGINE
Yes, there are a lot of components to maintain on a vacuum truck, but the engine powers your vacuum truck and needs regular care with oil changes, tuneups, and inspections.
4 Oil changes: Change the engine oil and filter at regular intervals.
4 Tune-ups: Perform regular tune-ups to keep the engine running smoothly.
4 Inspect belts and hoses: Check for wear and replace any that are damaged or worn out.
Electrical systems control various functions of your vacuum truck. Regularly test and maintain:
4 Batteries: Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the battery is fully charged.
4 Lighting and signals: Inspect all lights and signals to ensure they are functioning correctly.
4 Wiring: Look for any damaged or loose wires and repair them promptly.
Keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities helps track the condition of your vacuum truck and plan future maintenance. Keep track of the following:
4 Maintenance logs: Document all inspections, repairs, and replacements.
4 Scheduled maintenance: Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to prevent unexpected breakdowns. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE MAINTENANCE TIPS AND INDUSTRY
Proper maintenance of your vacuum truck is essential to ensure its efficiency, reliability, and longevity. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your vacuum truck in top condition, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity. Remember, regular maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also enhances safety and performance. For more tips on how to keep your equipment running smoothly, subscribe to American Liquid Waste Magazine today!
Sometimes Heavy Duty or Industrial Duty is not enough. Sometimes the job calls for the toughest of the tough. Sometimes, the application is just extreme. For years Coxreels has supplied heavy
duty reels with triple axle supports and solid ¼” plate bases for demanding applications and environments. We engineered strength with features, balancing performance with cost, bringing suitable solutions for many market sectors. Some industries still demanded more. Some industries, similar to mining, heavy equipment, lubrication, or other off-road industries work in such demanding remote environments, all of the best features are needed with the most robust structure possible.
Coxreels is proud to introduce the Extreme Duty XTM Series spring rewind reel. Born from the coalescing fires of the highest strength springs, stainless steel rollers, dual sintered bronze bearings, multiple axle supports, and welded box frames, the XTM Extreme Duty Reel combines the ultimate features into the world’s most robust reel solution. As with all Coxreels spring rewind reels, the XTM Series
...the XTM uses the pinnacle of all ...options available in the Coxreels lineup with some unique features...
will satisfy your application’s hose management needs and is USA made with Coxreels Legendary Quality, just in a more impervious package than previously available.
Based on the TMP T-Series Medium Pressure product line, the XTM uses the pinnacle of all options available in the Coxreels lineup with some unique features for extra rugged environments. All sizes of the XTM Series feature stainless steel rollers directly
integrated into the, built like a tank, all-welded steel box frame.
All sizes of the XTM Series utilize dual permanently lubricated bearings, rigidly fixing the drum assembly to the solid 1” steel axle for consistent stability even in the most vibratory and impacting environments, while still maintaining an external fluid path for easy service. Special features such as swivel retainers which prevent unwanted vibratory loosening of threaded components and easily accessible ratcheting mechanisms set the XTM series on its own pedestal.
High temperature, steel core arbors transfer the extra powerful heavy duty spring motor torque to the multiple supported axle ensuring reliable rewind in odd positions or dirty situations.
Available in pressure ranges up to 5000 PSI, and dedicated hose solutions such as Suction hose, DEF hose, Gasoline or Fuel hose, the XTM is the solution for your high demand applications where you simply need the best of the best.
As the industry leader in hose, cord and cable reels, Coxreels is making a commitment to provide our customers with the ultimate and most complete, diverse line of reels and reeling accessories.
About Coxreels
Currently in our 10th decade under the 3rd generation of family ownership and operation, we are proud to manufacture the industry's highest quality and widest variety of hose, cord, and cable reels. We remain aware that our products are called on to be the most reliable product built to faithfully perform in various settings and applications.
Our team takes great pride in our growth and innovation as a U.S. manufacturer. We recognize USA Made, USA Quality, and USA Support as critical components to delivering incomparable product value. These founding principles are displayed and reflected in each model and every part of the Coxreels product line! Our advanced engineering and manufacturing processes make extensive use of in-house design, CNC machinery with robotic welding and robotic spin cell operations, and modern automation systems that allow us to develop and build state-of-the-art reeling platform solutions that meet the most demanding requirements in the industry
In the world of heavy equipment, operators work long and hard hours, and it’s important that businesses know the status of their equipment to ensure that when the next shift is up, their units are ready to go and operators are staying safe.
One approach to this is employing a Controller Area Network (CAN bus), which provides a low cost, durable network that enables communication between Electronic Control Units (ECUs). ECUs are devices or parts of a vehicle’s body that control a specific function.
CAN bus can log hours, collect any errors or troubleshooting, and provide ample feedback to the operator. Users can access information on when it’s time for a repair or just simply look at how the system is operating in general.
Every major chassis manufacturer comes equipped with CAN bus. For sewer equipment specifically, the cab and chassis can have numerous ECUs that work together, including the transmission and engine, and CAN bus provides one point-of-entry to communicate with the network of ECUs that enables central diagnostics, data logging and configuration.
continued on page 36
According to Casey Meehan, a sales manager for Environmental Products Group, the top advantages of employing a CAN bus network are the amount of information available, enhanced operator safety, reliability and the way they are all interconnected and play off each other.
As an added benefit for Vactor owners, Vactor equipment that comes equipped with the Vactor IntuiTouch control system is fully integrated with CAN bus, since it is a CAN bus-controlled system. This brings owners detailed information that is logged, collected and funneled to the Vactor IntuiTouch screen, making it easily digestible for the operator.
These diagnostics can improve operator safety by alerting the operator when there are any safety
hazards or issues with the sewer cleaner module.
“From a safety standpoint, the benefit of having CAN bus is that the network’s built-in detection capabilities will recognize when something is out of place like the engine failing or the operator has pressed the wrong button,” Meehan said. “Then it will log the error and notify the operator immediately, thus further preventing any harm to the operator or equipment.”
To learn more about CAN bus and its performance costsaving benefits, visit Vactor.com.
The US and global portable toilet rental market is expected to continue growing significantly over the next 5 years. That projection is largely due to major infrastructure projects, better facilitating public events, and increasing construction. With the elevated level of public health consciousness since COVID, the demand for focus on sanitation, including providing more and better portable toilet facilities, is ever-increasing. Along with these market changes have come rapid advancements in equipment, service, cleaning, maintenance, delivery processes, marketing, and business management. Below are five important industry innovations over the most recent months and years.
Coast to coast, innovators are elevating product and service quality, environmental sustainability, user experience, and profitability management methodologies. From eco-safe manufacturing to biodegradable cleaning products, to waterless toilets, consumers are demanding, and ingenious providers are responding with industry-disrupting innovations. Unit design is increasingly about user convenience and comfort vs. practical transport and vendor purchase pricing. Here are 5 important recent advancements that can improve service and marketability:
There are so many no- or low-cost web marketing and analytics tools for website owners these days. In addition to the many Microsoft and Google features, there is a multitude of standalone software programs to do nearly any design, tracking, or analytics task you can dream of. Just listing the categories of digital web marketing resources is a long list, and in each class is a wide array of downloadable, easy-to-use tools to maximize the effectiveness of your online marketing. For example:
4 DIY marketing graphics creation tools
4 DIY website design tools
To compete efficiently over the coming years, you need either a web-savvy member of your team or an agency that can help you take advantage of your opportunities to make the most of your online marketing and branding.
4 DIY web development tools
4 Social media marketing management tools
4 SEO tools for site traffic and lead generation tools
4 CRM marketing integration tools
4 Web marketing analytics tools
4 Email marketing tools
4 Marketing campaign automation tools
4 Remote collaboration and marketing workflow tools
4 AI tools for marketing research and content production tools
To compete efficiently over the coming years, you need either a web-savvy member of your team or an agency that can help you take advantage of your opportunities to make the most of your online marketing and branding.
2. Email Marketing Management Software
Email marketing is the well-proven most effective of
all marketing forms. There is no close second option in terms of affordability, efficiency, and consistency of results. It’s just incomparably powerful in its potential benefits for customers and vendors. Once your list and email system is designed and set up for automated distribution, you’re ready to launch a more robust marketing and branding program than any other kind.
Unlike typical ads, email lets recipients read and respond to your message at their convenience. That encourages higher Open Rates and Click Through Rates, which typically far exceed response rates to other marketing ad approaches. That drives very low unsubscribe rates, about 1% in most industries (per Constant Contact data).
You can provide your long-term customers and new prospects with regular opportunities to learn about your rental products, company, and industry. Response rates to email advertising compared to all other ad types are sure to excite your designated marketing employee. Today’s email marketing software packages provide everything you need to create and manage successful low-cost email marketing:
4 Email marketing content and layout design
4 Templates and customization tools
4 Automation for volume management
4 Easy-to-use features for DIY marketers
4 Integration with CRM and ERP platforms and telecom
4 Retargeting ads for your email campaigns
4 Smooth migration from an existing platform
4 Free customizable email marketing templates
Find a vast selection of free and low-cost online email marketing resources, including design templates.
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Today’s best GPS systems track employee performance, equipment use, and spending. They have revolutionized the management of safety and efficiency of field services in a range of industries. The
strategic plans. These are just some of the features you can expect with modern GPS with tracking systems:
4 Creates driver safety performance reports
4 Tracks vehicle location and movement
4 Monitors vehicle handling and speed
4 Tracks and reports driver activity (ex: time out of truck)
4 Tracks non-work-related stops
4 Delivers vehicle chassis alerts
4 Tracks field assets and delivery of services
4 Tracks worker schedules and payroll hours
most recent GPS tech advancements track equipment use, worker actions in and outside a
vehicle, and much, much more.
See all types of analytics software to track anything imaginable from your and your competitors’ SEO results to the time for the first reaction to your or your competitor’s new ad launch. If you don’t incorporate any other of the top innovations in your business this year, adopt this one.
Today’s best GPS systems track employee performance, equipment use, and spending. They have revolutionized the management of safety and efficiency of field services in a range of industries. The most recent GPS tech advancements track equipment use, worker actions in and outside a vehicle, and much, much more. This level of supervision empowers workers to document performance excellence and enables managers to control costs and improve
4 Tracks mileage for fuel cost management
4 Collects business intelligence for data analysis
4 Integration with CRM and ERP platforms
4 Many more functions to improve service and business analysis
Modern GPS tracking helps business owners create more accurate budgets, including income projections and spending estimates. Integrations with other business platforms supercharge the power of GPS systems to make a company more transparent, manageable, and sustainably profitable. Real-time tracking helps managers improve field service quality and efficiency, payroll and invoicing accuracy, training effectiveness, and strategic planning.
This now well-developed approach to recovering your Google ranking can be critically important for providers who rely on web traffic for leads. A portable restroom rental business owner in Kentucky reportedly discovered that his company had suddenly disappeared entirely from the first Google SERP for his
continued on page 42
local market. He took on the struggle to regain his position as the #1 local result on the 1st Google SERP. This shocking problem can severely impact your business. If this happens to you, enlist qualified help, if necessary, or you can use this now well-developed comprehensive process SEO experts use to determine the cause of the drop and recover your ranking:
1 Test to be sure your Google rankings actually dropped.
2 Examine the extent of the impact the ranking drop has on your sales traffic.
13 Look for changes in web users’ search behaviors and adjust accordingly.
3 Evaluate recent changes you’ve made to your website.
4 Examine the changes that higher-ranking competitors have now made to their sites.
Look for changes in web users’ search behaviors and adjust accordingly.
5 Inspect for technical problems or insufficiencies due to increased Google standards.
6 Use a comprehensive checklist to ensure conformance with Google algorithm updates.
7 Check to ensure alignment with any Google SERP structural updates.
8 Check all backlinks to ensure none have been broken or lost.
9 Examine to identify any high-value backlinks that have become erroneously disavowed.
10 Test to ensure your site security has not been breached.
11 Reach out to Google to discover any unaddressed Google Manual Action Reports.
12 Use the Google Search Console for a possible URL Removal request.
If you still have no luck in correcting this loss of your position on the first Google SERP, check to see if you have incurred any penalties from Google for violating some search engine rule of which you were unaware. Also, check your metrics related to user engagement to determine whether any have dropped significantly. For the most efficient approach to figuring out why your ranking has dropped and how to undo the problem that is impacting your web marketing effectiveness, talk with an SEO expert about helping you get back on track.
What do the new state-of-the-art executive designs for portable restroom rental units have that the standard porta potty models for construction and industrial sites do not have? The answer is everything you could want in a portable restroom. The new upgraded top-of-the-line luxury models are like beautiful powder rooms. Some points to consider for the upcoming seasons:
4 As more operators order these advanced units and prices ultimately come down as a result, customer demand for better facilities is naturally likely to become ever broader.
4 Users can be anticipated to seek better facilities after they become familiar with the better trailers,
continued on page 44
At the very least, it’s fair to say that if you cannot go all the way to the top levels of product quality upgrade for the class of portables you provide and with your budget, any DIY upgrades you can make to improve the customer experience are sure to help you enhance your brand image and competitive edge.
and that can be predicted to motivate providers of the most basic versions of rental toilet units to add more upgrades, as they already have been steadily doing.
4 People, of course, will always prefer a more comfortable and roomier restroom facility with running water in the sink and toilet and supplies for handwashing, so any useful upgrades can be viewed as practical investments.
4 Certainly, competitors in a position to offer a strong value in terms of price and upgrades can be expected to more aggressively pursue rental product quality upgrades to bolster their market position.
At the very least, it’s fair to say that if you cannot go all the way to the top levels of product quality upgrade for the class of portables you provide and with your budget, any DIY upgrades you can make to improve the customer experience are sure to help you enhance your brand image and competitive edge.
continued on page 46
Never has there been such an abundance of free and low-cost technological resources for small business success in the portable toilet rental industry. There is a seemingly boundless range of excellent DIY marketing, service quality tracking, business analytics, and organizational management tools for instant access from your desktop. These offer big advantages for ensuring quality, consumer market competitiveness, strong employer branding, and everything else you need for consistently high customer satisfaction.
If you want to compete well in the 21st century, you’ll need the best product and most efficient service and management processes you can get. So, explore the above and other modern management resources for cheaper, more convenient, more efficient, and more sustainable small business growth and long-term success.
For over 25 years, Armal has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality, durable portable restrooms designed to meet the diverse needs of events, construction sites, and other temporary locations. The Wave Portable Restroom, for example, exemplifies our commitment to comfort, hygiene, and sustainability. Armal's dedication to innovation and quality ensures reliable and long-lasting portable sanitation solutions for every application. Booth #807
Founded in 1926, Century Chemical has 96 years of experience in the sanitation industry and is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the production and distribution of sanitation products and other chemical supplies in the RV, Marine, Aviation, Charter Bus and Portable Sanitation industries. The company’s most popular product line, Travel Jon®, has been sold to RVers nationwide since 1967. Booth #918
Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group (ESG) is the leading provider of innovative environmental cleaning and material handling solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial, contractor and airport customers worldwide. Booth # 601
AUGUST 21 & 22
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MACC CONVENTION CENTER IN MIAMI
General Pump is a world class distribution company providing our customers with superior and innovative products. We bring together engineering, modern technology, and product expertise, but top it all off with a dedication to customer service you won’t find elsewhere. Our company motto “We Will Find a Way” speaks to our commitment to our customers, and to finding the solutions you need so you can get the job done. Booth #517
Pat’s Pump & Blower is the largest rebuilder of truck mounted Blowers - Roots, Hibon, HR Brands. We are a Master Distributor for Roots Blowers, OMSI Drives & General Water Pumps. Dealer for Aquatech, Johnston Sweepers, Enz Nozzles and more. Booth #805
With more than a century as an American manufacturer, Vactor’s lengthy expertise and leadership in sewer cleaning dates back more than fifty years. As an innovator, Vactor created the first combination sewer cleaner – saving time and money while improving productivity and safety for operators. With an array of reliable tools and equipment, Vactor is committed to providing value for each customer. Booth #601
• Industry-leading IntuiTouch® controls
• Hands-free accessory light option
• Safety interlocks, non-destructive e-stops and boom alarms
• Multi-Flow system for fuel economy
• Quiet engine design
• Optional wireless controls
• Powerful vacuum blower
When there’s a dirty job to be done, trust the iMPACT sewer cleaner to do it without washing quality and safety down the drain. Don’t let its compact size fool you. The iMPACT packs a wicked punch with features like: Visit
And it’s all backed by a solid commitment to highquality performance. The iMPACT is engineered to reliably perform better — powerful, safe and affordable.
American Jetter .................................................................. 52
866-944-3569 / americanjetter.com
American Tank Co. 33
254-721-5675 / atcvacuumtruck.com
AR North America.............................................................. 46
763-398-2008 / arnorthamerica.com
Arcan Enterprises. 23
888-352-7226
Aqua-Zyme Disposal Systems Inc. 25
979-245-5656 / aqua-zyme.com
Bio Microbics 44
800-753-3287 / biomicrobics.com
Bright Dyes 52
800-394-0678 / brightdyes.com
Bucher Municipal 53
704-658-1333 / buchermunicipal.com Cam Spray 21
800-648-5011 / camspray.com
Century Chemical Corp 36 centurychemical.com
Com Vac 37
800-243-7986 / comvacsystems.com
Comforts of Home............................................................. 54
877-382-2935 / cohsi.com
Coxreels 45
800-269-7335 / coxreels.com
Ecological Laboratories Inc. ........................................... 50
800-326-7867 / propump.com
Eljen Corp. 27
800-444-1359 / eljen.com
F.M. Manufacturing 17 877-889-2246 / fmmfg.com
FMC Advisors 2, 23 727-486-0306 / 407-765-9440 / fmcadvisors.com
Fruitland Manufacturing ................................................
800-663-9003 / fruitlandmanufacturing.com
General Pump
888-474-5487 / generalpump.com
Greasezilla
304-658-4778 / greasezilla.com
GSBB Services, LLC
843-535-5712 / gsbb.biz Guzzler
guzzler.com
Imperial Industries Inc
800-558-2945 / imperialind.com In The Round Dewatering
317-539-7511 / ITRDewatering.com
J.C. Gury Company Inc.
800-903-3385 / jcgury.com Jet. ...........................................................................................
800-321-6960 / jetincorp.com
Key Commercial Corp.
877-333-4539 / keycommercial.com
Lane's Vacuum Tank, Inc.
800-592-3308 / lanesmobilejohn.com
McKee Technologies.........................................................
866-457-5425 / mckeetechnologies.com
800-722-8384 /m idstatetank.com
800-325-3730 / milwaukeerubber.com
800-253-5500 / natvac.com
800-667-9326 /norweco.com
866-636-4854 /obicproducts.com
830-935-4936
