North American Sweeper - September 2017

september 2017

I N SI DE

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Elgin Sweeper Company Joins p23 Dealing With Tough Stains Forces At The NASCAR Tracks

The Ultimate Street Sweeping Machine

Global Environmental Products

5405 Industrial Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407 USA • 909-713-1600 • www.GlobalSweeper.com MADE IN THE USA

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FOR A DEALER • • • • • • • • •

Powered by Kohler Command Engine 2½ cubic yard capacity Powdercoat paint inside and out 1250 lbs. hopper cavity capacity 9200 GVWR Truck Optional Stainless Steel hopper available High-dump and rake-out models Dealer Inquiries Invited 888-652-2137 Skavinjer.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 9

CONTENTS

Introducing...

The Starfire S-4c F e atures 6

Simply Adding to a Time-Proven Sweeper.

Elgin Sweeper Company Brings 1-800-SWEEPER to the Track at NASCAR!

10 How You Can Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution 14 Business Corner 18 Overcoming Economic Challenges 20 Dealing With Tough Stains

Choose the S-4c for the following enhancements: • • • •

Variable height dumping from 16" up to 11' Left or right hopper dump (select at time of purchase) Tight 16'9" turning radius Longer running 36-gallon fuel tank

No CDL Required.

Call for a DEMO Today!

800.482.2302 | www.stewart-amos.com

24 An Interview with Andy Coolidge,

CAM South Sweeping 28 Don’t Get Scammed When Buying Used 30 Index of Advertisers/Classifieds CEO & Publisher Gideon W. Smith

creative director Melissa Kennelly

Senior editor Katherine Nolan

EDITORIAL Manager Heidi Karpinich

Advertising Tracy Rodean

Circulation Noah Aiden

Phoenix Global Media Inc. P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559 866-418-4400 phone 973-532-0319 fax sales@nasweeper.com

subscriptions $15.00 per year, or by eligible request.

North American Sweeper Magazine is published by Phoenix Global Media Inc. Copyright 2014 by Phoenix Global Media Inc. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Please send changes to North American Sweeper Magazine P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559

Opinions expressed in editorial submissions contributed to North American Sweeper Magazine are those of the individual authors exclusively and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of North American Sweeper Magazine, its staff, its advertisers, or its readership. North American Sweeper Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility toward independently contributed editorial submissions or any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, or missing information within advertising copy.

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ADVERTORIAL

Elgin Sweeper Company Brings 1-800-SWEEPER to the Track at NASCAR! As the eponymous hero of “Talledaga Nights,” NASCAR superstar Ricky Bobby famously says: “If you’re not first, you’re last.” Well, Elgin Sweeper company may not have been the first sweeper manufacturing company to join the roster of Vendor/Partners joining forces with power sweeping coop 1-800-SWEEPER, but they certainly have brought their “A game” to the relationship.

Sporting the 1-800-SWEEPER Foundation (see sidebar) logo on their Elgin Crosswind Specialty Track Sweeper, Elgin is now firmly behind 1-800-SWEEPER. Elgin contributes exclusive product discounts and unique entertainment opportunities to the nationwide network of over 50

sweeping companies that are part of the co-op group.

The Elgin / NASCAR Connection Elgin has a long-standing history with NASCAR spanning over 15 years. In 2013, Elgin became the Official Sweeper of NASCAR Green™, a relationship that was extended in February 2017 for the coming three years. Elgin Track Sweepers are an essential part of keeping NASCAR events safe by maintaining a clean and dry racetrack surface. As the Official Sweeper of NASCAR Green, Elgin’s Sweepers are present at each NASCAR race event weekend to sweep and dry the racetrack ahead of the Air Titan jet fueled final drying

Manage Your Team From the sidelines, wherever you are!

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equipment. Sweeping ahead of the Air Titan vehicle reduces NASCAR’s overall carbon footprint of jet fuel use. Ultimately, Elgin Sweepers help the track operations return to green flag racing as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The environmentally conscience relationship developed between Elgin and NASCAR Green now extends to the sweeping companies that form the Member/Partnership of the 1-800-SWEEPER co-op. This summer, Elgin added the 1-800-SWEEPER Foundation’s logo prominently on top the front bumper toolbox of the Elgin Crosswind Specialty Track Sweepers after receiving special permission granted

by NASCAR Green. Now, not only do the 1-800-SWEEPER companies enjoy product discounts, they also have the unique opportunity to entertain customers, employees or even family members with the experience of infield garage passes and track side in-the-pits access for a close-up view of NASCAR’s race day experience.

Mike Higgins, VP/GM Elgin Sweeper Company stated; “Our company shares NASCAR Green’s passion for, and commitment to, protecting the environment through sustainable practices. Elgin Sweeper Co. has recognized similar traits in the 1-800-SWEEPER organization and is proud to officially support the organization by becoming a Vendor/

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Partner and look forward to creating synergies that are mutually beneficial to all parties.”

In addition to the relationship recently secured between Elgin, NASCAR Green and 1-800-SWEEPER, the Elgin equipment connection has proven to be directly beneficial to a 1-800-SWEEPER Partner and their local Elgin Dealer.

In August, regional Elgin Dealer Jimmy Bell, President of Bell Equipment, was happy to deliver two new Broom Bear Sweepers to Jason Lucht, VP Operations of Progressive Sweeping in Redford, Michigan, a 1-800-SWEEPER Partner company.

While the need for additional equipment resulted from increased demand for ProSweep’s highway and municipal sweeping services, Jason Lucht stated, “The ability to entertain clients by providing complimentary “Hot” passes to the local premier NASCAR events at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) allows ProSweep to leverage and expand our brand identity with 1-800-SWEEPER and NASCAR Green through the Elgin Partnership”.

“This is exactly the type of relationship-building that 1-800-SWEEPER represents” said Matt Bawks, a Board member of 1-800-SWEEPER and a Member/Partner focused on Vendor relationships. “Mutual benefits that can be leveraged to bring

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 7

A Clean Sweep Year Round

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The 1-800-SWEEPER Foundation was created in 2016 to financially support local areas across the United States clean up following natural disasters, support the Wounded Warriors Program and to contribute to qualified environmental and community competitive advantage to power sweeping companies and our Vendors are the basis of the 1-800-SWEEPER organization.”

Founded Based on Partnerships Six years have passed since the unique 1-800SWEEPER business model launched. The goal of the organization in 2011 was to create synergistic value for a cross-country collective of power sweeping service companies. That value arrived early on by making available co-branding initiatives and business cooperation, that commonly exists within other major industries, into the formerly fragmented standalone power sweeping business.

“Adding Elgin Sweeper as a valued Vendor/Partner continues the ongoing mission of building relationships that span well-known industry suppliers like Nitehawk and Schwarze to industry-newcomers like Redmax Blowers and to completely overhaul the way power sweeping companies purchase consumables like brooms, fuel, tires, belts, filters and other components. Our co-op is creating the industry’s first-ever Master Insurance Program, which will significantly save money by consolidating risk exposures and premiums”, said Mike Lucht, current President of the 1-800-SWEEPER organization.

National businesses that supply to the sweeping industry recognize that 1-800-SWEEPER as an opportunity for growing their business through a Vendor/Partnership. In the past 12 months, relationships have been forged with Fleetio (fleet management software), Applicant Pro (employment screening service) and StormwaterOne (storm water management best practices education).

Sweeper Summit is The Glue Coming up in early November, 1-800-SWEEPER hosts their annual workshop retreat – Sweeper Summit. The Sweeper Summit is the power sweeping industry’s premier education conference for business owners and executives; it is focused on benchmarking, brand building, team building and relationship building and is open to 1-800-SWEEPER Partners, Vendor/Partners and invited guests. Interested sweeping companies or vendors can contact Carolyn Bell, Marketing Manager for 1-800-SWEEPER for full agenda details by visiting www.sweepersummit. com or emailing cbell@1800sweeper.com.

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beautification initiatives.

Elgin Sweeper Company as the official sweeper of NASCAR GreenTM is showing support for the 1-800-SWEEPER Foundation.

This summer, Elgin added the Foundation’s logo prominently on top the front bumper toolbox of the Elgin Crosswind Specialty Track Sweepers.

In February 2017, Elgin renewed its partnership with NASCAR Green™ for three years continuing to serve as the Official Sweeper of NASCAR Green.

“Elgin Sweeper has provided trackside support for NASCAR for more than 15 years. Since we entered into our NASCAR Green partnership in 2013, we have significantly increased the awareness of the positive environmental impact of effective sweeping,” said Mike Higgins, Vice President and General Manager of Elgin Sweeper. “Our company shares NASCAR Green’s passion for, and commitment to, protecting the environment through sustainable practices.”

For more information about NASCAR Race to Green, visit Nascar.com/Green

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 9

10 Tips How You Can Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking areas, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops and other developed land. This rain picks up and mixes with what’s on the ground such as Oil, grease, metals, coolants, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems, soil from construction sites, soaps from car or equipment washing, accidental spills and whatever else ends up on the ground.

This polluted runoff then rushes into nearby gutters and storm drains and into streams, lakes, rivers, and bays. In most areas, stormwater runoff enters these waters without being cleaned of pollutants.

Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning are two common best management practices (BMPs). But there are ways you and I can help.

We have compiled 10 tips on how you can help prevent stormwater pollution without becoming a street sweeping professional:

10 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

1. Never dump anything down storm drains or into streams and report anyone who does.

2. Select native or adapted plants that require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

3. Apply lawn chemicals according to the label and do not over apply chemicals and never apply before a heavy rain event.

4. Keep grass clippings and other yard waste out of street gutters and storm drains. Drains blocked by excessive debris could cause flooding. Compost clippings or mulch mow instead.

5. Dispose of used motor oil, paint, and other household chemicals properly through the City’s household hazardous waste collection program.

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6. Do not dispose of used cooking oil by dumping it outside or in a storm drain.

7. Take your car to a commercial car wash facility.

Washing cars on driveways or streets will result in the cleaning products flowing directly into storm drains.

8. Pick up your pet’s waste. Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria and parasites.

9. Have your septic tank pumped and inspect your system regularly.

10. Don’t litter. Put trash in its place.

For over forty-three years in the street sweeping business, Schwarze Industries has been committed to providing an exceptional level of customer support.

Schwarze offers one of the most comprehensive sweeper lines in the sweeping business. For additional information visit the Schwarze® website at www.schwarze.com

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SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 11

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Call Jer Javens today to put a Warrior to work on your job site.

The Path is Always ClearŠ www.waynesweepers.com (319) 266-1721 12 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

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TECH NEWS

Are You Experiencing a Skilled Labor Shortage?

P R O D U C T W AT C H

A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

IN THE NEWS

A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

In the sweeping industry you may have noticed something about your crews over the past few years. It’s getting harder and harder to keep quality people. You may be losing people in greater numbers than ever before.

If you’ve been in the industry long term then you’ve probably seen ebbs and flows in your work force. That’s just a common fact. This is especially true after companies were hit pretty hard by the 2008 economic recession that affected all industry in America. Today finding new employees in the skilled labor sector can be downright difficult. Why is this happening? Are you being affected by the skilled labor shortage?

The Reason There Is A Skilled Labor Shortage To Begin With Skilled labor is considered to have premium economic value in the workforce. This for a sweeper company is 14 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

especially true. You want to have high quality people that can do their job with maximum efficiency that will get the job done right for all of your clients. Running those sweeper trucks isn’t an easy task that everyone can do. If that were the case you’d have tons of applicants to choose from at all times, knocking down your office door. Those high quality workers are the skill behind your business.

Without those workers, it would be pretty hard to run your company, wouldn’t it?

There are a few reason why the demand for skilled labor is exceeding the actual number of workers who can do this very important job. The number of baby boomers that have hit retirement age is considerable. That’s a large group of people leaving the workforce in droves faster than ever before.

Looking at the larger picture with the younger millennials and this next generation “Gen Z” you have to Vi s i t Us

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look at this new wave of technology and how it’s affecting them. In schools people aren’t being encouraged to go into blue collar jobs and skilled trade jobs like they used to. More people are looking towards tech and other jobs that require a college education. The problem being is that the need for skilled labor isn’t going away. The people who want to do it are vanishing just like that.

What You Can Do About It As An Owner Of A Sweeping Business The best way to secure a stellar crew is to be willing to train new employees better. More and more companies are just expecting great people who are skilled and experienced to walk through their doors. That just isn’t happening anymore.

So it will behoove your company to take the time to really educate your workers on the skills they need to have to perform the job at its peak. Then keeping them on is the key to not having a labor shortage within your company.

Keeping Your Crews Happy For Improved Retention Another way to retain quality employees is to care about their “work wellbeing.” Make your sweeping company one they want to work for and you’ll be rewarded with good employees that stay on long term. Rentention is half the battle for most HR departments in any company across numerous industries, sweeping and construction especially.

Give them decent benefits, vacation time, and have a good working relationship with them. Employees who are happy at their jobs with a company they respect are naturally going to want to work harder for you and stay on for years to come.

Turnover that is high is damaging to your company’s bottom line in many ways. Prevent this by building a strong team that stands behind you every step of the way. That’s the only way you’ll have success as an in-demand sweeping operation.

Story by Katherine Nolan

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SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 17

Overcoming Economic Challenges Although the recession officially ended in 2009, its negative effects are still felt in many US industries. This is especially true for small businesses. As the country returns to its pre-recession growth and employment rates, it’s the little guys who bear the biggest consequences. If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably running a pretty good operation. In this article, we want to offer a few reminders that can be crucial to maintaining and successfully growing your business and keep you headed in the right direction now and in future tough times.

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Budgeting A frequently asked question we get from contractors is, “How do we compete against low bidders?” And to tell you the truth, the answer isn’t easy.When your competition is willing to sweep for what you made 20 or even 30 years ago in high school working at local fast food joint, it can be brutal. Younger companies who don’t know and understand their costs can underbid and harm the market. You can’t stop the tide, but you can mitigate the impact on your business.

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Know your costs and limits. Understand your costs fully and make sure every dollar has a job.. Know your variable costs, your fixed costs, and what economies of scale you can achieve by expanding your market. You can’t afford to guess when every dollar counts. Know your margins, set parameters that are comfortable, and stick to them. You may find that knowing all of your costs gives you more pricing flexibility when you place bids.

Remember that profitability does not necessarily correlate with the amount of revenue your business generates. . In many cases, smaller accounts can be highly profitable, while large accounts can cost your company time and money to administer, thereby leaving you with a smaller profit margin and an opportunity cost tough to calculate. Run scenarios with your budget and margins to maximize your bottom line. Optimize what you have and balance profitability and growth Budgeting can be a daunting task if it’s not a habit, so break it up over time and take the first step to get you going.

Marketing When companies are looking to save money, one of the first cuts is often marketing. What we forget is that w w w. n as weeper.co m

marketing is an investment in future sales and market share. Remember that new economic conditions, good or bad, create new opportunities. Look at your market and evaluate what is the best way for your potential customers to find you. Social media, the yellow pages, websites, brochures, ads, flyers, social networking...the list goes on and on.

It is important to be aware of the marketing you are already doing. The shirts your employees wear, the appearance of your office or shop, the condition of th equipment you operate, and the quality of your service all tell a story about who you are and are forms of marketing.

They create an impression in the minds of current and potential customers and employees. If you aren’t creating this impression proactively, then it will occur by default, and you may not like the results.

Create a marketing plan that is simple, clear, and concise.

Your plan should guide you through your marketing program and be inline with your long term growth and profitability goals. Focus on the strategy behind your marketing and then your tactics will follow. Whatever medium you use, .write it down in a simple plan, stick to it, review it, and never stop marketing!

SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 19

Communication As frequently as possible and practical, make contact with your customers. When interacting and building relationships, strive to understand their business and find ways that you can help them. Property managers are under the same pressures you are to cut costs and save money. Set yourself apart as a service provider. Remind them that opting for the lowest priced contractor may be a short term solution with long term consequences.

Educate your customers about the sweeping industry.

Does your competition carry the right insurance? Are they really doing the same quality job you’re doing, or are they cutting corners? Are they using the proper equipment? Be their eyes and ears on the property reporting current and potential problems and offer solutions. Many property managers, if properly educated, will pay a few bucks more to have the job done right.

While keeping in touch with your many customers, make sure you are doing it the “right” way. It’s important to decipher how your customers communicate and tailor your approach, without losing the advantages of making

it personal. One extreme is the tech-savvy entrepreneur that emails and sends text messages, but never makes a phone call. This person may be a model of efficiency, but is he loses that personal touch that separated him early on from the competition. Have something important to say? Don’t email it. Face to face contact is the best way to communicate, followed by a phone call, then an email.

Personal contact allows you to read the customer’s reaction and handle any concerns they have immediately. In our modern society, this can be tough but try to use email for follow-up and confirmation, not conversation.

Successful businesses don’t just react to financial challenges. You have to be proactive. Gain knowledge and experience through networking. Know your business, know your competition, and be creative. Continue to focus your efforts on all those things you know you should have been doing, but felt you were too busy get done. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to innovate. These principles which you already know, effectively implemented and followed, will set you apart as an exceptional sweeping company.

Story by NiteHawk Sweepers

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SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 21

Attend the first independent conference just for power sweeping contractors ever held in the U.S.!

• Educational Sessions • Equipment Demos • Sweeper Rodeo • Roundtable Discussion • Evening BBQ Featuring 'The Sweeper Band'

The 2017 Sweeper Roundup is being organized by the World Sweeping Association with sponsorship from the following:

For complete info go to:

www.WorldSweepingPros.org/roundup/ 22 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

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Dealing With Tough Stains For general cleaning, pressure washing is a great cleaning option to remove stains and discoloration. But consider your stain type before you use a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on oil patches or set-in stains can make the stain worse, driving the stains deeper into the surface pores.

For grease and oil spots, use kitty litter as an absorbing agent by pouring a good amount over the stain and letting it sit on the stain overnight. The following morning, simply sweep away the kitty litter with your parking lot sweeper. If the stain persists, use some Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or a commercial degreaser. TSP can be quite dangerous, so use caution. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and scrub the product into the stain to break down the oil and rinse away with warm water.

A combination of TSP, bleach and baking soda is very effective to clean away grease on asphalt. Apply the compound directly to the stain, then use your side brooms to scrub it away.

Coca-Cola and dishwashing liquid combat grease spots on concrete very well. Simply pour the soda onto the stain, saturating it and leave it to soak overnight. Then scrub with w w w. n as weeper.co m

warm water and dishwashing liquid the next day. Create a soapy lather with a nylon brush and the stain will simply lift away.

To remove mulch or leaf stains, apply some vinegar to the surface and scrub with a brush using circular motions and rinse the surface using a low-pressure rinse. If the stain persists, try mixing one capful of bleach with one gallon of warm water. Scrub the bleach solution on the stain using small circular motions. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 30-minutes and wash away with warm water or a lowpressure rinse.

For over forty-three years in the street sweeping business, Schwarze Industries has been committed to providing an exceptional level of customer support. Schwarze offers one of the most comprehensive sweeper lines in the sweeping business. For additional information visit the SchwarzeÂŽ website at www.schwarze.com

SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 23

INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

CAM South Sweeping An Interview with Andy Coolidge

How did your journey with CAM South begin?

CAM South originally started in 2007. I acquired the operating assets in May of 2014, which included 1 1/2 cabover sweepers. Both were very old, one required a new chassis engine (that’s the 1/2 unit), and neither were regularly serviced. If I wasn’t so eager to build a business, every mechanic I know would have told me to run the other direction.

Why did you get into the power sweeping industry?

Entrepreneurial bug got me a few years ago. I looked at a couple different opportunities, but the sweeping business was a natural fit. I’ve been in the parking lot management industry for almost 20 years, worked for a national provider and now a private operator. Both industries have a strong focus on operations management and parking deck cleaning has been one of my responsibilities.

What does your business model look like, including all employees and office locations?

We prefer to be the one phone call for all parking lot, 24 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

asphalt, and common area maintenance. Our portfolio includes national accounts, regional and local property management firms, a few small private holdings, and anywhere we can provide value. Sweeping is our primary focus and we’ve expanded our day porter service to support that operation. Power washing is a nice complimentary service, we’ve also partnered with a really good striping provider who’s expanded their offering to include infrared asphalt repairs. We like to believe in this industry “No News = Good News”; however, sometimes our clients or their tenants do report a concern. In those instances our one priority is a quick, professional response. CAM South’s primary customers are property managers, understanding they are pulled in multiple directions and everything is an “emergency”, our goal is to make common area maintenance a non-issue.

We have 30+ team members, primarily based in our Birmingham office. We do have a satellite office serving the Auburn/Opelika area. Our staff are employees of CAM South, we provide workers compensation insurance; process payroll to local, state, and federal law; put our crew in uniforms, and conduct regular employee meetings.

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Water Cannon International: 1-321-800-5763 MWBE Orlando | Phoenix | Minneapolis | Hattiesburg | MelbourneSE|P TToronto to be25 a w w w. n as weeper.co m E M B E R 2 0 1 |7 Bogota N O R T H A M E R I C A Nis Sproud W EEPER International: 1-321-800-5763 MWBE

How much growth has your company had with the upward improvements in the economy?

We’ve worked hard to gain market share and have been able to sustain consistent growth year over year. There is a growing concern about traditional brick and mortar retail and the impact of regular store closings and bankruptcy filings.

Although we work primarily with the retail industry; we are expanding to new markets, diversifying our services, and looking for new revenue streams, all to balance our portfolio.

How do you find new customers?

We employ the standard methods; • Provide great service and value to existing customers • General cold calling with a brief introduction • Website • Membership to the World Sweeping Association and NAPSA • Sign-up to sub for a few of the national providers

Have you added on any newer services recently?

We recently added a bucket truck to our fleet; it allows us to change light bulbs and more efficiently power wash walls and other vertical surfaces. We also started a roadside division and have been awarded contracts to provide litter removal for government entities.

How did you arrive at creating a stand out identity for your company?

Our company brand is the result of several influencing factors. First and foremost it’s a reflection of our culture. Our core group established these expectations and standards early on. We’ve done a nice job of adding employees that meet these requirements and strive for excellence. Our teams must provide a consistent level of service, where taking one night “off” is not acceptable. CAM South provides company sponsored events throughout the year; VIP lounge at the bowling alley, family night with The Birmingham Barons at Regions Field, and employee ping-pong tournaments, just to name a few. A second factor is Equipment. We are providing professional gear to get the job complete. Our equipment is maintained daily, repaired when necessary, and replaced if required. All team members are provided uniform shirts, jackets, and hats. Each item has the CAM South logo and we’re always adding new colors, designs, etc. It’s a relatively small recurring investment, but nice way to keep our team looking good and branded.

26 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

Describe your day-to-day operations and how crew shifts go?

The overnight sweeper teams start at 9:30 PM. Every shift is started with a pre-trip vehicle inspection and inventory of supplies. Every vehicle has a defined route each night, no time constraints or maximums on site. The following morning, when our operations manager and supervisors arrive they start the process of shift review. We compile several items from the previous night; fleet tracker logs, pre-trip inspection reports, time cards, etc. We’ve developed a one-page dashboard using key performance indicators and baseline metrics to quickly summarize multiple data points and create a “picture” of the previous night. The team investigates discrepancies, assigns additional in-person inspections, and posts the route report for team review. Our day porter crews are dispatched between 7 - 10 AM. Some have assigned locations and daily schedules, while others are completing work orders and must remain flexible. Our sweeper trucks are given a thorough inspection by the operations team; daily, weekly, and special maintenance service is scheduled and/or completed. By 6pm the day porters are done, the operations team have all vehicles prepared for the sweeper routes, and we’re set for the next overnight shifts.

What sweeper trucks and equipment technology do you utilize most?

Our sweeper fleet is exclusively Schwarze. They provide great equipment, first-class service & support, and are just up the road in Huntsville. Our power washing equipment is Hotsy, backpack blowers are RedMax, and tires are Michelin/ BF Goodrich. Actsoft provides our fleet tracking solution and Paychex is our payroll provider.

How does disposal work in your state?

It appears to be informal and decided by each provider. We have a 20 yard roll off at our shop that each truck uses at the end of their shift. We also have a few 8 yard dumpsters strategically located for either our longer routes or higher volume properties.

Overall, I think everyone in our market follows proper protocol.

However, I’ve seen competitors use dumpsters illegally, have received calls from property managers about abuse, and recommend tenants lock their units.

How does new technology factor into your business?

We like technology, but it’s only one tool our management team uses. Watching our KPI’s and efficiently managing our fleet & payroll are easier with technology. We evaluate new offerings and solutions, but only when they provide direct benefit; save money, save time, reduce human error, increase safety, etc.

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1.800.210.5923

[39]

August 2014

Don’t Get Scammed When Buying Used The Internet has connected the world and has made it much easier for businesses to research and purchase used sweepers, but it has also made it easier for scammers to take advantage of people and then quickly disappear.

You can be pretty sure established dealers, and manufacturers engage in honest sales practices. They have too much invested in their organization, community, and reputation to try to take advantage of buyers or sellers. But sometimes buying from a dealership or manufacturer might not an option.

To make sure you don’t become a victim, take your time when buying a used sweeper from individuals. If the seller doesn’t let you see the equipment, tries to route all transactions through a third-party payer or does not communicate through regular channels, there’s a good chance a scammer is trying to take advantage of you.

Here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself: Stick to reputable online listing sites.

Quality used equipment listing sites are the best way to make sure you do not get scammed. They will either 28 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

charge sellers for listing or require a membership to post listings. Plus, these sites do not allow any transactions to happen online but simply make it easy for buyers to find the equipment they are looking for and then put them in contact with the seller.

Avoid sites known for fraudulent activity.

Sites such as craiglist.com and ebay.com have a lot of honest people buying and selling equipment but are also the most targeted sites by scammers. Yes, eBay has precautions in place to protect buyers and sellers; however, if you are a victim of a scam and report it, you’ll wait for a lengthy investigation process to hopefully rule in your favor. And Craigslist has no responsibility for anything bought or sold on the site.

Check The Seller’s Credentials.

If you decide not to purchase from an established dealer or manufacturer, obtain as much information as you can about the seller before you buy. Ask the seller for a list of individuals who have purchased from them before and then talk to the Vi s i t Us

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people on that list to confirm the seller is truthful. Also, ask the seller for other reputable business people that can vouch for them.

an owner in a state that does not require a title, check with your DMV on the requirements for obtaining a title in your state. Better to find out before you buy than get stuck with a sweeper you can’t put on the road!

Ask Even More Questions.

Ask the person that you’re thinking about doing business with a lot of information about their organization, the sweeper’s condition, and previous owner’s operator. You also want to make sure that the sweeper truck has been cleared for any liens.

Get a Written Bill of Sale and Title.

Good business practices require that you get a written bill of sale from the seller when you purchase a sweeper.

Ask to see the title and make sure the seller is listed as the current owner. Make sure there is no lien on the title and if there is make sure there is a release clearly noted either on the title or via certified statement from the lienholder.

An MSO/MCO is not the same as a title and is only transferrable by a licensed dealer. A title is a ‘must’ have!

Some states don’t require a title for sweepers. If you are a seller in one of those states, be prepared to obtain a title to transact an out of state sale. If you are purchasing from

And Simply Trust Your Instincts.

Whenever you think “this deal is too good to be true,” it probably is. Expect to pay a fair price for any used sweeper that you’re going to add to your fleet. If you’re selling a sweeper, and the buyer doesn’t haggle or offers you more than you’re asking, you should be concerned. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.

For over forty-three years in the street sweeping business, Schwarze Industries has been committed to providing an exceptional level of customer support. Schwarze offers one of the most comprehensive sweeper lines in the sweeping business. For additional information visit the Schwarze® website at www.schwarze.com

We Have the Parts You Need – With Great Prices and Service!

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SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 29

INDEX

Buffalo Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 716-592-2700 / buffaloturbine.com

Sharpco Sweeper Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 313-343-4328 / 800-372-5007 / sharpcosweepershoes.com

Ditch Runner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 770-832-1192 / ditchrunner.net

Skavin-jer Street Sweepers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 888-652-2137 / skavinjer.com

Eagle Eye Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 855-338-7225 / eagleeyetracing.com

Stearns Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 800-247-1922 / stearnsleasing.com

Elgin Sweeper Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FC 847.741.5370 / http://elginsweeper.com/

Stewart-Amos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 800-482-2302 / stewart-amos.com

Global Sweeping Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 909-713-1600 / globalsweeper.com

Superior Tire & Rubber Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 800-289-1456 / superiortire.com

Keystone Street Sweeping Brooms and Brushes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 800-635-5238 / kpbrush.com

Sweeper Parts Xpress West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 800-275-7933 / spxwest.com

Masco Sweepers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC 800-345-1246 / masocsweepers.com

Sweeper Parts Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 877-695-3060 / sweeperpartssales.com

M-B Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 800-558-5800 / sales@m-bco.com

Tymco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 800-258-9626 / tymco.com

Nitehawk Sweepers.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 800-448-9364 / nitehawksweepers.com

United Rotary Brush Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 800-851-5108 / united-rotary.com

Pats Pum + Blower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 800-359-7867 / patspump.com

Water Cannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 13, 20, 24 800-333-9274 / watercannon.com

The ODB Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 800-446-9823 / www.odbco.com

Wayne Sweepers LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 319-266-1721 / waynesweepers.com

Schwarze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 16, 17 800-879-7933 / schwarze.com

Xpress Sweeping Sales & Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 401-523-6116 / xpresssweeping.com

Built with the Operator in Mind Easy to Operate and Maintain.

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XPRESS SWEEPING SALES & SERVICE 401-523-6116 WWW.XPRESSSWEEPING.COM

30 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

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SE P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 N O R T H A M E R I C A N S W EEPER 31

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www.mascosweepers.com

32 NO RTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R S EP T EM BER 2017

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