North American Sweeper - December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

I N SI DE

FORGIVENESS OF CARES S M A L L B U S I N E S S LO A N S p.8

A PA S S I O N F O R Q UA L I T Y - S P S , R AY N H A M M A p. 2 0

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O R T H A M E R I C AN SWEEPER 3

DECEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 12

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S 8

Forgiveness of CARES Small Business Loans

16 How Will the Paycheck Protection Program Affect Tax Liability for Small Businesses?

18 In The News 20 A Passion for Quality - SPS, Raynham MA 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 North American Sweeper Magazine is published by Phoenix Global Media Inc. Copyright 2020 by Phoenix Global Media Inc. All rights reserved.

SUBSCRIPTIONS $15.00 per year, or by eligible request.

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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6 NO R TH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R D EC EM BER 2020

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O R T H A M E R I C AN SWEEPER 7

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

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

INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

The federal CARES Act is the U.S. congressionally initiated an emergency funding program that has allocated $349 billion in loans and other assistance for small businesses this year (2020). The program was launched to help entrepreneurs like small power sweeping business owners weather the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus and the resulting national economic shutdown. Let’s take a look at what’s happening at this point during the pandemic, with the handling of these government loans that borrowers received through the CARES ACT with the expectation that their loans would ultimately be forgiven.

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T

he shock from the economic shutdown to the

the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Many

small business subsector has been astronomical.

lenders’ are currently waiting for clarification and

At the peak of the shutdown, about 87% of the U.S.

guidance from the federal government, while the

population was under a quarantine order to stay

population of small business owners holding CARES

at home. Around 45% of small businesses were

loans are now awaiting permission from their banks

temporarily closed during some part of 2020, and

to apply for loan forgiveness through the PPP.

employment dropped by about 40% in affected

The Harvard Business Review looks back at April

companies. Business Insider reported in late July

when so many businesses found themselves quickly

that around 55% of all pandemic-related business

in desperate need of cash and worried about

shutdowns since March 1 had

eligibility for the PPP, and the

already become permanent

chaotic start of the CARES

closures.

Even some deemed

small business emergency

COVID-19 EFFECTS ON THE POWERSWEEPING INDUSTRY

essential have lost

assistance program complicated

Fortunately, many commercial

very large percentages

application processing.

The program participants

and industrial power

of their business, because

experienced delays in obtaining

sweeping operations have

many of their customers’

the loan proceeds, and many

been identified as essential businesses, and were either

business volume ... has

minimally affected or not at

plummeted since the

all. Others, however, have struggled during this national

onset of the pandemic.

economic crisis. Even some

expressed deep uncertainties about whether or not the loan would be ultimately forgiven in their case.

The HBR reports that the messy rollout of the program,

deemed essential have lost very large percentages

which exacerbated these anxieties and even

of their business, because many of their customers’

prevented many small business owners from

business volume, especially those in retail products

applying is now followed by a confusing loan

and services, has plummeted since the onset of the

repayment and forgiveness phase that is causing

pandemic. Those who have stayed afloat with the

those worries to persist.

help of CARES-funded loans are probably well aware

The money for CARES small business emergency

that the program’s loan repayment or forgiveness

loans was funneled through banks to recipients,

phase has begun.

and those lenders quickly became inundated with

CARES LOAN REPAYMENT AND FORGIVENESS PHASE

applications. Amid the confusion, what was clear was the rule that using the majority of the loan for

Here’s what we’ve learned about the status of CARES

paying employees would ensure that the debt would

funding lenders and the 5.2 million borrowers in this

be forgiven. But, complexities have since evolved

beginning period of the loan forgiveness stage of

in executing processes to obtain forgiveness of the

continued on page 10

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O R T H A M E R I C AN SWEEPER 9

BUSINESS CORNER

loans. Now, borrowers and lenders alike are still hoping

to forgive all CARES PPP loans under $150,000

that Congress will pass the necessary legislation to

automatically, as had been originally announced

forgive IND U S Tdebts R Yunder N E$150k W S automatically.

UPDATE: CARES RULE CHANGE

would be the rule.

The NYT discusses concerns regarding the current obstacles for lenders and

The SBA’s released information this month (November 2020) about a change in a feature of its rule regarding loan forgiveness. The SBA currently advises that loans under $50,000, which are almost 70% of loans issued

The SBA currently advises that loans under $50,000, which

borrowers in going through the forgiveness process as it is currently written, i.e.,

are almost 70% of loans A S S issued O C I AT I Owithout N I Ninformation S I D E R about under the PPP, can have the loans forgiven even if the borrower reduced staff or payroll

loan forgiveness would work.

For example, lenders have emphasized the difficulty in meeting all requirements due

under the PPP, can have the loans forgiven, even if the SPO TLIGHT

how critical aspects of the

INDEX

to a lack of clarity about how

borrower reduced staff or payroll at his or her business

meticulously they are expected to validate payroll

after receiving the loan. The CBA’s response to the

records of borrowers for loans under $2 million, and

change renewed the organization’s call on Congress

other key directives. Further, lenders have emphasized

1 0 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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concerns about being repaid by the government for loans they made to businesses that ultimately closed down or filed for bankruptcy.

One banker reportedly said, regarding borrowers’ worry that their loans would not be forgiven due

Fortunately, most lenders have decided to risk postponing all PPP loan payments at this time, and they are advising

to mistakes on their paperwork, “We can’t help our

borrowers to wait for legislative remedies

borrowers if we don’t understand the guidance.” a

in the loan forgiveness process.

majority of borrowers took their loans before the rules changed, which means technically that lenders need to modify all those loans, by having each borrower sign off on the changes — an enormous undertaking.

Complications with loan parameters and stipulations detailed in an Entrepreneur magazine highlight many practical concerns for borrowers about their actual eligibility to meet payroll and rehiring criteria for loan forgiveness. Additional potential tax issues have further muddled borrowers’ picture of what they’ve signed up for.

SBA STATUS OF INFORMATION TO LENDERS ON CARES LOAN PAYMENTS

The SBA has still not yet responded to banks’ efforts to get clarification on key questions about how the loans are to be managed, and borrowers’ payments are beginning to come due this month. Fortunately, most lenders have decided to risk postponing all PPP loan payments at this time, and they are advising borrowers to wait for legislative remedies in the loan forgiveness process. continued on page 12

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 11

BUSINESS CORNER

that these and other questions will, at some point,

been suggested I N D U SIt’s TR Y N E W S by at least one lender that automatic forgiveness is still likely, partly because trying to collect from cash-strapped small businesses is simply too impractical.

be resolved in the favor of borrowers, but currently, lenders are still determining much on their own about how to proceed through the now-arrived repayment and forgiveness phase, as they await the comprehensive direction that is necessary a fuller understanding.

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

It’s been suggested by at least one lender that

Additional Information Resources

automatic forgiveness is still likely, partly because

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/business/small-

trying to collect from cash-strapped small businesses

business-ppp-loans-forgiveness.html

is simply too impractical. It also appears that there’s

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/350444

something of a consensus in Congress on ensuring

https://hbr.org/2020/04/a-way-forward-for-small-

S P Othat T Lborrowers I G H T are not taxed on their forgiven PPP loan proceeds.

Power sweeping business owners who have received PPP loans may be encouraged that it appears likely

1 2 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

businesses

INDEX

https://www.businessinsider.com/permanent-businessclosures-increased-march-coronavirus-pandemicyelp-2020-7

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 13

SWEEPER SUMMIT 2020

Goes on Virtually

This has been a year of unprecedented challenges, with

campaign, the 800Challenge. The event was very well

the cancellation of meetings and in-person events being

attended with over 60 participants, despite missing

the norm. But, 1-800-SWEEPER managed to rise up to

the traditional fellowship of the in-person meeting

meet these unique challenges by hosting its annual Sweeper Summit in a virtual setting.

The Partners of 1-800-SWEEPER convened November 4th - 6th for a virtual Summit that included the

and the highly popular outdoor

“We look forward to being able to meet in person in 2021.”

industries only benchmarking

equipment exhibit complete with demonstrations. However, the excitement is already building for next year’s 2021 Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo in Las Vegas at the popular Lake Vas Vegas Hilton Resort. Carolyn Bell, Director of

workshop, vendor presentations and new initiatives

Marketing for 1-800-SWEEPER says, “2021’s outdoor

including the kick off of our Holiday charitable

equipment expo should be our biggest one yet. With the

1 4 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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cancelling of other equipment trade shows throughout

relationships are very important to us. Their support

the year, manufacturers are eager to showcase their

of our events and initiatives is a true testament to the

equipment, especially in an outdoor environment. The

strength and value of our organization.”

Sweeper Summit 2021 will give them that opportunity in

This year’s Summit concluded on November 6th with the

Vegas”.

customary champagne toast, as all others have, led by 1-800-SWEEPER President,

The realized success of this year’s Sweeper Summit Virtual event

Mike Lucht. Welcome bags complete with

could not have occurred without

vendor swag, a mini bottle of champagne

the loyal support and participation

with a wine glass were distributed to all

from 800’s Vendor Partners. This

participants prior to the meeting and Uber

year’s Title Sponsor was Keystone

Eats delivered lunch remotely to all the

Plastics, 1-800-SWEEPER’s new exclusive broom supplier.

Friday registrants. “Our unity as a group is strong,” says

Silver Sponsors included Imperial Supplies, Schwarze

Steyer, “We look forward to being able to meet in person

Industries and ODRA Sweepers. Bronze Sponsors were

in 2021.

Lawson Products, Kimball Midwest, Kaman Industrial Technologies and Chevron/Texaco. Ben Steyer, Executive Director of 1-800-SWEEPER says, “Our Vendor Partner

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 15

How Will the

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM Affect Tax Liability for Small Businesses?

T

a joint statement, criticizing the IRS for exposing small businesses to increased tax liability. They argued that businesses who applied for PPP money were already struggling, and the inability to take normal small business deductions would further harm them. The Senators urged the Treasury to reconsider its position, but it remains uncertain if and how policies will change before the end of the year.

One avenue through which businesses can compensate for this increased exposure is through the Section 179 tax deduction. This deduction allows a business to write-off the full purchase price of a commercial vehicle in the year it is purchased, as opposed to following a gradual depreciation

his year, many small businesses took advantage of

schedule. As long as the vehicle meets certain criteria

financial relief packages to support them through

and is put into service the year of purchase, it will qualify.

the pandemic, including the federal Paycheck Protection

For more information on how your business can take

Program, or PPP. Of the $660 billion paid out, approximately

advantage of this deduction, visit our website: https://www.

75% of it went to small businesses to help cover payroll,

nitehawksweepers.com/tax-savings/.

mortgages, and other expenses. While this was a welcome

Small businesses are encouraged to seek guidance from

relief for many business owners, they need to be aware

their tax professionals to learn how these new policies will

of the tax implications of accepting these funds, and how

affect their taxes and to explore alternative avenues of asset

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct

depreciation or other deductible expenses that could help

qualifying equipment to limit tax liability in the current

absorb increased tax exposure.

year.

First, there remains a lack of clarity about the availability of future pandemic relief funds. As of late November, there is widespread support from both the public and private

Sources Benincasa, Robert. 6 July, 2020. As Americans avoided restaurants and doctors’ offices, those businesses got loans.

NPR. Available at https://www.npr.org/2020/07/06/887839065/

sectors for a second stimulus package, but many of the

as-americans-avoided-restaurants-and-doctors-offices-those-

details still need to be negotiated within Congress.

businesses-got-loans

In the meantime, the IRS and the US Department of Treasury released two pieces of guidance as to how businesses’ taxes would be affected if they used the first round of PPP money. First, they stated that if a PPP loan has been forgiven, or the business reasonably believes it will

Jeane, Jessica L. 18 Nov, 2020. Treasury, IRS Release Guidance on PPP Loan Deductibility. National Society of Accountants. Available at https://connect.nsacct.org/blogs/ jessica-jeane1/2020/11/18/treasury-irs-release-guidance-on-ppploan-deductib.

Murphy, Shane. 24 Nov, 2020. Will you get a new $1,200 stimulus

be forgiven, any expenses covered by the loan money will

check by Christmas? Yahoo Finance. Available at https://finance.

not be tax-deductible. Second, PPP loan participants whose

yahoo.com/news/second-1-200-stimulus-check-181500626.html

forgiveness has been fully or partially denied will be able to

United States Senate Committee on Finance. 19 Nov, 2020.

claim deductions on eligible payments.

Grassley, Wyden: Treasury misses the mark on PPP loan

There is bipartisan criticism of these new provisions.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) of the Senate Finance Committee released

1 6 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

expense deductibility guidance. Available at https://www.finance. senate.gov/chairmans-news/grassley-wyden-treasury-missesthe-mark-on-ppp-loan-expense-deductibility-guidance

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Replacement Brooms You Can Rely On.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 17

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

SPOTLIGHT

OAKMONT CAPITAL SERVICES PROMOTES LINN TO SALES MANAGER

INDEX

WEST CHESTER, PA, November 2020 – Oakmont Capital Services is proud to announce the promotion of Elise Linn, CLFP, to Sales Manager. Linn will guide the OCS sales team, ensuring excellent customer service and growing Oakmont’s subsidy partnership relationships.

“Elise is a dedicated, conscientious, and knowledgeable equipment finance professional who is a natural leader,”

“Elise is a dedicated, conscientious, and knowledgeable equipment finance professional who is a natural leader,” said Jim Peach, CLFP and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Oakmont Capital Services.

“I’ve worked with Elise for over 15 years, and I know she will accomplish great things within this role.”

Linn, who joined Oakmont in 2018, has nearly

“I’m excited and humbled to take on this role and lead my colleagues who are already amazing finance professionals,” said Linn. “I have a passion for helping businesses grow by providing financing for equipment essential to daily operations. I look forward to helping more businesses in my new role as Sales Manager and contributing to Oakmont’s growth.”

Oakmont Capital Services, LLC, headquartered in West Chester, PA, with an office in Albany, MN, is a fast, affordable, reputable solution to financing. Founded

twenty years of experience in the equipment finance

in 1998 by Managing Members Joe Leonard, CLFP and

industry and holds a Certified Lease & Finance

Megan Zoba, Oakmont Capital Services (OCS) is a direct,

Professional designation. She has extensive experience

independent lender, providing commercial equipment

working directly with manufacturers establishing

financing and working capital throughout all 50 states.

national retail finance programs. At Oakmont

The professional financing staff at OCS has combined

Capital Services, she specializes in partnering with

experience of over 250 years in the industry and is the

manufacturers and vendors, plus end-user customers,

reliable choice for today’s financing needs. For more

providing an excellent financing experience.

information, visit www.oakmontfinance.com.

1 8 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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WE CAN CREATE A RENTAL PROGRAM TO ALIGN WITH SWEEPING CONTRACTS YOU HAVE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 19

INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

A Passion for

Quality SPS, Raynham MA

W

illiam Smith, Owner of

He attributes his success to his

Smith Property Services

team’s commitment to top-quality

(SPS) has built an impressive

performance in every detail of service

commercial power sweeping

and to achieving maximum customer

business in just five short years and

satisfaction in every account. Under

has continued to realize growth even

Bill’s direction, SPS sets a high

during this past year of the global

operational standard for the industry.

economic shutdown (2020). Smith’s

He offers some fascinating insights for

company provides a wide range

new entrepreneurial entrants

of essential commercial property

into the U.S. commercial power

maintenance and sweeping services.

sweeping market.

2 0 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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SMITH PROPERTY SERVICES BUSINESS MODEL

divorce and the landscaping business was dissolved. I lost

The numerous revenue channels that constitute the

everything and even ended up living in my car for a while.

SPS business model include a wide range of essential

This was about 14 or 15 years ago. I took a job working

commercial property maintenance and power sweeping

for someone else and hated it. I ended up working for my

services in retail, industrial, commercial parking lot,

brother. A guy I knew with a sweeping business called me

municipal, and construction sweeping environments.

and said he was going to downsize and sell. I talked to my

These are some of the company’s wide array of exterior

brother about the idea, but he didn’t want it.

and interior property maintenance services:

SPS STARTUP LAUNCH AND RAPID GROWTH

n Power Sweeping

n Sidewalk Maintenance

n Retail Sweeping

n Bulk Trash Removal

n Industrial Sweeping

n Oversize Load Removal

n Municipal Sweeping

n Abandoned Property

n Construction Sweeping

n Dropped Off Items

n Construction Run-Off

n Property Trash Removal

n Day Portering Services

n Asphalt & Paving

n Pressure Washing

n Pothole Repair

n Facility Maintenance

n Curb Repair

n Touch Up Painting

n Parking Lot Striping

n Light Bulb Replacement

n Paving Services

n Bollard Repair

n Catch Basin Clean Out

n Tenant Clean Outs

n Grate Clean Out

n Ceiling Tile Repair

n Property Maintenance

n Snow & Ice Management n Snow Plowing

Services n Services Available 24/7

n Salt Application

So, I started it on my own and soon got about $100k worth of accounts. A property owner (SPS’s major customer) who I started providing service since that time did everything with billygoats instead of trucks. He said, “If you buy a truck, come back and see me.” So, I worked my way up and got a Schwarze.” I called him, and he said, “Let me see what I can do.” That was about five years ago. We started, and they gave us three parking lots. Even with the Coronavirus, we had a flourishing 78 percent growth from 2019 to 2020.

He (the major customer) gave me portering at one point, so I wouldn’t’ go out of business. I bought a truck that we used for that for several years and had one guy doing that work. We have now grown to two full-time porters and one part-time with three trucks.

We service 23 properties, approximately, for him (the customer) right now. We’ve expanded. I try to provide whatever the customer needs. We do painting, snow

BILL SMITH, A NEW BEGINNING…

From here, Bill Smith tells the captivating story of SPS, its inception in April of 2015, what led to its start, the business’s 5-year growth history, and its operational model. He also talks about the relationships that have defined this impressive growing business right along with the man who created it from scratch, less than scratch really, and shaped it into a thriving New England enterprise. It’s an account of an entrepreneur’s journey that is sure to resonate with many power sweeping business owners: I had a landscaping business and worked as a subcontractor for years for this guy. I went through a continued on page 22

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INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

removal. We’ll check doors, check this, that, whatever they need. They’ll call and well take care of it. We’ll do cleanouts when a store leaves. I never say no.

SPS FLEET AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

We have 18 or 19 trucks now. My biggest are 3 Victories, 1 Nighthawk, 2 Schwarze, a Johnson, and a Tennant, the attachments, and a bunch of pickup trucks.

At this point, we’ve added on that Johnson. With that, we can do more construction sweeping. We can also do catch basins. It was a niche I wanted to be in, to help customers

largest customer) took that opportunity to replace another

keep from having to have somebody else doing jobs we

company and allowed us to pick up another route for them.

could do at parking lots we’re servicing.

This year has been a roller coaster but we’re still rolling.

I have a yard and shop. Most of our repairs are done inhouse. We keep parts and even a few spare heads. We can

We’ve had a big year. It’s almost scary, and it’s very exciting.

I went from 6 or 7 employees last year, to this summer

change a head the way a NASCAR pit crew changes tires.

when we were at 14. We’re at 11 right now, going into

THE DAUNTING SHOCKS AND OBSTACLES OF 2020

winter. And, we’re just pushing forward. I get calls from

When the coronavirus hit earlier this year, they (SPS’s

national companies who want to buy me out, and I say no.

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BILL SMITH’S GROWTH PLANS FOR SPS

office, and I don’t belong in the office. I have a foreman,

I don’t think you’re ever busy enough. I want more to

Alan, who deals with some of the day to day. He’s been

do. I’m thinking about how to move forward with that

with me for three years. But, I’m still in contact with all

and what will be best over the long-term.

I am looking to expand, and am going to be looking for a

the property managers. They

I don’t think you’re ever busy enough. I want more

come to me if they’re having an issue, which is not often.

But, they do know I’m very

new salesperson to help get us

to do. I’m thinking about

reachable, and that’s the way

an opportunity to show what

how to move forward ...

I want it.

we can do on other property owner’s sites.

I’m still going to continue to

and what will be best over the long-term.

My son, Billy, is in the office.

He has been working with me since day one. We hired

stay away from the municipal

an Operations Manager. She’s

stuff. We will never sweep

in the middle of everything

millings. I love litter. We’ll keep picking up that stuff.

before it gets to me. At this point, I’m not in the field

SPS OPERATIONS

much anymore. I’ve tried to back away and relieve a little

At the size we’ve reached now, you need someone in the

stress and let them all have a little more responsibility. continued on page 24

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SPOTLIGHT

INDEX I also treat my employees like family. Once they’re here, they don’t leave.

SPS MARKETING AND BRANDING

We’ve gotten more into online marketing with the website and stuff like that. It’s just been completed. Derek Rayburn from Scenic City Studios in Tennessee designed the site.

We have tee shirts for the guys. Everything has got the same logo, in color. We got reflective logos on the trucks, I’m more involved in management, and Mary has me

so they can be seen at night.

stuck in the office three or four hours a day. Thank God

SPS CHALLENGES

I’ve got a level of trust with her that has taken so much

Before this year, it was capital — that was my huge

off my plate that I can relax and enjoy life a little more.

issue — being able to get the credit to buy the new

SPS WORKPLACE CULTURE

You know within that first six weeks if someone is going to be a good employee or not.

No one has ever asked me for a raise. When your ninety days is coming up, I know it, and when the year is coming up, I know it. And, you’ve already got the raise before you can ask for it.

2 4 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

equipment, and having the courage to take out those loans. But, I learned that you can borrow money anywhere. It’s just a question of whether you want to pay what that credit costs. I took some chances, borrowed some expensive money, and got what I needed.

And, it just never stops. I think now my biggest continued on page 26

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INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

challenge is to figure out the pricing, so I can get in with

A GREAT AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY – SPS’S BILL

a new company (acquire a new large customer). The one

SMITH IS EFFECTIVELY MANAGING GROWTH

thing we never get are complaints in the morning that

Smith has overcome the challenges of managing his

there’s trash in a parking lot. It’s the quality that ensures

rather rapidly expanding team’s efficient delivery of services throughout a large

our success.

INSIGHTS FOR NEW ENTRANTS INTO THE POWERSWEEPING INDUSTRY, FROM BILL SMITH, SMITH PROPERTY SERVICES, RAYNHAM MA

Smith has overcome the

the lower Massachusetts

challenges of managing

region. Also, along with

his rather rapidly expanding

small business owners

team’s efficient delivery

throughout the nation,

I think the way I was brought up is responsible for the way I think about quality. I don’t care

number of towns across

of services throughout a

what job you do, I don’t care if

large number of towns across

it’s shoveling manure in a milk

the lower Massachusetts region.

farm — do the best you can.

It’s not a glamorous job we do,

he has faced down the surreal relentless bombardment from COVID-19-related difficulties in 2020.

All the while, true to his clear nature, Bill moves

sweeping pavement. But, do it right. Be responsive. Never

forward methodically. With remarkably calm resolve

say no. It’s all in the relationships you build.

and steadiness of purpose, he’s engaged in strategic continued on page 28

2 6 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 27

INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

This business owner personifies the one-foot-in-front-of-the-other philosophy, while keeping a keen eye toward the future, always strategizing for improving services...

growth planning for 2021. Against all uncertainties, rarely has a business owner seemed as ready for whatever may come, including any

TRUE REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPING !

Model 600® COMDEX ® Street Sweeper

Model 500x® High Side Dump

modifications to his future planning.

His firmness of footing seems to have him well-prepared to grapple with any foreseeable and unpredictable adaptations due to market shifts or larger economic adjustments stemming from the continuing pandemic and the economic shutdown it triggered.

This business owner personifies the one-foot-in-front-of-the-other philosophy, while keeping a keen eye toward the future, always strategizing for improving services,

Model 435 COMDEX Mid-Sized Street Sweeper ®

®

Model 210 COMDEX Parking Lot Sweeper ®

®

already mapping on a vision for implementation, and ready to meet any emergent conditions with exemplary agility and creative problem-solving.

Because swept is not always clean, call TYMCO. Our Regenerative Air Sweepers blast into pavement cracks with up to a 250 mph controlled jet of air, forcing up even the finest sand and particulates into a totally enclosed system — never exhausting dirty air as do vacuum sweepers. All with only a few moving parts, reducing maintenance cost and downtime.

Schedule a Demonstration Today !

Property Services, Raynham, Massachusetts, see the company’s website at spsraynham.com.

1-800-258-9626 www.tymco.com

For more information about Smith

Model 600 Illustration

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO INVENTED REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPING! 2 8 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

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Cleaner streets one sweep at a time

we make it easy to buy! co-op purchasing

financing

Contract # 122017-JTN

Bucher Municipal 105 Motorsports Road Mooresville, NC 28115 T 704.658.1333 WWW.BUCHERMUNICIPAL.COM w w w. na sweeper.co m

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 29

INDEX 1-800-Sweeper.............................................................................15 1800sweeper.com

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

Bucher Municipal.........................................................................29 704-658-1333 / buchermunicipal.com

Safety Vision...................................................................................6 800-851-4764 / safetyvision.com

Buffalo Turbine.............................................................................14 PROD U C T W AT C H 716-592-2700 / buffaloturbine.com Carolina Enviromental Services...................................................14 800-239-7796 / cesrefuse.com Curbtender Sweeper s LLC........................................................BC 319-266-1721 / curbtendersweepers.com Eagle Eye Tracking.........................................................................3 855-338-7225 Elgin Sweeper Company..............................................................25 elginregenx.com Global Sweeping Solutions............................................................2 909-713-1600 / globalsweeper.com Gregory Highway..........................................................................13 866-994-4929 / gregoryhighway.com KeyStone Street Sweeping Brooms............................................17 800-635-5238 / kpbrush.com Nite-Hawk Sweepers................................................................6, 17 800-448-9364 / nitehawksweepers.com Oakmont Capital Services LLC......................................................5 320-844-8800 / oakmontfinance.com ODRA Sweeper............................................................................ FC 844-888-6372 / odrasweeper.com Pat’s Pump & Blower....................................................................11 800-359-7867 / patspump.com Prince Motors...............................................................................11 951-681-6960/ princemotorsusa.com

3 0 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

Schwarze Industries Inc.......................................................3, 7, 26 800-879-7933 / schwarze.com Sharpco Sweeper Shoes................................................................4 313-343-4328/800-372-5007/sharpcosweepershoes.com Skavin’jer Street Sweepers..........................................................12 888-652-2137 / skavinjer.com Stewart-Amos Equipment Co........................................................4 800-482-2302 / stewart-amos.com Street Smart..................................................................................19 888-653-6800 / streetsmartrental.com Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.......................................................10 800-289-1456 / superiortire.com Sweeper Parts Sales....................................................................24 877-695-3060 / SweeperPartsSales.com Trinity Highway.............................................................................23 888-323-6374 / trinityhighway.com Tymco............................................................................................28 800-258-9626 / tymco.com United Rotary Brush Corporation................................................22 800-851-5108 / united-rotary.com Well Made Manufacturing............................................................27 609-323-2655 / wellmademfg.com Xpress Sweeping Inc....................................................................30 401-523-6116 / xpresssweeping.com

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ODB Has the Parts to help SWEEP America !

For ALL makes and models of street sweepers!

Tennant - Elgin - Sunvac Mobil -Wayne - VacAll Vanguard - NiteHawk Schwarze - Johnston - Tymco OLD DOMINION BRUSH COMPANY

COAST to COAST

BRUSHES, BROOMS & SWEEPER PARTS DEBRIS COLLECTION SYSTEMS

BROOMS Wafers Main Brooms Gutter Brooms

PARTS

Rollers

Conveyor Belts

Impellers

Rubber Runners

Splice Kits

Drive Sprockets

Skid plates

and much more...

COAST to COAST

www.odbco.com CALL 800-446-9823 Today! w w w. na sweeper.co m Alamo Group

Replacement Parts for all makes and models of street sweepers Johnston, Elgin®, Tymco®, Tennant®, Wayne, etc..

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 31 052419 TMT

the path is always clear High performance, durable products that offer customers a lower total cost of ownership.

the

sentry a sweeper with standards as strong as your own the sentry regenerative air sweeper uncommonly high standards

Under CDL platform with over CDL performance. Incab control of gutter broom speed, pressure, and angle.

Hopper and fan are made entirely of HardoxÂŽ 450 abrasion resistant steel designed to stand up to the abuse of debris.

Crescent shaped pick up head funnels debris to the center of machine. On-screen diagnostics keep information at your finger tips and makes it easier to maintain your sweeper.

PHONE: 3 2 NORTH AMERIC AN(319) S WE 266-1721 E P E R DEC EM BER 2020

701 PERFORMANCE DR. CEDAR FALLS, IA 50613

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