North American Sweeper - December 2023

2005-2023

2005-2022

DECEMBER 2023

INSIDE IN THE NEWS p.14 INTERNATIONAL SWEEPER SUMMIT 2023 p.16 ENSURING SAFETY ON PAVING AND SWEEPING JOB SITES p. 20 HOW AI WILL AFFECT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS p. 24

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 3

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 12

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S 8

EP Milling & Sweeping Company, Inc., Long Island, NY

14 In The News 16 International Sweeper Summit 2023 20 Ensuring Safety on Paving and Sweeping Job Sites: Best Practices 24 How AI Will Affect Your Small Business 34 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 2023 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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INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

EP MILLING & SWEEPING COMPANY, INC. LO N G I S L A N D, N Y

EP Milling & Sweeping is a 17-year-old pavement maintenance business located in Farmingdale, New York on southern central Long Island above Fire Island, near Massapequa. Philip LaManna, EP founder and owner of EP, launched the startup in 2006.

Since that time, he has achieved impressive growth of the company, which has become an integral service in the region.

This experienced business owner recently shared some information and valuable insights with us to benefit NAS readers.

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FOUNDER AND OPERATOR, PHILIP LAMANNA – BEFORE EP

LaManna graduated from high school and completed two years of college. He reflects on his entrepreneurial career development from that point forward: I started working for a sweeping company at the age of 16 right out of high school.

Then I worked for a milling and sweeping company for 24 years as a union operator and excelled at learning and running the equipment. When the company I worked for closed its doors, I took that opportunity to start my own business.

model) and Wirtgen brands and Odra street sweepers are tier-4 equipment. They have the

Philip and his team work with over 125 contractors per year.

He emphasizes operational quality.

We keep our machines in top condition. We do all of our own vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair work in-house.

latest technology and electronic guides to ensure the operator isn’t “on his own” at any job site.

EP ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The EP business model consists of two primary service channels – pavement milling and sweeping. The profile is about 65% milling and 35% sweeping. Philip and his team work with over 125 contractors per year. He emphasizes operational quality. We keep our machines in top condition. We do all of our own vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair work inhouse. Most of my operators can diagnose and troubleshoot a breakdown onsite.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT EP MILLING & SWEEPING?

If it can’t be done onsite, we will send a second

What sets us apart is that we are a union company

machine to complete the work while a shop

and we use the best equipment. We have several

mechanic is sent to the customer’s site to work

milling machines and street sweepers. Typically,

on equipment breakdown. In doing so, the

a sweeper runs behind our milling machine for

contractor’s timeline isn’t affected, and the work

paving operations, which can be hard on the

can be completed in a way that satisfies the

sweeper. All our milling machines, Astec (Roadtec

inspector’s and engineer’s requirements. continued on page 10

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 9

SPOTLIGHT

GROWTH AT EP MILLING & SWEEPING, LONG ISLAND NY

The two service lines grow hand in hand as they are both necessary on a paving contract. In 2006, I had one machine and one sweeper. I now have almost ten machines and ten sweepers. There is always a high demand for my street sweeping services, so I do expect the growth to continue.

We don’t set goals for growth; it happens organically. Growth in my industry occurs along with

INDEX

We don’t set goals for growth; it happens organically. Growth in my industry occurs along with increases in paving.

increases in paving. The pattern I recognized was that not many companies were strictly renting equipment

seeing my logo on my equipment or tractor-trailer,

daily. Most companies mill and pave themselves. I

which leads them to google my company and gives

stand out because I work with paving contractors to

them a way to get in touch with my office.

help them achieve their goals in a timely fashion.

We serve about 10 to 15 contractors weekly and

About 95% of our new customers come by word of

about 25 to 30 monthly. This consists of milling and

mouth. Around five percent come from contractors

sweeping and can be done day and night. The busy

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season for us is usually March to November/December, all depending on the weather.

DAILY OPERATIONS AT EP MILLING & SWEEPING

The day-to-day operations are exactly that, day to day. Normally, my office will receive a call or text to schedule a milling machine and sweeper for a job.

We receive information on the location, start time, onsite contact (foreman), and quantities to be milled/

...the more basic the machine the better. The fewer hydraulic lines, wiring, and computers, the better. Because most of these new technologies are so sensitive and can

swept, so we can provide the proper equipment. The

be damaged easily...

operators are then given a work order ticket with all those details. They get that signed after the job is completed. The contractor (customer) receives a pink copy for their record, and we keep the originals.

This ensures that my operators complete the work satisfactorily to the foreman’s instructions and quality requirements. When the operator comes back to the

whiteboard for the mechanics to look at.

We identify the problems, and our shop mechanics have a checklist to make sure the equipment is repaired and safely operational for the next workday.

shop, they are responsible for refueling

We tend to rebuild most of

the sweepers, power washing them,

our sweepers during the winter/

and greasing them to keep them

off-season from the ground up

functional for the following day.

to prepare for the following year.

EQUIPMENT AT EP MILLING & SWEEPING

For purchasing, we look for quality

The street sweeper is 100% essential

sweeping equipment and parts

to milling operations. A contractor’s

with reliable support and service

clean-up crew (backhoe, skid steer, buckets, blowers,

from dealers/vendors. Extremely important: the

and rakes), can only do so much. The sweepers

more basic the machine the better. The fewer

remove the finer materials near curbs and edges

hydraulic lines, wiring, and computers, the better.

that other equipment can’t clean as efficiently.

Because most of these new technologies are so

Our operators never just sweep milling debris off the

sensitive and can be damaged easily by dust and

pavement. We always pick up what we sweep. That

vibrations.

material is then loaded into a dump truck, trailer, or

I don’t go out of my way to look for the latest

dumpster for the contractor to remove and dispose of.

technology advancements, but working with 125+

We service all of our equipment at 250-hour intervals.

contractors per year keeps me informed. My operators

When a piece of equipment breaks down onsite and

tell me about contractors with new and upgraded

cannot finish the day, the operator will make notes

equipment and practices and contractors will let me

and take pictures of the problem. When they get

know what they will be doing differently next year and

back to the shop, they write the information on a

how that may or may not affect us. continued on page 12

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 11

SPOTLIGHT

EP TEAM CULTURE, INDUSTRY’S FINEST ON LONG ISLAND

I have eight non-union workers and employ between 10 and 18 union employees per week. Of the eight non-union people, two of them do the administrative work, dispatching/scheduling, contracts, insurance, DMV renewals, billing, etc. The other non-union employees are my shop mechanics, ground men, and tractor-trailer drivers.

When we hire a new employee or obtain a union operator who is new to the industry, we typically send them with a seasoned operator to shadow them for a couple of weeks. The experienced

INDEX

way of operating the machine that ensures the safety of everyone on the site.

I boost the morale of the workers by getting out there on the floor with them and working on the equipment like I did when I was 16 years old. I am an easy person to approach, and I appreciate it when someone is willing to learn and gain experience.

I expect any new employee to come here with the mindset of always learning and growing. This is an industry that needs the younger generations to get into the trades to fill the gap from those who are retiring.

operator will run the equipment until they feel

CHALLENGES FOR EP IN THE NYC COMMERCIAL SWEEPING MARKET

like the new hire can handle it. As the experienced

The most challenging aspect of being a NY business

operator observes (a couple of feet away) he can

that works with paving contractors is that it is a

correct or teach the new operator a more efficient

seasonal industry. Depending on the weather,

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we could work from March through November. Or,

time, costs, insurance, and how involved you want

if we have a mild winter, we can work from February

to be. If your interest is in a more passive level of

through December. (When COVID was at its

engagement, it may not be the industry for you.

peak, we didn’t start work until May and were

If you want to come up with creative solutions on

done by October.)

the fly constantly and you do well under pressure,

Asked his thoughts about any potential outside

this may be the right choice for you. Use quality

forces that may affect the company in the future,

equipment. (I recommend ODRA for sweeper trucks;

Philip answers, I don’t think of negative conditions

they used to be called a Broom Badger but now just

that may arise. I take it one day at a time, and ensure

ODRA.)

that I do my part, and focus on what I have some

Beyond those essentials, my way of doing business

control over.

is based on my morals. I do right by the contractor/

ADVICE FOR NEW SWEEPING BUSINESS OWNERS FROM PHILIP LAMANNA, EP INC., NYC

customer by under-promising and over-delivering on

If this is an industry you can see yourself in, you

built a reputation of honesty and integrity for myself

must learn the equipment from peak performance

and my company and I have been able to keep

to the most complicated breakdown. Evaluate the

recurring clients for almost two decades.

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results. As the owner and operator, with time, I have

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 13

IN THE NEWS

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

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

COMMERCIAL CREDIT GROUP INC. CLOSES $427,538,000 TERM ABS (CCGR TRUST 2023-2) Charlotte-based equipment finance company closes seventeenth asset-backed security transaction.

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 14, 2023) - ICommercial Credit Group Inc. (CCG), an independent commercial equipment finance company, today announced that it has finalized a $427,538,000 term asset-backed security (ABS) transaction. The securitization was placed with a diversified group of fixed income investors from 32 unique institutions. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC served as Structuring Agent and Lead Bookrunner for the placement.

The securitization is supported by CCG’s finance originations in the construction, fleet transportation, manufacturing, and waste equipment industries and

“This is CCG’s second securitization of the year, and our largest transaction to-date. We’re delighted with the positive reception of this offering and grateful for the ongoing support from the institutional ABS investor community,”

is comprised of five classes of notes which carry the following ratings: Notes

S&P

Moody’s

Dollar Amount

for the ongoing support from the institutional ABS investor community,” Stated Paul Bottiglio, CCG’s SVP

Class A-1.........A-1+............P-1....................$94,600,000

and CFO. “This transaction further enables us to assist

Class A-2.........AAA.............Aaa...................$277,047,000

our middle-market customers in the financing of

Class B.............. AA...............Aa2..................$21,822,000

their mission-critical equipment.”

Class C.............. A..................A1.....................$16,033,000 Class D.............BBB+...........Baa2................$18,036,000 “This is CCG’s second securitization of the year, and our largest transaction to-date. We’re delighted with the positive reception of this offering and grateful

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 15

International Sweeper Summit 2023 The International Sweeper Summit and Equipment Expo was held at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, October 24th- 26th in Las Vegas, and was another sweeping success! A big thank you to Schwarze Industries our Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Their support of the Sweeper Summit over the years has been greatly appreciated.

The educational programming this year focused on various aspects of running your business; technology in the workplace, company culture, training, hiring and how to better manage your business as an owner.

The Summit kicked off on Tuesday with the 3rd

memories! The day concluded with an Exhibitor

Annual Golf Outing at Angel Park Golf Course.

Welcome Reception, sponsored by Keystone Plastics.

Attendees and exhibitors enjoyed a beautiful day on

Attendees and vendors socialized with one another

the links. A new activity added this year for non-

while enjoying cocktails and light fare. The event

golfers was a trip to Speed Vegas for exotic car racing.

gave them the opportunity to reconnect and share

Everyone had a great time and made some exciting

what was new within their companies.

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On Wednesday morning, we were back in the Exhibitor Area with breakfast sponsored by TYMCO, and a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar sponsored by Kimball-Midwest. Made to order omelets and other breakfast fare were available to attendees with an additional opportunity to visit the 26 exhibitors that were on display.

The educational programming this year focused on various aspects of running your business; technology

day off with a presentation on using AI to become

in the workplace, company culture, training, hiring

more efficient in our work. He was followed by the

and how to better manage your business as an

keynote speaker, Al Curnow of CultureWise. Curnow

owner. Schwarze’s Joe Hendrickson started the

spoke about the importance of company culture and continued on page 18

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The International Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo continues to attract attendees not only from across the US, but other countries as well. how it affects many aspects of a business, such as productivity, efficiency and improving teamwork within organizatio ns. NAPSA presented two sessions this year; Train the Trainer and a Fleet Basics Certification from Sweeper School. It was the first year the Sweeper Summit and NAPSA have worked together on bringing educational sessions to our attendees. In support of NAPSA and Sweeper School, the Sweeper Summit recognized the importance of a continued partnership between our organizations and presented Sweeper School with a $2,500 donation to help continue the

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development of educational resources for the power sweeping industry.

Additional roundtable discussions that were part of the programming included; Hiring Versatile Leadership, Working ON Your Business Not IN It, and a Manufacturers Panel. New this year were two outdoor Lunch & Learn sessions in the equipment expo area during an extended 2-hour lunch. Nick Bruhn of Schwarze Industries presented Hydraulic Troubleshooting & Preventative

Participants from Qatar, Canada, and Germany were

Maintenance, while Suburban Propane presented

also in attendance!

the cost benefits and ease of converting gas-

The Summit will be back at the JW Marriott Resort

powered vehicles to propane. Both were well

& Spa in Las Vegas, October 22-24, 2024. Mark your

received and informative.

calendars and look for updates on registration and

The International Sweeper Summit & Equipment

programming coming soon at sweepersummit.com.

Expo continues to attract attendees not only from across the US, but other countries as well.

Replacement Brooms You Can Rely On.

Quality. Performance. On-Time Delivery Keystone Plastics has been manufacturing the industry’s leading replacement brooms for street sweeping and road construction since 1954. At Keystone we believe in reliable quality and strive to make the heaviest, longest lasting brooms in the industry. We also believe the only good broom is the one that arrives to you as promised. Contact us to find a distributor near you.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 19

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

Ensuring Safety on Paving and Sweeping Job Sites: BEST PRACTICES

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

IND X S P O T L I G H Paving T and sweeping companies offer aE valuable service to communities across our country. By paving damaged roads and parking lots and sweeping to maintain their cleanliness and curb appeal, your company ensures our streets, shopping areas and other places of business are clean, safe and attractive.

A

s you are aware, the possibility of safety

checklist governing your machinery should

risks comes with the use of heavy

be specific and extensive, below are the Top 3

machinery. A significant aspect of ensuring the

areas of importance.

success of your paving and sweeping company is keeping your employees and the public safe

4 Show Caution in Getting On and Off Your Equipment

while on these job sites. Read further to learn

A Getting on and off machinery is one of

about ways to secure the safety of your team,

the leading causes of injury for equipment

the public and your equipment.

operators. Combining the risks of moving

ENFORCE COMMON SENSE SAFETY PROTOCOLS

machinery, wet, slippery surfaces and operator

Paving and sweeper safety begins with your

negligence can all lead to serious injury or

company adopting clear, concise and common

worse. Implement the consistent practice of

sense safety protocols. While the safety

your employees checking for muddy footwear,

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wearing high-grip gloves to allow more stable mounting of equipment, and making sure when entering and exiting the equipment they have a stable handhold and footrest on at least 3 points of

Another important practice in ensuring safety on paving and sweeper

the machine at all times.

job sites is equipment

4 Don’t Crowd Around Machines, Including During Loading and Unloading

maintenance. Frequent

Do not allow your employees to gather around while in use. Those supervising should also be at

maintenance inspection not only

a safe distance. In addition, when the loading and

prevents small flaws from turning

unloading process is underway, there is a lot going

into larger issues, saving your

on and machine rollovers and other injuries are common. Consistent instruction on using “spotters,”

company time and money,

proper tie-down procedures, safety tie wires and

but they also ensure

other safety equipment and procedures that should be implemented for best practices.

employee safety.

4 Require Safe Distance from Motorists Enforce employee safety practices of properly creating safe work zones when working on roads

follows. Looking into the extent of training of

and highways. Use reflective barriers and signage

heavy equipment operators is directly related to

that instruct motorists to use caution and slow

this. Untrained or undisciplined operators are more

down. Employees should also wear high-visibility

likely to cause accidents.

clothing and gear and should stay clear from all

One of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of

moving vehicles.

construction worker deaths is known as “struck

ENHANCING SAFETY THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAMS

by object.” This includes being struck by a piece of equipment or object that is being moved by

Knowing the ins and outs of how to use the

another piece of equipment. This is why the OSHA

equipment and how that knowledge should

(Occupational Health and Safety Administration)

be adapted to each job ensures excellence

cites operator training in its education materials

in performance and increases safety. If your

as a way to protect workers from all hazards.

company has ever experienced an accident on

Be in a constant state of creating and revising

site that results in injury or even death, you have

your company’s training curriculum as well as

experienced the extensive investigation that

researching and evaluating new curricula. continued on page 22

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 21

Other aspects of your equipment, such as

Another important practice in ensuring safety on paving and sweeper job sites is equipment maintenance. Frequent maintenance inspection not only prevents small flaws from turning into larger issues, saving your company time and money, but they also ensure

the hydraulic oil levels, the coolant levels, and the fuel delivery systems, can be set up to be checked at intervals by either how much time has passed or how many hours the machinery has been in use. Keeping your company equipment in a constant flow of maintenance checks will increase both long-term profit and, most importantly, employee safety.

Want to learn more? North American Sweeper Magazine is your #1 source for the latest information in the sweeping and paving industries. Subscribe to our magazine and e-newsletter for free today

employee safety. Keeping your equipment in the best shape possible extends its lifespan.

SAFEGUARDING OPERATIONS: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE IN PAVING AND SWEEPER SAFETY

Another important practice in ensuring safety on paving and sweeper job sites is equipment maintenance. Frequent maintenance inspection not only prevents small flaws from turning into larger issues, saving your company time and money, but they also ensure employee safety. Keeping your equipment in the best shape possible extends its lifespan. Some aspects of your equipment, such as the fuel tank, brakes, headlights and brake lights, should be checked daily.

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TARGET CLASSES • Power Sweeping • Porter Service • Catch Basin Service

AVAILABLE COVERAGE 4 Auto Liability Physical Damage 4 General Liability 4 Umbrella 4 Workers Compensation

4 Property/Equipment 4 Employee Benefits 4 Payroll/HR Services 4 Surety Bonds

WORLD INSURANCE IS PROUD TO PRESENT Our Exclusive National Power Sweeping Insurance Program Contact Scott Cerosky at 800-660-6934 ext 355 scottcerosky@worldinsurance.com w w w. na sweeper.co m

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 23

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

How AI Will Affect Your A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R Small Business SPOTLIGHT

Many surprising effects from

AI can be expected for competitors in commercial pavement sweeping as in most other industries over

INDEX EASE OF ACCESS TO AI TECHNOLOGY

Powerful AI technology can optimize systems for admins, field services teams, and small business owners. However, the nagging worry for many operators is that AI is out of their reach

the next few years. Integration of,

financially for the foreseeable future. But, there

or declining to implement, artificial

are abundant opportunities for accessible AI-

intelligence (AI) will impact your business. Its overall efficiency, speed of operations, product and

enhanced systems for small business operations.

In fact, AI has already been in wide use throughout the small business subsector in the US for the past five years. Most business

service quality, reliability of

owners are using it for a range of common online

processes, and changes in profit

functions. Those may include vehicle navigation

margins will be affected. From

systems, digital voice assistants, and much more.

sales to billing, to a vast wealth of market insights, even to the

They’re also using AI in their household systems like HVAC thermostats, smart locks, appliances, and even vacuum cleaners, just to name a few.

upcoming advent of automated

AI technology has already become affordable

sweeping equipment, AI is transforming

for virtually everyone to buy, implement, run,

small sweeping business operations.

and maintain in the past several years. It enables us to automate tasks that previously required continued on page 26

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 25

BUSINESS CORNER

IT systems and don’t want to spend much on

I N D U S...dismissing T RY N E W theSadvantages a growing business needs to

upgrading processes.

However, dismissing the advantages a growing business needs to function most effectively in the modern environment is ill-advised. So, think about

function most effectively in the modern environment is ill-advised.

these key areas of operations in which AI can be a game-changer for your team:

Sales and A SMarketing S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R Artificial intelligence enables marketing and sales professionals to focus more fully on the use of their core skill sets. For example, they can apply

time-consuming manual work. That helps people processes, minimizes human errors, Sspeed P O up T Lmany IGH T and enables businesses of any type and size to run much more efficiently.

Over the coming years, AI will become a ubiquitous aspect of daily operations in virtually all businesses and homes. You can expect to equip your small organization with the advanced information technology as needed to compete head-to-head with the largest enterprises in your market.

WILL AI HELP YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?

Until very recent times, AI software applications were prohibitively expensive and too complicated for most small businesses to adopt. Consequently, even with all of its advancements for greater simplicity and economical acquisition, some small business owners express a preference for the old ways and a disinterest in new methods.

Commercial pavement sweeping is reputed as a proactive industry of business leaders who welcome innovation. But, many owners do believe they’re doing well enough as-is and do not want to go

their talents to tasks that add the greatest value to the business, such as providing exceptional

NDEX service,Icreating high-yield marketing strategies, robust selling efforts, and converting leads to new customers.

An amazing array of free web marketing analytics, response tracking, competitor tracking and reporting, and lead management tools have vastly grown in use over the past decade. Today, new AIcontent generators, like the famous ChatGPT, are taking the marketing world by storm. The technology can eliminate wasted time in analyzing data and identifying trends across the target consumer market for more effective marketing and increased sales conversion rates.

Above all, AI empowers business owners to do what you do best — run your business. The alternative is to continue the ongoing struggle to stay on track while processing an endless daily flow of non-revenuegenerating functionarial tasks.

Customer Service AI-driven automated business phone answering systems and website chatbots can answer frequently

through the rigors and daily distractions of updating

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asked questions (FAQs), resolve common problems for customers,

AI-improved administrative systems now

and provide directions for self-help.

enable optimization and automation of billing, accounting,

These AI operations facilitators free

and revenue forecasting.

staff members to concentrate on the complex matters that require human handling and are the most meaningful to increasing customer satisfaction rates.

Over the past decade, AI-enhanced route management systems with GPS tracking have revolutionized routing and field team coordination, quality validations, payroll processing, vehicle maintenance scheduling, driver performance supervision, and other critical functions in sweeping businesses.

In more recent years, AI-facilitated

TRUE REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPING !

Model 600® COMDEX ® Street Sweeper

Model 500x® High Side Dump

Model 435® COMDEX ® Mid-Sized Street Sweeper

Model 210® COMDEX ® Parking Lot Sweeper

answering systems and web chatbots have evolved to perform very well in a vast array of interactions with human users, helping people get the information and other help they need much more expeditiously than by waiting on hold or for a return call from very busy workers. With AI, small businesses can offer responsive customer service 24/7 without hiring more people.

MORE SMB APPLICATIONS FOR AI

AI-improved administrative systems now enable optimization and automation of billing, accounting, and continued on page 28

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 !

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

Model 600 Illustration

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 27

BUSINESS CORNER

These and other everyday AI business tools make it

As with any new technology,

I N Dthere U S Tare R Yrisks NE S ofW improper use that can actually lead to worsening efficiency. If, or when, such a case occurs involving a new AI-powered system, a small business owner may need to apply prescribed remedies...

possible for small businesses to simplify processes, minimize human errors, and reduce time and cost across the gamut of admin work routines. In small businesses, that means more time for owners to apply themselves to strategic planning, marketing, sales, service, and properly managing growth.

HOW COULD AI HURT MY SMALL BUSINESS?

As with any there of E R A Snew S Otechnology, C I AT I O N are I Nrisks SID improper use that can actually lead to worsening efficiency. If, or when, such a case occurs involving a new AI-powered system, a small business owner

revenue forecasting. AI systems monitoring can also

may need to apply prescribed remedies for particular

better help prevent incidents of security breaches

issues, as is necessary for corrective actions for any

through malware, ransomware, phishing, and virus

technology that is not performing as expected.

transmission.

Aside from such possible software functionality

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

continued on page 30

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BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S ...companies in your local market that utilize AI will gain the benefits of greater responsiveness to customers and sales prospects. They will function with greater agility and strategic advantages over small businesses that struggle to keep pace with AI-empowered SPOTLIGHT competitors.

keep pace with AI-empowered competitors.

AI IMPLEMENTATION PROCESSES AND COSTS

Fortunately, low-cost and even no-cost AI-powered business tools are now available to everyone, and new ones are being rolled out frequently. Further, AI is now advanced few Amuch S S Omore C I AT I O Nthan I Njust S IaD Eyears R ago, so taking the time to implement it pays off in more ways and each benefits its users to greater degrees than ever before.

This is not to give the false impression that all AI technology implementations are easy and free

INDEX

of charge. Some applications, especially complex custom applications, require IT expertise and can

problems, questions of whether other potential AI issues should be of concern are more controversial.

Job Losses Due to AI Naturally, by reducing staff hours once needed to complete tasks that AI automation technology can do incomparably better, faster, and cheaper, there can be job losses as a result. Retraining workers to develop other skills can be very difficult for small businesses with very limited resources. On the other hand, having once laborious tasks performed automatically frees up human resources for revenue-producing tasks, such as delivering services or performing sales.

be more costly to implement. Those may remain inaccessible to some operators with tight budget constraints.

So, it may or may not be the right time for you to replace your existing system with a new full-scope, AI-powered, internal CRM platform that networks all of your currently siloed departmental data storages may call for a substantial investment upfront. In any case, if you can do that, you’re well advised to prioritize it.

TRANSITIONING TO AI-ENHANCED SYSTEMS

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to do everything at once to benefit significantly from AI

Competitors Gain Advantage

integration into your business operations. You can

Of course, companies in your local market

start with the easiest and least costly processes to

that utilize AI will gain the benefits of greater

implement that offer the greatest improvements in

responsiveness to customers and sales prospects.

convenience and efficiency.

They will function with greater agility and strategic

AI-driven business technologies that hundreds of

advantages over small businesses that struggle to

thousands of businesses across all size ranges have continued on page 32

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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 3 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 31

already been wisely relying on for a long time

the kinds of relationships you need to grow and

include some you are likely already using in your

promote your brand.

telecommunications, online operations, onsite management processes, marketing, sales, and

Sources

financial management functions.

https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/ibm-2023/the-ai-

Some people fear that AI will cost jobs. Others believe it will create them. So, the future net

we-dont-see/3828/ https://www.callrail.com/blog/will-ai-help-or-hurt-my-smallbusiness

effect of AI in this regard is under debate. What is clear is that AI will benefit your business with valuable insights into your target audience’s interests and can streamline your overall system for delivering what your customers need and want, which will free you to focus on building

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INDEX

Bensink.........................................................................................13 704-658-1333 / buchermunicipal.com

Safety Vision.................................................................................33 800-851-4764 / safetyvision.com

Elgin Sweeper Company................................................................7 elginregenx.com

Schwarze Industries Inc.................................................................5 800-879-7933 / schwarze.com

R OSales D U&CService.............................................................3 T W AT C H FMIPTruck 800-927-8750

SEALMATE....................................................................................33 sealmate.com

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

Sharpco Sweeper Shoes................................................................4 313-343-4328/800-372-5007/sharpcosweepershoes.com

Gregory Highway..........................................................................25 866-994-4929 / gregoryhighway.com

Skavin’jer Street Sweepers..........................................................34 888-652-2137 / skavinjer.com

KeyStone Street Sweeping Brooms............................................19 800-635-5238 / kpbrush.com

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

NAPSA..........................................................................................29 info@powersweeping.org

Street Smart..................................................................................31 888-653-6800 / streetsmartrental.com

Nite-Hawk Sweepers................................................................6, 28 800-448-9364 / nitehawksweepers.com

Sweeper Parts Sales....................................................................29 877-695-3060 / sweeperpartssales.com

Nomad.........................................................................................BC 450-530-9873 / balaisnomad.com

Trinity Highway.............................................................................32 888-323-6374 / trinityhighway.com

Oakmont Capital Services LLC......................................................6 320-844-8800 / oakmontfinance.com

Tymco............................................................................................27 800-258-9626 / tymco.com

ODRA Sweeper.............................................................................15 844-888-6372 / odrasweeper.com

United Rotary Brush Corporation..................................................3 800-851-5108 / united-rotary.com

The ODB Co..................................................................................35 800-446-9823 / www.odbco.com

World Insurance...........................................................................23 866-793-9999

Pat’s Pump & Blower....................................................................18 800-359-7867 / patspump.com

Xpress Sweeping Inc....................................................................13 401-523-6116 / xpresssweeping.com

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