ODRA sweepers are built for real-world work, where uptime matters, maintenance can’t wait, and complexity costs you. Every model is designed to be easy to run, easy to maintain, and powerful enough for the toughest sweeping conditions.
Ready to upgrade your fleet? Contact ODRA to experience dependable mechanical sweeping made simple
Powerful hydraulics = Consistent sweeping, even in heavy debris
Non-CDL = More available drivers, faster staffing
Super-simple maintenance = Less downtime, faster repairs
Low ownership costs = Lower lifetime cost per unit
No CAN-bus electrical = No complex diagnostics or dealer delays
Quality Starts with the Bristle
The difference isn’t the broom, it’s the bristle. At Keystone, we don’t buy it, we make it. Our bristle is engineered for maximum flick, longer life, and better performance on the street. That’s why more OEMs and contractors trust Keystone. Made in the USA for over 80 years.
North American Sweeper Magazine is published by Phoenix Global Media Inc. Copyright 2026 by Phoenix Global Media Inc. All rights reserved.
Melissa Kennelly EDITORIAL MANAGER
Heidi Karpinich CIRCULATION
Noah Aiden
POSTMASTER:
Please
Stockton New Jersey 08559
THE LEGENDARY POWER BEHIND SWEEPING
• Non-CDL version available
• Mechanical sweeping to handle heavy applications like millings
• Independent broom control for in-the-cut precision
• Single engine for fuel economy and less maintenance
• Simple start-up procedure with easy-to-operate controls
Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo 2026 A Fully Reimagined Experience
The Sweeper Summit takes a major step forward in 2026 to enhance engagement, draw a larger audience and produce greater ROI!
Set for November 3–4 at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, the 15th annual Sweeper Summit is being reimagined to become even more than the unique industry gathering that has welcomed so many in years past. It is becoming a broader connection point for the people who build, sell, operate, buy, regulate,
and depend on power sweeping every day. The event is built around two full days of education, exhibits, networking, one on one times, and hands-on equipment access. This year the invitation to attend the Summit is clear; this is the only conference in the power sweeping industry that merges high quality content, learning and
Sweeper Summit is being reimagined to become even more than the unique industry gathering that
has welcomed so many in years past.
a live hands-on exhibitors expo in one prestigious event destination that is all inclusive. The ticket price covers all content, networking events, cocktails and dining experiences. Attendees only need to book their flight and their room, and the room block has been rolled into a special rate for each of the attendees.
Those that have attended the Sweeper Summit in years past know, it has been building year after year and has now reached a pivotal point of transition with the decision being made to take it up a notch for growth and sustainability.
A big influence for that shift is the Summit’s
SPOTLIGHT
Aligning NMSA with the Sweeper Summit creates a place where the power sweeping industry and the municipal market can finally meet in a more direct, practical, and productive way.
collaboration with the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA). NMSA is a 501(c)(3) organization made up of state, regional, and local public members representing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permittees, commonly known as MS4 permittees. In simple terms, NMSA represents the municipal stormwater community — the public agencies and other entities (including in the private sector) who are responsible for managing runoff, meeting permit requirements, and protecting water quality.
That makes NMSA a missing piece that can take Sweeper Summit to the next level.
For years, the Summit has brought together contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry leaders. But municipalities and state regulator decisionmakers were difficult to attract. Aligning NMSA with the Sweeper Summit creates a place where the power sweeping industry and the municipal market can finally meet in a more direct, practical, and productive way.
The NMSA network’s value is not just in its name, it’s in the municipal relationships it brings to the table: MS4 leaders, stormwater managers, public works professionals, and others who influence how communities spend money, set priorities, and define success.
A major part of that value will be seen in the NMSAfacilitated workshop planned for Sweeper Summit
2026. This workshop is expected to provide a strong municipal education component while also offering attendees the opportunity to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). This component adds real professional value to the event and helps to further position the Summit as a place where education, compliance, and industry advancement comes together
The NMSA partnership ties directly into one of the most important national efforts now underway in the industry: the Clean Streets = Cleaner Waters (CS=CW) initiative. NMSA is leading this initiative which is a partnership enabled and empowered by 1-800-SWEEPER, and sponsored by the North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA), Elgin
SPOTLIGHT
NMSA’s case is clear. Adoption of street sweeping for stormwater pollution reduction has been limited because state and federal regulators still do not recognize its treatment value fully, nor in a consistent and quantifiable way.
Sweeper Company, TYMCO, Inc., Schwarze Industries, LLC, and Stewart-Amos Equipment Company, Inc. Its purpose is straightforward yet powerful: move street sweeping beyond an operations-and-maintenance conversation and position it as a credible water-quality tool.
NMSA’s case is clear. Adoption of street sweeping for stormwater pollution reduction has been limited because state and federal regulators still do not recognize its treatment value fully, nor in a consistent and quantifiable way. At the same time, growing research and field experience continue to show that power sweeping can be one of the most cost-
continued on page 14
SPOTLIGHT
Recognizing stormwater as the common thread amongst sweeper manufacturers, suppliers, municipalities and the power sweeping contractors is what helped reshape the thinking for the event itself.
effective source-control practices available to MS4 communities. The problem is not that the value is unknown. The problem is that the industry and regulators still need a better shared framework for crediting, verification, and measurement. The bottom line is that sweeping can – and should be – a part of every stormwater community’s holistic approach to addressing both water quality and water quantity challenges, as sweeping can reduce clogging in storm drain inlets and pipes as well as improve efficacy and performance life of green stormwater infrastructure and other structural stormwater practices.
That is the larger vision behind the Summit’s reimagining and next new and exciting chapter.
This added component to the Sweeper Summit is about helping municipalities and the industry better understand where power sweeping fits within the stormwater conversation. It is also about educating MS4 permittees that if the goal is to achieve waterquality objectives in the most cost-effective way possible, power sweeping deserves much more recognition.
Recognizing stormwater as the common thread amongst sweeper manufacturers, suppliers, municipalities and the power sweeping contractors is what helped reshape the thinking for the event itself. The Sweeper Summit staff clearly realized that with this broader vision, it was time to upgrade the experience around the conference, not just the partnerships inside it. As a result, the 2026 event has been designed with the support of 2gathr, and that partnership says a lot about where the Summit is headed. The Sweeper Summit website was totally reimagined by 2gathr marketing agency, a Detroit-based team focused on digital and experiential marketing, content creation, social media strategy, strategy development, programming & event curation.
2026 event
Model 600® COMDEX ® Street Sweeper
Model 500x® High Side Dump
435® COMDEX ® Mid-Sized Street Sweeper
Model 210® COMDEX ® Parking Lot Sweeper
SPOTLIGHT
That matters because 2gathr’s role goes beyond making the Summit look better. It points to a broader effort to improve how the event is positioned, marketed, and experienced before, during, and after the conference. From more polished branding to better content flow, event curation, audience engagement, and a more intentional user journey, this kind of support will help elevate every touchpoint. In short, 2gathr is helping reshape not just the event’s appearance, but the full experience surrounding it.
And the reimagining will extend beyond the conference floor.
This year’s Sweeper Summit will also be collaborating with the San Antonio River
continued on page 18
SPOTLIGHT
Sweeper Summit 2026 will still deliver what people have come to expect: industry access, personal access to manufacturers and equipment, networking, peer learning, and real business opportunities.
Foundation, a nonprofit focused on preserving, enhancing, and transforming the San Antonio River Basin as a cultural, educational, ecological, and recreational experience. That makes it a natural partner for a Summit that wants to connect power sweeping, water quality, education, and community impact.
That collaboration is expected to include a more interactive local experience, including a chalk art challenge for school-aged students focused on water quality and the role street sweeping can play in protecting it. It is the kind of idea that fits the larger direction of the 2026 Summit: not just talking to the industry, but helping tell the story of why the industry matters to the communities it serves.
Sweeper Summit 2026 will still deliver what people have come to expect: industry access, personal access to manufacturers and equipment, networking, peer learning, and real business opportunities. But this year, the event is aiming higher. It will bring together sweeping professionals and municipal decisionmakers. It is giving new energy to the conversation
around power sweeping and water quality. While creating a stronger, more modern and impactful event experience.
These are just a few of the things that make 2026 such a monumental, pivotal year for the Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo. Make sure to register as an attendee, or join as an exhibitor or sponsor on www. sweepersummit.com and stay tuned for additional announcements through the Sweeper Summit newsletter, podcast interviews and social media posts leading up to the event.
SUBSCRIBE TO NORTH AMERICAN SWEEPER MAGAZINE for countless fresh tips on all facets of powersweeping business ownership, including all the specifics of operations, purchasing and maintaining sweeper trucks and parts, employee development, team leadership, administrative management, HR, marketing and branding, business leadership, and much more.
5 Ways Street Sweeping is Critical in Spring Road Construction
Street sweeping involves more than aesthetics. For contractors, spring is a busy start time for many big projects, but salt, debris, and dust are stirred up from construction work. That makes street sweeping critical for maintaining a safe job site, and it also helps prevent tracking any debris out from work zones.
With an extensive dealer network, Elgin Sweeper
is able to support contractors in keeping jobsites clean and efficient. The team shared five ways street sweeping is vital in spring road construction cleanup.
CONTROL DUST. Not only is dust from worksites a nuisance, but it also pollutes the air. Dust from construction sites can get stirred during spring showers and have the potential to get into people’s
With an extensive dealer network, Elgin Sweeper is able to support contractors in keeping jobsites clean
and efficient.
lungs and harm those with health problems. Street sweeping can help limit that risk using water spraying mechanisms that help minimize the dust.
CLEAR
ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. By sweeping streets, particularly in the spring, it helps remove any buildup left over like snow melt and sand from the winter. Sometimes, winter presents itself earlier than
predicted, and waste like branches and leaves in addition to road construction debris are left behind.
Beyond the seasonal needs, construction sites regularly have debris such as dirt, gravel, rocks, and other building materials. These materials are then tracked or spilled out onto surrounding roadways. This not only hinders daily operations but also poses safety
hazards for workers, residents, and commuters. Regular sweeping prevents the accumulation of debris, ensuring a clean and safe working environment. It is critical to do so to stay as clean as possible between construction projects.
HELP PREVENT FLOODING. If streets aren’t swept during peak rain season, flooding is significantly more likely to occur as sewers and drains clog with debris. This not only impacts homes and businesses, but construction sites and wildlife. Spring is one of the busiest times for road construction, and that mixed with the amount of rain that accumulates, makes sweeping crucial to help prevent flooding.
COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS. There are both environmental and safety regulations that street sweeping can help accommodate. Sweeping the streets regularly can help prevent pollutants from exiting the construction site
SAVE COSTS. Investing in street sweeping may seem like an additional expense, but in the long-term, it helps save money. A regular street sweeping schedule prevents debris and dust buildup in construction sites, which might otherwise cause wear and tear on heavy equipment and machinery at the site leading to costly repairs and replacements.
About Elgin Sweeper Company
Sold and serviced through a network of more than 100 dealer locations worldwide, Elgin Sweeper products are the sweepers of choice for a variety of general street maintenance, special industrial and airport applications. For more information, visit ElginSweeper.com. and therefore prevent fines from local authorities.
With an array of sweepers suited for construction sites and industrial applications from the Elgin Waterless Pelican for superior dust suppression to the Elgin Broom Bear with its unparalleled efficiency, Elgin Sweeper supports contractors for the life of the sweeper. To learn more, visit ElginSweeper.com.
Action Items for Transforming Your Powersweeping Business
In the Decembe 2025 issue of North American Sweeper magazine, we examined key points from the Sweeper Summit’s NAPSA roundtable session: “Transforming Your Sweeping Business.” In this article we will take a closer look at some of the prescribed methods explored during the event and piece together the short list of primary action items to launch to transform an underperforming powersweeping operation into a thriving competitor.
Recommended strategies involved basic concepts for upgrading operational efficiency, service quality, and sales closing methods. Together, these changes have proven time after time to produce greater sales volume and generate growth.
TRANSFORMING A POWERSWEEPING BUSINESS
The NAPSA Best Practices series roundtable discussion group explored methods used by the most successful powersweeping business leaders to increase revenues and grow their companies.
Recommended strategies involved basic concepts for upgrading operational efficiency, service quality, and
sales closing methods. Together, these changes have proven time after time to produce greater sales volume and generate growth. Let’s look at ideas raised at the NAPSA session and how to implement those:
1. Build on your company’s proven strengths. A fundamental but sometimes under-emphasized point raised in the group session was about the need to make existing strengths the foundation of any expansion plan for a street sweeping business. For example:
4 Leverage your current customer base. Concentrate on what your customers want from you, what they’ve been directly asking your team to offer, and provide it.
4 Generate more revenues from current routes. Maximize growth opportunities from routine stops by pointing out to customers additional services you can deliver.
4 Multi-purpose your equipment. Utilize existing trucks for added services, like converting to snow removal in the off season, or for transporting porters on routes.
4 Retrain skilled employees for expanded roles. Enable your employees to grow with the business by learning new skills, earning incentives for identifying leads that convert, assuming more responsibility, etc.
2. Minimize risk to service quality and profitability during growth phases.
The NAPSA session further called out the well-known
high risk of losing control of quality during periods of laser focus on growth activities. The risk to sustained profitability is also a common problem in aggressively growing businesses.
4 Decide how large the scope of your growth activities will be in the phase you’re entering. Commit to maintaining that set boundary in order to control costs and risks that can jeopardize your brand. Clearly explain the scope and the limits of activity set for your team.
4 Before you move forward with your growth plan, carefully weigh the financial liabilities of that proposition. Anticipate the challenges and typical pitfalls of straining your budget and people resources over time in order to realize expansion goals.
4 Take measures to manage risks going into the growth phase. Above all, protect your core business line to keep producing the reliable revenues that secure your company’s financial and reputational health. Many learn this after it is too late and losses threaten solvency.
3. Target seasonal slowdowns as windows for growth efforts.
Another approach discussed at the Summit session was leveling out seasonal weather disruptions that lead to revenue losses, by, for example, maximizing use of downtime in winter climates. Consider shifting to serve other sweeping market niches, such as:
4 HOA streets
BUSINESS CORNER
4 Municipal roads
4 Road construction
4 Building construction site services
4 Industrial prospects
4. Consider diversification.
Beyond expanding into different corners of the sweeping consumer market, think about branching into highly profitable new adjacent markets with your business offerings. For example:
4 Day Portering
4 Dumpster Well Cleanup
4 Large Item Removal
4 Powerwashing
4 Lot Striping
4 Signage Replacement
4 Lightbulb Replacement
4 Asphalt Repair (subcontracting)
5. Designate someone to help lead implementation of the growth plan.
An exciting concept from the discussion group was assigning a talented member of your team to help lead the expansion initiative. Choose someone with management potential and modify their role to include helping guide the team through the new period of new processes with increased objectives and larger goals.
6. Continue learning.
Continue building your knowledge of the industry and what’s available to help you build on your success, including:
4 Sweeping business management best practices 4 Safety management 4 Equipment options
Truck maintenance
Service quality improvement 4 Team leadership
continued on page 28
BUSINESS CORNER
REMEMBER THE BASICS AS YOU PURSUE ADVANCES
Hear the demand for additional services that your current customers want. Consider adding different kinds of sweeping service, and/or more broadly diversifying to serve adjacent markets. Also, prior to undertaking your growth initiative, assess your marketing needs and any issues with your proficiency in lead generation or strength of conversion rates. Upgrade organizational tools as needed to accommodate growth.
Determine feasibility, and consider financing options (like Oakmont Capital Services, which specializes in powersweeping industry financing, if needed.) The calculus must include constraints that prevent severe offsets of gains by poorly balanced investment costs, overages, or revenue losses.
While driving full-force toward your growth objectives, monitor conditions carefully throughout the successive phases of your action plan. Ensure that service quality is maintained, employees’ real needs are addressed, and other obligations met to preserve your profit margins and the good name of your brand.
ADDITIONAL READING
North American Sweeper Magazine, Transforming Your Sweeping Business (December 2025).
For information about the 2026 Sweeper Summit, check the NAPSA website at powersweeping.org.
JOB OPPORTUNITY MECHANICAL ENGINEER Kent, WA.
Design mechanical and structural components for street sweepers. Design hydraulic and electrical systems that integrate with commercial, on-highway vehicles. Design non-metallic parts manufactured in fiberglass, PE, or ABS material. Investigate, refine, and test regenerative air systems for street sweepers. Create detailed component part and assembly drawings. Create Bills of Materials (BOM) for design layout and assembly drawings. Provide technical support to clients regarding products. Coordinate fabrication personnel to produce functional prototypes and fixtures for new designs. Analyze and test prototypes to ensure they meet quality, safety, and performance standards. Create technical documentation for production and customer use. Create Engineering Change Orders (ECO) and perform any related changes to the designs and drawings. Define technical specifications that meet performance, cost, and quality requirements. Program and troubleshoot components using Controller Area Network (CAN) communication protocol. Manage Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) records including item attributes, Bill of Materials (BOM), and manufacturing routings. Direct fabrication and installation activities to ensure products conform to engineering design specifications. Participate with cross-functional teams, across Alamo Group companies, on large scale projects such as product transfers and electrification initiatives. Provide technical knowledge to purchasing teams to help identify strategic vendors and source materials. Collaborate with vendors to provide drawing clarification, part specifications, and resolve quality issues. Plan, prioritize, and organize work using task management software.. Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, work collaboratively with team members, and draft technical documentation required. Ability to wear protective equipment including steel-toed shoes required. Position requires 24 months’ work experience as a Mechanical Engineer, including minimum 12 months’ experience in each of the following: using SolidWorks software to produce detailed 3D and 2D design drawings; reading hydraulic & electrical schematics to troubleshoot hydraulic & electrical circuits; designing fiberglass, PE or ABS parts; maintaining, testing & analyzing regenerative air systems; using Standardized Manufacturing Process to push new & existing designs through cross-functional workflow that drives downstream customer processes; using Oracle JDE to manage ERP records; facilitating Requests for Quotes and supplier collaboration reviews with vendors; and using Asana task management software to schedule and track work. Occasional weekend or evening hours. Domestic travel to company and client sites throughout the United States required approximately once per six months for several days to provide technical services. Relocation will not be necessary for these trips. Salary $87,110/year. Send resume to tohlgren@nitehawksweepers.com
