Out with the Old, In with the New (Technology): Considerations for Contractors in the Surface Prep Industry
Financial: Subsidizing Expenses with a Home Office
Industry News
Service Center Directory
Products & Services Directory
We have been created to work, and it is satisfying to see the end results of a job when our hard work produces a good, quality result. This creates a sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done. Work or toil, however, isn’t easy. Good work challenges our mental faculties and often our physical capabilities. Much sweat and tears, and sometimes blood, are poured into work, not to mention financial resources. So as you work this summer, don’t forget to work hard, be diligent to finish the job well, and keep on keeping on.
Turn to page 6 to read “Financing and Leasing” by Diane Calabrese. Roy Chappell with Chappel Supply and Equipment shares about leasing, “It is a great tool to help sell equipment and then get your money in two or three days…It is a big help to our customers also.”
While financing allows customers to spread out the equipment cost and own it at the end, Troy Jaros of Lease Consultants shares, “Leasing allows for the customer to have all the benefits of financing equipment except they don’t own the equipment at the end of the term… Leasing protects the customer from obsolete equipment.” If possible, it is best to have both options available.
On page 10 Terri Perrin has updated the article in the Pressure Washer’s Guidebook on solar panel cleaning. Josh Tillman is owner of Squirt’s Pro Wash in Glennville, GA, and to his repertoire of exterior cleaning he has added solar panels. He recommends a gentle cleaning approach to these delicate surfaces. He warns, “This is not time for high PSI pressure washing or use of harsh chemicals.” He also notes that the job is not to provide 100 percent spot-free clean but to improve the efficacy of the solar panel by removing buildup and to protect the integrity of the solar panels.
Other valuable articles in this issue provide guidance on removing stains from concrete, choosing the right brand and product, establishing a flourishing and reputable service department, understanding the benefits of pressure washing, and engaging with customers.
Whether you are engaged in physical work or mental travail or a combination of both, Cleaner Times wishes you the best and hopes you have a good August.
Michael Hamline
mhamline@cleanertimes.com
800-525-7038
Copyright 2024
The publisher and editor(s) of this magazine do not accept responsibility for the content of any advertisement, including statements made by advertisers herein, or the opinions expressed by authors of by-lined articles. The publisher and editor(s) also reserve the right to reject any ad or article for objectionable content in verbiage or images. The intent of this publication is to provide general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Appropriate legal, financial, or engineering advice or other expert assistance should always be sought from professionals.
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FINANCING LEASING
by Diane M. Calabrese
Giving credit where credit is due can be a boon to a seller.
The option to finance or lease through the seller may be just the add-on service that persuades a buyer to choose one distributor over another, and that’s a good outcome.
The seller who offers financing and/or leasing, however, takes on additional work. So, of course, the investment of additional time must bring a return.
Moreover, whenever a company becomes a lender of money, there is the possibility that the terms of the loan—
financing and leasing by other names—will not be met. In such instances, financing and leasing incur losses.
The bottom line is that the decision to offer financing and/or leasing must be made with the same due diligence as any other business initiative. For some companies, it’s a good decision.
“We offer short-term and long-term leasing through Lease Consultants and have a very high percentage of the leases approved,” says Roy G. Chappell, CEO of Chappell Supply and Equipment Co. in Oklahoma City, OK. And the program is good for business.
“It is a great tool to help sell equipment and then get your money in two or three days,” says Chappell. “It is a big help to our customers also. They like to have us handle the paperwork and the different types of leases.”
There are challenges. Among them is the information, such as tax returns, that sometimes must be gathered on the company wishing to lease.
“We do not offer financing except with a very few longterm customers who have a proven track record of paying on time,” says Chappell. “We’re not in the finance business. We may let a customer pay half down and the other half in
30 days, but as I said, it has to be a long-time customer with a proven payment record.”
As with any seller and buyer interaction, a seller must exercise caution. “Be very careful of a new customer that comes in around five p.m. or on the weekend and is in a hurry to buy or lease,” says Chappell.
Talk. Get to know them. That’s the place to start.
“They may walk out, but there is a reason if they do so,” says Chappell. “Always ask questions, get answers, check the answers, and call the company they work for after you have looked up the company and have the phone number.
Just make sure they are who they say they are.”
Verifying the identity of customers has never been more important. It’s so easy for would-be thieves to steal an identity in 2024 that one would think nothing could make it simpler, but
OPTIONS ARE GOOD
What’s the best strategy for a business? Perhaps it should offer both financing and leasing if it is going down the path of assisting buyers in an additional way.
Or perhaps it should start with one or the other. Troy Jaros, president of Lease Consultants in Des Moines, IA, shares some basic recommendations.
lease may stipulate after how many hours logged the machine must be returned for servicing.
THE PROS AND CONS OF LEASING AND FINANCING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FROM ALL ANGLES. SOME COMPANIES CAN BENEFIT FROM OWNING EQUIPMENT BECAUSE THE DEPRECIATION THAT CAN BE TAKEN ON TAXES HELPS THE BOTTOM LINE. OTHER COMPANIES MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH CAPITAL TIED UP IN EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THE DEPRECIATION AMOUNT SIGNIFICANT, SO LEASING MAY BE A BETTER CHOICE.
“Have both options available to your customers,” says Jaros. “They both have advantages depending on the customer’s use of the equipment.”
Jaros zeroes in as regards the plusses for customers. “Financing allows for the customer to preserve cash flow for daily operational needs, set up terms that best fit their budget, reduce financial risk by spreading out the cost of equipment over time without a significant initial investment, and own the equipment at the end of term,” he says.
“Leasing allows for the customer to have all the benefits of financing equipment except they don’t own the equipment at the end of term,” explains Jaros. “Leasing protects the customer from obsolete equipment, which can occur from heavy usage or technological advances.”
There are risks in every business venture, and no less so with an offer of financing and/or leasing to customers.
And there will likely be an additional cost to the lessee if the machine exceeds hours of use or misses a routine maintenance check. Since it’s not always easy for someone leasing equipment to know how many hours of service it will see, additional fees—or cutting back on jobs—will be in the offing.
The flip side for the lessee is entering into an agreement anticipating a need for a machine for a certain period of time and then having a contracting job fall through. The terms of the lease for the unneeded machine must be met. There may be a way to do an early return, but it will not generally be cost free.
Fees attached to leases can accumulate. Understanding all the costs attached to leasing, which can be an excellent option for short-term or one-time needs, is imperative.
“At the end of the leasing term, a customer may have to return equipment at their expense,” says Jaros. “Furthermore, if the customer decides they want to purchase equipment at the end of the lease term, there may be a large purchase option that wasn’t disclosed at closing.”
Read the contract—tried-and-true words. But, really, read the contract.
departments of motor vehicles in many states have stepped in to make it easier.
Drivers in many states can now put their driver’s license on their phone. If the license is on the phone, it’s on every other device connected to the phone, which means the chances of it not being in the cloud are remote. Even today, most people do not understand how fully integrated all of their personal data are and how easily they can be compromised.
The short of it—just because a person has a picture ID in the form of a valid driver’s license with a photo and license stamped as Real ID, the identification should not be taken at face value.
What is the biggest risk in financing? “If a customer defaults on a financing contract, then the credit rating for a business or owner(s) of privately held businesses will be negatively impacted,” says Jaros.
So the potential downside in financing is weighted toward the business that offers it. It’s a bit different in leasing in that the customer assumes more risk—in the form of more responsibility and restrictions.
What is the biggest risk in leasing? “In addition to defaulting on the lease contract, customers may have to comply with a service and/or maintenance agreement that limits usage of equipment,” says Jaros.
For instance, a lessee may be authorized to use a machine for a certain number of hours during a month. The
PLENTY OF HELP
Advice about financing and leasing comes from several directions. Take advantage of it. The U.S. Small Business Administration ( SBA.gov) is a good place to start. It offers tips that apply both to the business owner and the prospective lessee or borrower.
It’s worth noting—but a bit obvious—that a business owner can offer financing and/or leasing to customers as well as take advantage of financing and leasing. Many business owners choose to lease computers or office furniture, for instance.
Financing may be a choice for many reasons, but the most common is that it keeps payments smaller. And when all payments are met, ownership can be taken.
Leasing can also keep the monthto-month expenditures of a company lower, but at the end of the lease period, there is no ownership. Essentially, the lessee pays to use someone else’s equipment.
The pros and cons of leasing and financing should be considered from all angles. Some companies can benefit from owning equipment because the depreciation that can be taken on taxes helps the bottom line. Other companies may not have enough capital tied up in equipment to make the depreciation amount significant, so leasing may be a better choice.
Unless they are very large, businesses offering financing and/or leases typically work with a finance company. And finance companies of every size offer robust advice to companies considering financing or leasing. Tap it.
On the other side of the equation, a buyer seeking financing may want to compare the arrangement available through his or her bank with that available from the seller. Evaluate not only rates, but also time to approval and credit-building possibilities. Financing through a bank may be a way to build business credit.
A seller offers financing and/or leasing to simplify—just a little—life for a customer. Each party to the arrangement should realize a gain. Neither party should walk away from the agreement and perceive it as a bad deal.
Nothing makes leases or financing arrangements go sour faster than the perception on one side or the other that it is not a win-win. The side with the greater risk is almost always the business offering financing or leasing. That’s for several reasons.
For example, a late payment here or there can disrupt cash flow at a business. Leased equipment may be returned (or found if absconded with) in poor condition, perhaps a loss.
Explore the possibilities of financing and leasing. But only go forward with care, giving credit where it is due CT
By Terri Perrin
Contributor: Josh Tillman, Squirt’s Pro Wash, Glennville, Georgia
Regardless of where you operate your pressure washing business in North America, there is one thing we all have in common—the sun shines on all of us. True, it shines more brightly in some regions than others, but we are all blessed with the beauty of the sun. Whether that sunshine translates into opportunities to add solar panel cleaning to your service offerings is another story. In most cases the market niche for cleaning service providers is residential or small commercial solar panel installations. Those big solar field installations that you drive by aren’t really on our radar.
Solar panels are typically an attractive investment for homeowners (and some businesses) who are tired of paying high electricity prices, have roofs with decent sun exposure, and want to reduce their environmental impact. However, industry experts advise that the amount of sunshine is not an automatic qualifier for solar energy acceptance. States must actively invest in developing a solar industry and promote interest in solar energy with funding and incentives for residents to get on board the solar bandwagon.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. had about 3.9 million photovoltaic solar power systems installed at residences at the end of 2022. That number has grown by an average of 37 percent annually since Congress passed a federal tax credit for solar power in 2005.
Another report, published online by Statista.com in December 2023, explained that “solar is becoming an increasingly important energy resource in the United States, accounting for 45 percent of new electricity-generating capacity additions. Of the total solar capacity installed in the USA in 2022, over 20 percent corresponds to residential installations.”
So, recognizing that pressure washing service contractors in many regions will start seeing an ever-increasing number of both free-standing and rooftop-installed solar panels when called to wash a home, it’s time to focus on how to properly clean them.
For some “boots on the ground”—or should we say “boots on the ladder”—advice, we spoke to Josh Tillman, owner of Squirt’s Pro Wash in Glennville, GA. Tillman is relatively new to the pressure washing industry, having started his company in 2021. However, he has a penchant for doing thorough research and is a firm believer that it’s best to arm yourself with information rather than make mistakes or lose business. As a result of doing his due diligence before expanding services, and the fact that he is based in a small town with limited house washing opportunities, the scope of his service offerings grew rapidly to include cleaning solar panels, oxidation removal, paint prep, industrial jobs, and more.
“Generic house washing is still the meat and potatoes of my business, but I soon found myself taking on jobs that other service providers didn’t want to do,” explains Tillman. “In addition to doing my research, I also work closely with my local LANDA distributor, L&H Industrial Supply in Savannah, GA. They offer amazing guidance and support. I now clean solar panels, and so much more, with complete confidence.
Photo by
I’ve worked hard to establish a reputation as an exterior cleaning service, not just a power washing company.”
GEOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Challenges (and opportunities) will vary with accessibility to the rooftops due to the lay of the land, roof pitch,
and the type of roofing materials used in different regions of the continent. Although the southern and southwestern parts of the United States provide more opportunities than northern-tier states, solar panels are everywhere. Tillman explains that the grime buildup you’ll encounter will
vary significantly by region and includes everything from moss, mold, and mildew to residue from vehicular traffic, industrial plants, and more. The first step is to learn what grime issues you may face in your geographic region.
Today’s Homeowner Television conducted a survey about residential solar power use. They learned that solar friendliness is a complex topic, as many factors impact a state’s solar industry. Their study revealed that California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada ranked among the highest for residential solar installations. North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, West Virginia, and Nebraska ranked among the lowest.
TYPICAL JOB
“The most important thing to recognize is that while solar panels may take a beating from the sun, they are quite delicate,” warns Tillman. “This is no time for high PSI pressure washing or use of harsh chemicals. I like to compare roof washing and solar panel cleaning to washing a ‘regular’ car versus washing a Porsche Carrera. Be gentle!
“Also be aware that you are not trying to achieve a 100 percent spotfree clean as you would for windows,” adds Tillman. “Your job is to improve the efficacy of the solar panel by removing residual buildup and to protect the integrity of the solar panels as well as the aluminum housing/ trim. Both the panels and the trim are reactive to the application of sodium hypochlorite (bleach). And remember that solar panels also have electrical wiring that you need to be aware of.”
Before you start any solar panel cleaning project, Tillman stresses that you need to ask the following three materials science questions:
• What are the solar panels made of? If you thought glass, think again! The U.S. Department of Energy reports that crystallinesilicon (c-SI) accounts for 84 percent of solar panels in the USA. Other materials include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium (di)selenide panels, and thin-film
Photos courtesy of Squirt’s Pro Wash
amorphous silicon. The surface of each solar panel is covered in a protective coating. The use of chemicals will likely result in this coating being stripped off, compromising the silicon panel.
• Why do they need cleaning? Learn what type of contaminants or residue you are dealing with.
• What product will be most effective? Ask the homeowner if he or she knows what their solar panels are made of and research what is safe to use on that material. Never use harsh chemicals or bleach. (More info on chemicals and application is below.)
REACHING FOR THE ROOFTOPS
Regardless of the type of installed roofing materials, homeowners in general are wary of having contractors walk on their roofs. This is due to the fear of damaging the shingles or shakes as well as a fear of lawsuits in the event that a contractor falls off the roof. They
are even more wary when they have potentially tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of solar panels installed up there. So don’t walk on the roof unless you absolutely have to. Instead, always use a quality ladder equipped with stabilizers (bullhorns) and an extension wand to reach high areas.
There may be times when you are asked to soft wash a roof and clean the solar panels at a residence. Understand that you can’t apply a single solution and/or method to both. They can be done on the same day but are separate applications. So, put your soft wash or power washing gun down for now!
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Cleaning solar panels requires (at least) 150 feet of hose, a water-fed extension pole (15-ft to 20-ft length), an applicator (18-in. to 30-in. size), water bucket, solar panel cleaning solution, tap or deionized water tanks, a soft bristle boar’s-head brush, and a couple of long extension ladders with
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES…
…between regular tap water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, and deionized (DI) water? It’s all about the level of purity. Reverse osmosis water is cleaned for drinking but still saturated with salts and oxygen. Deionized water removes those salts and oxygen but not the dissolved solids found in water. (And, apparently, it doesn’t taste very good.)
Water can be deionized following the application of reverse osmosis (RO), where it is passed through a semipermeable membrane to remove water impurities. This includes ions, organic compounds, and particulates. Water processed using RO has attained the highest level of purity.
stabilizers. Truck-mounted water tanks for your water source are a must because you want to ensure a clean water source, not well water, which may have debris or mineral particulates. While the deionized water that you would use for window cleaning can also be used for solar panels, it is not absolutely necessary because your goal is not a spot-free shine.
Considering you are not going to be using strong chemicals, you shouldn’t need much in the way of personal protective equipment; however, good quality anti-slip footwear is a must. You don’t want to be slipping off a ladder because you’re wearing sandals.
Rather than chemicals, use tap water and a mild car-wash soap. To enable you to reach higher areas, apply with a water-fed extender pole for the
initial rinse. Depending on the residue buildup, you may need to attach a soft bristle boar-head brush—the type you might use on a car or boat— and apply some good old-fashioned “elbow grease.” (Yes, you may have to do some gentle scrubbing.)
Tillman highly recommends Maguire’s Wash and Wax ™ as an example of an inexpensive, effective, and safe product for cleaning solar panels. It provides enough power to clean and leaves a light wax.
Avoid the use of Dawn™ dish detergent. While it may be effective and safe to use to clean oil off of ducklings, Dawn contains a degreaser that can strip the surface of the solar panel.
Again, never use sodium hypochlorite.
Considering that you are using mild products, you generally do not need
to cover vegetation, patio furniture, etc. However, as with all pressure washing, be mindful of doors, windows, trim, etc.
TECHNIQUES THAT WORK BEST
If you have been asked to clean a roof and solar panels, do the roof first. Dry sweep any roof areas with loose organic debris, being careful not to drop anything on the solar panels or sweep debris across or under them. Protect the solar panels with tarps, if you are safely able to do so. Otherwise, clean around them while protecting them with clear running water, being careful not to splash any chemicals onto the panels. Have a neutralizer handy to apply and rinse in the event you accidentally overspray chemicals onto the panels. Proceed with the roof washing as you normally would. Once complete, attend to the solar panels.
CLEANING SOLAR PANELS
Inspect panels for cracks, exposed wires, or anything that may look out of the ordinary. Record damage by taking photographs and writing it down, then immediately report it to the homeowner. (This can also be done when you visit the site to quote the job.)
Ensure there are safe places to position your ladder, avoiding damaging landscaping/vegetation and also being mindful of safety. Move furniture, etc. out of the way. (Better yet, ask the homeowner to move furniture in advance.)
If the panels have been cleaned in the past three to six months, skip the application of soap and simply rinse with deionized water using a soft wash gun with a 12-volt pump.
If the panels have not been cleaned in the recent past, soap them up with a strip washer on a long extension pole. Dwell time will vary according to the amount of residue buildup. The important thing is to be sure not to let the soapy water dry. If it does dry, you’ll have to scrub again to rinse off.
Rinse with less than 150 PSI with clear tap or deionized water through a water-fed pole.
Photos courtesy of Squirt’s Pro Wash
Work in small sections to eliminate streaking. Applying from the bottom up with the cleaner and top down for the rinse.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
It should come as no surprise that solar panels get hot and can crack if washed during the hottest part of the day, so schedule solar panel cleaning for early morning. For example, if the temperature is 100°, then the solar panels could be 180°. Once the panels reach 140–150°, the risk of cracking is much greater. Use a basic temperature gun to check the surface temperature before cleaning.
HOW TO BILL
While some contractors charge “per panel,” Tillman finds that that can be restrictive. And it doesn’t take several important “cost of doing business” factors into consideration.
“Pricing really is subjective,” believes Tillman. “Remember, you are operating a business, and you need to make a certain amount of money per hour to pay for equipment costs, labor, insurance, etc. I charge $125 to $150 per man hour on the job and then estimate and add the chemical cost, multiplied by two. I feel this makes more sense than charging per panel because there are so many variables such as access to site, size and scope of the project, extent of grime, distance traveled, and more. If you have more than one employee on the job, the price per hour goes up, but of course the time it takes to complete the job goes down, so it works out in the end.”
ANCILLARIES
As with any pressure cleaning contract, visiting the site to provide a quote gives you an opportunity to offer valueadded services. Aside from offering to do their laundry, any surface you would normally clean is a good possibility for tie-ins with cleaning solar panels.
PROBLEM AREAS TO AVOID
Cracked panels and structurally faulty roofs must be identified
before any work begins. Talk with the client to develop a workable plan, such as cleaning after repairs are made or cleaning only panels that are intact.
HOW TO FIX MISTAKES
Oops! You missed a spot. Get your equipment back up and do it again, and thoroughly rinse it all the way to the ground, including the windows, etc. if there is overspray.
CONTRIBUTOR BIO
Josh Tillman is owner of Squirt’s Pro Wash in Glennville, Georgia. Tillman and his team specialize in power washing pretty much everything residential-related as well as RVs, boats, and more. They take pride in the fact that they spend hours researching the proper products and techniques to clean exterior services. They have been cleaning solar panels for about three years CT
CONCRETE CLEANING DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO CHEMICAL USAGE
By Joseph Daniel — ITD Chemical LLC
C
oncrete surfaces are highly durable, but they are not immune to staining. Over time various substances can penetrate the surface, leading to unsightly stains that are difficult to remove. The right chemical cleaner can make all the difference. Here we explore different types of concrete stains and the most effective chemicals for cleaning them.
OIL AND GREASE STAINS
Oil and grease stains are prevalent in areas like driveways, gas stations, and garages. They often come from vehicles or machinery, making them one of the most common types of concrete stains.
Solution: ITD’s Pro Cleanse BC oil stain remover is specifically formulated to tackle these tough stains. Its powerful formula penetrates deep into the concrete to break down and lift oil and grease, restoring the surface to its original state.
GAS ISLANDS AND DUMPSTER PADS
Gas islands and dumpster pads are subject to a variety of spills and stains, including oil, fuel, and food waste. These areas require robust cleaning solutions to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Solution: ITD’s Pro Cleanse BC oil stain remover also excels in these environments, cutting through the grime and ensuring a clean, safe surface.
MUD AND RED CLAY STAINS
Mud and red clay can be particularly problematic in areas with heavy foot traffic or construction activity. These stains can be deeply embedded
in the concrete, making them challenging to remove.
Solution: ITD’s Mud Away stain remover is a complex blend of acids designed to remove red mud, tire tracks, and rust stains from concrete slabs, blocks, and brick surfaces without causing damage.
RUST STAINS
Rust stains on concrete often come from sprinklers, metal railings, fertilizers, and battery acid. These stains can be particularly stubborn and unsightly, requiring a targeted approach for removal.
Solution: ITD’s Rust Pro rust stain remover is the ideal solution for these types of stains. Its powerful ingredients dissolve rust and other related stains, making the concrete look clean and well maintained.
PREVENTING FUTURE STAINS
Once cleaned, concrete surfaces can quickly become stained again if not
properly protected. Sealing the surface can prevent future stains and extend the lifespan of the cleaning effort.
Solution: ITD’s One Seal is a water-based sealant designed to protect concrete surfaces. Applying One Seal after cleaning creates a protective barrier that repels water, oil, and other staining substances. This not only keeps the concrete looking clean but also makes future cleaning easier.
Effective concrete cleaning requires the right approach and appropriate chemicals. Keeping concrete surfaces clean not only enhances their appearance but also extends their longevity and functionality. With the right products and techniques, you can maintain your concrete in top condition for years to come.
Joseph Daniel is the owner and CEO of ITD Chemical LLC since 2020. For more information call 1-800-4721233, visit www.ITDinc.biz, or email customerservice2@itdinc.biz. CT
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BRAND PRODUCT SELECTION
True or not? Brands matter less and less to buyers.
In a different con-
text, our anecdotal assessment is “no way.” As the grocery store tries to push unbranded items from pasta to cans of vegetables, any shopper can see that the no-names get left on the shelf.
What accounts for the shelfsitters? Buyers want quality, which a brand name heralds.
No seller would put the company’s name on a product that reflects poorly on the company. The seller may be a manufacturer, distributor, or supplier.
“When distributors choose products, they should think about a few important things,” says Missy Ordiway, business development manager at Deco Products Inc. in Denver, CO. “One big aspect is quality.”
Why? “The quality of the product ensures longevity to relationships between distributors and their customers,” explains Ordiway. “It’s also very smart to go for products that come with training and support from the manufacturer…because let’s be real; stuff can go wrong, and it’s nice to have the manufacturer backing you up.”
by Diane M. Calabrese
Bundled into the concept of quality is consistency: The product purchased today will be as good as it was when purchased one month ago.
In addition, a distributor must balance his or her own efforts to build customer loyalty with building loyalty to a brand that a customer might buy elsewhere. This is one reason why many distributors choose private labeling as an option for at least some products.
“A distributor should be considering whether they can consistently sell the product and how much margin they can achieve when selling it,” says Joseph Daniel, CEO of ITD Chemical in Tucker, GA. “Also, is the sale of that product building their business or building a branded manufacturer’s business?”
To develop a roster of products, a distributor must rely on trusted and branded manufacturers and do some research.
“Of course, due diligence should be completed on any new product, including sampling or testing,” says Daniel. “Assuming a quality standard is probably not a good idea, but if the product comes from a current supplier or similar products that are good, it’s
probably a good assumption that the manufacturer will produce more good products.”
So, do end users give much significance to the brand when they choose a product? “This depends greatly on the product category and the uniqueness of the application,” says Daniel. “For commodity applications where there are similar products on the market, the user will likely value cost and convenience over a brand.”
End user perspective changes, though, when there’s a special application. “For more difficult and unique applications where there are fewer products on the market, the end user may opt for a brand or is more likely to rely on his salesperson to direct him to the right product,” says Daniel.
Unique applications give distributors an opportunity to connect with end users in an enduring way. “This is where a distributor can add a lot of value in recommending the right product, whether branded or private labeled,” explains Daniel.
The internal workings between distributors and manufacturers are a bit different. A distributor buying chemicals, for instance, begins with trusted manufacturers—a
chemical will be exactly what the manufacturer says it is.
Therefore, brands are not significant in certain exchanges. “As a chemical manufacturer we primarily focus on cost, availability, and quality,” says Daniel, “and not so much brands.”
SIGNALING EXCELLENCE
Every successful seller wants a brand that signals excellence for the simple reason that superiority is built into the product.
What should a distributor consider when choosing whether to sell a product or not? “Quality, consistency, and customer service,” says Kraig Snyder, national sales and marketing manager at J.E. Adams Industries Ltd. in Cedar Rapids, IA.
So synonymous is customer service with quality and consistency of a product that we sometimes glide right across it. A company that stands behind its products by answering questions, verifying the products are
used and maintained correctly, etc. is a company that speaks to quality.
“In our case we don’t release anything unless it possesses the same level or quality as our tried-and-true products,” says Snyder. That’s the essence of ensuring a customer can rely on a brand.
Do end users of products make significant use of brands when selecting products? “I believe an end user gets familiar with a brand and the benefits of that brand and will choose it when given the option,” explains Snyder.
Implicit in the concept of excellence is that a product does what it’s expected to do. And a bit more, such as more than meeting expectations.
“The product must decisively address both the manifest and hidden needs of the customer,” says Bruno Ferrarese, copresident of Idrobase Group, which is headquartered in Borgoricco PD, Italy. “Among the manifest needs, ensuring good value
for money and long-term reliability are obviously important.”
But needs go on. “Among the latent needs, the most crucial is the long-term availability of spare parts as this will significantly influence the customer’s decision to continue the relationship with the distributor,” says Ferrarese.
A standard of quality is foundational. Everything builds upon it. A contractor should ask questions of a distributor, and a distributor should ask questions of a manufacturer to be assured of the construction/quality of new products, however trusted they are.
“The distributor must request the specifications regarding the characteristics, merits, and advantages of the new product,” says Ferrarese. “Today, it is not enough to conform to a known standard of quality. On the contrary, standards must be continually raised.”
Excellence invites more that is better still. “We are in a phase of perpetual improvement, where the quality of the product and the company increases consistently month after month,” says Ferrarese.
Ultimately, each product must stand on its own. Yet end users do make use of brands when purchasing. “The end user customer chooses the brand first and then the product,” says Ferrarese. “The customer can only confirm the quality of the product after a period of use postpurchase. By relying on the brand, however, the customer can already form an idea of the product’s quality before making a purchase.”
BALANCE
With “AI” being bandied about almost as though it were a punctuation mark, everyone must sometimes take a breath and think about the link between purpose and balance. Otherwise, it’s easy to get ahead of ourselves—and we know how it goes when running if we fail to put one foot ahead of the other when zipping along.
Chad Reiffer, the distribution program manager at Hydro-Chem Systems in Caledonia, MI, reminds
us that balance matters. In the context of the choices a distributor must make in product selection, he likens the process to bringing into balance the three legs of a tripod.
A distributor considering a new product must evaluate one or all of three things, explains Reiffer. “Is the product groundbreaking or innovative toward a key market sector in some fashion? How marketable and profitable is the product? What is the quality of the relationship/support between the distributor and the supplier/manufacturer?”
In short, innovation is a given. But the innovation must have a purpose. Stability comes by balancing innovation, marketability and profitability, and business chain relationships, explains Reiffer.
Up to a point, a manufacturer known to a distributor may have the advantage. But a distributor will always want to have confirming information about new products.
“If a branded manufacturer is indeed trusted and experienced, it is assumed they have quality-control standards and a proven process in place for bringing new products to market,” says Reiffer. But they should still “expect questions” and “offer proper training, documentation, and materials during a product rollout.”
As for the way in which end users rely on brands or branding, Reiffer believes that “a track record of success” yielded by a product brings the end user back. On the other hand, end users who are new to the industry may rely most on brands.
“As the end user becomes more experienced or has other quality options available, brands may not be as impactful in the decision-making process as pricing, availability, or other factors,” says Reiffer.
Reiffer’s company is both a supplier/manufacturer and distributor. In that consolidated role the company “must be constantly measuring the gap between costs, features, and benefits of the brands it uses,” he explains.
“Our company relies on brands that provide us with innovative and unique products, profitable and marketable products, and products with great support/service from the manufacturer/supplier,” says Reiffer. The bottom line is that a product must be “the right fit” for customers.
Reiffer explains that product selection by buyers—anywhere along the supply chain—involves a psychology of sorts. A negative experience might be relatively
minor, but it could be a deterrent to the next purchase. (We all know how one tiny negative experience in the day can erase all the positives from our mind.)
Now, more than ever, a company must be aware of tangential issues that can affect the perception of its brand. It’s about getting it right every time and should something go amiss—even the tiniest problem— correcting it immediately.
Brands matter. Protect them CT
SEMINAR AND MUCH MORE
by Diane M. Calabrese
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Learning alone—without an expert teacher or mentor—is doable. But many gears and plugs have been stripped and plenty of oil splattered because someone was learning the hard way (alone).
Part of the mission of the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) is to facilitate the formation of bonds among industry members—bonds that generate lasting ties, shared knowledge, and best practices, with an emphasis on best practices.
True, CETA members have long since been versed in wrenches and gaskets. Yet with the proliferation of new approaches and non-stop technical developments—as well as the big T, technology—everyone who moves forward keeps learning.
The opportunity to tap into the expertise of someone who has beenthere-and-done-that smooths the trajectory. That includes talking about the fundamentals of the 21st century that go beyond the mechanical dimensions of fixes and innovations to the digital assists and regulatory constraints.
PowerClean® 2024 (Dates: October 31 through November 3; Venue: Rosen Shingle Creek ® Hotel) offers a rich array of seminars and panel discussions. In fact, it’s structured to encourage the sort of exchanges that strengthen individual members of the association and the industry.
How about building business by offering a planned service program? In a PowerClean session titled “Service Platform: Building Success Through Planned Service,” three veterans of the industry—Terrence Anderson (Pacific Bay Equipment), Greg Sprunk (Superior Cleaning Equipment), and R. Calvin Rasmussen (Royce Industries L.C.)—will discuss particulars ranging from how to promote a preventive maintenance (PM) program to making a PM program efficient and profitable.
As we write, CETA is firming up topics for seminars and panels. See the complete list by visiting the CETA.org website and pulling down the PowerClean 2024 tab.
“We wanted to make sure this year at the show that the topics and seminars discussed are valuable and applicable to dealers in running their businesses,” says Sprunk. “It has always been the goal of CETA to support and educate.” Sprunk explains that seminars are each 45 minutes long, and there may be hands-on demonstrations at some seminars.
For the service platform seminar there will be a definite tie-in to the digital world in which we live now. Sprunk, in fact, sees the seminar as taking a panel discussion format.
“Right now, it’s more of a panel discussion format to show the pros and cons and share information from people who are using software to increase efficiency [and] productivity in their service departments,” says Sprunk of the service department tools session. And each attendee is likely to take something different away.
“I think some of the takeaways are to show what’s out there and available, the investment in terms of money to implement it, and the time required to manage these types of systems,” says Sprunk. “Like all software, there is an implementation cost, but there is also an ROI [return on investment].”
Seminar participants will get the chance to banter about how to weigh costs. “Educating the seminar participants, discussing choices, and evaluating the variety of them as well as the cost of them would also be a goal,” says Sprunk.
“We really want to provide value for our members,” explains Sprunk. “That is the focus of the organization.”
With the “value” component in mind, in sessions developed for PowerClean and for regional meetings of CETA throughout the year, ROI is always in the picture. “Whether it’s seminars on service tools, updating our membership on CARB [California Air Resources Board], or sewer regulations, AI, marketing, and other topics, we look at where the interest is and how we can best serve our membership,” says Sprunk.
Although each attendee will take away what’s most meaningful to him
or her from each session, Rasmussen hopes that everyone will embrace one thought following the service platform session: that a service department can truly be a profit center.
“When we talk about a service department for the equipment we sell, we’re referring to a team that provides
“A WELL-RUN SERVICE DEPARTMENT DOESN’T JUST SUPPORT THE MAIN PRODUCT IT SELLS; IT ALSO ENHANCES CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, DRIVES BUSINESS, CREATES NEW REVENUE STREAMS, AND PROVIDES VALUABLE INSIGHTS,” SAYS RASMUSSEN.
maintenance, repairs, and support services for our products,” says Rasmussen. “This department can indeed be a significant profit center for several reasons.”
Rasmussen explains there are six big reasons: recurring revenue, customer loyalty and retention, value addition, cross-selling and upselling opportunities, market intelligence, and operational efficiency. Going granular on each of the six big components of a service department as profit center illuminates the path to more profit.
For example, while a service center takes in recurring revenue from PM, repairs, and upgrades, the team at the center can also gather information (market intelligence) from customers that will boost profit. “Intelligence” could be something on a customer’s wish list that can be translated into a service or developed as a product, or
it could be about how the customer uses a machine.
Perhaps usage information indicates a customer would do better with a different machine. It might be an opportunity to sell and so on.
“A well-run service department doesn’t just support the main product it sells; it also enhances customer satisfaction, drives business, creates new revenue streams, and provides valuable insights,” says Rasmussen. “By strategically developing and promoting our service offerings, we can turn our service department into a robust profit center.”
A robust service center “significantly contributes to the overall success and profitability of a business,” explains Rasmussen. He adds that it does so optimally when billing is perfectly aligned with service and easily understood.
In fact, the alignment of billing will be the thrust of Rasmussen’s contribution to the service department session. “Flat rate, flat rate, and flat rate” is the
way he describes the information he wants to convey to participants.
A flat-rate approach to billing begets seven big outcomes, says Rasmussen. They are predictability and transparency, efficiency and consistency, enhanced customer satisfaction, improved revenue management, competitive advantage, reduced administrative burden, and alignment of interests (of customer and service provider).
“By adopting a flat-rate pricing model, you can build trust, streamline operations, and create a more compelling value proposition for your customers,” says Rasmussen. And it’s not just the customers and the business owners who benefit.
Employees benefit too from flat-rate billing, explains Rasmussen. The approach helps to “attract talent” to a business because it makes it possible to pay technicians higher hourly wages. And prospective employees with exacting skills seek out higher wages.
Here we have only skimmed across the surface of what promises to be just
one of the many deeply layered and useful sessions at PowerClean 2024. For the full immersion experience, be sure to attend.
The Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) will again co-locate with Power Washers of North America (PWNA) for PowerClean. Co-location allows the organizations to capitalize on the strength of two teams that share a single vision: advancing the industry.
There’s nothing like talking directly with an end user to get an idea of how a machine or ancillary is working: Converse at the service center or talk it over at PowerClean.
A members-only event, PowerClean 2024 engages participants with the sort of intensity that seeds connections, ideas, and innovations across the industry. Not yet a CETA member? Visit CETA.org and join today.
The bottom and top line—There is no need to go it alone whether choosing a cloud server, a software program, or a wrench. CT
THE FUTURE OF EFFICIENCY
by Andrew Montan
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As industries evolve and technology advances, the demand for more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentallyfriendly equipment has never been higher. Enter the VIPower electric motor family— a revolutionary innovation poised to transform how the cleaning industry approaches maintenance, operational costs, and environmental impact.
THE EVOLUTION TOWARD BATTERY-OPERATED EQUIPMENT
Over the past decade there has been a notable shift toward battery-operated equipment. From power tools to mowers and snow blowers, users have increasingly embraced battery technology. This growing confidence is complemented by governmental pushes toward green initiatives. For example, California has enacted a law prohibiting the sale of small gas engines from 2024 onwards, paving the way for other states and cities to adopt similar, eco-friendly measures. This legislative trend underscores the urgent need for alternative power solutions like VIPower motors, positioning them as a forward-thinking investment.
KEY BENEFITS OF VIPOWER FOR THE CLEANING INDUSTRY
Reduced Maintenance and Downtime
VIPower electric motors require near-zero maintenance. Traditional gas engines need regular upkeep, including oil changes and spark plug replacements. Aging gasoline leads to varnished jets, dirt accumulation in carburetors, and fuel delivery problems—the primary failure of internal combustion engines. These issues incur costs and downtime. VIPower motors eliminate these concerns, allowing continuous job completion without interruptions.
Significant Cost Savings
Gas engines require a constant supply of fuel and regular part replacements, adding to operating expenses. By transitioning to VIPower motors, businesses can reduce these recurring costs, enhancing their bottom line. Less maintenance means more time for productive work, increasing efficiency and profitability.
Enhanced Environmental Compliance
With zero emissions, VIPower motors are eco-friendly and allow for greater operational flexibility. They enable running equipment on indoor job sites or in enclosed spaces, beneficial in urban areas with stringent emission and noise regulations.
Extended Operational Hours
VIPower electric motors produce significantly less noise and vibration compared to traditional gas engines. This allows for extended work hours in noise-sensitive areas, completing projects faster and taking on more jobs while boosting productivity and client satisfaction.
Soft-Start Technology
VIPower motors feature soft-start technology, ensuring a smooth increase in desired RPMs without causing fatigue and wear on the motor and equipment. This technology reduces the initial jolt of force when pulling the trigger of a power washing gun, enhancing user comfort and equipment durability.
On-Demand Power with Titanium Pressure Switch
The cleaning industry relies on positive displacement pumps, which can’t stop pumping while the engine or motor runs, requiring bypass systems that cause technical problems. VIPower motors solve this with an on-demand titanium pressure switch, compatible with bleach, that turns the motor off when not in use, saving wear on the pump and extending battery life. It uses soft-start technology to reduce inrush current, enhancing durability and efficiency, eliminating the need for bypass systems, and reducing downtime.
Seamless Integration with Existing Equipment
The VIPower electric motor family is designed for simplicity and convenience. Their plug-and-play design ensures easy setup, retrofitting any equipment currently using a Honda GX or similar gas engine. Matching output shaft dimensions facilitate quick bolt-on capabilities with existing
pumps and implements. Transitioning to VIPower motors requires minimal effort and maximizes benefits.
Powering Up with LiFePO4 Battery Packs
The VIPower electric motor family is powered by complimentary LiFePO4 battery packs, offering superior energy density, longer life cycles, and enhanced safety features. Each battery pack includes a patented battery connector that guarantees a correct connection every time, eliminating polarity reversal risks. This innovation ensures reliable performance, making it easier than ever to switch from gas to electric power.
CONCLUSION
The VIPower electric motor family is essential for the cleaning industry seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and embrace environmental responsibility. Their minimal maintenance, cost-effective operation, and ecofriendly attributes, combined with advanced LiFePO4 battery packs, make them indispensable for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and contract cleaners. The future of cleaning is electric. Embrace the change with VIPower and revolutionize the way you work.
To learn more about the VIPower electric motor family and explore our full range of innovative solutions, visit www.valleyind.com. Take the next step towards a more efficient and sustainable future. CT
Photo by iStockphoto.com/tatianazaets
PRESSURE WASHING MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
by Diane M. Calabrese
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Cornucopia, A to Z, endless uses…Take a pick of metaphors to illustrate all that pressure washing does to make the world a better place.
“Improved health and hygiene stand as one of the least-known benefits of pressure washing,” says Christopher Blann, CEO of Powerwash.com in Fort Worth, TX. “You’re eliminating mold, mildew, pathogens, and allergens.”
It is also more difficult for mold and mildew, for example, to grow back on a washed surface. That makes pressure washing a way of “creating a betterquality environment,” explains Blann.
And it’s not just human health that gets a boost. “Keeping things free of organics can actually improve the lifespan of structures,” says Blann.
Citing surfaces such as “tile walls” or “anything with nooks and crannies,” Blann reminds us how tough the organic world can be. “You get a little piece of plant material in there—in a crack— and it begins to grow and exert force.”
The cracks can build and lead to ruptures or water leaks in aggregates. It’s exactly analogous to what happens on rock surfaces in nature when lichens begin to grow, followed by plants as the rock surface breaks apart and soil begins to form.
The organization Blann heads has a long track record. “We’ve been around for 50 years,” he says.
Thus, when Blann recalls the benefits of pressure washing, the tackling of the toughest jobs is high on his list. “Hot water pressure can’t be beat for removing gas station grease,” he says.
The great benefit of pressure washing overall, however, is that so much can be accomplished with mechanical force (water under pressure) or chemicals (soft washing) alone. Power washing contractors commit to “use what’s appropriate” to the task, explains Blann. It’s not about choosing one method and adhering to it alone.
When we try to imagine the amount of manual labor involved in cleaning prior to the advent of pressure washers, we begin to appreciate just how much harnessing the force of water—
the universal solvent—has benefited society. Let’s go a little deeper.
SAFETY AND VERSATILITY
Power washing encompasses both pressure washing and soft washing. Terminology often overlaps, with power and pressure getting interchanged.
“I use pressure washing loosely in my answers as almost every contractor currently washing only uses high pressure on concrete, bare metal, and other specific substrates,” explains Jud West, owner of WashRite Services in Valdosta, GA, who responded to several questions we put to him. “Most contractors soft wash with their pressure washer whenever possible.”
In other words, a contractor may be using a pressure washer and soft washing or deploying a pressure washer and applying pressure. “Interchangeable” terminology should be noted.
“One of the lesser-known benefits of pressure washing is how it helps keep surfaces safer,” says West. “While most people think of pressure washing just for making places look better, like cleaning dirt off a driveway or making a house look new again, its role in safety is often missed.”
The mold, algae, and mildew that build up on surfaces can make surfaces unsafe, explains West. “These contaminants can make surfaces slippery and can cause people to slip and fall, which is a big risk in busy spots like walkways, driveways, and patios.”
A slip-resistant surface is not only a safer one, but in the litigious society in which we live, it’s also an imperative for owners of commercial property. The priority for owners of parking garages and malls—all foot-trafficked areas—is to take precautions to ensure the safety of their patrons.
In addition to the benefits to longterm structural integrity of surfaces that comes from removing organics, there is a benefit to health. “Regular pressure washing can help reduce health risks by cleaning away these harmful substances, improving air quality, and making the environment safer for everyone,” explains West.
“Pressure washing helps stop harmful bacteria and allergens from building up,” says West. “Mold spores and pollen can gather on outdoor surfaces and cause breathing problems for people with allergies or asthma.”
“The ‘versatility’ of pressure washing is well known but not completely appreciated,” says West. He adds, “Applications extend far beyond basic tasks.”
West gives us a few examples: revitalization of the appearance of home exteriors including siding, brick, and stucco, which increases curb appeal; restoration of the original beauty of a surface; and preparation of a surface for painting or staining.
Proper surface preparation is the surest method of “ensuring better adhesion and a more lasting finish,” explains West.
“Beyond residential applications, pressure washing is also versatile in commercial and industrial settings,” says West. “It can be used to maintain the cleanliness of heavy machinery, vehicles, and equipment, which helps in prolonging their operational life.
“Furthermore, pressure washing is ideal for cleaning public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and streets, where it can efficiently remove graffiti, gum, and other debris,” continues West. “This versatility makes pressure washing an indispensable tool for a
wide range of cleaning and maintenance tasks, often overlooked for its sheer adaptability and efficacy.”
BASICS BOLSTER BENEFITS
Veteran contractors know the ins and outs of pressure and flow very well. But it’s worth recalling how much the correct combination of pressure and flow can bolster the benefits of a pressure washer, whether used as a force in itself or for soft washing.
It’s been almost 100 years since Frank W. Ofeldt II, a maker of whisky stills and more, earned credit as the developer of a pressure washer in 1926. Firsts are always difficult to peg, but his story is an engaging one.
Today pressure washer assembly is anything except DIY. The choices that contractors have for tools that allow them to do more with less are wide.
When choosing, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the basics. When we get the basics correct, we bolster the benefits derived from pressure washing.
The interplay between pressure and flow is where all good outcomes begin. And Jack Bond with Dyne Power Packs LLC in Vero Beach, FL, suggests it’s the best place to begin when reviewing the basics.
Flow must always get the consideration it deserves, explains Bond.
Thus, we begin there because buying a machine based on its psi capability alone does not take in sufficient consideration of related parameters.
“While pressure is very important, the water flow is equally as relevant when undertaking a wide variety of cleaning tasks and increasing efficiency and preserving valuable working time,” says Bond. He adds that a contractor must have “a properly matched cleaning system” with the flow and pressure working in consort.
Think psi [pounds per square inch] and gpm [gallons per minute]. “The two forces work in harmony,” says Bond. “The combination of both are game changers.”
When purchasing a machine to serve as the core of an operation, a contractor must consider the most common types of surfaces it will meet and applications it will perform.
“Water flow is equally as important as the pressure, and often high pressure is not desirable and will actually damage the surfaces,” explains Bond. “Lower pressure and less force combined with higher water flow is highly effective on many surfaces.”
Working in the background but crucial to the performance of a pressure washer is the engine. Both the pressure (force) and volume of water
are “affected by whatever horsepower engine is powering the machine,” says Bond.
“The type of pump drive is another important piece of the puzzle,” explains Bond. “Gear drive and belt drive are more of an initial investment and considered better options than direct drive units.”
Always consider the correspondence between initial investment and servicing, says Bond. “Direct drive pumps are turning at the same speed—at about 3600 rpm—as the engine and do offer more efficient power transfer but with more frequent servicing required than a reduced rpm drive.”
In contrast, gear- or belt-drive should require less maintenance. “Using a belt or gears will reduce the pump speed by 50 percent,” says Bond.
The reduced speed translates to “less wear and tear” and lower ongoing maintenance costs, says Bond. He adds, though, that directdrive units have their place.
Contractors have become ever more savvy over the decades, a match for the refinements in the machines they use. They consider climate and seasonality along with applications when buying machines, says Bond.
The choice between hot-water and cold-water machines has also become more important than ever. Contractors weigh the benefits of one over the other, and often choose both.
Bond says that “demand for highvolume, cold-water systems has exploded in many markets.” But hot water machines that lead to gains in efficiency by cleaning with heated water are competitively in the mix.
“Many contractors know what they want and are very specific about performance and quality,” says Bond. “When in doubt, seek out advice from a reputable dealer who can answer any questions and assist in your equipment acquisition.”
The cornucopia of pressure washing benefits meets its match in the cornucopia of machine choices. It’s certainly a bounty that benefits society
When Garth
Griffith, owner of DFW Pressure
Washing & Fence Staining, LLC, decided to leave the corporate world, he sought a change from the daily grind of reports and meetings. His transition led him to a passion for pressure washing and fence staining, which quickly evolved from a side hustle into a thriving full-time business. Today after just over a year of operation, DFW Pressure Washing & Fence Staining, LLC, is known for its high-quality service and expertise in both power washing and fence staining, largely thanks to the synergy between these two services and the support of stain brand Wood Defender™, manufactured by Standard Paints, Inc.
A LEAP OF FAITH AND DISCOVERING THE POWER OF STAIN
“I had always been in the corporate world, but I got tired of my role,” says Griffith. “So, I made the jump into pressure washing to escape the dayto-day of corporate life and start a side hustle. I loved it!” The satisfaction of seeing immediate results from a good pressure wash was a refreshing change. The business started small, aimed at providing extra income for family vacations and teaching his kids the value of hard work.
The turning point came when Griffith learned about Wood Defender and the profitability of staining fences. Once he attended their monthly training class, he decided to incorporate fence staining into his services. “Now I’m doing both wood staining fences with Wood Defender products and pressure washing fences,” he explains. This decision proved to be a game changer, transforming his side hustle into a fullfledged business, allowing him to scale up from small jobs to major contracts.
Combining power washing with staining creates a comprehensive service that enhances property value and
aesthetics. “Everybody likes their property to look good,” Griffith notes. “With both power washing and fence staining, customers are looking to spruce up their backyard with fences, pergolas, decks, shutters, cedar posts, and beyond.” This combination not only beautifies outdoor spaces but also increases property value.
Initially, the business focused on smaller residential jobs, but it quickly expanded. Griffith began taking on large projects, including new home developments and subcontracting work for roofing companies dealing with storm damage. “I’ve done quite
a few big jobs—10,000 to 15,000 square feet of HOA—new build home developments,” he recalls. His reputation for quality work spread, leading to partnerships with multiple roofing companies and general contractors who needed his services for their existing customers. Soon, his jobs went from 75 percent pressure washing and 25 percent staining to 90 percent staining and 10 pecent pressure washing.
TIPS, TRICKS & TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Griffith uses a range of cleaning solutions and Wood Defender Fence & Exterior Stains, including both their
Photos courtesy of DFW Pressure Washing & Fence Staining, LLC
transparent and semi-transparent stains. “Wood Defender products are easy to use and long lasting, while EZ Kleen™ by Wood Defender is essential for keeping my job sites clean when I’m staining,” he says. Although he keeps some trade secrets to himself, the high-quality stains from Wood Defender play a crucial role in his business.
Working with Wood Defender has allowed Griffith to not only jumpstart his stain business but scale it. “Wood Defender is a great company. They make a great product and stand behind it,” he says. Their support and expertise have been invaluable as he grew his business.
Customer education and word-of-mouth referrals are also key to Griffith’s business model. He places nameplates on fences after completing jobs, ensuring future clients know who to call. “The way I go about getting customers is pretty much word of mouth,” he shares. His reputation for excellence has led to a growing list of satisfied customers. For Griffith, the most rewarding aspects of his work are being outdoors and meeting new people. He enjoys helping homeowners choose the perfect stain for their fences and seeing the transformation from before to after. “Customers always take before and after pictures,” he says. “It’s very satisfying!”
Looking ahead, Griffith plans to continue expanding his business. Since starting in June 2022, he has already invested in additional equipment—he now owns three ST-250 stain machines manufactured by Wood Defender as well as two pressure washing machines—and is considering hiring more help to meet growing demand. “The business has grown to the point where I can’t keep up— it’s a good problem!” he exclaims.
For those considering a career in pressure washing or fence staining, Griffith offers simple advice: hustle and diversify. “There’s lots of money to be made. If you want something, you have to go get it,” he advises. By promoting both pressure washing and fence staining, aspiring entrepreneurs can expand their customer base and maximize profit potential.
With the right tools and products, vendor support, and a can-do attitude, success is inevitable. In the end Griffith’s journey from the corporate world to outdoor success is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the potential for growth in the pressure washing and staining industry.
To attend Wood Defender’s monthly training class free, use code CLEANER2024 when you register online at https://wood defender.com/outdoor-business-opportunities/training/ or call 800-658-KOTE. CT
WORKING TOGETHER: HOW PWNA MEMBERS SUPPORT EACH OTHER
by Leaett Lipker
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In the dynamic world of power washing, managing demanding workloads can be a significant challenge, especially for small business owners. This was the case for Joy Miller, owner of Extreme Pure Clean, based in Canada, who recently faced an exceptionally heavy workload. Fortunately the story took a heartwarming turn when fellow Canadian Nik Bibic, owner of Ultimate Power Wash Inc., stepped in to help.
Upon learning about Joy’s situation, Nik decided to take action. He dedicated a day and went to assist Joy and her team with the work. This act of generosity not only lightened Joy’s load but also highlighted the power of community and collaboration.
Both Joy and Nik are not just industry leaders but also valued members of the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) and serve on its board of directors. Their partnership exemplifies the PWNA’s core values of mutual support and professional camaraderie. The association prides itself on fostering a culture where members go beyond networking to actively supporting one another in times of need.
Their collaboration showcases how members of the PWNA contribute to a network of support and solidarity, enriching the entire power washing industry. By working together, they not only achieved their goals
but also set a powerful example of the collective strength and unity that defines the PWNA community. Stories like Joy and Nik’s continue to inspire others within the association, reinforcing the value of teamwork and professional courtesy.
As demonstrated through this partnership, the bonds formed within the PWNA extend far beyond business transactions, creating a strong network of collaboration and support that benefits members across North America and beyond.
For more information about the PWNA, visit www.pwna.org CT
COXREELS ® IMPROVED OPTIONS FOR THE VACUUM SERIES REEL
Coxreels ® V-100 Series product line has been improved and expanded! We are excited to introduce the new 1¼-in. vacuum hose reel V-112-735 without hose and the V-112H-735 with hose. The new model is a smaller frame size featuring 12-in. diameter discs instead of the original 17-in. diameter discs and is designed for use with 35 ft. of 1¼-in. vacuum hose. The outlet connecting to the hose remains 1½ in., and our 1¼-in. hose comes equipped with 1½-in. slip cuffs on both ends for maximum flow.
In addition to the new models, the swivel has been improved on the entire product line. The new swivel design still allows for the connection of multiple hose sizes by using the inside and the outside of the housing, but a greater gradual taper has increased the amount of compatible inlet hose cuffs. This remains important because retail shop vacuums are coming with larger and larger hoses, some as big as 2.5 in. The swivel also includes hidden improvements via an enhanced O-ring sealing system for greater vacuum consistency and performance.
The hose has a super-flexible, “crush-proof,” smooth interior hose suitable for commercial cleaning applications and is equipped with standard 1.5-in. threaded hose cuffs on both hose sizes.
Coxreels has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high-quality, professional-grade hose, cord, and cable reels since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting all of their products right here in the U.S.A.
For further information on Coxreels new options for the V-100 Series, contact customer service at 800-269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.
ITD ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF READY RINSE: THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR ENHANCED SOFT WASH RINSABILITY
ITD is thrilled to introduce Ready Rinse, the ultimate solution for contractors seeking improved rinsability in their soft wash process. Traditionally, many have resorted to adding glass cleaners to their bleach mix despite these products often being incompatible with bleach and failing to enhance rinsability. Ready Rinse was developed to address this issue directly. Specifically formulated to improve the rinse process on windows, Ready Rinse ensures a more efficient and effective cleaning experience, eliminating the need for improvised solutions and delivering superior results every time.
In addition to Ready Rinse, ITD offers a broad line of stock industrial detergents and specialized chemical products under both our own name and private label brands, along with custom formulation, blending, and packaging to fit the unique needs of individual distributors.
For more information, visit ITDinc.biz, call 800-472-1233, or email customerservice2@itdinc.biz.
Note: Product News submissions should be emailed to jkidder@cleanertimes.com. Please be sure that your product announcement is accompanied by a high-resolution photo of the product CT
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
MAKING UNREMARKABLE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
by Diane M. Calabrese
Take a deep breath and imagine a place where everything hums along. Serenity meets efficiency.
Self-checkouts have disappeared. At the grocery store, cordial and attentive employees not only tally purchases but also pack bags. Obstacles of corrugated boxes and disheveled and halfempty shelves are a bad memory.
Every positive engagement for a customer is unremarkable. Products function “out of the box” and accomplish tasks as promised, and they are reliable.
The remarkable encounters for a customer are those that end with damaged goods, missing parts, or
misdirected products. In a sense, customer engagement all centers on ensuring that every customer experience is unremarkable.
Ascertaining what a customer wants, how things can be done better and done better still, is where it begins. Following through to perfect outcomes is where it continues.
“The overarching theme for customer engagement is building relationships,” says Aaron Lindholm, CEO and president of Veloci Performance Products in Burnsville, MN. “This happens across various touch points, phone calls, email, social media, direct mail, face-to-face visits, tradeshows, and more.”
In a relationship individuals know and understand each other. “The core of customer engagement involves understanding their needs, challenges, and pain points,” says Lindholm.
It’s not an either/or situation on the digital/real-world dichotomy when a business aims to connect with customers. It’s both.
They are “equally important,” says Lindholm. “Digital is fast, efficient, and cost effective. Real-world engagement develops deeper relationships where you can get to topics that digital typically doesn’t cover.”
Judicious use of customer feedback is part of the contemporary world. “Allowing customers the opportunity to provide feedback in surveys, monitoring your unsubscribe rates for email, and listening when they provide direct feedback are all important,” says Lindholm. “Following industry standards through some research is also helpful.”
Balance. We know it when we see it, from a ballerina on toes to a gymnast on a parallel bar. And we know it takes dancers and athletes years to perfect their performance and ongoing effort to maintain it.
It’s not a bit different for the way a business perfects its interaction with customers. How do we recognize perfected balance in business?
“A relationship that matures enough to provide mutual benefit to both our customers and our business is a strong indicator of balance,” says Steve Jones, assistant sales manager in the wash division at Dultmeier Sales in Omaha, NE.
The equilibrium extends to choices in how to establish and maintain connections. “A balanced approach is important here as neither the digital nor real-world face-to-face engagements are alone sufficient,” says Jones.
Finding a definitive answer to how much contact is too much isn’t easy. Quite possibly individual variation in preferences among customers means that what some consider TLC [tender loving care] in engagement may overwhelm others.
Jones explains that he does not have a definitive answer to how much engagement is the correct amount. “I would love to know the answer,” he explains, because some contact software seems to be “off target” in who it approaches.
We all have had the experience of “how did I get this solicitation?” “Lease a Jetta” may be less surprising than “consider our baby formula,” but we know the targeting algorithms go awry.
The key is to identify the optimal approach, and that will be unique to each company.
“Some years ago customers were advising us that our outbound LTL [less-than-truckload] rates were not competitive,” says Jones. “While processing a directship order from a vendor, I asked for a freight quote to compare with the quote received from our company’s distribution.”
The information from customers led to study and changes. After finding that the rate through the broker for its company was “nearly double that of our quote from the vendor,” says Jones, terms were changed.
“The terms of our purchase orders were changed from third-party billing to prepaid and add [PPD and add],” explains Jones. It enables factory choice of carrier. “This collaboration between sales, distribution, and purchasing has resulted in better and more cost-effective service to our customers.”
TAKE IT TO HEART
Let’s be honest. Unsolicited customer feedback skews negative. Satisfied customers rarely take time to give positive feedback. Surveys in every form—from informal chats at tradeshows to QR short forms—help reach the happy buyers.
And even the happiest buyer may have a useful comment that can make a business stronger. The idea really is to develop a give and take with customers that leads to long-term association.
What does engagement with customers mean to Doug Rucker, owner of the Doug Rucker Store in Porter, TX? “It means creating and continuing to build a relationship with customers that shows them the value of purchasing with us,” he says.
“The value has to be communicated at every interaction we have with them, whether it is by phone, email, text before the sale, and…after the sale,” explains Rucker.
To that end, he adds that digital and real-world engagement are both important to him.
“Digital helps to reach customers and bring them in,” says Rucker. “Then real-world communication takes over.”
The all-channels approach is unlikely to change for many reasons. “In a perfect world, I guess, if we could do everything via digital—where you never have to talk to a customer, and they just buy over and over—that would be easiest,” says Rucker. “Kind of like mailbox money.”
“But the hypothetical is not real practical in a service business or a small retail business,” continues Rucker. “You have to build and cultivate the relationship by real-world communication. It’s the old saying: ‘Persistency gets them, consistency keeps them.’”
Be sure to make the persistence meaningful. “Try to make sure each contact is providing something of value and not just trying to sell something,” says Rucker.
Assess carefully. “Monitor responses and respond accordingly, and if their history is that they are not purchasing or engaging in any way, remove them from your list,” says Rucker. “For those that are purchasing, limit your contacts to once a quarter, every other month, or something that fits your model.”
A great deal can be learned from customers. “Let your customer talk while you just listen,” says Rucker. “Take notes as you listen, or even ask if you can record. Video chats are great as you have the opportunity to see each other and can easily record them for future reference.”
Just as there are different modes for communicating with customers, there are different depths. Indeed, Linda Chambers, brand and sales manager at GCE/Soap Warehouse Brand in Norcross, GA, points to three levels.
“Any time a potential customer creates an interaction with us, it is engagement,” explains Chambers. “And there are three levels: one, asking for information by phone or email; two, giving us information like filling out an online form; three, purchasing online or in person.”
Chambers explains her company puts the “focus on real-world engagement in person or on the phone.” But digital is always in the mix.
“We use digital contact to drive prospective customers to real-world engagements,” says Chambers. The digital connection allows a company to extend its reach and be found by customers across a wide region.
“We use the digital to establish our presence in the industry, educate on our services and products, create engagement, and then transition those engagements to the real world for sales—and again follow up with digital engagements after the sale for repeat sales and interactions,” says Chambers.
Care is taken not to overdo it, explains Chambers. “Only engaging when needed is the approach,” she states.
“We use social media to educate and make offers and only occasionally send out an email, no more than once
a quarter or so,” says Chambers. “If the customer sees an offer or sees that we provide a service or sell a certain product, then they can reach out to us at their convenience to make a purchase.”
Another dimension of customer engagement is the way it informs purchasing and inventory. Chemical buyers at Chambers’ company are often repeaters.
“We try to figure out by customers’ buying habits when and which chemicals they are most likely to be needing in the near future to ensure sufficient stock on hand,” explains Chambers. “We will also do example quotes for customers, showing them where if they buy more at one time, they most likely can save money on shipping and have less chance to be without chemical when needed.”
One part of customer engagement that Chambers’ company continues to analyze is how to best track engagement in a calculation of return on investment (ROI). “That is our biggest challenge,” she says.
“When we get a report showing we had so many contacts that came to our website, looked at the phone number or placed a call to us, and looked at a product on the website but did not buy versus the number of online sales, it is very hard to quantify those numbers,” explains Chambers.
Assigning ROI to one type of contact may prove difficult. Yet the complexity of so doing demonstrates all forms of contact matter. CT
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW (TECHNOLOGY) CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONTRACTORS
IN THE SURFACE PREP INDUSTRY
by Taylor Ramirez
Photos courtesy of Jetstream. For some applications, waterblasting offers automated technology to increase safety and boost productivity.
As technology advances, so too do methods of accomplishing different jobs and tasks. Surface preparation is one of those jobs that has seen change and growth as a result of new technology. With equipment innovations that reduce costs and improve ROI, waterblasting has emerged as a strong alternative to sandblasting for removing old plaster or paint and preparing for new surfaces and coatings. The following are some top reasons to consider making the switch:
1. Cleaner Surface Profile
Sandblasting creates an entirely new surface finish profile and traps contaminants within tiny valleys on the surface. On the other hand, waterblasting restores surfaces back to their original profile, creating a perfectly clean finish that is ready for resurfacing. Ultimately
waterblasting elevates surface prep to provide a quality finish and an efficient overall process.
2. Less Hazardous Waste
Sandblasting creates a significantly higher amount of hazardous waste than waterblasting. When sandblasting a pool, many contractors end up making two to three trips to the waste facility each day, meaning less time working and additional expenses such as fuel, labor hours, and hazardous waste disposal fees. With waterblasting, many contractors collect the wastewater and allow it to evaporate, then dispose of remaining residue, cutting trips to dispose of material to once per week.
3. Easier Access to Materials
Finding water is cheaper and easier than obtaining industrialgrade sandblasting media such as aluminum oxide, garnet, or steel grit
for blasting. When it comes to your budget, a 50-pound bag of aluminum oxide can cost around $70, while an equivalent volume of tap water costs only $0.20—a more than 99 percent cost savings.
4. No Dust
Every year people are diagnosed with lung cancer that can be linked to silica dust exposure from jobs that create airborne concrete dust, such as concrete cutting and sandblasting. Add in other serious risks, including irreversible scarring of the lungs, kidney disease, and pulmonary disease, and the need to mitigate exposure and risk is clear. Waterblasting provides an immediate benefit over sandblasting as it eliminates silica dust contamination, providing the crew with cleaner and safer air.
5. Cutting-Edge Technology
For some applications, waterblasting offers automated technology to
increase safety and boost productivity. Magnetic carriers can be programmed to efficiently remove
coatings from magnetic surfaces while operators control the robot from up to 100 feet away. This
method significantly reduces the risk of injury from high-pressure water and hoses.
LOOKING TO FUTURE PROFITS
Don’t let outdated methods stand in the way of achieving your full potential. By embracing the latest technology, contractors can gain a competitive edge and increase profits. The upfront cost of switching to a new method may seem daunting but can pay off in the long run with improved efficiency, quality, and safety.
Jetstream is a leading global manufacturer of industrial high-pressure waterblasting equipment, parts, and accessories. With more than 45 years of experience in the industry, the company offers expertise in products and solutions for maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. For more information: Jetstream of Houston LLP, 5905 Thomas Road, Houston, TX 77041; 832-590-1300; www.waterblast. com; Facebook; LinkedIn; YouTube. CT
Waterblasting emerged as a preferred alternative to sandblasting for removing old plaster or paint and preparing to apply new coatings. The process restores surfaces back to their original profile, creating a perfectly clean finish that is ready for resurfacing.
SUBSIDIZING EXPENSES WITH A HOME OFFICE
by Mark E. Battersby
Photo
Whether running a pressure cleaning business from home or simply bringing work home, business owners can create a tax deduction for home office expenses. Even storing business records or supplies at home can mean a deduction, but the time to lock in and maximize that writeoff is now, not when the tax returns are being prepared.
While deductions for home office expenses aren’t available as an itemized personal deduction or to a business’s remote employees, selfemployed individuals, small business owners, and others who work for themselves can write off many of the expenses of maintaining a home office if they meet the requirements of the tax laws.
EXCLUSIVELY EXCLUSIVE
The expenses of an office in the home, storing records, or even maintaining a separate structure for a home shop or office can qualify so long as the space is used “exclusively” for business-related purposes. In other words, the space must be an identifiable space that is not used for anything else.
Under the rules the space doesn’t have to be walled off, but it must be an identifiable space and it shouldn’t be intermixed with nonbusiness use. Fortunately the IRS’s “exclusive use” test doesn’t apply if part of the home is used to store supplies, inventory, or records.
When using the records, inventory, or supplies exemption, the space must be immediately identifiable as suitable for storage and the home must be the only fixed location of the pressure washing business to take advantage of this exception.
THE ROOF OF THE HOME OFFICE WRITE-OFF
The deduction for home office expenses is often overlooked because of the requirement that part of the
home must be used as the “principal” place of business. In reality the home office only has to be used regularly and exclusively to administer or manage the pressure cleaning business— and substantial administration/ managerial activities aren’t to be conducted at any other fixed location.
That’s right, the home office or other space doesn’t really have to be the principal place of business in order to take advantage of the deduction for home office expenses so long as it is used only for business purposes. The space must be used exclusively and regularly for administrative or management activities such as billing clients, setting up appointments, or keeping books and records.
THE HOMEOWNER’S CONUNDRUM
Depreciation is the basis of the home office deduction for homeowners, meaning the tax “basis” of the home must be a known factor. The basis can be either the home’s fair market value at the time the home office use began or the cost of the home.
The total cost of the property must be allocated between the land and the buildings on it to compute the tax basis for depreciation. The tax basis is then multiplied by the percentage of the space used for the home office or storage to determine the amount that can be depreciated as a home office expense.
KEEPING IT SEPARATE
The IRS reportedly treats any attached space—house or apartment—with a separate entrance as part of the house, not as a separate structure. However, using a separate, free-standing structure, such as a studio, barn, shop, or garage for business doesn’t mean that it must be the principal place of business in order to reap the deduction—so long as the structure is used only for the pressure washing operation.
That’s right, it is not necessary to meet clients or customers to make that separate structure the primary place
of business in order to claim home office expenses. Of course, as mentioned, it must be used regularly and exclusively for business purposes.
Expenses related to a qualifying separate structure are deducted just as they would be for business space inside the main house or apartment. If the separate structure has its own utilities, they can all be written off.
PLANNING NOW CAN ENSURE AN UNQUESTIONED WRITEOFF FOR THE EXPENSES OF MAINTAINING A HOME OFFICE. FROM QUALIFYING EXPENSES TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT METHOD, THE SELF-EMPLOYED AND OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF PRESSURE CLEANING BUSINESSES CAN ENSURE MAXIMUM—AND LEGITIMATE— WRITE-OFFS OF HOME OFFICE EXPENSES. PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE NOW, NOT MERELY AT TAX TIME, IS ADVISABLE.
WHAT’S DEDUCTIBLE?
A deduction for depreciation of the portion of the home used as an office or even pro-rated interest on a home mortgage aren’t the only expenses qualifying as home office expenses. Consider portions of amounts for the following:
• Rent
• Utility bills
• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Security
• Property taxes
• Repairs and maintenance
• Internet services
• Pest control
• Cleaning services and,
• Even a second telephone line Depreciation amounts for furniture such as desks, chairs, and other equipment such as computers and printers used exclusively in the home office qualify as home
office expenses. But, expenses such as landscaping or lawncare and pool cleaning or maintenance do not qualify.
FASTER DEDUCTIONS
Don’t forget those expenses that can be written off rather than being depreciated over time. Office furniture, computers, and off-the-shelf software qualify for the first-year, Section 179 expensing deduction—at
least those expenditures less than the 2024 $1,220,000 cap.
There is also the so-called “bonus depreciation” write-off that allows 80 percent of the cost of that home office’s depreciable assets to be deducted immediately.
KEEPING THE IRS HAPPY
Qualifying for the home office expense deduction doesn’t necessarily mean the majority of business activities must take place in the home office, rather only that the home office is used regularly and exclusively to administer or manage the business and that substantial administrative/ managerial activities aren’t conducted in any other fixed location.
Claiming the deduction for the expenses of maintaining a home office does not significantly increase the chance of being audited. Naturally, since it is all too easy for the IRS to question a deduction for home office expenses with a simple letter request, it is essential to keep good records. Keeping all receipts to have as backup proof in the event of an audit is a good policy. In fact, well-documented records of income and expenses down to the last penny makes even more sense in light of the IRS’s well-publicized increase in auditors and their list of potential audit targets.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
While keeping good records related to all transactions is important, it is also important when using the relatively new option for deducting home office expenses.
Since 2013, a simplified option can be used to compute the deduction for business use of the home. The simplified option for claiming home office expenses as a deduction requires knowing the square footage of the home office. This option does not change the requirement of who may claim to have a home office. It merely simplifies the calculation and recordkeeping requirements for an allowable deduction. With the simplified option, a standard deduction of $5 per square foot
of the home used for business up to a maximum of 300 square feet is allowed. In exchange for this greatly simplified deduction and less recordkeeping, a lower deductible amount is usually the result.
Both the regular and the simplified method require using Form 8829 (Expenses for Business use of Your Home). Of course, unlike the regular method there is no depreciation deduction with the simplified method.
Further restricting the home office expense deduction, neither the simplified nor the regular, actual expense method deduction can exceed the pressure cleaning operation’s gross income. There must be income from the business to claim the home office deduction, and the deduction cannot create a loss that offsets other income. It is only with the regular method that a loss carryover is permitted.
WHEN STUFF HAPPENS
When a qualified home office is damaged or destroyed by a burglary or disaster such as a hurricane, flood, fire, accident, riot, or vandalism, a deduction may be possible to include some of those losses as part of the home office deduction.
If the loss occurs only to the home office, it is treated as a “direct” expense that is fully deductible. If it applies to the entire home, the loss must be allocated between the home office portion of the home and personal use portion. If the loss occurred only to the nonbusiness part of the home, it cannot be deducted as a business expense although it might be deductible as a personal expense.
For the record, casualty losses imply a sudden, accidental, or unusual loss. Casualty losses do not include damage from pets or progressive losses to property such as damage from erosion, termites or other insects, wood rot, or similar slow-moving causes.
THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE BIGGEST DEDUCTION
Using part of the home, apartment, or condominium “exclusively and
regularly” in the pressure cleaning business can qualify for the home office expense deduction. In fact, these deductions are also available when a rented apartment or other leased property is used.
Running a pressure washing business or simply bringing work home can, as mentioned, qualify for a home office expense deduction. Even storing business records or supplies can mean a tax deduction.
Planning now can ensure an unquestioned write-off for the expenses of maintaining a home office. From qualifying expenses to choosing the right method, the self-employed and owners or operators of pressure cleaning businesses can ensure maximum— and legitimate—write-offs of home office expenses. Professional guidance now, not merely at tax time, is advisable CT
KLEEN-RITE MISSOURI MOVES INTO NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER FACILITY
Kleen-Rite Corp., the largest familyowned car wash distributor in the country, has been a reliable supplier to the car wash industry for over 60 years. They are proud to announce the opening of a distribution center facility at a new location in Kansas City, Missouri.
Replacing the previous distribution center, the new facility has more space to stock an expanded inventory selection and ship products faster in the region. It also offers more convenient physical access, making it easier for customers to pick up their products on-site. This exciting move is an important part of Kleen-Rite’s ongoing commitment to constantly improving how they serve customers.
Renovation of the building is now complete, existing inventory from the previous building has been transferred, and all vendors have been alerted to ship future deliveries to the new facility. The same reliable staff is on hand to serve customers and ship product.
The old location will no longer be used by Kleen-Rite, so customers should take note of the new address. All correspondence and business
matters for the Missouri region should be directed to this location:
Kleen-Rite Corporation 5121 E. Front Street Kansas City, MO 64120
Kleen-Rite encourages nearby car wash owners, detailers, and pressure washers to visit the new facility and looks forward to making this a key hub that ultimately benefits valued customers in the surrounding area.
Kleen-Rite can be contacted though their website at www.kleenrite.com or toll-free at 800-233-3873. CT
ZONE 1
American Waterworks, Inc. 13250 Weidner St. Pacoima, CA 91331 818-252-0706
www.americanwaterworks.net
Custom trailer system sales & service.
Nor Cal Pressure Washer Equipment
250-G S. Maple Ave. S. San Francisco, CA 94080 (866) 554-6601
www.norcalpressurewash.com
Hydro Tek Sales & Service, Industrial/Commercial.
Pacific Bay Equipment 609 G Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 578-3925/fax (209) 578-3120
www.pacificbayequipment.com
SF Bay area: 28301 Industrial Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
ZONE 4
Pressure Systems, Inc.
1646 E. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 253-9579
www.pressuresystemsinc.com Experience Makes a Difference. Working With Water & Finding Solutions Since 1965.
Superior Cleaning Equipment
4422 E. University Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-257-1357 sceclean.com
ZONE 5
American Cleaning Systems 5261 W. 42nd St. Odessa, TX 79764 (800) 205-7797
www.amcleaning.net
Pressure Washers, Soaps, Degreasers, Hot Shot
Alklean Industries, Inc. 2111 Catalina Dr. Pasadena, TX 77503 (281) 479-5966 www.alklean.com
Hotsy, Mi-T-M, Hydro Tek, Alkota, KEW, Alto, plus many more. POWERWASH.COM 2313 Cold Springs Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76106 (800) 433-2113 www.Powerwash.com
Pressure Washer Sales & Service, Parts, Chemicals. River City Pressure Cleaning Equipment 7306 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78219
It Really Works On Concrete + Asphalt! + Soil! ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY & SAFE TO USE No Solvents—No VOC’s— No Harsh Chemicals. Increase Sales & Profits With EATOILS™ CLEANING PRODUCTS. WorldWare Enterprises Ltd. TOLL FREE: 866-621-8244
