Cleaner Times — December 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE

As the year ends, there is much to look back on and learn from while at the same time there is a bright future to plan for. On page 6 Diane Calabrese has written “What to Expect in 2026.” One of the first realities is the growing impact of AI in all areas, including in the pressure washing industry. Greg Sprunk is president of Superior Cleaning Equipment in Phoenix, AZ, and he expresses cautious optimism that many good things are happening, including on monetary matters.

Bruno Ferrarese is co-owner of Idrobase Group in Italy, and he sees, “There are many factors to weigh and evaluate.” He notes that because of all the economic changes and challenges that have occurred this year, 2026 could be a very exciting and stimulating year. Calvin Rasmussen is president of Royce Industries, and he is very optimistic about 2026. He acknowledges multiple challenges, but he also sees “the outlook for companies that are disciplined, data-driven, and focused on execution is very strong.”

On page 10 there is a focus on multiple awards given at CETA PowerClean 2025 to those devoted to the industry. It’s good to see these folks receive their awards for their devotion to the industry and to anticipate the new group that will be award recipients in 2026.

Turn to page 22 to read about the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) industry event in February 2026. ELEVATE 2026 will be hosted at the DoubleTree SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, February 18–20. The live demonstrations, certification classes, social events, and vendor exhibits make this an event to attend.

Merry Christmas! Cleaner Times hopes you have a wonderful celebration and enjoy some time away from the normal routines of work.

Michael Hamline

mhamline@cleanertimes.com

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Candor about AI must top the list of expectations for 2026. In fact, make it a certainty instead of an expectation—a certainty that may unfold even before 2025 ends.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult—to the level of silliness—for analysts to continue “hypothesizing” about what AI will do and can do all while AI is already doing.

Debate over such things as legislating guardrails for AI is in the realm of the absurd. So, too, is any discussion of how best to integrate, coexist with, deploy, or slow down AI.

In 2026, if not before, every sphere of society, from commerce and industry to education and healthcare, etc.,

WHAT TO EXPECT IN

will be forced to acknowledge that AI permeates all interactions, and that its impact grows larger each second. Is there exponential growth? Perhaps not yet, but another overwhelming thing on which to reflect.

Meanwhile, economic activity continues, and business owners, financial experts, and others have a perspective on what that activity will look like in the new year—a year that puts us at the midpoint of the third decade of the 21st century.

Let’s zero in on the outlook for business. Does anyone have ideas?

“I would say I’m cautiously optimistic,” says Greg Sprunk, president of Superior Cleaning Equipment Inc. in Phoenix, AZ. “I think there are a lot

of good things happening; and I think the country is headed in the right direction as long as the policies the current administration wants to enact are enabled and enforced.”

Sprunk holds a generally positive outlook on monetary matters. “I think interest rates are going to be reduced. I think that will reduce some pressure, but I also think there are possible problems as well.”

Issues such as effects from government shutdowns can reduce some of the positives because they lead to conflict, explains Sprunk. And conflict—whatever the source—tends to dampen the spirit of people. Does the outlook for 2026 seem reminiscent of any past year? “No, it

by Diane M. Calabrese

seems like for the last five years we are in unchartered territory every year,” says Sprunk.

The many unexpected happenings that began in late 2019 with the acknowledgement that a new and fast-moving virus was making its way around the world made a memorable beginning to the decade. What followed on were “the stock market resilience, inflation, politics, and many other factors that have made every year since seem unique,” says Sprunk.

There’s an unpredictability about it all. Yes, that’s true as every new year arrives. But business owners are detecting something unusual as well as unpredictable.

“The economic outlook for 2026 is that of a rapidly changing market that is difficult to predict,” says Bruno Ferrarese, co-owner of the Idrobase Group in Borgoricco PD, Italy. “There are many factors that could influence it, such as artificial intelligence, the emergence of new manufacturers, cross-border customs duties, and the needs of end customers.”

There are many factors to weigh and evaluate. “All this will lead to very significant changes that are difficult to interpret and assess at present,” says Ferrarese. “Those who are able to present new communication-focused solutions to the market will be the winners.”

Again, the uniqueness to this time captures attention. “With this out -

look, 2026 promises to be a very exciting and stimulating year,” says Ferrarese. “Never before have the market and the world changed so much, replacing old habits with new ones.”

So unique is this period that Ferrarese sees nothing that’s about to unfold as reminiscent of a year past.

“Absolutely not,” he says. “The year 2026 will certainly not be a continuation of what we have experienced over the last five years.”

What is 2026 likely to bring? “It will be a year of momentous change, and it is difficult to draw up a business plan that can be confirmed in the consolidated financial statements at the end of 2026,” says Ferrarese.

Photo

PERHAPS SOME PARALLELS

Although it may seem that digital communication occurs at the speed of light, it’s not quite that fast. Under most present conditions (and conveyors), it’s about two-thirds the speed of light.

Still, the speed is fast enough to pull us into the swirl of yet-to-be imagined directions. Before being swept away, however, it’s always a good idea to remember we build on a foundation of knowledge and societal activity. That recollection allows us to temper both our expectations and our concerns.

“In many ways 2026 reminds me of the post-2008 recovery period,” says R. Calvin Rasmussen, president of Royce Industries L.C. in West Jordan, UT. “Back then, companies that survived the downturn emerged leaner, more intentional, and better positioned to gain market share.”

How did they reposition? “The focus was on fundamentals, training teams, tightening financial controls, and strengthening customer relationships,” explains Rasmussen.

“Today feels similar,” says Rasmussen. “Economic uncertainty has prompted companies to examine every operational decision.”

Rasmussen says that it’s likely companies that approach 2026 with “discipline, clarity, and actionable insights” will “outperform their peers” as they did in the years that began with 2010. Indeed, his outlook is positive.

“I’m optimistic about 2026,” says Rasmussen. “While the challenges like rising operating costs, a tight labor market, and ongoing supply chain adjustments remain, the outlook for companies that are disciplined, data-driven, and focused on execution is very strong.”

In fact, Rasmussen explains that his company looks to 2026 as a year for strategic growth. “The demand for cleaning equipment, service, and parts continues to be robust, driven by industries that prioritize compliance, efficiency, and uptime.”

And there’s a corollary to the demand. “Companies that invest in

innovation, including automation, wastewater treatment solutions, and environmentally responsible products, will be best positioned to capture market opportunities,” says Rasmussen.

There’s a question each business should be able to answer, says Rasmussen. “What are you doing to prepare your company and your industry for success in 2026?”

And what is Rasmussen’s company doing? “We are planning with precision and intention.”

By leveraging its CETA [Cleaning Equipment Trade Association] benchmarking PAR [performance analysis report], Rasmussen’s company has identified five top areas on which to focus, areas such as improving gross margin, increasing sales per customer, and optimizing operational efficiency.

The chair of the CETA benchmarking committee, Rasmussen is a forceful advocate for benchmarking as he explains that each participating

company benefits. And so does the entire industry.

“When one company grows smarter and stronger, it helps lift the entire market, truly a case of ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’” says Rasmussen.

NUMBERS AND ADAPTATION

As we write near mid-October 2025, many groups are releasing economic forecasts for 2026. Most begin with tempered optimism, such as “things look better than we feared.” But it’s possible to find data to support almost any outlook from gloomy to giddy.

One recurring theme tossed about is that the pervasiveness (growth) of AI promotes optimism. More on the “why” of the optimism would be welcome, but we infer it’s because so much research and development funding is flowing into AI, which in turn provides a boost to the economy, at least in the short term.

OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development] issued an interim report in September 2025 suggesting real GDP growth will slow globally (from 3.2 percent in 2025 to 2.9 percent in 2026), and inflation is expected to ease.

Cautious optimism comes from members of our industry as well as analysts. Add Dennis Black, the president of McHenry Pressure Cleaning Systems in Frederick, MD, to the group.

“We do expect an approximately 10 to 15 percent increase by the end of 2025 compared to 2024,” says Black about the picture at his company. Even with myriad variables that will affect 2026, he takes that as a positive indicator.

“Our business and market area are fairly diverse and not dependent on just one segment or industry,” explains Black. “Putting aside all the variables and things we do not have control over, I expect business to continue at a modest rate in 2026.”

What Black would like to see in 2026 is more attention given to focused adaptation. “I feel it is very important that this industry stays somewhat flexible to what the market needs and wants.”

And is there a key to accomplishing that flexibility? “I believe our manufacturers need to be willing to meet additional custom and special needs that the distributor market is going to require,” explains Black.

“I expect to continue to see some eroding on certain markets and types of equipment,” says Black. “Distributors need to be able to adjust and meet the specific applications…Therefore, the manufacturers that support them need to do the same.”

Adjusting quickly to supply chain pulses might be a place that AI could intervene—and no doubt already does. Similarly, predicting what the next pulse will be ahead of its arrival would most definitely make AI formidable— although it is already formidable (just quietly so), and its predictions from aggregated data may be labeled a forte. Overall, what should we expect in 2026? An interesting year, and time will tell in which way(s). CT

AWARDS RECAP

POWERCLEAN® 2025 IN RENO, NEVADA

by Diane M. Calabrese

Dave Wyett is president at Always Under Pressure and expresses his gratitude in receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jack Hill of General Pump (GP) expresses his thanks for receiving special recognition as GP is sponsor of the opening banquet.

Jeff Theis takes Senator Grassley on a tour of the Pro Pulse facility.

Dave Wyett receives his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jamie McGoffin of Hydro-Chem Systems expresses his gratitude for receiving the Community Service Award.

hanks for being an example to us. That’s the sentiment embedded in awards of every kind.

We look to awardees, take stock of their accomplishments, and become inspired to do more ourselves. And there is plenty of inspiration to be had from the recipients of awards at PowerClean® 2025.

So much inspiration, in fact, that we offer a recap here of the award recipients. This year in addition to the recognition of individuals, CETA recognized a company for an innovative achievement—the first of what will be an annual award for innovation.

A few words from award recipients and their colleagues follow. Recipients are introduced in alphabetical order.

JACK HILL —Special Recognition

For Jack Hill the special recognition award took on layers of positives, including the surprise of having his three sons arrive for the presentation—something his wife, who had accompanied him to Reno, arranged. A secret well kept.

No secret around the great affinity and appreciation that Hill has for CETA. The association has “been very helpful in many special ways” to both him and General Pump, he explains.

Hill serves as executive director of sales and marketing/ quality and service at General Pump, a member of the Interpump Group, which is based in Mendota Heights, MN. He credits CETA with strengthening all its members.

“The association and its membership is such a close-knit group and made up of very successful entrepreneurialspirited, hard-working people, which rubs off on you as time goes by,” says Hill.

The co-sponsorship that Hill and his company have provided for the annual reception at PowerClean has been fundamental to its success, says Debbie Murray, managing director of CETA. “Their dedication transformed this event into a cherished tradition.”

FNA GROUP — Innovation Award

The Dual Wash Pro™, a product of the FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI, was voted the most innovative product of the year by PowerClean 2025 attendees. Embodied in the product line are the company’s “ingenuity and passion for new products,” explains Rick Gilpatrick, senior vice president for R&D at the company.

Indeed, customers may not have thought such a power cleaning solution was possible. That is, a single machine built to switch between pressure washer and soft wash capabilities.

How did Gilpatrick’s company arrive at the innovative product? “With the accumulation of more than 150 years of developing exciting new products for the power cleaning industry, we observed, listened to, and took time to read

Gus Alexander and Rick Gilpatrick of FNA Group celebrate as winner of the first Manufacturer Innovation Award.

Jack Hill with General Pump celebrates with his wife and sons when receiving a certificate of honor and appreciation.

General Pump sales team.

the stories and testimonies of professionals and consumers about what they liked and wished they had.”

Gilpatrick describes the Dual Wash Pro as a technological wonder. And there is no question that its origin— really its “essence”—derives from the strong legacy of the company.

“The dual-capability machine was spearheaded by our company Delco™,” explains Gilpatrick, “It optimizes the technology of a commercial-grade positive displacement pump, combining unique patent pending methods to manage the flow of water or soft wash chemicals with advanced materials designed to meet the reliability and durability expectations of power washing and protection against the harshness and corrosive environment of soft washing… all into one solution.”

JAMIE MCGOFFIN —Community Service Award

DTX Foundation, which supports organizations such as Hospice of Michigan, marks 10 years in June 2026 and has

roots in the 1990s. One of its founders, Jamie McGoffin, was nominated for the community service award by Chad Reiffer, distribution program manager at Hydro-Chem Systems Inc. in Caledonia, MI.

“I have worked alongside Jamie at our company for nearly 10 years,” says Reiffer. “I have seen him dedicate countless hours to the DTX Foundation’s fundraising and charitable organization involvement. This all takes place along with his commitment to excellence in the power cleaning industry as an account manager and team leader for detergent and pressure washer sales and service.”

Reiffer says observing McGoffin’s work on behalf of the community has been an inspiration to others. They, in turn, have become more involved in community activities.

“I definitely was caught off-guard by the award,” says McGoffin. “I was not informed that I was being nominated, but it was truly a blessing.”

McGoffin says he follows the path of CETA members in his professional and avocational endeavors. “Aside from the helpful business discussions, the members of CETA have shown a desire to help others, and this adds to my drive to further the DTX Foundation’s goals.”

JEFF THEIS —Distinguished Service Award

A remarkable career, unwavering dedication, deep expertise, exemplary leadership—quite a list of attributes. And all (and more) were assigned to Jeff Theis, the president and CEO of ProPulse, a Schieffer Company, in Peosta, IA, by Erik Spurling, who nominated the award winner. Spurling serves as director of sales and marketing at Schieffer’s company.

“Theis’ contributions have helped shape and elevate the industry, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike,” says Spurling. As for Theis’ reaction to receiving the award, he was pleasantly surprised.

“Given the caliber of alternatives, I really didn’t know what to expect,” says Theis. “Of course, on hearing the news, I felt greatly honored to be selected.”

In receiving the award, Theis reflects on the group he has joined. “There have been a lot of past recipients whom I have looked up to over the years—Ralph Notch at A.R. North America, Gary Scott of Alkota, and Jack Hill of General Pump, to name a few. All of these are inspirational, with at least four decades in the industry.”

Theis explains that CETA itself has “been a model to emulate both personally and professionally.” And he elaborates, “What has always struck me about CETA is that amidst the rivalries, competitors were able to set aside their parochial interests for the common and greater good.”

DAVE WYETT — Lifetime Achievement Award

Achievements of Dave Wyett, the owner of Always Under Pressure in San Jose, CA, extend to every component of our industry. They include early work on advancing product safety and standardization to strengthening the benchmarking and technical committees at CETA.

“Simply put, the milestones that shaped our industry are inseparable from Dave Wyett’s career,” says R. Calvin Rasmussen, the CEO at Royce Industries L.C., headquartered in West Jordan, UT. Rasmussen nominated Wyett for the award and provided a list of achievements much longer than we can include here.

“Dave has consistently elevated the bar for what professionalism and partnership look like in our field,” says Rasmussen. “He recognized early on that innovation and integrity could coexist, that when manufacturers,

distributors, and service providers share common goals, everyone benefits.”

Receiving the award in 2025, when CETA celebrates 35 years, adds to the honor, says Wyett. “To be recognized by an organization that represents the very best of our industry is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

To be sure, in reflecting on the award, Wyett expresses an appreciation that illustrates what forms the strong, enduring core of CETA:

colleagues, mentors, and partners contributing to shared success.

“Throughout my career I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated professionals who share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity in the cleaning equipment industry,” says Wyett, and he adds, “CETA has played a vital role in fostering that spirit of collaboration and growth, and I am proud to have been part of this community.” CT

SERVICE AND REPAIR TOOLS

by Diane M. Calabrese

If it’s broken, fix it—and get the fix right. That’s the unrelenting goal of service centers.

So how do members of our industry ensure they have the service and repair tools necessary to provide excellent results? They assess and calibrate every dimension of service: tools, training, logistics, parts, etc.

“Making sure each service tech has their own portable workstation [and] toolbox” provides a good foundation,

says Dennis Black, president of McHenry Pressure Cleaning Systems in Frederick, MD. “All common hand tools are available right where they are working—in shop, outside, etc.”

Ease of access expedites work in-house and on mobile calls. “We provide each one of our service techs with their own tool cart,” explains Black. “They are responsible for the box and its contents, and only they use it.”

Careful consideration of ways to expedite work of team members leads to continuous improvements. “We have also found success in providing cordless tools for all our mechanics” says Black. “These include drills, impact wrenches, and cut-off saws. These have increased work efficiency.”

Black adds that his company has multiple sets of cordless tools in his shop. And each service truck has a set for on-site use.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Rice, owner of Island Wide Pressure Washing.

Does Black have any recommendations for contractors regarding the tools they should have on hand while at jobsites? Needs of contractors and technicians who provide in-field service to contractors do overlap in the field.

“Pressure washer techs need a good quality multimeter with the correct functions, such as being able to determine AC and DC volts, AC and DC amps, [and] other readings,” says Black. “Other items include

pressure gauges for oil and gas— natural and LP—and pressure and temperature gauges for output of pressure washers.”

Black proffers, too, that he has a perspective on torque wrenches. “I see some shops may not provide or encourage the use of torque wrenches. Although not always necessary, proper torquing assemblies is the correct and professional way to perform assemblies and rebuilds.”

Is there any priority higher than an excellent result in repairs? Yes, of course there is. That is safety.

Proper tools are essential to worker safety. “Using the wrong or inadequate tool can [result in injuries],” says Black. That’s in addition to the damage to property.

“Using improper tools can also result in breaking or damaging what [a technician is] working on,” explains Black. “In other words, making the

damage worse or breaking parts that originally did not need replacing.”

Distributors and contractors share a vested interest in having the optimal collection of tools, the best tools, and the most up-to-date understanding of tool use. In the next section we get a perspective from the point of view of a distributor. And in the third section we get a perspective from the point of view of a contractor.

DISTRIBUTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

When we put questions about service and repair tools to Aaron Auger with BE Power Equipment, which is headquartered in Abbotsford, BC, Auger reached out to some of his company’s customers. He spoke with Greg Rothbardt and Jacob Hendren at Hanson Industrial Inc. in Moline, IL.

Rothbardt is the owner of the company based in the Land of Lincoln state. And Hendren is a service technician at the company. In the paragraphs that follow, we relate some of the approaches that Rothbardt’s company has taken to ensure

service and repair tools are deployed and exploited to their full advantage.

A system for winterizing pressure washers was added recently. The system makes the process easier and faster.

“We have also recently added a test station including a water tank to our shop for testing equipment,” says Rothbardt. “This eliminates having a lot of standing water due to spraying equipment on the floor of our repair center.”

Rothbardt and Hendren say that the one tool no contractor should be without on a jobsite is a fuel stabilizer. They explain that most of the pressure washers the company sells are gas driven; and when gas sits in the tank, it can separate.

Separation in the fuel tank can lead to issues with starting the pressure washer. “This is very prevalent when a contractor has equipment sit over the winter,” says Rothbardt. “They go to use it in the spring, and the engine won’t start.”

In most cases, Rothbardt and Hendren explain, the fuel stabilizer

prevents the separation and ensures the pressure washer will start. In addition to the fuel stabilizer, they cite a voltmeter as something every contractor should have. The testing and verification of a customer’s voltage verifies that the correct voltage is available for the equipment being used.

Rothbardt and Hendren offer a list of the four top concerns they have about unwise practices that can accelerate the need for major repairs. One is starting a pressure washer with no water. Doing so generally burns the packing/seal kit, and then the washer will not perform properly, they explain.

A second concern surrounds nozzles. Using the incorrect nozzles is common, explain Rothbardt and Hendren. They note that contractors often go to a big box store and pick up nozzles without knowing the correct orifice they need.

A third concern deals with the failure to stay ahead of leaks. As Rothbart and Hendren explain, the stress that leaks put on pressure

washers is avoidable. Repairing them should be a priority.

The fourth concern from our sources in Illinois is that contractors often do not cool down their hot water units before shutting them down.

CONTRACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Tailoring tools to recurring jobsite needs will somewhat depend upon the type of work a contractor does. But there is an overarching axiom contractors should keep in mind: Using the wrong tool inevitably leads to trouble—perhaps not immediately, but soon enough.

“Using the wrong tool to repair a machine would not usually work due to the fact that you’re not using the right tool to do the repair correctly,” says Tom Rice, owner of Island Wide Pressure Washing, which is based in Wantagh, NY, and serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. He takes on residential and commercial jobs.

To assemble the tools of greatest utility, a contractor should ask one

question, says Rice: Which tools are most commonly used?

“A handpick to remove and replace broken O-rings is a valuable tool to have in the field,” says Rice. “O-rings tend to break over a period of time.”

As for what he keeps on his truck, Rice explains that is as comprehensive an array as possible. “I basically have a small mobile mechanic shop on my truck.”

Rice emphasizes that the tools are “very neat and well organized,” or in other words, both accessible and protected from damage in transit. “We keep everything on the truck from new guns—both pressure washing and soft washing—to new swivels for the hose reels, nozzles, and quick connects–male and female, quarter-inch, half-inch; we basically have everything on the truck to do any sort of repair in the field.”

Channel locks and adjustable wrenches “are very useful for a quick fix, whether it be changing out new quick connects on an extension pole or

the end of a lance,” says Rice. So he keeps those tools at the ready onsite too.

“I recently bought a rather unique tool that has been very beneficial and helpful to me [in the field],” says Rice. It is a rigid one-quarter inch handthreader die head.

The hand-threader die head “is very helpful when you need to thread the quarter-inch extension poles,” says Rice. He explains that his company uses five- and six-foot extension poles for difficult to reach and high areas.

“The extension poles are typically aluminum, and the threads sometimes break off,” says Rice. The hand threader enables him to make a fix of new threads within a few minutes.

Rice stresses the importance of being equipped to handle small repair issues at a jobsite. Being able to do so dramatically reduces downtime.

One tool that Rice recommends all contractors consider carrying is a vise. “I would suggest that no contractor should be out on a jobsite without a

vise. Many years ago I took a vise and mounted it on a trailer-hitch tongue, and we keep it on the truck.”

Rice encourages other contractors to think about just how useful a vise might be to them. “This tool is very handy. We work on many different applications, such as replacing a quick-connect from the high-pressure hose or swapping out a broken gun, that the vise makes possible. I would definitely recommend keeping a vise on the truck.”

Whether it’s a tool set that gives a service technician autonomy and a no-wait environment, or a multimeter to ensure that there is no miscommunication between the tool and the power source, distributors and contractors strive for the best repair environment. The standard repertoire of tools is well known.

But it’s subtle configuration modifications (unique to each company) and specialty tool sections (made by each company) that add up to best practices industry wide. CT

by Ryan McGowan

T ELEVATE 2026 THE POWER WASHERS OF NORTH AMERICA CONVENTION

he Power Washers of North America (PWNA) is more than an association. It is a community built on education, safety, and success. Every year contractors, suppliers, and educators gather to share ideas, learn new skills, and celebrate progress at the PWNA Annual Convention. In February 2026 the PWNA will host its biggest event yet—ELEVATE 2026—to be held at the DoubleTree SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, February 18–20. This event brings together professionals from across North America for three powerful days of learning, networking, and growth. Whether you run a small pressure-washing company or manage a full team of technicians, ELEVATE 2026 offers the training, business classes, and membership benefits that help your business grow stronger and more profitable.

THE PWNA CONVENTION: LEARN, CONNECT, AND GROW

The PWNA Annual Convention is the highlight of the year for the pressure-washing and exterior-cleaning community. It combines live demonstrations, certification classes, and vendor exhibits into one action-packed event. At the convention, attendees can experience the following:

• Earn certifications through hands-on classes taught by industry experts

• See live outdoor demos featuring professional-grade equipment

• Meet vendors and explore new tools, detergents, and safety systems

• Join social events such as the PWNA corn hole tournament, opening reception, and the Women’s Wine & Wash

• Network with other business owners who share the same goals. This year’s event will be co-located with the International Window

Cleaning Association (IWCA), making it an even bigger opportunity to connect with related trades. The PWNA mobile training trailer will be in full use throughout the convention, bringing classroom knowledge to life with hands-on experience. From surface cleaning to water reclamation practices, you will learn how to work smarter, faster, and safer.

The convention also gives members access to exclusive vendor discounts, giveaways, and raffles, making it both an educational and rewarding event.

PRE-CONVENTION TRAINING

Before the main convention kicks off, attendees can participate in specialized pre-convention classes on February 17, 2026 (additional cost applies). These advanced trainings are ideal for those looking to expand their services or enter new markets.

• Solar Panel Cleaner & PV Fire Safety Training led by Steve

Williams from the International Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA)— PWNA Certified Instructor. Learn safe and efficient solar panel cleaning techniques while understanding PV system hazards and fire prevention protocols.

• Niche Market Training led by Carlos Gonzales of Pressure Wash Training—PWNA Certified Instructor. Discover how to develop profitable business models in niche markets such as gas stations, chain accounts, and other high-demand sectors.

FEATURED JOINT SPEAKERS

ELEVATE 2026 features joint sessions with both PWNA and IWCA, spotlighting two respected industry business minds.

• Brandon Vaughn, Founder & CEO of HireBus and Wise Coatings. Brandon grew up in the home services industry—scaling his own company from “me and a truck”

to a 70+ person operation—and now helps thousands of trade professionals do the same.

• Coach D.J. Carroll, widely known as Coach Carroll, is an entrepreneur and business strategist who has built, scaled, and sold multiple companies. Through his energetic keynotes and coaching, he delivers real-world strategies with an edgy, motivational style that drives growth and action. Their combined insights will inspire attendees to push beyond limits, strengthen leadership, and “elevate” both business and mindset.

BUSINESS CLASSES: BUILD SKILLS THAT BOOST GROWTH

Running a power-washing business takes more than strong equipment. It takes strong business knowledge. The PWNA offers business classes at the convention that focus on the real-world topics contractors face every day. These sessions help owners and team leaders improve their operations,

marketing, and finances. The goal is to help every attendee walk away with clear ideas they can apply immediately to grow their company. Here are some of the main topics covered in the PWNA business classes:

• Business Systems and Structure— Learn how to organize your company for efficiency. Discover ways to manage scheduling, payroll, and job tracking so your business runs smoothly.

• Pricing and Profit—Understand how to price jobs fairly and profitably. Classes explain cost analysis, equipment investment, and how to calculate break-even points.

• Marketing and Online Presence— These classes focus on social media, local SEO, and digital branding. Learn how to get found online, attract new clients, and build trust in your community.

• Customer Service and Retention— Discover how communication and professionalism turn firsttime customers into loyal, longterm clients.

• Insurance and Compliance—

Protect your business by learning about the right coverage, documentation, and safety standards to stay compliant with OSHA and EPA guidelines.

Each business class is led by an experienced instructor who understands the challenges that contractors face in the field. Lessons are practical, clear, and designed to help you take immediate action once you return home.

The PWNA believes that knowledge should lead directly to improvement. Whether you are looking to grow your revenue, organize your team, or reduce daily stress, these classes give you the foundation to do it.

ENTERPRISE MEMBERSHIP: THE ULTIMATE ADVANTAGE

While the PWNA offers several membership options, the Enterprise Membership is the most complete package for companies serious about growth and safety. It combines

education, tools, and support into one simple membership plan for both contractors and vendors.

Enterprise Members receive unlimited access to PWNA training and certification classes for the power washing and window cleaning industry. This means every employee can become fully trained and certified without paying per-class fees. It’s an easy and affordable way to keep your entire team educated and consistent.

BENEFITS OF ENTERPRISE MEMBERSHIP

• Unlimited Education and Training— Members can take all available safety, certification, and continuingeducation courses. Subjects include house washing, roof cleaning, wood restoration, fleet washing, window cleaning, and OSHA 1910 safety.

• Digital Tools for Safety, Compliance, and Technical Training— Enterprise Members gain access

to a mobile app loaded with the following:

Job Hazard Analysis forms

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Inspection checklists

Video safety meetings These tools make it easy to manage safety and training in the field.

• Convention Access and Savings— With six months of active membership, Enterprise Members receive one free annual convention pass—perfect for attending ELEVATE 2026. Members also receive special event pricing and discounts all year long.

• Marketing Exposure and SEO Benefits—Each Enterprise Member is listed in the PWNA.org contractor list, helping customers find certified professionals online. The longer your listing is active, the stronger your search visibility becomes.

• Discounts and Business Perks— Enterprise Members save money

on insurance, equipment, and supplies through PWNA’s trusted partners. These savings often pay for the membership itself.

• Community and Networking— Members join the private PWNA Community Connect Facebook Group where contractors and vendors share advice, referrals, and success stories. It’s a direct line to hundreds of industry peers.

ENTERPRISE MEMBERSHIP PRICING

• $129 per month or $1,299 per year

• Contractors use code 100DECO for $100 off annual memberships (offer not valid with monthly subscription)

• One membership per location

• Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning (KEC) classes are included with KEC Enterprise Membership, $1500 per year

Becoming an Enterprise Member is simple. Visit PWNA.org, choose your plan, and start accessing unlimited education right away.

WHY IT ALL MATTERS

The power-washing industry continues to grow across residential and commercial markets. Customers expect professionalism, safety, and quality. The PWNA helps its members meet those expectations through structured education and strong community support.

By attending the convention, enrolling in business classes, and upgrading to Enterprise Membership, contractors can build a safer, smarter, and more profitable company. These programs are proven to improve team performance, reduce liability, and strengthen your brand’s reputation.

PWNA members often report higher customer satisfaction, more referrals, and greater confidence in their daily work. The combination of hands-on training, business knowledge, and community involvement gives members a real advantage.

Education is not just a step forward—it’s the path to long-term success.

JOIN US AT ELEVATE 2026

This February join hundreds of power-washing professionals at ELEVATE 2026—the PWNA’s Annual Convention at the DoubleTree SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, February 18–20. Experience the following for three days:

• Live training and certification classes

• Business workshops that help you grow

• The latest equipment and vendor exhibits

• Fun networking events and giveaways

Whether you are attending for the first time or returning as a PWNA member, ELEVATE 2026 is your chance to connect with the best in the industry, learn from experts, and build lasting relationships that help your business thrive.

Learn more and register today at www. PWNA.org. Elevate your knowledge. Elevate your business. ELEVATE 2026 CT

HELP

CONCRETE REALIZE ITS FULL

LIFESPAN BY KEEPING A CLEAN PARKING GARAGE

by Diane M. Calabrese

Photos courtesy of John Tornabene with Clean County Powerwashing

Structural integrity might not be the first thought when coursing through a dirty parking garage, but it’s something to consider. The short of it is that a properly cleaned garage— emphasis on properly—ensures that concrete realizes its full lifespan. And one need not be claustrophobic to want overhead slabs of concrete to stay in place.

Failure of tons of concrete obviously constitutes an undesirable outcome. Yet, there are also quieter sorts of unwelcome events.

the ‘slipperiness’ of a surface, and it is the property manager’s responsibility to ensure the coefficient of friction on all walking surfaces meets insurance requirements.”

What’s the frequency of cleaning required to keep a walking surface safe? “Parking garages should be cleaned as often as needed to prevent dirt and oil buildup,” says Dingler. “Different geographical locations can lead to a variety of contaminants, such as sand and dirt in dry regions and sand, dirt, and organic growth in humid regions.”

The closure of a level and relocation of vehicles also facilitates entry for sweepers, which may be used prior to washing. Once water enters the picture, a contractor must be fully compliant with regulations for handling wastewater that contains oil and other residues.

As for tool of choice, Dingler likes surface cleaners. “Surface cleaners are a go-to for any garage; the bigger, the better.”

THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Paul Laramee, the owner of Exquisite Finishes in Warwick, RI,

“Oil comes from vehicles and puddles in the middle of each parking space and can be tracked with foot traffic, leading to slip and fall hazards,” says Mike Dingler, owner of Firehouse Pressure Washing LLC in Peachtree City, GA. When a garage user is injured, the garage owner is impacted.

“Oil and dirt can affect the coefficient of friction of the concrete in the parking garage, leading to a potential lawsuit if left unchecked,” explains Dingler. “Coefficient of friction is a measurement used in insurance to rate

There’s a simplicity to the structure of parking garages, but cleaning them can be complicated.

“Many factors contribute to the complexity of cleaning parking garages,” says Dingler. “The work is usually performed when the garage would be most empty.”

Dingler explains that for a commercial garage few vehicles will likely be present at night, whereas a residential garage would be just the opposite; and optimal logistics may require closing one level at a time, moving vehicles, or both.

completed his first parking garage contract for a municipal building owner in 1989, the same year he launched his business. Today most of his work is commercial with only about 10 percent residential.

“Most of the garages we do are twice a year,” says Laramee. Typically, they are jobs obtained by responding to an RFP [request for proposal].

Laramee says he likes the RFP process, which may put his company in contention with six or so other bidders. He appreciates the process because the owner states what’s expected. In ideal

cases, written expectations are amplified during a walk-through.

“I like the walk-through. You can see the obstacles like drainage and pitch,” says Laramee. It’s also a good time to ask questions, too, so that the response to the RFP is realistic.

With any project, Laramee begins with mechanical sweeping. “You want to pick up all the dirt; otherwise you are just pushing mud.”

Requirements for wastewater can vary. Some garages have a drain that can be used. Others have drains that must be covered so that no sand or silt enters them. Some garage owners want all the water picked up.

Laramee has been on the board of directors for the PWNA for more than a decade. And he’s happy to field questions from fellow contractors, which he often gets from states as far away as Florida and Texas.

It’s the details that matter when planning the cleaning. For instance, an awareness of height restrictions is a must, explains Laramee. A sixfoot, nine-inch clearance may actually be only a six-foot, six-inch clearance in some spots because of ancillaries like hanging power strips and camera systems.

Underground parking garages require special attention to exhaust

and ventilation. If hot water is used in the semi-confined space, caution must be taken so that the heat does not set off sprinkler systems or alarms.

Vexing issues vary with the structure of the garage. Above-ground garages built with slabs and deploying expansion joints pose different challenges than underground garages where concrete was poured, explains Laramee.

A pressure washer is Laramee’s tool of choice. “But every garage is a little different. It all depends on what kind of equipment I can get in.”

Care in all things applies. That includes keeping water away from

elevators and at least five feet away from doors, says Laramee.

Moreover, it’s not just about cleaning. Snow on top levels of above-ground structures must be removed for safety.

Garage owners often contract with outside companies for garage management. A contractor who develops a relationship with a management company may secure more work. And it’s possible to contract for add-ons, such as concrete sealing and line striping.

Whichever approach a contractor takes to cleaning, there is one constant. “You need a lot of water flow,” says Laramee.

TOOL CHOICE

“A proper-sized surface cleaner is always a good choice to accelerate cleaning and yield a great appearance,” says Bruce Tassone, president of HydraMotion Cleaning Systems in Pottstown, PA. “A large surface

cleaner is helpful, but a contractor should check that their pressure washer flow is sufficient and that there is enough water available to drive the surface cleaner.”

The large surface cleaner is one choice. “Another good option is to use environmentally safe degreasers to pretreat any heavily stained areas or grease buildups,” explains Tassone.

Balance in all things, including the frequency of cleaning parking garages. “The goal is to keep a proper appearance and not allow buildup to accumulate so fast that cleaning becomes more difficult in the future,” says Tassone.

It’s worth repeating that cleaning promotes a safe environment. Yes, cleaning eliminates slip and fall hazards. It also ensures that garage users are not so distracted by grime, startled by rodents, etc. that they walk into a vehicle.

“There are two significant challenges in cleaning a parking garage,”

says Tassone. “One is having sufficient water or a water source available. There must be sufficient water available to drive the pressure washer, particularly when using multiple crews and equipment.”

The second challenge also relates to water. It is meeting local regulatory requirements for water discharge. “The contract cleaner should always check to ensure what the local requirements are,” says Tassone.

“All parking garages present unique challenges,” explains Tassone. “One site may have limited access; another site may have multiple levels.”

Completing the job on time and within budget begins with planning, says Tassone.

LEARNING

Experience is a good teacher. Usually, however, learning from someone who possesses extensive experience is better.

John Tornabene, owner of Clean County Powerwashing in Kings County, NY, brings deep experience to the classes he teaches. In October he offered such a class at the CETA PowerClean® 2025 in Reno, NV.

In class Tornabene covers the full array of relevant topics: how to get jobs, how to clean efficiently, and how to earn a good income. Obtaining excellent results for customers is only half the equation for a contractor. The other half is ascertaining that a profit is made.

The combination of sweeping and washing, if done on a regular schedule, can lengthen intervals between washes. “A parking garage should be swept at least every other month and power washed every one to two years,” says Tornabene.

“Parking garages must be power washed to preserve the integrity of the concrete,” says Tornabene. If tracked-in salts are not washed away, they will begin to soak into the

porous concrete and eventually attack the rebar.

Disintegrating rebar leads to cracks in concrete. A crack in a concrete sidewalk is one thing; a crack in an overhead concrete slab is another thing altogether. Over time, chunks of concrete could fall, or in the worst cases a garage could collapse.

“The most difficult and dangerous part of power washing a parking garage is if it’s done while the garage is open,” says Tornabene. In some cases, such as hospital garages, there is no alternative to working while the garage remains open.

“The most challenging garages to clean are the ones that are below the surface,” says Tornabene. “If the exhaust fans aren’t up to par, then the trucks have to be kept outside so workers are not at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning,” he says.

In the tool-that-works-best category, Tornabene puts riding surface machines. The machines speed up the cleaning process, and the operator doesn’t suffer from fatigue.

A formal class such as Tornabene’s gives a contractor the knowledge required to separate facts from sales techniques. Consider on-site drains. Tornabene explains that certain on-site drains can be used for wastewater. With access to an appropriate drain, the contractor need not invest in an expensive, on-site reclamation trailer.

In the end, maintaining a parking garage is about much more than appearances—it’s a matter of safety, liability, and long-term investment protection. Attention to detail, proper scheduling, and the right tools can make all the difference between a clean, secure structure and one that poses hidden risks. For property managers and contractors alike, a well-maintained garage isn’t just a clean space—it’s a sign of diligence, professionalism, and respect for everyone who drives or walks through it. CT

Voluminous is one way to describe the amount of space, in real and digital realms, that gets filled by analysts of industrial output and trends (past, present, and future). In short, there’s a lot of it.

Is all the analysis helpful? Yes, especially some that comes from decades past or even 100 or more years ago. (We will return to a bit of that later.)

One point of convergence among the many sorts of analysis: There’s a churn to industry.

The churn is the predictable part. The specifics must be taken as they come.

To serve industrial markets is to acknowledge stasis just is not part of the picture. Members of our industry stand ready to respond to the market that exists, not the one that was (even a day or month ago). And they try to anticipate what may be coming.

There’s an expression about the perils of “playing the last hand” that applies in bridge (and poker and more). Of course, it’s a reminder that a static approach—doing what worked before without reassessing variables—is likely to lead to a bad outcome.

The better a business owner can “count cards” (assess variables), the more likely that success will follow. Getting caught up in what was—the last hand— only impedes clear thinking.

Writing in the Journal of Political Economy (April 1919) more than a century ago, H.L Reed of Cornell University made an observation that applies universally to economic endeavors: “Unless the problem of the industrial future is viewed from the standpoint of the entrepreneur, it is difficult to arrive at a pessimistic conclusion.”

Reed was acknowledging the churn. Things change. Although some possibilities or market niches (and individual businesses) disappear, others emerge.

by Diane M. Calabrese

INDUSTRIAL MARKETS

For instance, following World War I in 1919, industrial markets quickly changed from a focus on ship building, weapons manufacturing, and the like to a much broader base. An entrepreneur who had been serving shipyards with ancillaries might have had to quickly change focus to serving farms.

Photo by

Keeping focus on the customer is one of the time-tested ways to change as industrial markets evolve, coalesce, and emerge. Know what the customer needs. Meet the need.

Even with the intense interest in renewable sources of energy, it is unlikely that oil field customers will suddenly disappear. And the oil field customer is a very interesting one to serve, says Brandon Keilers, the owner of Ramteq Pressure Washers in Houston, TX.

The business-to-business dimension of an industrial market is significant. “Knowing you’re helping other small businesses succeed in most cases is foundational,” says Keilers.

“Meeting the price point to stay competitive with the import manufacturers” is a challenge, says Keilers. And that is a challenge that comes even with close ties.

To be sure, the strongest links can be severed in less-than-stable economic times. And that can be a challenge in industrial markets just as it is in any market. Difficulties arise in every sphere of commerce and industry. And working through them is what it takes.

It’s gratifying in many ways, including overcoming any obstacles that arise, to serve industrial markets. “For me it’s about helping people solve problems they have,” says Delany Johnson, senior manager and sales engineer at Wayne Combustion Systems in Fort Wayne, IN.

Serving within a vast industrial market sphere brings other pluses as well, says Johnson. “It’s great that we are in so many different industrial markets and can see the different issues people have.”

Yes, there are challenges, says Johnson. One is “how different each company is.”

And by differences, Johnson means the way in which each company approaches its interaction with their vendors and suppliers. “Some are easygoing and enjoy your help and ask for it; others only want you around when they have issues.”

There’s a second challenge out there as well. “The other big issue is government regulations,” says Johnson. “They seem to have changed a lot lately.”

Matching the product to the customer’s needs is the essence of maintaining a

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robust presence in the industrial market sphere. Take industrial ovens, one of the products that Johnson’s company supplies.

“There are so many different styles of ovens, and they need different heat for all kinds of volumes from small ovens to very large,” explains Johnson. “This market has lots of different ways to create the heat—from direct fire to many different styles of combustion chambers.”

INVIGORATING

Members of our industry that serve industrial markets find the experience invigorating, even exhilarating. And why not? They are working in multiple ways to assist companies that keep improving living standards across the world.

“What’s most gratifying is knowing that the equipment we build helps keep essential industries running smoothly,” says Curtis Braber, owner of BE Power Equipment in Abbottsford, BC, Canada. “Our engineers [enjoy] developing the larger, high-quality hotwater pressure washers, for example.”

And places of service for the equipment produced by Braber’s company are many and varied. “Whether it’s manufacturing, food processing, or transportation, these businesses depend on reliable, heavy-duty cleaning solutions to maintain safety, efficiency, and compliance.”

The many and varied applications add up to a wide range of requirements. “The challenge lies in the complexity and variety of industrial needs,” says Braber.

“Each facility or application often has unique requirements—from water flow rates and pressure levels to safety regulations and environmental considerations,” explains Braber. “Industrial customers also demand equipment that can withstand tough conditions and operate reliably with minimal downtime.”

The dynamism of industrial customers must be matched by the companies that serve them. And that’s a good thing, says Braber.

“Meeting the expectations of industrial customers means we have to continually innovate, engineer for durability, and provide strong after-sales support,” explains Braber. “It’s challenging, but it also pushes us to be better.”

Each industrial market looked at closely has a way of capturing attention. It also reminds us of the interlocking systems that keep thriving societies strong.

“One example is the food processing industry,” says Braber. “It’s fascinating because the cleaning standards are so rigorous—everything has to meet strict sanitation and regulatory requirements.”

So, what is a must for the machines that serve the food processing sector? “Pressure washers in this environment need to combine high performance with reliability, while often being designed with stainless steel or other materials that can handle wash-down and prevent contamination,” explains Braber.

Again, the rewards for serving industrial markets accrue in many ways. “Serving the food processing market is interesting because it challenges us to think creatively about design and engineering, while also knowing our solutions directly support public health and safety,” says Braber.

CLEAN FUTURE

The future will be a cleaner one. That’s the prevailing outlook across all sectors of society.

It does not mean the future will be free of industrial processes but simply that the processes will be as clean as possible. Moreover, the water used for industrial cleaning, like the water used in all industrial processes, will be minimized to the fullest extent possible. Our industry, which has long worked in accordance with the objective of doing more with less, will continue to serve using the least amount of water (and energy). Wastewater treatment on site is likely to become the norm.

The push being given to industries to do more with methods that leave the smallest footprint in the environment comes from both consumers and

regulators. But it is also an internal imperative because of the cost savings that can be realized by methods that minimize water and energy use.

Onshoring industry is a focus of the current U.S. administration. The Manufacturing.gov website, which is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides an easy path to the many federal programs that offer incentives to companies that increase production done inside the United States.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) has established a portal focused on onshoring. Using the tool, businesses that would like to verify which products are U.S. made can easily do so.

There are different philosophies about the importance of domestic production versus global supply chains. Most do not involve an either-or outlook.

Yet industrial markets that source more of their raw materials and/or components close to where final products are manufactured can almost always save energy and time. The savings realized might be an argument for onshoring.

Some look to the health of industrial markets for clues about the near future of the economy. In an admonishment to anyone interested, J. Laurence Laughlin of Washington, D.C. wrote in 1926 this pair of prophetic statements:

In fact, the main function of the industrialist, besides watching costs, is to see that his production is duly adjusted to wants. Starting the presses to work printing money does not increase the volume of salable goods in a well-adjusted production, by which alone does purchasing-power emerge. (“The Industrial Outlook” in The Journal of Political Economy, https://www. journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/ 10.1086/253751.)

As 2026 begins, Laughlin’s assessment three years ahead of 1929 bears reading and heeding. Industrial markets are vital components of economic activity. CT

HOW TO BEST PROTECT YOUR PLANTS DURING A HOUSE OR ROOF PRESSURE WASHING

by Ricardo Smith

There is a particular pride in waking up in the morning with your freshly brewed cup of coffee and sitting on the porch to admire the landscape. Homeowners spend thousands each year on perfectly trimmed bushes and seasonally installed flowers that boost curb appeal.

The problem is when the time comes to get the roof soft washed or finally remove those dirt streaks from the siding with soft washing. While those tasks can make the home more appealing, they also put your carefully curated plants at risk. Too much overspray or chemical exposure from runoff can lead to scorched leaves and weakened roots.

Like any other challenge in life, a little preparation and some quality aftercare go a long way to getting the washing your home needs and keeping your beloved plants in excellent health. You’ll need to develop a complete plant care strategy to make this work.

WHAT’S THE BIG RISK TO PLANTS?

Both pressure and soft washing often involve cleaning solutions designed to break down dirt, grime, oil, algae, and stains. While that works fantastically on unwanted aesthetic issues, those chemicals are typically not intended for plants.

The most common chemical is sodium hypochlorite (SH). That will strip away organic growth on the siding or shingles but also rob plant life of vital nutrients. Even more ecofriendly detergent-based solutions can be risky if not properly prepped. Surfactants, chemical agents that stick to surfaces, may magnify harmful effects by restricting plant respiration. You have to pay attention to preparation before soft washing.

THE CORE PRINCIPLES: DIVERT, DILUTE, AND DECONTAMINATE

If you learn nothing else from this article, keep in mind the “core” principles of protecting plant life during pressure washing. Those include the following:

• Divert—Redirecting downspouts or using shields in targeted areas can redirect chemical and water runoff from affecting plants and landscaping.

• Dilute—Pre-wetting sensitive plants with clean water helps because roots and leaves are already saturated, meaning they’ll absorb fewer chemicals.

• Decontaminate—Once the pressure washing is completed, give your plants a final rinse or apply a neutralizing agent for any lingering chemicals so you restore balance to the plant life’s pH.

These three steps are the foundation of your layered strategy. This alone is all you need to shield greenery and get a beautifully cleaned home. Some additional tricks may help if you are extra worried. For instance, if you’re prewetting the plants, be sure to pay more attention to any foliage directly under rooflines or next to siding. That is where runoff will be the most extreme.

When covering plants, don’t use plastic. That will create microecosystems like a sauna, restricting air flow and burning out leaves. You want Tyvek or cloth that allows airflow

Photos courtesy of Ricardo Smith of Rinse Prince

without trapping heat. Many professionals only cover the tops of plants for this reason.

As you reroute runoff, pay attention to gutters and downspouts. Bag the ends of downspouts with heavy-duty trash bags or attach extensions and PVC piping to send chemical overflow to the drains instead of your bushes.

Finally, pick up a neutralizing agent like sodium thiosulfate to render any bleach inert. That will basically change harmful chemicals into saltwater. I recommend professional roof washers apply a neutralizer on all plants and greenery as a precaution.

PROFESSIONAL VS. DIY APPROACHES

You can save money and feel a sense of accomplishment if you handle the pressure washing on your own. That way you can control how much water or spray reaches your plants. The trouble is that most rental equipment is designed for high-power pressure washing that is likely to damage roof shingles, tiles, or siding.

Soft washing using specific angled nozzles and maintaining a distance from your more sensitive areas helps reduce the risk to sensitive plants like Japanese maples or newly planted shrubs. You want soft washing professionals like Rinse Prince in New Jersey, as they have the local knowledge to manage runoff better, use eco-conscious solutions, and help prep a space before getting to work. That expertise is worth the extra expense.

HOMEOWNER PREPARATION BEFORE A WASH

Even when you hire a pro soft washing team, you can still mitigate much of the risk to your plant life with a bit of preparation. Walk around your property and look at it about 10 feet from the roofline or siding. You’re looking for any sensitive plant life, such as young evergreens or seasonal flowers. Point them out so the workers understand which areas require extra attention. Next, trim back any overhanging branches. You want to reduce exposure

to overspray but also make the pressure washing safer and more efficient. While you’re doing this, give your plants a long soak.

It also helps to pick up some extra mulch and fertilizer once the soft washing is complete. Mulch helps retain moisture after your final rinse and regulates temperature if the water or air is too cold. It will protect the root systems of your plants while you replenish nutrients with fertilizer. Just be sure to use the correct amount for specific plants as overfertilization can stress them further. Remember to manage your expectations. Some plants may take longer than others to recover. If your garden is already struggling with too many pests, powdery mildew, or fungal infections, the soft washing isn’t going to make much of a difference. These plants have limited reserves and are unlikely to recover quickly. You may want to contact a professional landscaper or an arborist. Setting clear expectations early goes a long way to understanding your risk and ensuring

you get the best of both worlds (cleaning and lush gardens).

WHY PROFESSIONAL HANDLING MATTERS

It really helps to hire a professional pressure washing team. All the techniques of diverting runoff, pre-wetting the garden, carefully covering sensitive plants, and neutralizing after the job sound easy enough, but when grouped, they require careful timing and precision. Experience plays a significant role in reducing missteps.

Professionals know how to get the proper chemical ratio instead of relying on the “rental guy’s” recommendations. They will adjust methods for specific property layouts and maintain the right balance of effective cleaning and plant production.

Lush gardens are common in the Northeast, especially near siding and rooflines. The right crew will work with you to protect delicate landscaping and ensure you have the curb appeal and home pride that will make your neighbors jealous.

CLEAN HOMES, HEALTHY LANDSCAPES

Your home deserves a clean, beautifully maintained exterior that makes you smile each time you pull into the driveway or host a backyard barbecue. That perfect living space shouldn’t come at the risk of your landscaping. As long as you go into soft washing the roof or pressure washing the siding with eyes wide open, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of a professional job well done.

Stick to the foundation principles of divert, dilute, and decontaminate. Pre-soak all your sensitive plants and cover the tops with breathable materials. Work with whomever you hire to clean your home and garden, and you’ll be glad you did. That way, when the work is done, your morning stroll involves pristine siding, clean roofs for winter, and a relaxing green space to clear the mind and soul. CT

PRODUCT NEWS

DELCO LAUNCHES DUAL WASH PRO™ — THE SMARTER WAY TO CLEAN

Award-Winning System Delivers Both Pressure Washing and Soft Washing in One Professional-Grade, Space-Saving Machine

Delco, a leading brand within the FNA Group, today announced the launch of its latest innovation—the Dual Wash Pro™, a revolutionary cleaning system that combines pressure washing and soft washing capabilities in one engineered unit. Designed for professionals who demand efficiency, versatility, and performance, Dual Wash Pro eliminates the need for multiple machines, saving users time, space, and money.

Recognized as the First Place Winner of the CETA® 2025 Innovation Award, the Dual Wash Pro has already earned industry-wide acclaim for its breakthrough engineering and productivity-enhancing design. With a simple lever flip, operators can instantly switch between high pressure and soft wash modes—with no downtime, extra equipment, or wasted motion.

• Industrial Pump: Options between a nickel-plated or stainless-steel manifold

• Durable Design: Chemical-resistant components, stainless-steel fittings, and anodized die-cast housing

• Easy Integration: Compact, installer-friendly design for trailers, trucks, or fixed setups

“The Dual Wash Pro is engineered from the ground up to integrate two distinct cleaning processes into one unified platform,” said William Alexander, EVP for the FNA Group. “By combining soft wash and pressure washing capabilities through a single mechanical control system, professionals gain precise flow management, reduced equipment footprint, superior field efficiency, and, of course, a financial benefit. This recognition underscores the engineering innovation and operational value it brings to our customers every day.”

Built for demanding residential, commercial, and agricultural applications, the Dual Wash Pro offers the following:

• Soft Wash: Up to 10 gpm at 300 psi

• Pressure Wash: Up to 4,000 psi at 8 gpm

• Commercial-Grade Power: Choose from premium CRX® or Honda® engines

Proudly made in the USA* and backed by Delco’s bestin-class warranty (including a lifetime pump manifold warranty), Dual Wash Pro redefines what professionals can expect from a single cleaning system.

*Made in the USA with domestic and global components. Delco is a trusted name in industrial-grade cleaning systems and a division of the FNA Group, a leading manufacturer of pressure washers, pumps, and outdoor power equipment. With decades of engineering experience and a commitment to reliability, Delco continues to set new standards for performance and value in the cleaning industry.

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

ELECTRIC MOTORS

by Diane M. Calabrese

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Does it hum, whir, or spin? Then “it” likely has an electric motor.

Electric motors keep devices—and their components—moving. The hush that comes over a home or workplace when there’s a gridlevel power failure signals motors that were keeping refrigerators cold, desktops cool, and buildings ventilated have stopped.

True battery backup and generators (gas, diesel, and solar) may take over, but even the switch will probably be noticed. Why would we notice? We are inured to the sounds emanating from the motors in our life, including traffic, and thus instinctively notice when the sounds disappear or change.

In just about every setting, an abrupt change in sound—including motors powering equipment on jobsites—indicates a problem. A problem that should not be ignored, however inconvenient.

Many parties have vested interest in promoting understanding of electric motors. Among them are manufacturers of the motors, motor repair technicians, makers of equipment that incorporates electric motors, the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy.gov), and environmental groups promoting clean energy.

As such, the parties make available a huge amount of information easily found in the digital world and, of course, quickly collected and aggregated by AI searchers. Let’s approach it all a bit differently to start, and then return to some of the best basic resources for those wanting to learn more, resources that happen to be at Energy.gov.

Pete Gustin is a product manager for Comet/HPP with Valley Industries— Comet Pumps in Paynesville, MN. He kindly answers a few fundamental questions regarding the relation of electric motors to equipment.

PETE GUSTIN RESPONDS

Cleaner Times (CT): Which are the essentials that you wish every powerwashing contractor knew/understood about an electric motor?

Gustin: There are way fewer moving parts, and an industrial-grade electric motor will outlast a gas engine by a long shot.

That the comparison between electric and gas is very seldom apples to apples. An electric motor allows for so many dynamic behaviors that can save energy, costs, materials, etc. It is very important to do a proper analysis with a professional to truly understand the cost savings and dynamic opportunities that an electric system can provide.

The normal limitations of 120-volt systems don’t exist when using a hybrid AC/DC motor. With these motors, a battery can act as a buffer so that amperage limitations are much, much higher, albeit for a limited amount of time.

CT: In the course of the workday, a power-washing contractor encounters/relies upon perhaps many electric motors. Which among the possible motors encountered is most interesting or concerning to you and why? [We note that home and day-beginning tools, such as a Braun electric toothbrush, have an electric motor, and welcome comments beyond the worksite—e.g., a vehicle.]

Gustin: The most interesting category of electric motors going forward will be battery-powered motors between 1.5 and 5 hp. This power range will experience a revolution over the next few years, and the days of gas engines in this range are numbered. Batteries have reached high capacities, and the cost and size are both shrinking exponentially. Almost every manufacturer of power equipment in this range is considering all battery-powered options.

CT: Concerns about the meaning attached to “motor” range from emphatic concern (motors are electric and engines are combustion) to no concern at all. If you would like to comment on the dichotomy, please do.

Gustin: Electric motors are cleaner and quieter. They require less maintenance and present less risk of fire if designed properly, and they offer enormous returns on investment. Look for

financing options and government incentives to overcome the hurdle of upfront costs that contractors and homeowners face in converting to battery electric. And study the comparisons carefully as battery-powered machines offer hundreds of advantages in equipment design, work hours, mounting options, RPM adjustments, etc.

LONGER

LIFE ACCRUES TO ELECTRIC MOTORS COMPARED TO COMBUSTION ENGINES, THANKS TO FEWER PARTS. BUT AS CONTROLS (SEE STEPPER MOTORS) ARE ADDED, THE NUMBER OF PARTS REQUIRING ATTENTION MAY INCREASE. AND THERE ARE STILL SITUATIONS— LONG DISTANCE FROM THE GRID, TOO MUCH POWER REQUIRED, ETC.—IN WHICH ELECTRIC MOTORS WILL NOT BE A MATCH FOR THE APPLICATION.

RESOURCES

In deftly handling our question about the difference between electric motors and internal combustion engines, Gustin reminds us of the many important comparisons that deserve to be made between electric motors and gas engines.

(Note: We understand the serious concern some members of our industry have about using the term motor for an internal combustion engine [ICE]. But we will not delve into it here except to acknowledge that many

thoughtful people consider the term “electric motor” redundant because motor should not be used to label an internal combustion engine.)

The Energy.gov website is an excellent starting point for members of our industry who want to learn more about motors. Technical publications, tip sheets, case studies, and energy assessment tools regarding motors can be perused by title and linked to instantly. The offerings from the

energy department include an energy assessment tool.

For example, an older (2014) Tech Brief from the energy department provides an excellent introduction to the reasons motors fail. See “Why do motors fail?” (https://www.energy. gov/sites/prod/files/2014/04/f15/tech_ brief_motors.pdf).

Here are the basics of what the brief just cited tells us. Motors fail because of heat, power supply

anomalies, humidity, contaminants, improper lubrication, and unusual mechanical loads.

The heat that leads to failure can be produced by overloading, frequent starts, high ambient temperature, low or unbalanced voltage, high-altitude operation, and inadequate ventilation. Temperatures that exceed the range for optimal performance can cause problems in multiple ways, such as contributing to the deterioration of insulation and changing the consistency of lubricants, leading to bearing failure.

There are voltage variations in the electricity supplied by the grid. Power companies strive to keep them in a narrow range, but if a significant voltage imbalance occurs (more than one percent), it can cause problems for a motor.

With grid suppliers being expected to interface with renewable (home) generation from solar and wind, voltage fluctuations are not unusual. A voltage regulator is a good idea, even though it may only be needed occasionally.

The technical brief goes into much more detail on each of the banes to a motor. And it’s a good instructional tool to use directly or as a template for training purposes. A more succinct— and more basic still—resource comes from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office at the Department of Energy. It is Motor Systems Tip Sheet #3 titled “Motor Systems.”

See the motor systems tip sheet via (https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/ files/2014/04/f15/extend_motor_ operlife_motor_systemts3.pdf). The tip that’s emphasized at the onset concerns the longevity of a motor. The more carefully a motor’s owner follows a maintenance schedule, the longer the motor will last. The caveat is that in harsh environments motors will deliver fewer hours of service before they must be replaced or refurbished.

According to the tip sheet, bearing failures, which can be precipitated by a harsh environment, account for

two-thirds of motor failures. This is where responding quickly to changes in a familiar sound can prevent a motor from incurring damage that cannot be repaired.

If something seems to be unusual about a motor—a new sound, an unexpected wobble—check out what’s going on. Vibration often signals trouble.

NEMA [National Electrical Manufacturers Association] establishes the standards for protecting motors. It sets the limits for ambient temperature, voltage variation, frequency of starts, etc. The limits, which will be conveyed with the motor, should not be exceeded.

Electric motors are daily fixtures for members of our industry. They power pumps, compressors, vehicles, fans, and drills.

Obviously electric motors can provide power in environments where safety would be compromised by a combustion engine. In parking garages, using a diesel-powered

pressure washer with insufficient ventilation is hazardous.

Ventilation through partially open garage walls—and augmented by fans—is not enough. Contractors opt to run long hoses from washers running outside the garage to avoid risk of exposure to elevated carbon monoxide levels, but the longer hoses diminish the efficiency of the job.

The potency of combustion engines— higher energy output per unit of fuel— is attractive, but the interest in finding ways to switch more functions to electric motors continues to grow.

Continuous improvement in direct current (DC) motors, such as brushless DC motors, is allowing for longer service and greater efficiency. (As a nice aside, many notice the lower noise level with brushless DC motors.)

The types of electric motors go well beyond the simple AC versus DC divide. But that divide is generally the first subdivision made. Because rectifiers can be deployed to change AC to

DC and then feed a device as a battery would, the division gets murky right from the start.

General subdivisions for AC motors are induction (asynchronous) and synchronous. General subdivisions for DC motors are brush, as well as brushless, and stepper [moving in discrete steps rather than a continuous rotation].

Stepper motors may be either DC brushless, or DC achieved through a rectifier. A stepper yields precision in movement in rotation and angularity. The stepper is a crucial player in medical applications and in robotics.

Longer life accrues to electric motors compared to combustion engines, thanks to fewer parts. But as controls (see stepper motors) are added, the number of parts requiring attention may increase. And there are still situations—long distance from the grid, too much power required, etc.— in which electric motors will not be a match for the application. CT

NEW 2026 CETA PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In November 2025 the CETA Edge column focused on “Plans and Perspectives 2026” and had comments from the new CETA president, Gus Alexander.

Several of the new CETA board of directors shared their comments in the article and are serving on the board now. We wanted to introduce you to them:

Maxwell Baldwin, owner and director of operations at Whisper Wash in St. Petersburg, FL

Fred Hunt, director of sales and marketing at RW Beckett Corp. in North Ridgeville, OH

Alexis Campbell, national sales manager at Pressure Systems Innovations in West Palm Beach, FL

Michayla Thomas, sales and marketing supervisor at Pacific Bay Equipment (PBE) in Modesto, CA CT

Gus Alexander, CETA President 2026

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

by Diane M. Calabrese

usiness as a garden works well as metaphors go.

Just a few seconds of reflection, and we see the seeding, weeding, pruning, transplanting, watering, and feeding required to grow a business. If the metaphor helps, fine.

Yet instead of analogizing about elements of business growth, why not take a direct approach? Heed the suggestions of experts, such as those that follow.

“Unless a company is able to adapt, plan, and grow as the market demands—relative to the market your company is involved in—it will be difficult to sustain, let alone grow, your company,” says Ken Yoshitake, president and CEO of J.S. O’will Inc. in Federal Way, WA.

“It’s essential to ‘listen to your customers,’” says Yoshitake, “but not deviating from your company’s values and principles” is equally important.

In responding to trends or economic perturbations, one question must be answered before taking action, explains Yoshitake: “Does it make financial sense?”

Someone, of course, must be tracking trends and changes. “It’s critical that your company have the right personnel to even pursue potential business growth,” says Yoshitake.

“If you can’t sustain your business, you can’t grow it,” says Yoshitake. “That being said, in order to grow, you also have to plan for growth; and even though at the time of planning you might not be ready for growth or expansion, at least you’re planning ahead proactively. I think that’s important.”

As an aside, we wonder how many new business owners have gardened or, even better, farmed. The vagaries of the environment—drought, hail, wind, etc.—have a way of reinforcing the point that planning and flexibility are essential to growth. And even then, things can go awry.

“The biggest misconception is that business growth just ‘happens’ if you have a good product or service,” says Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge in Durango, CO. “Many people believe that growth is a straight-line trajectory driven by luck, timing, or simply working harder.”

That’s not so. “In reality, sustainable growth is a deliberate choice,” explains Siggins. “It requires discipline, strategic planning, the right people in the right seats, and a relentless focus on execution.”

Siggins emphasizes that growth is not just about adding revenue. “It is about scaling your systems, culture, and leadership capacity to match. Without those elements, rapid growth can actually destroy a company.”

So, what should a business owner consider when evaluating whether to pursue growth? “First, alignment with your purpose and strategy,” says Siggins. “Growth for growth’s sake is dangerous.”

Again, it’s alignment with the company’s vision and values that serves as the guide. “If the growth path pulls you away from who you are or what you are building, it can erode trust, culture, and customer loyalty,” explains Siggins.

The second consideration is capacity. “Do you have the right people, systems, and financial resources in place to support growth?” says Siggins. “Many companies chase opportunities without considering whether their infrastructure can handle it.”

Effective leaders understand that their company’s “scaling capacity” is “as crucial as pursing the next market opportunity,” says Siggins. Scaling capacity encompasses “talent, capital, and operations.”

Should owners think more about sustaining a business than growing it? “It is not either/or, it is both,” says Siggins.

“Growth without sustainability leads to burnout, instability, and short-lived success,” explains Siggins. “Sustainability without growth leads to stagnation and missed opportunities.”

To build a business that can “grow and endure,” says Siggins, “resilience” must be built into the business model. Such a model incorporates “taking care of your people and continually innovating.”

HARD NUMBERS

“Today, sustaining a business gets harder each year,” says Roy G. Chappell, CEO of Chappell Supply and Equipment in Oklahoma City, OK. “We now have tariffs that need to be factored into the pricing of our products, or they will put you out of business.”

Pricing must be a match for the quality of product and/or service. “To

sustain a business, you must hire the best qualified employees you can find,” says Chappell.

Hiring the best requires paying well. Once service technicians are onboard, “work with them so they know more about equipment than other service people,” says Chappell. “Have a training class weekly to keep them educated and motivated about their job.”

The ongoing training sends a signal to employees that “you want them to be the best,” explains Chappell. It all adds up to a team of individuals who are the best they can be.

How does an owner get a good start with employees by making good hiring decisions? The way to hire top-quality service technicians is to evaluate prospective employees with care when they visit for their first interview, says Chappell.

It’s important that an interviewee arrive on time, dressed in clean clothes and clean shoes, says Chappell. He

asks, “When they leave, how fast does the person walk back to their vehicle? We want to see them walk with authority.”

Also look at the vehicle the interviewee is driving. The truck or car should be clean, says Chappell. “It may be an older car, but if they take care of it, they will take care of a company vehicle and tools.”

Naturally, good employees must be matched with a prudent owner. And here’s where the owner must be capable of the self-assessment that enables strategic approaches.

“As a new business owner on the block, the first thing the owner wants is to have the lowest price in their market area,” says Chappell. “That is the biggest mistake a new business owner can make. Parts prices should be in the middle of the price range for your area.”

Similarly, assess the compensation for per-hour labor in the area served by the company. “You want to be 10 percent higher than anyone else, but you want to be sure your service technicians know more than your competitor’s technicians.”

Chappell explains that customers will pay a little more for a service or product if they have confidence in it that it will work.

“We have all heard stories about getting a big service bill, then getting the unit in the field 100 miles away only to find out it does not work,” says Chappell. “Your service department is what makes a company grow, so hire the best and train them on what they need to know about your products.”

IT’S NOT EASY

“The biggest misconception is that business growth is easy, inevitable, or the result of a single lucky break,” says Robert Dahlstrom, CEO of Apellix based in Jacksonville, FL. “Reaching the growth stage is exceptionally hard and requires immense sacrifice, focus, and years of dedicated work.”

Like all our experts here, Dahlstrom speaks from experience. He started

his company, which focuses on working drones, including autonomous pressure washer and automated spray-painting solutions, in his garage in 2013.

There doubtless will be “obstacles, setbacks, and uncertainty,” says Dahlstrom, and the company leaders and team members “must be prepared to make tough decisions.”

Dahlstrom explains that success isn’t guaranteed even with a transformational, industry-changing product. “Introducing a new technology that changes the way an industry operates involves re-educating markets, overcoming resistance, and proving consistent, reliable results.”

It may not be easy but can be—and is—done. “Persistence and relentless focus are essential,” says Dahlstrom. “Sustainable growth comes from dayin and day-out effort: refining your solution, listening carefully to customer feedback, and not losing sight of your long-term goals even when short-term results are disappointing.”

The catalyst for a business provides a spark. An owner must take it from there. “It’s not the one big idea that creates a thriving business—it’s the willingness to keep pushing, learning, and adapting no matter how challenging the journey,” says Dahlstrom.

Know the “why” that undergirds everything that’s being done, says Dahlstrom. And make sure team members know it too. “Clarity of purpose” is essential.

A broad and deep understanding of the “why” that permeates the team at a company builds on authenticity. “Growth fueled by a strong, authentic ‘why’ is more sustainable and attracts loyal supporters,” says Dahlstrom.

Clear purpose and market fit— two musts—have to be supported by value. “This means validating that the product or service you offer meets real needs and solves important problems for your target customers,” says Dahlstrom.

Customers respond and return to companies that improve their lives and enhance their businesses. “While

growth is enticing and often necessary, businesses that focus only on expansion risk the foundations that keep them strong: customer service, operational excellence, financial discipline, and team engagement.”

Things happen. For every toll nature takes on a garden or farm, there is an equivalent less-than-welcome toll taken on a business by the unpredictable forces in the sphere of commerce and industry.

Prepare to the extent possible.

“Beyond innovation and hard work, reaching the growth stage often demands building a team and corporate structure that is a foundation for scalable processes, and actively cultivating resilience within your organization,” says Dahlstrom. “These elements—often overlooked—can make the difference between staying small and achieving meaningful, sustained expansion.” CT

It is not easy to break a lifelong habit of minimizing a pressure cleaning business’s income and maximizing its deductions in order to produce a low tax bill. Why would any owner or manager want to ignore perfectly good, legitimate tax deductions?

Obviously not every cost can be claimed as a business expense, and overstating deductions can have a significant impact on the operation’s tax

bill. However, overlooking some deductions—if on purpose—may produce favorable tax bills for the current year and for many years to come. Surprisingly, the lowest tax bills often result from legitimate tax deductions postponed or ignored.

FLEXIBLE TAX LAWS

The Internal Revenue Service’s emphasis on missed income and exaggerated deductions has long painted a one-sided picture of our tax laws. However, those same tax laws are flexible enough

TAX SAVINGS FROM IGNORED WRITE-OFFS

by Mark E. Battersby

to permit pressure washing business owners and managers to legitimately manipulate both income and deductions to achieve a consistently low tax bill year after year.

Deferring or postponing the receipt of income in a tax year when profits are up often results in a lower tax bill for both that year as well as in later years when income can be offset by a larger-than-usual amount of deductions. Deferring deductions until a tax year when profits—and a higher tax rate—make them more valuable is a legitimate option.

Naturally, a low income—even if it means a smaller tax bill—is not always the best strategy. Some situations involving third parties, such as potential investors, lenders, or suppliers seeking copies of the business’s tax return to help them assess its financial status, would likely benefit from a higher income.

If a pressure cleaning business owner is applying for a loan, banks are usually wary of selfemployment income because of the ability of individuals to manipulate such income. Although the tax return is not a fair representation of the profitability of the business, more income is usually preferable.

Is it “fraud” for not voluntarily disclosing to a third party that additional expenses have been ignored on the tax return? Omitting expenses in financial statements is a violation of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); however, small businesses do not always use GAAP-basis financial statements. Tax laws, as mentioned, do not require claiming all deductions for tax purposes.

RECOVERING COSTS

Every business usually claims a write-off for its capital assets. Whether the building housing the operation’s shop, warehouse, or offices; the fixtures or furnishings within that building; or the equipment used in the business, the cost of these capital assets is usually recovered using depreciation write-offs.

The tax rules allowing the recovery of amounts spent for equipment do not match tax depreciation with economic depreciation. The write-off period for newly acquired capital assets differs greatly from what our lawmakers label its “useful life” and the time the business asset will actually contribute to the operation’s profits.

In addition to shorter “useful life” write-off periods, the tax rules are designed to encourage investment in business assets by allowing faster or accelerated depreciation methods.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), for example, made permanent the 100 percent “bonus” depreciation write-off. All qualified property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025, can benefit from the full 100 percent bonus depreciation.

Pair this with a larger Section 179, first-year expensing deductions—now $2.5 million with a $4 million investment ceiling (inflation-indexed after 2025)—and every pressure washer has a powerful capital-spending window.

Remember, however, neither bonus depreciation nor the first-year write-offs are mandatory. Also keep in mind that although depreciation deductions do not have to be claimed, they do “accrue” and figure in gain or loss computations when property is eventually sold, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of.

It is also possible to ignore the standard system of depreciation, choosing instead a slower, more even write-off such as the straight-line method under which annual, equal depreciation deductions are claimed over the asset’s life. Although it is permitted, the IRS reportedly looks more closely at any business choosing an alternative depreciation method rather than using the no-questions-asked modified asset cost recovery system (MACRS) with its larger, up-front write-offs.

IGNORING THE SMALL STUFF

Although entitled to claim a deduction, any deduction, many pressure washing business owners or managers ignore deductions because of a fear that it will increase the likelihood of an audit—or because the paperwork and recordkeeping isn’t worth the amount of the deduction.

Keeping track of small items purchased for the business is often too time-consuming to be worth the trouble. Keep in mind, however, for many expenses such as travel, entertainment, and the like, physical receipts are not required for amounts less than $75. Of course, a contemporaneous record is necessary to support a claimed deduction including the standard mileage deduction.

HOME OFFICE NO-NO

A valid reason the home office deduction is ignored by so many contractors and closely held business owners is because of the impact it can have on profits when the home is eventually sold. Generally, up to $250,000 ($500,000 for those filing jointly) of gain on the sale of a principal residence used as such for at least two of the five years preceding the sale may be ignored for tax purposes.

This exclusion applies even if part of the dwelling was used as a deductible home office. The exclusion doesn’t apply to depreciation deductions claimed for that home office. Instead, depreciation is recaptured (generally, subject to a 25 percent maximum tax rate) to the extent of

gain realized on the sale.

Depreciation must often be recaptured or paid back, whether or not claimed on the return. Gain can’t be avoided by foregoing depreciation deductions on the home office.

REPAIR OF ACCUMULATED DEDUCTIONS

Under our tax rules, a repair is not always an immediately deductible expense; all too often it is classed as a capital expenditure. Expenses that keep property in an ordinarily efficient operating condition and do not add to its value or appreciably prolong its useful life are generally deductible as expenses.

However, if repairs such as painting, mending leaks, plastering, and conditioning gutters on a building are part of an overall plan to fix up, remodel, or rehabilitate the building housing the operation, both the IRS and an owner attempting to utilize those expenditures in a later tax year can legitimately class them as capital improvements. In fact, the IRS will often label them capital improvements whenever they feel they are part of a capital improvement plan.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

Ignoring or postponing tax deductions may not always be the correct strategy for a particular pressurecleaning operation or business. During periods when the economy is poor, competition flourishing, and many businesses troubled, piling on legitimate tax deductions might be advisable. After all, there are the special rules for net operating losses (NOLs).

Making the most of losses in order to reap a large NOL will generate larger refunds of taxes paid earlier in more profitable years. For those businesses that have not been extremely profitable in the past but expect profits in the years ahead, legitimately postponed tax deductions offer far more flexibility than an NOL carried forward.

When the pressure-washing operation needs more, not less, currently deductible expenses, “prepaid” expenses might be of interest. Even cash-basis businesses may deduct

certain prepaid expenses in the year paid. Naturally, any payment that creates an asset having a useful life extending substantially beyond the end of the tax year in which paid may not be deductible, or may be deductible only in part in that tax year.

TAX PLANNING 101

A good first step toward locating expenses that can best be ignored—or accelerated—is a review of the pressure cleaning operation’s finances. Year-to-date performance and a projection of the final tax bill can help determine how best to maximize deductions and credits.

Reviewing the operation’s cash flow will help plan any required end-of-year tax-related decisions such as accelerating deductible expenses. If, for example, higher earnings are expected next year, prepaying deductible expenses before the end of the year might be advisable.

If new equipment, software, or other business property is needed, acquiring—and placing them in service— before year’s end could entitle the operation to a full first-year deduction.

IGNORING OR EXPLOITING

As already mentioned, ignoring perfectly legitimate tax deductions doesn’t come easy. However, matching the available tax deductions with the pressure-washing operation’s income can, if handled properly, increase the value of those deductions while, at the same time, ensuring the consistently lowest possible tax bill in future tax years.

On the other side of the coin, an exceptionally profitable year might warrant claiming every tax deduction the business is entitled to or postponing income wherever possible to reduce the current tax bill.

With the many renewed, increased, and newly made permanent provisions of the OBBBA, what better time than now for every owner and manager, with the help of a qualified professional, to think about the most economical tax strategy for the pressure cleaning business? 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

(888) 889-WASH (9274) www.rcpce.com

Industrial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Detergents, & Diesel-Powered Equip. Available.

Sellers Sales Co. Inc. Pumps & Equip 1904 So. Loop Drive Waco, Texas 76704 (254) 754-5761

info@sellerspump.com

Cat Pumps dist for 50 years. Pump Sls/Parts/Repairs/Cstm Built Pump Pkgs

ZONE 6

AaLadin Central Pressure Washers & Supplies 2339 East Front Street Kansas City, MO 64120 (816) 221-1007

www.aaladincentral.com

Aaladin Elite Dist. Sales, Service, Parts, Soap for all brands. Chappell Supply & Equipment

• CETA Certified Distributor 6509 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73127 (405) 495-1722

service@chappellsupply.com

1-Stop-Shop for Industrial Cleaning Equip. Needs.

KO Pressure Supply 2950 E. Division

Springfield, MO 65803 (888) 301-3005

www.kopressuresupply.com

Quality Parts, Equipment, Chemicals, and Service.

ZONE 7

Omega Industries, Inc. 11317 W 47th St. Minnetonka, MN 55343 (952) 988-8345

http://omegaindustriesinc.com

Sayers Wash Systems 21020 Cambodia Ave. Farmington, MN 55024 (800) 456-9840

www.SayersWashSystems.com

Servicing Virtually All Brands of Pressure Washers.

ZONE 8

Michigan Power Cleaning 2101 Palmer Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (269) 349-3656

MichiganPowerCleaning.com

35y+ Parts/Service Cat General Hydrotek and Other Brands.

ZONE 9

Pressure Washer Supply Center 480 Hylton Rd. Suite D Richmond, VA 23238 804-708-9851

pressurewashersupplycenter.com

Commercial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Chemicals & Repair.

Pressure Washer Supply Center 110001 Houser Dr. #13 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (804) 708-9851

pressurewashersupplycenter.com

Commercial Pressure Washer Sales, Service, Parts, Chemicals & Repair.

ZONE 10

American Water Works East 3000 Nuzzo Ln. Conway, SC 29526 843-399-1055

www.americanwaterworks.net Delco of Knoxville 6675 Clinton Hwy Knoxville, TN 37912 (865) 938-4486

Sales. Parts. Service. Rentals. Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 1706 Rossville Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 756-5763

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980. Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 5720 A Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37921 (865) 584-7477

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

ZONE 11

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 878 Davis Dr. (Atlanta) Conyers, GA 30094 (770) 760-7031

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 206 5th Ave. SW Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 734-1208

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 7688 Spanish Fort Blvd. (Mobile) Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 621-1901

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 3521 Richard Arrington Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35234 (205) 323-6441

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor

2618 Forrest Ave. Gadsden, AL 35904 (256) 547-7527

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service

• CETA Certified Distributor 1624 ½ Hamilton Road LaGrange, GA 30240 (770) 668-6319

www.etowahchemicals.com

Quality Chemical & Equipment Solutions Since 1980.

GCE, Georgia Chemical Equipment 1580 Beaver Ruin Road Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 921-0397; (800)762-7911

https://georgiachemical.com

Sales, Service, Chems, Rentals Repairs on Nat Brands.

North Georgia Airless 2126 Hilton Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-4442

www.NorthGeorgiaAirless.com

Trusted Sales, Rental, Parts and Repair Center.

Power Cleaning Equipment, Inc. 5020 Hwy 157 Florence, AL 35633 (800) 423-8605

joe@power-cleaning.net

Full-service P.W. Dist & Chem. Mfg. (TN also)

ZONE 12

Faitella Enterprises

• CETA Certified Distributor

Ft. Pierce, FL (800) 874-0607

www.faitellaenterprises.com

Since 1976, Sales & Service at Your Location or Ours.

Florida Pressure Washing Equipment & Supplies 671 Progress Way Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 688-4532

www.floridapressurewashing equipment.com

Mi-T-M Dist. Seal´nLock, PW Sales, Service, Parts.

ZONE 13

ETS, Equipment Trade Service Co. Inc. 20 East Winona Ave. Norwood PA. 19074 (610) 583-7657

www.etscompany.com

All PW’s! Sales, Repairs, Rental, Parts, Chems, Since 1970.

Hydro-Spray

2928 Washington Avenue Clearfield, PA 16830 (800) 528-5733

www.hydrospray.com

A full-service car wash & pressure wash equip provider.

Kepner Equipment, Inc. 2365 Firehall Rd.

Canandaigua, NY 14424

888-895-2632

www.kepnerequipment.com

Helping You Clean Up Your Act Since ‘92! Sales, Service, Detergents Portage Power Wash 814 736-6288

217 Main St. Portage, PA 15946

www.portagepowerwash.com

We are a family-owned business that has over 40 years of experience.

ZONE 14

New England Cleaning Equipment (formerly Cape Cod Cleaning Systems) 49 North Main Carver, MA 02330 96 Moore Road Weymouth, MA 02189 508-947-0570

rnissi@registeredchemicals.com

Since 1948 now covering all of New England. Sales, Parts & Service Center. Also extensive Chemical offering.

ZONE 15

PSC Pressure Systems Company, Inc. 3300 Steeles Ave. W Concord, ON, L4K 2Y4 www.pscclean.com (800) 246-9689

Manufacturing, Sales, Parts and Service, since 1969.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

ACCESSORIES

Accessories: Schedule 80 Aluminum Wands, cut & threaded. Call for price, 800-874-0607.

PA SpA: +39 0522 623 611; www.pa-etl.it.

Steel Eagle: 800-447-3924; www.steeleagle.com.

ACCESSORIES AND PARTS

Barens, Inc.: 800-676-0607; www.barens.com.

ASSOCIATIONS

CETA: 800-441-0111; www.ceta. org.

PWNA: 800-393-7962; www. pwna.org.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

CHEMICALS

Etowah Chemical Sales & Service: 800-848-8541.

ITD Chemical: 800-472-1233; www.itdinc.biz.

COILS

Coils-R-Us: 479-549-3880; www. coils-r-us.com.

Farley’s Inc.: 479-524-9594; www.farleysinc.com.

EQUIPMENT

Aaladin Industries: 605-356-3325; www.aaladin.com.

American Washall: 833-645-4275; AmericanWashall.com.

BE Pressure Supply, Inc.: 800663-8331; www.bepressure.com.

Cam Spray: 800-648-5011; www.camspray.com.

Epps Products: 888-826-9191; www.eppsproducts.com.

HiJet Cleaning Equipment: +86-574-26289620-618; www. hmccleaning.com.

Mi-T-M Corporation: 800-5539053; www.mitm.com.

PowerJet Pressure Cleaning Systems: 877-765-9211; www. powerjetpressure.com. Powerwash.com: 800-433-2113; www.powerwash.com.

Midland Industries: 800-8215725; www.midlandmetal.com.

GRAFFITI REMOVAL Equipment Trade Service Co.: 877-824-7763; www.taginator.com.

Graffiti Solutions: 651-777-0849; www.graffitisolutions.com. GUTTER PROTECTION

U.S. Aluminum Inc.: 800-8777026; www.usaluminuminc.com.

J.S O’will, Inc.: 360-226-3637; https://val6.com.

JTI Trade, Inc.: 360-226-3637; www.val6.com.

Hannay Reels: 727-835-0674; hannayreelsales.com.

CSC Insurance: 724-929-2300; cscinsurance.com.

Joseph D. Walters: 800-878-3808; www.josephdwalters.com.

Pressure Systems Inc.: 602-2539579; www.pressuresystems inc.com.

Arthur Products Co.: 800-3220510; www.arthurproducts.com.

ACCESSORIES

Chappell Supply & Equipment Company: 405-495-1722; www. chappellsupply.com.

PRESSURE WASHERS

Alkota: 800-255-6823; https:// alkota.com.

Dyne Power Packs: 772-332-1662. FNA Group: 847-348-1500; www.fna-group.com.

Kärcher North America: 800444-7654; www.kaercher.com/us

Pressure Systems Innovations: 561-249-2830; https://pressure systemsinnovations.com.

PSC Cleaning Systems: 800246-9689; www.pscclean.com.

Ramteq: 713-983-6000; www. ramteq.com/en.

Spraymart: 800-752-0177; www. spraymart.com.

VPW Enterprises LLC: 540-8792180; vapressurewasher.com.

PUMPS

Valley Industries/Comet USA: 800-864-1649; www.comet pump.com.

PUMPS AND ACCESSORIES

AR North America: 763-3982008; www.arnorthamerica.com.

SPRAY GUNS

Suttner America Company: 563556-3212; https://suttner.com. STEAM

Steamericas: 844-877-8326; https://steamericas.com.

Whisper Wash: 727-577-1292; www.whisper-wash.com.

THERMOSTATS

Cotherm North America: www. cotherm.com.

TRAILERS

Universal Trailer: 818-252-0706; www.americanwaterworks.net.

TRAINING

VALVES

Midland Industries: 800-8215725; www.midlandmetal.com.

WATER TREATMENT

Scaltrol, Inc: 800-868-0629; https://scaltrolinc.com.

WOOD STAINING

Wood Defender: 817-658-KOTE (5683); wooddefender.com.

WJTA-IMCA: 314-241-1445; www. wjta.org.