Connections - Winter 2009 by Dakota Supply Group

Winter 2009

INSIDE:

www.dakotasupplygroup.com

• An Electric Family • Engineering Success • The Fujitsu Master • Turning Garbage Into Green Energy • Three Different Communities, Same Outstanding Support • Power Protection, Not Failure • Getting Problems Out Of The Whey • EXPOnential Value • Elevating Automation

Getting Back Into The Game

CONNECTIONS

Flexibility is one of the biggest keys to success in sports. It helps when you perform complicated maneuvers (gymnastics, for example), push your body to the limit (sprinters, for example) and do something amazing (a LeBron James dunk, for example). As I watched a football game the other day, it struck me that it also helps you to absorb, deflect and recover from a blow. Seeing a wide receiver jump up after getting drilled on a crossing route shows just how flexible the human body is. I think businesses need to be just as flexible. In late 2008, the American economy got hit by the metaphorical equivalent of a crazed middle

linebacker. We spent a few months on the turf, looking a little dazed. Then we got up on wobbly legs. Now it’s time to smile at that linebacker, pull the mud out of our face mask and get back into the game. It’s time to prove that we’ve adapted to the change, rolled with the impact and bounced back for another chance at a touchdown. DSG can help. I guess you could say that flexibility is our specialty. We find new products and new processes to help contractors create new revenue. We provide training and support so that green initiatives benefit your business almost as much as they benefit the environment. We make big projects manageable and small successes commonplace. We do all of that because DSG is made up of experienced owneremployees who understand that the industries we serve continue to evolve every single day. Do you feel the same way? I hope so. I hope that you’re identifying new ways to work for your customers, adapting as consumer thinking changes – and ensuring your future by seeking it out today. Talk to us about your ideas, and we’ll tell you about our own. As a team, we’ll prove that flexibility isn’t just for athletes and that success is back in the playbook if we work together.

Todd Kumm CEO

Table Of Contents • Electrical................................................................................... 4 An Electric Family........................................................................ 5 Engineering Success.................................................................... 10

• Your Quotations Connection. ........................................... 12 • Mechanical............................................................................. 16 The Fujitsu Master..................................................................... 17 DSG Brings Mechanical To The Twin Cities.............................. 19

• DSG Kids Club: Fun With A Purpose.............................. 24 • DSG Helps Students With Their College Education.... 24 • And The Winner Is............................................................... 25 • Taking Your Business To A New Level........................... 26 • Waterworks............................................................................ 27 Turning Garbage Into Green Energy.......................................... 28

• Metering Technology. ......................................................... 35 Three Different Communities, Same Outstanding Support.......... 36 Dan McGrane............................................................................ 39

• Utility/Filtration................................................................... 42 Power Protection, Not Failure.................................................... 43 Getting Problems Out Of The Whey............................................ 46

• Communications................................................................... 49 EXPOnential Value.................................................................... 50

• Automation............................................................................ 54 Ryan Baloun.............................................................................. 55 Elevating Automation................................................................. 56

CONNECTIONS

Mike Wilson............................................................................... 22

• Back To The Basics. ............................................................ 59

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

ELECTRICAL

DSG Electrical Group Reinventing: to remake or make over, to bring back, to revive. Are you asking “what does this have to do with our industry?” Let’s take a look at a couple of other terms that relate to our business, and I’ll get back to reinventing later. ENERGY STAR and LEED : these are two powerful words when it comes to the electrical industry. They have been around for a few years, and when it comes to designing energy-efficient buildings, you will see them more and more. ENERGY STAR is a program that was developed by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to help us save money and the environment through energy-efficient products and services. Products that are being rated to meet ENERGY STAR standards include lighting, heating and

cooling equipment, appliances, home electronics and office equipment. LEED is an important new standard for designing and remodeling buildings to be energy efficient. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED has a certification system in place that utilizes a consistent set of metrics to recognize a building design for its performance in a variety of different areas. Among other things, these metrics measure energy savings, indoor environmental quality, CO2 emissions reduction and water efficiency. More and more state and federal buildings are opting to meet the requirements of LEED certification. In addition, many existing buildings are being retrofitted with LEED certification in mind, offering significant opportunities for everyone involved in the electrical industry. As we wrap up a somewhat tumultuous year, I think it’s important for us to reflect on how we got into this business, and how we’ve progressed to where we are today. Many of us have – to a certain degree – reinvented our business throughout the years due to the demands of an ever-changing industry. Now, ENERGY STAR and LEED are providing us with an opportunity to put a planned effort in place to reinvent our companies even more. Look at it as a time for all of us to start a new chapter in each of our businesses. Funny isn’t it, that as the world requires us to use less energy, electrical contractors become more and more important?

Mike Tupa

Electrical Group Manager 4

You’ve heard of a family-owned business, but RBB Electric takes it to new heights. Ron Rieger and his wife, Cyndi, share ownership of RBB Electric with their son Jon and his wife, Theresia, daughter Robin Benson and her husband, Chad, and nephew Craig Solway and his wife, Nichole. Friend Tim Borgen and his wife, Lisa, are also partowners, and even though they are not related by blood, they are considered family. While this sort of structure might not be right for every business, it works very well for RBB Electric. The Riegers, Bensons, Solways and Borgens are the kind of families that put their focus on others rather than on themselves. Whether it’s a customer, a community or an individual in need, they are willing to put extra time and effort into contributing to the success of others. That’s why they’re available 24 hours a day to their customers, why they employ individuals with unique challenges and why they donate weekly to the local mission. It’s this special type

of work ethic that sets them apart and creates lasting relationships with those around them. It’s also something they have in common with DSG. Established in 2002, RBB Electric is headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and also has locations in Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; and Crookston, Minnesota. It is extremely diversified, handling projects of all shapes and sizes across North Dakota and Minnesota, whether they involve commercial, residential, industrial or service work. The majority of its 80 employees hold a broad knowledge of the electrical industry, but many of the crew have their own niches, as well. For instance, RBB Electric is able to tackle data/communications projects thanks to employee Dave Twite. He’s RCDD and BICSI certified, something that fewer than 2,000 people in the world can say. “We’re located in cities that are growing, and that has helped us to grow, too,” says Ron Rieger. “Plus, continued on page 6

ELECTRICAL

An Electric Family

RBB Electric is a family-owned and -operated company. (Left to right) Cyndi Rieger, Theresia Rieger, Jon Rieger, Chad Benson, Robin Benson, Tim Borgen, Craig Solway and Ron Rieger.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

continued from page 5

ELECTRICAL

we’re in a HUB zone and we’re designated as a HUB zone contractor. That keeps us busy, as well.” “We’ll do any and all work,” Robin Benson adds, and according to her husband, Chad, this is the absolute truth. “If you want your house painted yellow, we’ll do it,” he jokes. “Going the extra mile is a common thing around here.” In order to bend over backward for their customers, RBB Electric needs a supplier who will do the same for them. That’s why they work closely with DSG. “DSG offers us reliability,” says Jon Rieger “And to us, reliability is much more than just a word. DSG reliability means excellent customer service, being available after hours and having the parts we need in stock. It’s about providing us with valuable resources to better our business and knowing products inside and out.” Since RBB Electric was established, DSG has been a part of many of its success stories, supplying wire, lighting, data/communications and more for projects like the Hopper Danley Spiritual Center and the Behavioral Research Center on the University of North Dakota campus, as well as the entire Aurora Medical Park in Grand Forks, to name just a few. “With DSG, it’s never a battle,” says Ron Rieger. “They honor warranties, get the products we

need quickly, and they never procrastinate. It’s nice to be able to pass that problem-free service to our customers, and that’s one of the reasons that DSG is so invaluable to us.” DSG also helps RBB Electric remain an employer of choice to many electricians and other trade professionals in the Red River Valley. “Our employees are what keep us going strong,” Tim Borgen says. “We owe it to them to work with a supplier that can make them look good and make their job easier.” As RBB Electric moves into the future, it’s seeing more and more so-called “green” projects. Thankfully, DSG is there every step of the way. In fact, DSG helped RBB Electric play a part in the construction of Evergreen Hall on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus, which has achieved LEED certification, an important designation for eco-friendly buildings. RBB Electric is well prepared for the move toward green building – along with any other unexpected turns in the evolution of electrical contracting – thanks to their positive company culture and strong business relationships. “We’ll always work with DSG,” says Ron Rieger. “They share our values and work ethic, and that makes them seem like family!”

DSG supplied more than 80 miles of wire and more than 150,000 feet of data/communications products to RBB Electric for work on the Aurora Medical Park in Grand Forks, ND.

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ELECTRICAL

DSG provided everything and anything electrical for RBB Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work on the Hopper Danley Spiritual Center, located on the University of North Dakota campus.

Achieving LEED certification, Evergreen Hall on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus features countertops made out of recycled banana peels and carpet made from plastic pop bottles.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

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Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Engineering Success

ELECTRICAL

What do the green movement, business diversification and DSG all have in common? They all help to keep an electrical contractor busy in an uncertain economy. Schwan Electric in Aberdeen, South Dakota has always done well for itself, and thanks to innovative thinking and sound business partnerships, it has been able to remain that way, despite recent economic concerns. Schwan Electric was established in 1973 by Tom Schwan. Building his business from the ground up, Schwan expanded the company from a small four-man shop in his garage to a thriving electrical contracting company with more than 34 employees. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it alone, though. Schwan had help from friend Larry Mettler, who heads up the company today. Larry Mettler started with Schwan Electric as an apprentice electrician in 1977. He stayed with the company for nine years, but decided to leave to attend the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, SD, where he earned his

electrical engineering degree. Even though Mettler had left Schwan Electric, he kept in touch with Tom Schwan throughout the years. A little more than ten years later, the two men met at a meeting in 1997 and decided to go into business together. Today, Schwan Electric handles many commercial and industrial projects, with some service and a small amount of residential work. Because Mettler is an engineer, Schwan Electric is able to perform a lot of design build work, developing many of its own plans in-house. In 2006, Schwan retired, and new opportunities arose for Mettler. He soon welcomed new business partner and fellow engineer Travis Sichmeller to the team. With Sichmeller on board, Mettler was able to diversify the company, creating a division of Schwan Electric called Mettler Sichmeller Engineering. Sichmeller is a mechanical engineer, which allows the new engineering division to offer consulting services on a wide variety of projects, including

The staff at Mettler Sichmeller Engineering: (left to right) Blake Woodward, Rachel Woodward, Travis Sichmeller, Renae Mettler, Larry Mettler.

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partners with DSG. It has worked with DSG since the beginning, building a solid relationship between them over the years. Mettler is even on an industry peer group with DSG President Tom Rosendahl. “DSG offers us a lot of support,” says Mettler. “We can call them with our questions, even the unusual ones, and they’re great at getting back to us right away.” Schwan Electric works closely with Jeff Casanova, DSG outside sales and Dale Schipke, DSG inside sales and quotations specialist. In particular, the team at Schwan Electric puts DSG’s extensive inventory to work for their own customers. In fact, Schwan Electric has tailored its inventory system to match DSG’s. “Our part numbers match their part numbers, which makes it so much easier for us,” Mettler says. “Plus, they have a large, local inventory, which means we get the products we need right away. It helps us to look more dependable to our customers, which is always great for business. Our partnership with DSG allows us to be flexible and comprehensive at the same time.” Despite recent economic trends, Schwan Electric is a great example of a company that has been able to safeguard its future by taking advantage of product and service diversification and a supplier that continues to bring new ideas to the table. Instead of a future filled with uncertainties, Schwan Electric (and its engineering division, Mettler Sichmeller Engineering) is optimistic for the road ahead.

ELECTRICAL

everything from geothermal heating to variable refrigeration systems. “We have a few irons in the fire, and we like it like that,” says Mettler. “It helps us to grow and keep things interesting.” Since Mettler Sichmeller Engineering was formed, Mettler has been able to focus on his work and still spend time with his family. In that regard, it also helps that a majority of his family works with him. His wife, Renae, is the company’s accountant. His eldest daughter, Rachel, who graduated from the same college as her father, and her husband, Blake, are both engineers at Mettler Sichmeller Engineering. The Mettlers also have two other children, Hannah and Joseph. The diversification and expansion of the company has helped Schwan Electric keep busy, despite pressure from an unstable economy. “The bidding market has become very intense,” says Mettler. “But we’ve been able to get new jobs and projects in the Aberdeen area, and our engineering division has taken us to different areas of the country. We’re more diverse than we’ve ever been, and that has made a big difference in our ability to stay busy.” The green movement has also influenced Schwan Electric, in all aspects of its business. It even employs a LEED-certified mechanical engineer, an important designation for those who design environmentally friendly buildings. “Ecofriendliness impacts a lot of what we do, especially on the design side of our company,” Mettler says. “Like most companies, we try to make things as energy efficient as possible within the constraints of the budget.” Energyefficient lighting, fixtures and controls are all products that Schwan Electric is selling and installing more of each day. Thankfully, Schwan Electric doesn’t have to go far for the products it needs. DSG is right around the corner from Schwan Electric, literally a minute’s walk away. However, proximity isn’t the only reason Schwan Electric

Schwan Electric refers to DSG’s web site (www.dakotasupplygroup.com) often for pricing information.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Your Quotations Connection When it comes to helping DSG customers become more successful, the quotations team at DSG is second to none. They’re known not only for getting each and every job off to a great start, but also for helping ensure that projects get done on time and under budget in the end. Many DSG customers already know how the quotations team makes their jobs easier, but here’s an opportunity to learn a few things you may not know about each member of the team.

ELECTRICAL

Skip Haugland, Fargo, ND Years of experience in quotations: 25 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “We helped Sysco Food Products retrofit its 400-watt lighting with T-8 Fluorescent High-bay lighting to provide them with significant energy savings.” How you help your customers become more successful: “Lighting typically comes at the end of the job, so we make sure that everything they need is there when they need it. We help eliminate the potential for delays near the end of the job.” Favorite winter activity: “Waiting for spring.”

Rick Anderson, Fargo, ND

Years of experience in quotations: 12 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “I can’t think of one in particular, but there are many times where I’ve helped a customer find a better way to do something by giving them a different perspective.” Fun fact about you: “I live on a 12-acre farm, and I enjoy working with old farm equipment. I’m currently restoring a 1949 Case tractor.”

Dan Walsh, Fargo, ND

Years of experience in quotations: 3 Example of success story you’ve been a part of: “I did a street lighting job in 2008, where everything went extremely smooth – so much so that I received a thank you letter from the contractor.” Favorite winter activity: “Ice fishing. I do it at least three times a week.”

Kyle Schwan, Fargo, ND Years of experience in quotations: 2 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “We did a nice lighting and switchgear job for a grocery store in Park Rapids, MN. We took sort of an engineering role and did a lot of the design in-house. Everything went real smoothly.” Fun fact about you: “I volunteered in the Cook Islands, clearing trails in wildlife areas and assisting a whale researcher.”

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Sharon Schafer, Bismarck, ND Years of experience in quotations: 22 Job you’re most proud of: “Sold all the lighting for the FARGODOME.” How you help your customers become more successful: “We not only provide product and project estimates, but we help our customers with the lighting layout.”

Favorite winter activity: “Cozying up by the fire with a good book.”

Stacey Olson, Bismarck, ND equipment in the operating room of Medcenter One’s emergency room. I was able to get them a new disconnect shipped the next day.” Favorite winter activity: “Complaining about the weather.”

Tavis Trosen, Williston/Minot, ND Years of experience in quotations: 1 How you help your customers become more successful: “I continue to monitor and provide service after the sale. I’ll send out weekly notices to customers updating their order and delivery status until they receive everything they need. It helps them to know what to expect and when to expect it.” Fun fact about you: “I participate in Rollerblading marathons and have competed at the North Shore Marathon, which is the largest one in North America.”

Larry Votava, Williston/Minot, ND

ELECTRICAL

Years of experience in quotations: 22 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “A disconnect went down on some

Years of experience in quotations: 25 How you help your customers become more successful: “I keep close track of ship dates and follow through with vendors to make sure that our customers get the materials they need on time.” Favorite winter activity: “Ice fishing and pheasant hunting.”

Adam Zejdlik, Grand Forks, ND Years of experience in quotations: 1 How you help your customers become more successful: “We do a lot of the research legwork, so our customers can focus more on their installs.” Fun fact about you: “I was the 2009 winner of the IDEA Competition.”

Anne Bryson, Grand Forks, ND Years of experience in quotations: 16 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “The Ralph and Betty Englestad Arenas. It was a really fun job because we worked with nothing but the best products.” How you help your customers become more successful: “We bring them a step closer to the manufacturer. In other words, we can look for new, innovative products that could benefit them, so they don’t have to.” Favorite winter activity: ”Watching UND Sioux sports.” Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Jim Brazee, Sioux Falls, SD

Years of experience in quotations: 37 How you help your customers become more successful: “I never let more than a day go by before I get back to someone. My customers always know that I’ll respond to their needs quickly. That way, they can move forward with their projects, instead of waiting around wondering if someone is going to call them back.” Fun fact about you: “I like to work on old cars, and I’m currently working on a ‘65 Mustang.”

ELECTRICAL

Curt Visscher, Sioux Falls, SD Years of experience in quotations: 1 How you help your customer become more successful: “I was an electrician in the field for 10 years before going into quotes. This experience helps me relate to my customers and see things from their perspective, because I’ve been in their shoes.” Favorite winter activity: ”Skiing on Deer Mountain in the Black Hills.”

Terry Ohlenkamp, Sioux Falls, SD

Years of experience in quotations: 2 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “An addition/renovation to the Sioux Falls Main Library is a bigger project I’ve been working on. Even though it has involved a lot of different vendors and manufacturers, we’ve been able to make sure everything goes smoothly for our customer. “ Fun fact about you: “I’ve played organized softball for more than 30 years. I used to play shortstop, but now I play second. You know what they say: Old short stops never die, they just move to second.”

Bonny Carlson, Aberdeen, SD

Years of experience in quotations: 3 How you help your customers become more successful: “We are constantly doing training to further our knowledge and learn about new products and brands. We do everything from WebEx meetings, seminars and training with vendors.” Fun fact about you: “I met my husband of 12 years through DSG.”

Dale Schipke, Aberdeen, SD Years of experience in quotations: 25 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “We provided all the lighting and switchgear for Central High School in Aberdeen. It was a bigger project, and everything turned out great in the end.” Fun fact about you: “I was in navigation on the USS Hornet (an anti-submarine warfare carrier) and was part of the recovery for Apollo 11 and 12.”

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Tim Kellar, Rapid City, SD Years of experience in quotations: 20 How do you help customers become more successful: “We have excellent teamwork

Dave Osbourne, St. Paul, MN Years of experience in quotations: 25 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “We were doing some new lighting fixtures for the east and west parking ramps at the Mall of America. We suggested using a different brand of fixture than what the job called for, so we sent a DSG representative to visit the developer all the way in Indianapolis. After the meeting, the developer agreed with us, and the project turned out to be a big success.” Fun fact about you: “I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan.”

ELECTRICAL

at DSG, all the way from management to sales and quotations. It enables us to complete projects quickly and accurately so our customers can be confident and comfortable with what we provide them.” Favorite winter activity: “Staying warm inside.”

Lori Jahnke, St. Paul, MN

Years of experience in quotations: 5 Job you’re most proud of: “Provided the lighting for the Wescott Library in Eagan, MN.” Fun fact about you: “I taught English in China for a year, and I have a degree in clothing design.”

Justin Feickert, St. Paul, MN

Years of experience in quotations: 2 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “St. Anthony High School and Middle School. It was my first project with Weber Electric, and it was the start of a great relationship with one of our customers.” Fun fact about you: “I’m an avid motorcycle rider.”

Don Berggren, St. Paul, MN Years of experience in quotations: 16 Example of a success story you’ve been a part of: “St. Michael-Albertville High School. Everything went really well with limited delays and problems, which is pretty exceptional for a job with two 3,000-amp services.” Fun fact about you: “I fly model airplanes.” Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

MECHANICAL

DSG Mechanical Group Have you ever tried to row a boat with one oar?

business to the next level by doing part of your

It’s a lot of work, and if you’re not careful, you can

work for you. You may not see us turning a wrench

even row yourself in circles. Rowing is a lot easier

(though we have been known to do it from

with two paddles in the water. Ever try to hunt

time to time), but you will see our impact on

pheasants without a dog? Unless you get lucky, it’s

your bottom line.

a lot more frustrating than letting a good hunting

We look for new ways for you to grow your

dog scare up the birds for you.

business. Our creative ideas and innovative

When you partner with DSG, it works the same

products help to improve customer satisfaction

way. We help you to take your HVAC or plumbing

and increase margins at the same time. But that’s not all. DSG’s unique training opportunities can show you how to run your business more efficiently and even give you the knowledge it takes to find new sources of revenue (take our training on water softeners, for example). In other words, our products help you succeed every day, while our ideas help you succeed in the future. It’s worth noting that our prices are competitive, but that’s not what sets DSG apart. It’s the combination of our pricing and our service that give you an edge. When you choose to work with DSG, you get a partner who strives to make your job easier by letting you concentrate on doing business while we concentrate on building business. You get an ally who does whatever it takes to see you succeed. You deserve a partner like that.

Ryan Tracy

Mechanical Group Manager 16

Mark Holmgren has been running his business, Gas Appliance Service, for more than ten years. Overall, he’s spent 30 years servicing propane and refrigeration appliances. Most recently, however, Holmgren has taken a good chunk of his business in a greener direction, thanks to some creative help from DSG. Holmgren, who operates his business with his wife, Kim, has become the Fujitsu master in a 60-or-so-mile radius surrounding Waskish, Minnesota. This designation doesn’t refer to a form of martial arts, but rather to the Fujitsu Halcyon ductless mini-split system. The Halcyon ductless mini-split system from Fujitsu is an air source heat pump that provides energy-efficient cooling and heating. Like conventional HVAC systems, the Fujitsu Halcyon system locates the compressor and condenser outside the house. However, Halcyon systems eliminate the need for a basement- or atticlocated evaporator unit and bulky ductwork by using thin copper tubing that pumps environmentally friendly refrigerant directly to discreet wall-mounted blowers inside. Even more

remarkable, this same unit works in reverse in winter, absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it indoors to heat a home or business. Holmgren first learned about the Fujitsu Halcyon system at a DSG training seminar. The demand for an energy-efficient heating and cooling system like the Fujitsu, combined with DSG’s delivery services, sealed the deal for Holmgren. “We have a lot of new cabins going in this area whose owners would like to take advantage of lower energy costs, and I also have a lot of customers with off-peak heat storage units that need cooling but don’t have ductwork,” says Holmgren. “The Fujitsu Halcyon system seems to be a great fit for a number of different types of applications, and DSG’s delivery service from Bemidji really helps save me travel time and money in gas.” Fujitsu Halcyon systems are extremely energyefficient and can provide both significant savings on utility bills and big rebates – benefits that are important to homeowners and business owners alike. In fact, consumers can claim up to 30 percent of the costs (up to $1,500) for the installation of the Fujitsu Halcyon system in tax years 2009 and continued on page 18

MECHANICAL

The Fujitsu Master

Brandon Bouley (left) and Mark Holmgren (right) make up the two-man service and installation team at Gas Appliance Service.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

continued from page 17

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2010. “My customers think it’s quite affordable when they consider all the rebates,” says Holmgren. “Plus, our power supplier gives out some of the highest rebates specifically for Fujitsu systems.” To make the experience even more convenient for their customers, Holmgren’s wife, Kim, gets all the rebate paperwork from the government and the power supplier ready for them. All they have to do is sign. It’s just one of the duties she performs as the bookkeeper for Gas Appliance Service. For Holmgren himself, the Fujitsu Halcyon system’s easy installation is a big benefit. “This is probably the easiest heating and cooling system to install that we work with,” says Holmgren. “It usually takes less than three hours, and we’re done.” Holmgren and his installer Brandon Bouley simply run a lineset through a small 2 5/8inch opening in the wall or ceiling and connect it to the indoor and outdoor units. The refrigerant is cycled through the lines from the outdoor condensing unit to the indoor unit, where the conditioned air is quietly distributed to the interior space. “It’s really nice for us because we don’t need to mess with any ductwork,” adds Bouley.

Holmgren constructed a creative display to promote the Fujitsu product and his services at various regional fairs.

To help promote the Fujitsu Halcyon system, Jim Fish, Mechanical inside sales at DSG, worked closely with Holmgren to create an informative flyer to use along with an eye-catching display (built by Holmgren himself) at a number of regional fairs, including the Beltrami County Fair, Koochiching County Fair and Lake of the Woods County Fair. “It seems like DSG is willing to help me with anything,” smiles Holmgren. “Jim is researching all the time to find solutions to my customers’ problems. He’s even found me products that I didn’t know existed.” DSG’s one-of-a-kind customer service is also something that has impressed Holmgren. “There’s nothing but nice folks at DSG,” says Holmgren. “They all know your name and treat you with genuine politeness, no matter how big or small of a customer you are.” Holmgren has been very satisfied with the results that have been produced from his work with the Fujitsu Halcyon systems, and he has been equally happy with what has ensued from his relationship with DSG. As he looks to the future, he’s got plenty of work to do as the Fujitsu master, and he’ll continue to use DSG to help him do it.

The federal tax credits and rebates from utility companies for the installation of the Fujitsu Halcyon system pay for up to half of the cost of the product, making it an easy sell for contractors. For more details, visit www.fujitsugeneral.com/rebates.htm. Check with your local utility supplier for rebates.

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In June 2009, DSG acquired Shelter Supply Group, a leading provider of mechanical products to the Minneapolis–St.Paul area. With this new acquisition, DSG is able to offer its customers more of the nation’s leading commercial and residential ventilation products, including Venmar CES and Venmar AVS product lines. Plus, DSG is able to bring even more sustainable, energy-efficient solutions to HVAC contractors, home builders and remodelers. “We’ve been part of many success stories that involved putting eco-friendly HVAC solutions to work for our customers,” says Ryan Tracy, Mechanical Group Manager at DSG. “The added experience we’ve gained from the addition of Shelter Supply is certainly contributing to that success and proving to be a big asset to the HVAC industry in the Twin Cities.” Products are not the only benefit. DSG has also been able to expand its training and technical assistance, as well as get more support for applications involving eco friendly building practices. DSG’s new Twin Cities Mechanical division is operating out of the St. Paul, Minnesota branch with Dan Miller (formerly the CEO of Shelter Supply) heading up the team as St. Paul’s Mechanical branch manager. “From the beginning,

this has been very positive for everyone involved, especially our customers,” says Miller. “One of the reasons this evolution has been so natural is because everyone is on the same page. We all have the same customer-first philosophy, and so far, it has really strengthened our focus on building relationships, providing comprehensive system solutions and adding value for our customers.” Also new to the Twin Cities mechanical team is plumbing expert David Baker, formerly with leading bath and kitchen product manufacturer American Standard. “We are thrilled that David has brought his expertise to DSG,” says Tracy. “His addition to the team means we can offer even more products, services and resources to our Twin Cities customers.” The recent moves DSG has made to better serve its Twin Cities customers are not limited to the Minnesota area. HVAC and plumbing customers all over DSG’s service region will reap the rewards of a larger product selection and new knowledge from some of the industry’s most experienced professionals. To find out more, call Dan Miller at (800) 6529784, or visit www.dakotasupplygroup.com.

MECHANICAL

DSG Brings Mechanical To The Twin Cities

Dan Miller St. Paul Mechanical Branch Manager

David Baker Mechanical Outside Sales, St. Paul

MECHANICAL

A NATURAL END TO ODORS, MOLD AND BACTERIA The secret is all around you. Hydroxyls are common molecules produced in the outside atmosphere. Mother Nature uses these ions to rid the outside air of smells, mold and bacteria. Now you can bring that cleaning power inside to your residence or commercial building to eradicate unpleasant odors, VOC’s, chemical fumes, gases and vapors.

ONE MIGHTY MOLECULE Hydroxyls are unmatched disinfectants that are 2 ½ times stronger than chlorine and 33% more effective at oxidizing pollutants than ozone. Because hydroxyls clean at the molecular level, they can penetrate and purify any porous object. This includes wood, rubber, plastic, vinyl, textiles, electronics and other sensitive materials. Once a hydroxyl has latched on to an allergen, bacteria or odor, it’s eliminated completely without any risk to people, pets or plants.

100% ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY You breathe an average of 3,500 gallons of air each day. Fresh, outdoor air can be up to 100 times cleaner than the air inside. That’s because the air outside is being cleaned by hydroxyls. No other cleaning agent is more natural, pure and harmless.

ODOROx RESTORES AND Refreshes Use your Odorox purifier in your home or business to eliminate odors, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses caused by: • Flood Damage To find out more or to set up • Sewer Backup an appointment for a live on-site demo, • Fire and Smoke Damage call your DSG representative today! • Pets and Natural Allergens

BOSS XL3 Our most powerful model, the Boss XL3 offers the largest concentration area and is the perfect industrial tool for emergency flood work or cleaning firms.

20 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

BOSS

decon scrubber

Mobile disinfection unit

Oasis

This professional-strength unit can deodorize, decontaminate and disinfect 2,000 square feet. Its washable medium keeps the unit in pristine condition.

Designed for the removal of large amounts of smoke, ash, animal dander and pollen, this scrubber also removes odors caused by incinerated/burnt plastics, organic matter and chemicals.

As it says in the name, the MDU processes bacteria and viruses. It is a must-have for any medical, clinical, HAZMAT service or place where germs are abundant.

This is the perfect model for residential areas. Attach the Oasis to your HVAC duct system and the cleansing hydroxyls will circulate and purify automatically.

MECHANICAL

Nothing Warms Like the Coldâ&#x201E;˘

An environmentally friendly super high efficiency system that can save you up to 70% on your heating and cooling bills. > Patented Boosted Compression Technology > R410A Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant > Award Winning Design The Acadia, new super high efficiency system from Hallowell, supports the Energy Star Program from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency for reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Mike Wilson Technical Sales/Service

MECHANICAL 22

If someone described what Mike Wilson does for a living, you would think he was a teacher rather than an employee at DSG – and that’s not entirely untrue. Every day, Wilson spends his time educating others. Prior to joining DSG in 1996, Wilson earned his degree from the Redwing Energy Education Center in solar and energy conservation technologies. He then worked as a mechanical contractor and even owned his own business, Wilson Ventilation Service, for more than ten years. It’s something that he feels has been instrumental in his success in building long-lasting relationships with customers for more than a decade. “I think everyone feels more comfortable taking advice and suggestions from someone who has been in their shoes,” says Wilson. “Our customers know that I’m going to stand behind the products and solutions we offer because I’ve used them in my own business.” Today, Wilson provides training to DSG customers, including contractors, architects, engineers, building officials and technical schools, and fellow coworkers on everything from ventilation to heating and cooling to air-quality control to moisture management. Whether it’s a one-hour seminar or a full day’s worth of training, his expertise is on developing and influencing building practices to make homes more energy efficient. “We call it building tight and ventilating right,” smiles Wilson. While the green movement is a buzz word for many these days, it’s a phrase that’s second nature to Wilson. “Being green has been a part of my work for a long time,” says Wilson. He’s even sat on various code committees for the state of Minnesota to develop energy conservation standards and codes to what they are today. Wilson has a passion for helping his customers that would make any business owner applaud. “When I’m not at work, I’m thinking about work,” Wilson says. It’s a commitment that he takes pride in and one that he puts to work for DSG customers every day.

MECHANICAL Now You Can Offer Customers The #1 Ranked Toilet By Consumer Reports! Champion 4 ranked #1, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll reap the rewards! According to the August 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, the Champion 4 ranks number one overall in the toilet category for its power, quietness and thorough bowl cleaning. Homeowners and business owners are willing to pay a premium for that kind of assurance!

More power means fewer clogged toilets! The Champion 4 will move a mass 70% larger than the industry standards. It achieves the highest bulk removal rating of 1,000 grams, and will even flush a bucket of golf balls! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

DSG Kids Club: Fun With A Purpose

CONNECTIONS

The DSG Kids Club offers a great opportunity for kids to learn about the trade industries in a fun and rewarding way. It’s also a great chance for parents and guardians to get in on the action. More specifically, contests put on by the DSG Kids Club make it easy for trade professionals to teach kids about what they do for a living. To help bring a playful nature to each activity, the DSG Kids Club mascot, Wheelz, is a big part of every adventure. In March 2009, DSG Kids Club introduced a new friend of Wheelz – the environment – in the Secret Code Contest, which asked kids to decipher a secret code to find out the things that DSG sells to help the environment. In June, the DSG In Your School Contest took center stage. For this contest, kids could finish a picture of a school that Wheelz was working on. Kids had to place the missing pieces (all things that DSG customers install and manage) on the picture to earn a prize. Most recently, the club rolled out its second annual Holiday Card Drawing Contest, which asks kids to complete a holidaythemed drawing.

Do Something

DSG In Yo

Green

Your Nam

e:_______ ________ Your Age ________ : ________ ________ ________ ____ Mem Name of ________ bership ________ relative #: ________ _ who work ________ s with DSG ________ : ________ ______ Wheelz ________ was ________ him comp putting together ______ a pictu lete

done with the When you’re to: mail this form game page,

_______ ______________ ______________ _________ ______________ ______________ Your Name:_______ ership #: _______ _________ _____ Memb ______________ Your Age: _______ DSG: _______ who works with Name of relative

to help his friends. what he can always does ent. the environm – and Wheelz environment that help protect new friend: the things DSG sells made a great to find out what Wheelz has secret code Figure out the 30, 2009.

Contest ends

ur School When you’re game page done with the , mail this form to:

DSG Kids Club P.O. Box 13573 Grand Forks his proje re of his , ND 58208 ct? Just school, -3573 cut out but had they belon the pictu to hit the g. When res at the road befor you’re finish bottom e he could Here’s a of the page ed, send finish. Can hint: All your game and paste the pictu you help page in them in res are thing the spots for a spec s that DSG where ial prize provides . Contest for your ends Sep school.

DSG Kids Club P.O. Box 13573 58208-3573 ND Grand Forks,

tember

June

30, 2009

Z U V W X Y P Q R S T 17 21 K L M N O 11 2 23 26 F G H I J 14 1 4 5 6 24 16 22 A B C D E 13 25 18 7 3 20 9 8

19 10 15 12

the air clean _ – help keep less electricity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ – uses _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 1 4 20 13 7 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ 10 11 7 10 7 13 9 8 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 15 3 24 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ water 11 16 1 3 15 5 20 7 _ _ _ – saves 15 16 6 22 19 _ _ _ _ _ 3 1 _ _ _ _ _ 8 3 19 5 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ s energy use 23 19 5 3 7 3 4 4 _ _ _ _ _ – reduce 5 19 24 18 power lines _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6 _ 3 wildlife from _ 5 _ 4 _ 24 9 4 17 birds and other _ _ _ _ _ _ 8 3 19 5 13 3 1 6 19 7 _ _ _ _ – protect 9 3 16 5 8 _ _ _ _ _ _ 11 15 5 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 12 big messes _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 16 5 3 15 5 13 16 24 22 1 16 3 22 s from making 16 11 5 19 9 _ – stops factorie _ _ _ _ _ the water _ _ _ _ _ _ 7 22 19 24 3 7 s pollutants in 1 16 _ _ _ – reduce 15 16 24 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 5 _ 24 _ cars _ _ 5 6 3 5 1 3 19 _ _ _ _ _ s exhaust from 3 1 3 23 19 5 _ _ _ _ – reduce 23 19 4 5 _ _ _ _ _ 23 16 1 18 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ , save paper _ _ _ _ _ 6 3 5 3 1 13 24 9 24 3 tion digitally more informa 20 13 26 3 12 _ – help send _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 20 13 10 3

15 4 16 22 5 13

Wheelz’ Secret What is the first

_ _ _ _ _ ! 24 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 5 8 13 24 9 9 1 3 3 Message: 12 16 4 16 6 e? _ _ _ secret messag word of the letter in each

Elementa

ry School

Light Fixtures

Toilets

Air Filters

Hydrants

Control Panels

Streetligh ts

Water Meters

Air Conditione

Fiber Optics

DSG Helps Students With Their College Education The DSG Education Connection Fund was established to help turn college dreams into realities for those interested in working toward a career in the trade industries. DSG is aware of the struggles students face when finding the funds for a college education, particularly in an economy where money is tight, and DSG is determined to help. The program, which started in late 2008, has already given its first round of scholarships to five regional recipients. The winners were selected in the spring of 2009 in conjunction with the FargoMoorhead Area Foundation through an Education Connection Fund committee. Each recipient was given $1,000 toward their trade school tuition. Students can find information regarding the scholarship and download applications through the DSG Education Fund web site at www.dsgfund.com. Interested contributors can find out more about the DSG Education Connection Fund by contacting Cher Hensrud at (701) 234-0756 or via email at cher@areafoundation.org.

24 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

DSG has built a reputation for finding effective and creative ways to help its customers become more successful, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. DSG took home two national awards this past year, one for Connections magazine and another for its Let A Pro Do It campaign. Connections magazine is one of the most important ways that the world learns about the products, people and places of DSG. This year, Connections was honored with a 2009 Best of the Best Award by The Electrical Distributor (TED) magazine, a publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). In addition to Connections, DSG took home an honorable mention in the web site category for www.dakotasupplygroup.com. The Let A Pro Do It campaign is DSG’s way of telling consumers to rethink D.I.Y. and instead, let a pro do it! This creative effort was recently honored by Graphic Design USA, a national news magazine for graphic designers and other creative professionals. This innovative campaign was awarded a 2009 American Graphic Design Award as an acknowledgement as one of the best and brightest designs out of more than 8,000 entries from across the country. The Let A Pro Do It campaign features a web site (www.letaprodoit.org), brochures, clever comics and more, helping consumers to understand why hiring a professional is faster, safer and easier. These two award-winning efforts illustrate DSG’s commitment to achieving its main goal: contributing to, supporting and assisting in the success of DSG customers.

CONNECTIONS

And The Winner Is ...

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Taking Your Business To A New Level DSG is dedicated to providing contractors with the information they need to improve their business. Recognizing that continued education and training are vital to running a successful and profitable business, DSG offers multiple training opportunities to do just that.

Success Connection (1 Day)

• Valuable tools, techniques and tips relevant to growing their business • New marketing techniques • Proven ways to improve customer service and overcome challenges

Add Value To Your Business And Power Up Your Profits

DATES:

January 12 Holiday Inn 75 South 37th Ave St. Cloud, MN (320) 253-9000

Success Connection

2010

CONNECTIONS

Designed for owners, managers and key employees, this one-day training session is packed with business strategies, tax tips and ideas for increasing profitability. Facilitated by industry experts, these unique sessions will help contractors reach new heights. Attendees will learn:

January 13 Ramada Inn 2727 6th Ave SE Aberdeen, SD (605) 225-3600

January 14 Doublewood Inn 1400 E Interchange Ave Bismarck, ND (701) 258-7000

Better Business Boot Camp (3 Days)

January 15 Holiday Inn 3808 13th Ave S Fargo, ND (701) 282-2700

Designed for owners, managers and those thinking about going into business, this intensive three-day business training is guaranteed to increase your profitability. Through presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions, attendees will learn to: • Develop profitable hourly rates • Track progress on a monthly basis • Develop the newest methods of collection while maintaining “happy customers” • Create a profitable service agreement program • Develop a family budget • Create a computer model of their company DATES:

January 26-28 Holiday Inn 75 South 37th Ave St. Cloud, MN (320) 253-9000

February 9-11 Ramada Inn 2727 6th Ave SE Aberdeen, SD (605) 225-3600

February 23-25 Doublewood Inn 1400 E Interchange Ave Bismarck, ND (701) 258-7000

To learn more about these training opportunities, visit www.dakotasupplygroup.com or contact your DSG sales associate. 26 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

ll p

dfi Lan

Turning Garbage Into Green Energy

Your pipe-cutting work will be easier, smoother and quicker when you use Reed Plastic Pipe Tools. • Smooth Cuts: Guillotine Pipe Cutters leave no chips or residue to clog valves. • Ratchet Mechanism: Yields square cuts easily with minimal clearance needed. Blades can be easily sharpened or replaced, enhancing performance and saving money over the long haul.

Reed offers plastic pipe tools of all sizes to ensure successful work every time. • Ratchet Shears: Ideal for cutting up to 2 inch PVC, PE, PP, PEX and ABS pipe and tubing. • Scissor Shears: Cut up to 1 ¼ inches in diameter. Ideal for cutting thin wall and small diameter PE, rubber or nylon tubing. • PE Squeeze-Off Tools: Ideal for use with IPS and CTS PE ranging from ½ inch to 8 inches in diameter. • Guillotine Cutters: Ideal for cutting PE up to 12 inches in diameter. • PPS20 Plastic Pipe Saw: Ideal for cutting 40 and 80 PVC, CPVC, C900, ABS and wood. Scissor Shears Ratchet Shears

Plastic Pipe Saws PE Squeeze-Off Tools

(Left to right) Malcolm McDonald, DSG Sioux Falls Waterworks branch manager; Tim Jensen, DSG account manager for Hander Plumbing and Heating; Pat Bangasser, DSG Sioux Falls inside sales and quotes; Bob Quarve, project and utilities estimator at Hander Plumbing and Heating.

Guillotine Cutters

Re-stock your tool supply with Reed Plastic Pipe Tools! Call DSG today! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

34 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

DSG Waterworks Group You know what’s great about my job? I get to be creative, each and every day. Working with water is interesting because it combines technology and infrastructure from a variety of times and places. No system is the same, and consequently, no two challenges are either. Solving problems, then, calls for “thinking outside the pipe,” so to speak, and that’s just what we do here at DSG. To varying degrees, we come up with unique solutions to unique challenges

every day. You’ll never hear the words “that’s not our job” around DSG. It’s just not in our nature. Instead, we look at every issue from every angle. We do our homework. We ask the experts (most of whom are wearing a DSG shirt). Then we decide what’s best for the customer, instead of what’s best for ourselves. Finally, we put it all together to overcome the challenge. Sometimes that’s pretty straightforward. Many times it’s not. That’s when we get creative. We try something new. That’s when DSG’s sizable resources come in. Our vendor partnerships almost always include the perfect product to fit the situation, even if it’s an innovative answer that’s out there on the cutting edge. And if we don’t have a relationship that addresses the need, we develop one. Just look at the number of DSG customers who have been the first of their peers to put a successful waterworks advancement to work. The list is pretty impressive. At DSG, we see every challenge as an opportunity to find efficient, dependable and creative solutions for our customers. Think you can stump us? Give me a call or drop me an email.

Kevin Paulson

Waterworks Group Manager Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

WATERWORKS

Teamwork and trust among DSG, Hander Plumbing and Heating and Metro Construction made this project a success.

WATERWORKS KIDS CLUB

Heating needed someone it could trust, and the first company it thought of was DSG. Hander Plumbing and Heating normally works with DSG for its plumbing and heating products, but this project called for DSG’s waterworks department. Bob Quarve, project and utilities estimator at Hander Plumbing and Heating, worked very closely with Pat Bangasser, inside sales and quotations at DSG. “Pat did all the purchasing for our part of the landfill project,” says Quarve. “I know it took a lot of research on his end, and his ability to find the products that were available and that would work best for this type of project made my job so much easier.” This project was something new to both Hander Plumbing and Heating and DSG, which made good communication between the two companies even more important. “We like to take jobs that have challenges to them, and this landfill was a massive undertaking,” says Quarve. “With this kind of a project, it was critical to work with a company like DSG, who we have an incredible amount of trust in.” Great timing and having the product when and where it was needed at the job site were critical. “I would speak to the folks at DSG almost every day, and they would deliver to the job site all

Get The Job Done Efficiently And Mess Free With Reed Plastic Pipe Tools.

WATERWORKS

s& n e e r u Op ict

the time,” says Quarve. “With that kind of support, you knew you were going to get the job done right.” To assist with the job, Hander Plumbing and Heating hired Metro Construction to help install more than 5,000 feet of piping for the methane gas. This was also a project new to Metro Construction, but considering the players involved, it was something that owner Bob Sherwood knew would be a success. “We have a positive relationship with Hander, and we work with DSG pretty much exclusively,” he says. “So even though this project involved unique installations and products, I had very few reservations about its outcome.” Teamwork was an important part of this undertaking from the very start, according to everyone involved. “When you don’t work together, deadlines don’t get met and fingers get pointed,” says Quarve. “On this project, though, the level of cooperation was pretty amazing. DSG supplied and we installed, but everyone worked together as a single unit. It was challenging, and the customer could not be happier with the results.” Sometimes one of the most important things to be built on a big job is trust. That seems to be the case with the Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill, another success story constructed from hard work, clear communication and good companies working together.

WATERWORKS LET A PRO DO IT

! ia! e r he triv

Great teamwork can happen in the most unusual places. Sometimes it can even take place in a giant, 470,000-square-foot hole. That’s where DSG’s most recent collaboration with Hander Plumbing and Heating took it – to the Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill in Sioux Falls, South Dakota – and it was unwavering trust between the companies that made this project such a great success. The handling of waste from landfills is a concern for every city. However, where one sees a challenge, another sees an opportunity. The city of Sioux Falls saw the landfill as a great way to starts its transformation into a more environmentally and economically sustainable community. How can garbage be environmentally-friendly? It’s all about methane gas. When water infiltrates a landfill, either through the ground or from the sky, it produces a dense, dark liquid called leachate. The landfill in Sioux Falls is designed with a large piping system underneath the trash to collect the leachate and then recirculate it over the landfill, using it as an accelerant to help decompose the trash faster. When garbage decomposes, it also produces methane gas, which is comparable to natural gas and can be burned in order to produce electricity. As the recirculated leachate works to decompose the waste more quickly, methane gas is produced faster as well. The specially designed piping system then collects this methane and transports the gas from the landfill to the nearby Poet ethanol plant in Chancellor, SD, where it is used to provide energy to run the plant. Methane gas from the landfill is expected to benefit both the environment and the residents of Sioux Falls. For example, the use of methane gas instead of natural gas at the Poet ethanol plant is expected to decrease CO2 emissions by more than 25,000 tons in 2010 (equivalent to the consumption of 2.7 million gallons of gasoline) and will also generate revenue for the landfill. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. In order to make this project a success, a number of individuals, companies, contractors

28 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

and suppliers needed to work together. Not an easy feat considering the scope of the project. To begin, general contractor Riley Bros performed most of the earthwork, digging a massive hole 85 feet deep and 11 acres wide, removing more than 420,000 yards of dirt. After the hole was dug, a high-density poly liner was laid to protect the leachate and waste from seeping into the ground and contaminating the groundwater. As with every action that was taken, the environment was a concern throughout this project. For added protection, an IGS sump line was installed under the liner to collect any potential leaks. One of the key components of the landfill’s functionality is the complex system designed to collect and transport the leachate and the methane gas. After the initial hole was dug, Riley Bros hired Hander Plumbing and Heating to install pipes to recirculate the leachate over the landfill and transport the methane to the ethanol plant. For the unique piping products used in the system, Hander Plumbing and

“

It was challenging, and the customer could not be happier with the results.

Bob Quarve

”

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Turning Garbage Into Green Energy

Plastic Pipe Saws PE Squeeze-Off Tools

Guillotine Cutters

Re-stock your tool supply with Reed Plastic Pipe Tools! Call DSG today! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

34 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Kevin Paulson

Waterworks Group Manager Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

WATERWORKS

Teamwork and trust among DSG, Hander Plumbing and Heating and Metro Construction made this project a success.

WATERWORKS KIDS CLUB

Get The Job Done Efficiently And Mess Free With Reed Plastic Pipe Tools.

WATERWORKS

s& n e e r u Op ict

WATERWORKS LET A PRO DO IT

! ia! e r he triv

28 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

“

It was challenging, and the customer could not be happier with the results.

Bob Quarve

”

ll p

dfi Lan

Turning Garbage Into Green Energy

Plastic Pipe Saws PE Squeeze-Off Tools

Guillotine Cutters

Re-stock your tool supply with Reed Plastic Pipe Tools! Call DSG today! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

34 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Kevin Paulson

Waterworks Group Manager Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

WATERWORKS

Teamwork and trust among DSG, Hander Plumbing and Heating and Metro Construction made this project a success.

WATERWORKS KIDS CLUB

Get The Job Done Efficiently And Mess Free With Reed Plastic Pipe Tools.

WATERWORKS

s& n e e r u Op ict

WATERWORKS LET A PRO DO IT

! ia! e r he triv

28 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

“

It was challenging, and the customer could not be happier with the results.

Bob Quarve

”

It took more than 41,000 truckloads of 12-yard dump trucks to remove the 423,000 yards of dirt to create the landfill pit.

The landfill has a service area spanning five counties: Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner.

Methane produced from the landfill will displace 10 percent of the natural gas used at the nearby Poet ethanol plant, increasing to 30 percent in 2025.

Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill This $4.5 million landfill project will help Sioux Falls, SD, turn its garbage into approximately $1.8 million annually.

WATERWORKS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not A Small World After All

12,153

DSG supplied feet of pipe Equal to 8 Willis Towers (formerly Sears Tower)

423,000

yards of dirt were moved Enough to fill 14.5 million 5-gallon pails

11 85

The pit area is acres The size of 8.5 football fields The pit is feet deep Enough to stack 5 giraffes on top of one another

500

tons of garbage received per day

Equal to 4 million restaurant hamburgers

Each section of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe was fused together (without fittings) to create the complex piping system.

Hander Plumbing and Heating used 10 percent of its workforce on this landfill project.

The first set of pipes installed was an IGS sump line (under the initial HDPE liner) that protects the natural groundwater from potential leachate leaks.

Due to its size and weight, HDPE piping was moved and installed using excavators. DSG supplied more than 30,500 feet of HDPE pipe for recirculating leachate and transporting methane gas produced by the landfill.

Methane gas created by the landfill will be delivered through a low-pressure gas line to the Poet ethanol plant in Chancellor, SD.

WATERWORKS

The Landfill is expected to decrease CO2 emissions by the Poet ethanol plant by 25,000 tons in 2010, which is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from more than 4,300 vehicles.

ll p

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Turning Garbage Into Green Energy

Plastic Pipe Saws PE Squeeze-Off Tools

Guillotine Cutters

Re-stock your tool supply with Reed Plastic Pipe Tools! Call DSG today! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

34 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Kevin Paulson

Waterworks Group Manager Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

WATERWORKS

Teamwork and trust among DSG, Hander Plumbing and Heating and Metro Construction made this project a success.

WATERWORKS KIDS CLUB

Get The Job Done Efficiently And Mess Free With Reed Plastic Pipe Tools.

WATERWORKS

s& n e e r u Op ict

WATERWORKS LET A PRO DO IT

! ia! e r he triv

28 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

“

It was challenging, and the customer could not be happier with the results.

Bob Quarve

”

“One size fits all.” It’s an old-fashioned advertising ploy, and true enough for products like hats, sunglasses, rain ponchos and the like. On the other hand, these “one size fits all” products are very rarely a perfect fit. Instead, they are always a little too big or a little too small. That’s not a big deal on a baseball cap, but it can be when installing metering technology. You need a system that is efficient, reliable and easy to use for both your staff and your customers.

You need a metering solution that makes everyone’s job easier, not more complicated. In other words, one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to meters. Instead, every situation calls for a unique combination of metering technology and service. The job of researching, selecting and installing a metering system might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Here at DSG Metering Technology, metering is all we do. Let us help you choose what’s right for you and your customers. Together, we’ll design a metering solution that addresses your challenges specifically. It will be a metering system created with a single goal in mind: fulfilling your needs. Think of it as a tailored suit – a perfect fit, made from the best materials available. It’s also comforting to know that DSG has been around for more than a century, and we plan on being around for a long, long time to come. That means we only sell products that last, and we build our customer relationships the same way. Find out for yourself. Give me a call, or call any of our team members here at DSG Metering Technology. You’ll be glad you did.

METERING TECHNOLOGY

DSG Metering Technology

Steve Mereness

Metering Technology Group Manager

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Three Different Communities, Same

METERING TECHNOLOGY

No two cities in the world are alike. Every community has its own uniqueness, from its culture to its landscape to its residents. Meter reading for every city is also different, with its own set of challenges. DSG’s Metering Technology Group has worked with communities all over the Midwest, all with their own needs, and is always ready to help in any situation. Saying Goodbye To Snowshoes And Hello To Efficient Meter Reading River Falls, Wisconsin, has a population of a little more than 14,000, with an additional 6,000 college students who call the city home every semester. University of Wisconsin-River Falls is great for the city, but it presents a few challenges for the city’s water meter readers – or at least it used to. With a high college population, River Falls Municipal Utilities experiences numerous periods where there are a lot of first, final and transitioning

36 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

readings that need to be taken at the same time (concurrent to the beginning and ending of semesters). Up until 2005, they sent out four meter readers for 5 ½ days every month to read more than 10,000 meters on foot. That doesn’t include every time someone needed to end, start or transition their service. “We had guys going out every day,” says Jan Lorenz, customer service supervisor at River Falls Municipal Utilities. “It took a lot of effort, especially in the winter months. Our guys would even wear snowshoes.” To increase the efficiency of its meter reading system and to improve billing accuracy, River Falls Municipal Utilities looked to an Itron AMR system recommended by DSG. River Falls Municipal Utilities did a lot of research, but found that Itron worked well with the Badger meters it was using. “It was nice because DSG had a lot of references for us, which made it easy to compare the various systems,” says Lorenz. “They even set up meetings where we could see what other cities were doing.”

River Falls, WI, uses an Itron AMR system from DSG to efficiently read more than 6,000 electric and 4,300 water meters.

Since they’ve implemented the new AMR system, River Falls Municipal Utilities has cut the time spent reading meters in half. While the system has been a big success, it has been the service and support of DSG that has impressed the city most. “DSG is always stopping by to see how we’re doing and if there’s anything they can help with,” says Greg Kohler, water meter mechanic for River Falls Municipal Utilities. “They’re able to offer support for every aspect of the meter reading, from billing to software to out in the field.” Overcoming Challenges The village of Siren, Wisconsin, knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges. When an F3 tornado devastated the town in 2001, residents didn’t waste any time rebuilding their beautiful town. So, when wastewater treatment plant upgrades in 2009 threatened to raise fees for Siren’s 940 residents, village officials quickly went to work on ways to minimize the impact on the community. To make the transition easier on residents, Siren decided to change its water and sewer billing from

quarterly to monthly. However, this change was not feasible with the community’s existing meter reading system. The small three-person crew had to read the city’s 470-plus meters manually or via remote registers, which took about three days every quarter. This would be too labor intensive for the small city crew to perform each month. Consequently, Siren decided to make the switch to an ORION AMR system from DSG. This would allow Siren’s meters to be read by driving by each unit (taking only one person a little less than an afternoon) and enable the switch to monthly billing. “The Badger ORION AMR system is the most compatible with what we already have,” says Randy Surbaugh, village administrator. “It should greatly cut down on the time we spend reading meters.” “Plus, we should be able to turn billing around much faster,” adds Ann Peterson, village clerk treasurer. In addition, Siren was able to get the upgrade to its water meter reading system partially funded through a USDA-Rural Development grant received for its waste water treatment plant project that was already under way (since sewer rates are based on meter reads, the switch to continued on page 38

Siren, WI worked with DSG to deploy a Badger ORION AMR meter reading system in the fall of 2009.

METERING TECHNOLOGY

Outstanding Support

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

continued from page 37

METERING TECHNOLOGY

AMR could be considered part of the waste water treatment plant upgrade). Without this funding, Siren would not have been in a financial position to undertake the project. The new AMR system in Siren is in its initial stages, but so far, so good. As the town takes its first reads and runs its first billing cycle, it’s grateful that it has the support of DSG. “It’s nice to know that DSG is available to help us with any obstacles we run into as we deploy our new system,” says Mike Bentley, water superintendent. “We appreciate everything DSG does for us. We’re a small town in Wisconsin, and yet they’re always willing to make special trips to help us out. They never shy away from getting their hands dirty.” Purely Better Chippewa Falls, WI, is known for its water. In fact, at one point, Big Eddy Spring in Chippewa Falls was considered to have the purest water in the nation. This may be one reason why Leinenkugel’s brewery is headquartered here. The water in Chippewa Falls may be clean, but it wasn’t always easy to manage. Prior to 2001, the city of Chippewa Falls would have its meter readers travel on foot, reading meters door to door. It would take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks, every quarter, to read more than 4,500 meters in

38 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Chippewa Falls. Plus, the city was experiencing a significant amount of errors transferring the data into their billing system. In 2001, Chippewa Falls decided to take greater control of its meter reading system and switch to AMR technology. After exploring its options, the city decided to go with an Itron AMR system from DSG. “An Itron rep came with DSG and gave us a hands-on look at how the system worked with our meters,” says Rory Olson, water supervisor for Chippewa Falls. “We have a few meters in pits, and the Itron system worked the best with those harder-to-read meters. It was a big advantage to be able to see the system in action before we went forward.” Improved accuracy has been one of the most important parts of the switch to AMR. “Now it takes just minutes to transfer information back and forth through our billing system,” says Connie Freagon, office manager for the city of Chippewa Falls. “We can also detect problems, like leaks, for our customers much sooner.” DSG has helped cities, towns and villages all over the Midwest improve their meter reading. No matter how success is measured – efficiency, productivity, accuracy, greater control – DSG is always able to help its customers achieve it. It’s because DSG not only understands how communities are different, but provides the same high level of support to each and every customer it serves.

Chippewa Falls has been utilizing an Itron AMR system since 2001 to speed up its meter reading and billing system.

Dan McGrane

One skill that is common among good coaches is the ability to see the big picture. Likewise, Dan McGrane’s experience in coaching has given him the ability to see the big picture on metering projects in his role at DSG’s Metering Technology Group. Where one might see a simple water meter, McGrane sees ways to minimize labor, increase efficiency, improve billing and conserve water. Dan McGrane started with DSG in 2008. Before then, he worked with suppliers to provide cities and utilities with welding, welding gases and plumbing supplies. At DSG, he works with these same kinds of customers to provide innovative metering system solutions. McGrane serves DSG’s metering technology customers throughout the state of Wisconsin. When he isn’t working, he’s busy coaching baseball and football, and spending time with his wife, Paula, and three children, Lauren (21), Ryan (18) and Brandon (14). McGrane especially enjoys the ability to share his big picture ideas with his customers at DSG. “Water conservation is more important than ever,” McGrane says. “We have products that have advanced leak detection capabilities that not only help identify leaks, but more importantly, help people understand exactly how much water they’re using – or wasting, for that matter. If you make it easier for people to pay more attention to their water usage, they’ll become more conscious about how they can help to conserve it.” In addition to water conservation, McGrane is passionate about helping communities and utilities across Wisconsin become more productive and efficient overall. It’s his coaching instinct showing through, and it’s something that his customers appreciate more every day.

METERING TECHNOLOGY

Wisconsin Territory Manager

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Yep. Fixed networking is that easy.

METERING TECHNOLOGY

You’ll be surprised at how easy it really is. And without sacrificing the valuable features you expect from a premium AMI system. Unlike other network products, Badger Meter’s GALAXY® fixed network AMI system is easy to install, operate, and maintain. GALAXY’s flexible architecture provides maximum control over the flow of information - and connects to a wide variety of meters, making integration a snap, while giving you the data you need to make informed decisions. Fixed networking from Badger Meter. It’s just that easy.

Put the power of GALAXY to work for you. Call DSG today!

technology delivered.

40 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

badgermeter.com

• Decrease Labor & Maintenance Costs • Increase Operational Efficiency • Improve Customer Service • Enhance Your Revenue Cycle • Strengthen Billing Accuracy • Minimize Technology Problems & Risks • Heighten Collection Flexibility • Maximize Workforce Management • Eliminate Stranded Assets • Simplify Integration To AMI Automated Meter Reading continues to be the smart choice for utilities of all types and sizes – and it’s a lot easier than you might think! With a high-performing suite of handheld and mobile AMR solutions, Itron allows utilities to enjoy advanced metering benefits, such as interval data collection, on-demand reads, and positive outage and restoration notification, at a lower cost than full-blown AMI technology.

METERING TECHNOLOGY

Do It All With Itron AMR!

Start working smarter, not harder, with Itron AMR. Call DSG today! Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

UTILITY / FILTRATION

DSG Utility & Filtration Groups For those of you whom I have not had an opportunity to meet, let me introduce myself. My name is Chad Veitenheimer, and I’m the new Utility Group Manager here at DSG. While this is a new position for me, I am not new to the Utility Group or the utility industry. I worked for several years in DSG’s Utility Group under Paul Mund. Interestingly enough, my father worked his whole career (38 years) for one utility. So what does this mean for you? It means that I will use my experience and background to help better serve you as a partner and supplier. We

will continue to bring you new ideas and, as always, customize our inventory to meet your requirements. And you will continue to receive outstanding service from an experienced group of professionals that Paul Mund built into a powerful team (by the way, Paul hasn’t left DSG; he’s taken a job as our Corporate Pricing Manager). Some of you may recall that I also serve as the manager of DSG’s Filtration Group, a job that I will continue to do. Filtration products are becoming more and more important to industry every day, and DSG is committed to being your connection to the very best filtration solutions. So I get to wear two hats, one for Utility products and one for Filtration products. Here at DSG, that’s not as uncommon as you might think. After all, we are an employee-owned company. That means teamwork is essential, and teamwork means doing whatever it takes to help our customers succeed. Finally, as a regional supplier (18 branches in three states), we recognize that our success is dependent on your success, right here at home. Our team is dedicated to serving this region as your valued partner. Whether it’s by phone, by email or in person, I’d love to meet you. The more I know about you and your business, the more I can put DSG’s powerful resources to work turning obstacles into opportunities. Let me know how we can get together, and we can talk about what DSG can do for you.

Chad Veitenheimer

DSG Utility & Filtration Manager 42

Power Protection, Not Failure Power outages can happen to even the best utilities. With more than half of outages being temporary disruptions, reliable, high-performing protection measures are critical. The good news is that there is an easy way to provide powerful protection against temporary outages, and it’s available from DSG. DSG works hand in hand with Joslyn Hi-Voltage to provide greater power control to utility companies all over the Midwest. One product that DSG customers are seeing much success with is the TriMod 100 single-phase recloser. For those who are unfamiliar with the utility industry, a recloser helps to alleviate temporary power outages by performing an opening and closing sequence that disconnects the current in order for the debris to be cleared, and then reconnects the current to re-energize the line.

Reclosers are an important part of any electric distribution system, and the TriMod 100 is the perfect choice for companies that want to set up power protection measures that will last. In addition to state-of-the-art vacuum technology, one of the most unique things about the TriMod 100 is its moisture-control bladder system. “This bladder system eliminates the moisture that can occur from temperature and pressure changes common in reclosers and other utility equipment,” says Jay Krzyzaniak, sales representative for American Power and Communications (a manufacturer’s representative for Thomas & Betts, which acquired Joslyn Hi-Voltage in 2007). “This moisture can cause the recloser to short out, and it would then need to be replaced. With the bladder system, when there is a temperature change, the bladder expands and contracts to keep the pressure level constant.” This unique bladder system takes the place of an internal heater, which also prevents moisture, but costs money to run. continued on page 44

UTILITY

The TriMod 100™ Recloser From Joslyn Hi-Voltage Provides Utility Companies With A Powerful Protection Tool Against Power Failures

The TriMod 100 is compatible with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) control panels.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

continued from page 43

UTILITY

Ernie Leesch, outside salesman for DSG’s Utility Group, has worked with Joslyn Hi-Voltage products for more than 25 years, and knows a thing or two about its products. “Besides its longevity and easy installation, the TriMod 100 is known for its accurate protection,” says Leesch. “It does a great job at isolating sections of faulted lines so that other circuits are not impacted.” Another feature of the TriMod 100 is its patented Joslyte Solid Dielectric Insulation. Although this is a relatively new technology to some, Joslyn Hi-Voltage has been utilizing it for more than four decades. This proven technology insulates the vacuum interrupter and other internal mechanisms in the recloser to provide virtually maintenance-free operation. Joslyn Hi-Voltage has even used Joslyte Solid Dielectric Insulation on other equipment, such as capacitor switches. Plus, it’s healthier for the environment, since it doesn’t use gas or oil as an insulator.

“

If maintenance is ever required, the TriMod 100 makes it easy. It features a removable current transformer, and if this needs to be replaced or repaired, only that particular part needs attention, not the entire recloser. “For utilities that want a three-phase recloser, they can simply install three TriMod 100s and wire them together to a single control,” says Krzyzaniak. “This is a nice advantage. Utilities can space the reclosers much farther apart to prevent animals shorting out the reclosers by getting across the bushings, which can happen with a conventional all-in-one three-phase recloser.” Just as the TriMod 100 provides the protection a utility company needs, DSG works hard to protect the best interests of its customers. That’s why it works with leading manufacturers like Joslyn Hi-Voltage. It’s a partnership that has proven successful for many of DSG’s customers in the past, and one that will continue to do so in the future.

For utilities that want a

three-phase recloser, they

can simply install three TriMod 100s and wire them together to a single control.

Jay Krzyzaniak

”

44 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

The TriMod 100 can be utilized in three-phase applications, as shown here.

TriMod™ 100 Series Vacuum-Interrupting, Single-Phase, MicroprocessorControlled Automatic Circuit Recloser

UTILITY

Raising the standard of recloser performance and reliability.

The Joslyn Hi-Voltage™ TriMod™ 100 Series Single-Phase Vacuum Recloser raises the standard of recloser performance by incorporating state-of-the-art vacuum interrupter technology with Joslyn’s field-proven Joslyte solid dielectric insulating system and a long-life operating mechanism system. Unique, field-proven features make the TriMod™ 100 Series recloser the long-life, easy-to-use solution for utility recloser needs. For more information, call DSG or go to www.dakotasupplygroup.com

utility.tnb.com

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Getting Problems Out Of

FILTRATION

A famous author once said that “difficulties mastered are opportunities won.” This author probably wasn’t referring to a whey processing plant in Perham, Minnesota, but it does hold true. After all, as DSG helps Bongards’ Creameries meet each challenge with innovative solutions, opportunity has become a successful way of life. There has been healthy growth at Bongards’ Creameries over the past couple of years, despite any turbulence in the economy. In fact, it has seen a 10 percent increase in milk volume and consequently, also in its whey production. For those unfamiliar, whey is the by-product of the process that separates cheese from milk, and it is a staple of the company. This high value product is used in cake mixes, sports drinks, animal feed, corn chips and nutritional supplements. In the summer of 2008, Bongards’ Creameries made modifications to its operation in order to increase the amount of milk that was moving through the plant. Some of these modifications involved increasing the airflow used to dry leftover whey protein, which directly resulted in an increase in its whey production.

In the last two years, Bongards’ Creameries has increased its milk volume by 10 percent, now bringing in 2.3 million pounds (or 275,600 gallons) of milk to the factory per day.

www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Soon after the modifications were made, however, the increase in production was taking a toll on the dryer’s filters, causing them to bind and plug up. “Since the dust bag wasn’t working properly, we weren’t able to fully increase production as we planned,” says Todd Budke, whey plant manager at Bongards’ Creameries. “Plus, it caused our dryer to run a lot hotter, making it more difficult to control the moisture levels to our customers’ specifications.” A whey protein dryer uses 12-foot-long dust bag filters placed in a large bag house to ensure that the air used to dry the product is clean, as well as the air leaving the plant. Any problem with these filters – even a minor one – can cause significant problems for Bongards’ Creameries, and possibly even a stop in production. At a creamery, any disruption in production is very costly, and a full stop can be a disaster. Fortunately for Budke, he had an ace up his sleeve. He immediately contacted DSG, his go-to company for filters. “DSG understands how to solve almost any puzzle that involves filtration,” says Budke. “Chad [Veitenheimer] and the rest of

The Dakota Tex dust bags supplied by DSG, which typically last more than six months, help minimize maintenance for Todd Budke, whey plant manager, and Bongards’ Creameries.

the team are always able to break everything down and put it in perspective, so I know exactly what needs to be done and how to go about doing it.” Veitenheimer suggested a Dakota Tex dust bag filter from Action Filtration. Normally, applications with a “sticky” dust in the airstream would use a media with a PTFE (Teflon) membrane. What DSG and Bongards’ Creameries found was that the Dakota Tex dust bag filter actually worked better and lasted longer than a PTFE membrane media for this particular application. This filter worked perfectly with the whey dryers and allowed Bongards’ Creameries to increase production as planned. “These new dust bags helped our equipment run much better and keep costs down,” says Budke. “Basically, these dust bags were key in allowing us to use the same, or less, energy to put out more product. If we didn’t work with DSG, I’m not sure we would have ever found a solution such as this.” In addition, the increased efficiency of this new filtration strategy helped Bongards’ Creameries receive a grant from its utility supplier, something only made possible by the use of the dust bags. “The grant we received virtually covered the cost of the first installation,” adds Budke. As Bongards’ Creameries continues to grow, so does its relationship with DSG. In fact, Bongards’ Creameries is looking at replacing all of its current lighting with more efficient fixtures from DSG, part of a continued commitment from Bongards’ Creameries to increase efficiency at its whey processing plant. No matter what opportunities – or challenges in disguise – lie ahead for Bongards’ Creameries, DSG will certainly find a way to help.

FILTRATION

The Whey

This 80-foot-tall dryer has the capacity to dry more than 4,200 pounds of whey protein per hour.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Excellent Filtration Starts By Taking The Right Action. With dust bag filters from Action Filtration, everything works better, harder and more efficiently – no matter what type of filtration project you’re working on. Easy changeouts that get done right – every time. Action Filtration dust bag filters are constructed based on the latest cage information to make sure bags fit over cages properly and do not tear.

FILTRATION

Better construction for easier installation. Dust bag filters from Action Filtration feature snap band construction, allowing for easy installation and a proper seal to prevent leaking.

Superior manufacturing means outstanding performance. Action Filtration’s manufacturing process guarantees consistent filter width, while the unique technology of its sewing production line guarantees that filters are sewn straight and flat, just like they will hang in the bag house.

Get in on high-performing filtration action. Call DSG today!

48 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

This year’s OSP (Outside Plant) EXPO™ was a unique experience because the nation’s largest telecommunications plant show was in

our backyard (Minneapolis, to be precise). It’s very evident by the local turnout that the Upper Midwest is extremely interested in the latest technology out there. Another advantage of the show being local was that it gave our DSG inside sales people a chance to interact with our customers who attended the EXPO. As always, there were plenty of new things to see and learn at this year’s OSP EXPO: the latest in IP transport for example, as well as new ways of distributing fiber – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition, there were many other interesting products to see and discuss with vendors. If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend this year’s OSP EXPO, please call our experienced inside sales staff or your DSG account manager. We’ll be glad to share what we learned with you.

COMMUNICATIONS

DSG Communications Group

Leigh Trosen

Communications Group Manager

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

EXPOnential Value

COMMUNICATIONS

Every industry has an event that brings professionals together. For communications, that event is the OSP EXPO™. Fortunately for DSG customers, it took place right in their backyard in Minneapolis, Minnesota. OSP EXPO brings together professionals from the ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier), CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier) and OIC (Open Internet Coalition) communities to network and discuss new products, practices and solutions. Owned by Practical Communications Incorporated (PCI), a world-class publisher of technology information resources, it’s perhaps the world’s most respected communication industry trade show – and DSG was right in the middle of it. DSG was among more than 200 exhibitors at this year’s event, and much of the DSG Communications team attended. The booth showcased a number of DSG products and solutions, including fiberoptic splice cases, samples of fiber-optic cable, the new Miniflex product line, new Emerson

50 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

fiber cabinets and pedestals, as well as various test equipment products for copper and fiber-optic cable. “I think what made our booth unique was its depth,” says Tom Roe, inside sales at DSG. “We don’t focus on a specific product. Instead, we showcase solutions, and we make sure to have experienced people on hand to discuss the different situations and challenges that our customers face.” “You can find out a lot about a product or product line online or over the phone, but you don’t get to see it in action,” adds Leah Skjerven, insides sales at DSG. “The OSP EXPO is a great way to see products on hand and up close, in the way that they will actually be used.” One of the most talked about issues at this year’s event was the expected federal stimulus money for improving and expanding infrastructure. “The main focus of the stimulus package for the communications industry involves the expansion of broadband services, specifically,

DSG was among more than 200 exhibitors at the OSP EXPO.

seminars, providing attendees the opportunity to receive Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from both Building Industry Consulting Service International, Inc. (BICSI) and Electronics Technicians Association International. In addition to accredited seminars, the OSP EXPO always features exciting keynote speakers, and this year’s event included a stellar lineup. For example, the outside plant manager of Cincinnati Bell discussed the advantages of the revolutionary fiber-optic products from Miniflex – something that is relatively new to many communications companies in the United States, but not new to DSG. In fact, DSG is so knowledgeable about Miniflex products that the speaker deferred questions to the DSG team. “We’ve had a lot of firsthand experience with the Miniflex products,” says Rory Troff, outside sales at DSG. “Its tight bending capabilities and ease of use with other product lines have helped our customers overcome some major challenges.” The OSP EXPO is just one more way that DSG continues to stay on top of technology and the ever-evolving communications industry, so that it can help its customers become more successful. According to Trosen, “The OSP EXPO lets us show our customers that we care about their business and we support the events that are important to them.”

COMMUNICATIONS

enabling many service providers to expand their broadband services for rural connectivity,” says Leigh Trosen, Communications Group Manager. “Overall, most people had a positive outlook on it.” Fiber-to-the-home was also present in most of the discussions at the OSP EXPO. “We anticipated a surge of conversations about fiber-to-the-home and the various means of deployment,” says Ole Ellingson, inside sales at DSG, “and that’s exactly what we saw. We know that everyone’s situation is a little different, so we came prepared to tailor solutions to their particular circumstances.” It’s clear that a major advantage of attending the OSP EXPO is the personal contact that takes place with others in the industry. More than 3,500 professionals were in attendance, including some of the biggest names in communications: Allied Telesis, 3M, Emerson Power Products, Prysmian Cable & Systems, Draka Communications, Tyco Electronics and Superior Essex Communications, to name a few. “I think what is so invaluable about the OSP EXPO is having all the suppliers and vendors in one place at one time,” says Paul Berg, chief plant officer at Dakota Central Telephone in Carrington, North Dakota. “You can see what’s available, what’s up and coming, and what others are doing to be successful.” Educational training is also an important part of the OSP EXPO. It’s the communications industry’s only “how-to” educational trade show. The OSP EXPO offers more than 25 regular and advanced

The 2009 OSP EXPO was held in Minneapolis, MN.

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

A Complete Distribution System For Triple Play Service

COMMUNICATIONS

The Panduit media distribution system combines space savings, service flexibility, and aesthetics to cost-effectively deliver voice, video, and data services. With the Panduit media distribution system, building owners, architects, and contractors can efficiently meet service needs of each tenant or client for commercial and residential deployments. • Innovative system design provides higher density in less space as compared to similar products • Modular components provide the flexibility to mix and match triple play services, and to easily modify as needs change • Consolidation of all incoming communication cable into one centralized location simplifies installation and troubleshooting From the building demarcation point to the end user’s network outlet, the Panduit media distribution system offers the most comprehensive, cost-effective solution in support of today’s applications and tomorrow’s opportunities.

52 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

COMMUNICATIONS

TRIPLE-PLAY ASSESSMENT WITH A HIGHER IQ

One look. All parameters. No guesswork. The smarter test solution. EXFOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modular AXS-200/600 series offers the most cost-effective and intelligent triple-play solution for FTTN and FTTH deployments. Comprehensive fault correlation of IPTV errors Multilayer analysis with clear pass/fail indication egmentation of in-home and outside plant faults S made easy

EXFO AXS-200/600 Series AXS-200/610

30 MHz Copper Test Set

AXS-200/620

ADSL2+, Triple-Play Test Set

AXS-200/625

30 MHz Copper and ADSL2+ Triple-Play Test Set

AXS-200/630

VDSL2, ADSL2+ and IP Triple-Play Test Set

AXS-200/635

Copper, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and IP Triple-Play Test Set

AXS-200/650

IP Triple-Play Test Set

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

AUTOMATION

DSG Automation Group Humans are pretty clever. This probably seems like a pretty obvious thing to say, but in my job, I see it illustrated every day. Necessity leads to invention, and new ideas lead to new products. It’s always exciting for me to be able to pass on this innovation to DSG’s customers, because better products make everyone’s job easier.

The Altivar 61 Drive is one of those big-time innovations. It’s a big idea in so many ways that I don’t even have the space to cover them all here. But one of the most interesting aspects of this product is just how much sense it makes. It comes down to this: HVAC systems really only need to run at full capacity when the temperature is at its extremes. All of the other days can be handled with less output. In other words, if the HVAC system handles 99 degrees and -20 degrees by cooling or heating at 100 percent capacity, doesn’t it make sense that doing the same job at 80 degrees and 10 degrees should take less? With the Altivar 61 Drive, it does. This variable frequency drive operates the system at the optimum capacity for climate control AND energy savings. In fact, the payback period for the Altivar 61 Drive can be less than 18 months! That’s a lot of savings, and it’s not just good for everyone’s bottom line, it’s good for the planet, as well (so much so that the drive can even help you to attain LEED certification). Now you can see why I get so excited about great ideas like these! Care to know more? Give us a call at DSG.

John Gearman

Automation Group Manager

Ryan Baloun Once a fledgling part of the DSG family, the Sioux Falls Panel Shop has become the heart and soul of the Automation Group. It is utilized more and more by all kinds of DSG customers from all types of industries. This growth and evolution is partly due to innovative products, and partly thanks to experienced professionals like Ryan Baloun. Growing up on a farm and ranch near Highmore, SD, Baloun ventured to Sioux Falls in 1999 to attend Southeast Technical Institute. It was also at that time that he went to work for DSG part-time in the warehouse. After he graduated, he decided to stay on with DSG, and it’s a decision that has paid off. In 2003, Ryan joined the Sioux Falls Panel Shop and began to put his electronic technology degree to work, building custom control panels for DSG customers.

For the past six years, Baloun has made a name for himself in DSG’s Sioux Falls Panel Shop and finds working with automation controls very satisfying. “A lot of customers don’t believe that their ideas are achievable,” says Baloun. “I love being able to say to them that ‘yes, there is a way.’ Our main goal is to make things simple for our customers. We break down everything by processes, iron out all the details before the control panels are built and make sure that everyone has a solid handle on how everything works. Plus, we provide them with CAD drawings that illustrate where everything hooks up.” Like many other industries, the green movement has been making an impact. According to Baloun, automation and eco-friendliness go hand in hand. “Take for example, variable frequency drives (VFDs). They’re all about the conservation of power. They help motors run more efficiently so that a system runs only at the level it needs to, not at full speed all the time.” Big ideas point to a big future for Baloun and the rest of the crew at DSG’s Panel Shop – as well as the rest of the dedicated crew that makes up the Automation Group at DSG.

METERING TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATION

Automation Coordinator, Inside Sales

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Elevating Automation

AUTOMATION

Not surprisingly, agriculture is the leading industry in South Dakota. What may be a surprise, however, is that farming has a $19 billion impact on the state’s economy! To put it into perspective, more than 90 percent of the state’s square footage is dedicated to agriculture. Aron’s Electric in Lake Preston, SD, has turned this focus on agriculture into a success story of its own. Aron’s Electric has a knack for installing automated controls, something that is of increasing importance to grain elevators, feed mills and other agribusinesses. Established in 2004, Aron’s Electric has done this type of work for a number of agricultural customers throughout eastern South Dakota. Most recently, Aron’s Electric partnered with DSG to add automation to an elevator expansion for Prairie Ag Partners. Prairie Ag Partners’ elevator in Lake Preston processes wheat, corn and soybeans. In 2009, the elevator recognized a need to expand its capacity and minimize the amount of undried product it

was storing on the ground. To accomplish this, it built two new 725,000 bushel bins. Unfortunately, the bins had to be located across the road from the elevator and its dryers (almost all product is dried to prevent spoilage and the possibility of spontaneous combustion). Consequently, the elevator needed to transfer the product from the new bushel bins across the road to the elevator, where it could be dried and transported to rail cars, and it needed to do it in an efficient manner. That’s where Aron’s Electric and DSG came in. With the help of Jerry Schmoll, automation engineer and designer at DSG, Aron’s Electric was able to mastermind an automation system for the elevator’s expansion, transferring product from the new bushel bins to the elevator using a long conveyor under the road. Before, trucks would have to haul the product from site to site, which was time consuming and labor intensive. Now, the elevator will have site-to-site connectivity, with the system operating both in forward and reverse,

Aron Bickett, owner of Aron’s Electric, counted on DSG for all of the automated controls in the Lake Preston elevator expansion project.

56 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

is located in Lake Preston. Because DSG has three branches close by (Sioux Falls, Mitchell and Aberdeen), Bickett almost never has to wait for the products he needs. “I’ve worked with DSG on a lot of my projects, and they’re always very dependable,” says Bickett. “It seems like they always have the products that nobody else has. I remember one time when I needed something from DSG, but their South Dakota branches didn’t have it. They just shipped it from their Fargo branch, and it was here the next morning. That kind of service makes my job a lot easier.” More complex systems, newer technology and increasing computer involvement are all things that Bickett expects to continue to influence his work with automation – just as automation will continue to increase its impact on agriculture. However, any automation project can be successful if you have a solid design, high-performing products, quality installation and a supplier who supports you through it all.

Prairie Ag Partners has expanded its Lake Preston elevator to include two new 725,000 bushel bins. Thanks to an innovative automation system installed by Bickett, product is quickly transferred from the new bushel bins to the elevator using a conveyor under the road.

AUTOMATION

if necessary. The innovative system is computer driven, but it also has a manual backup that allows elevator employees to turn everything on and off by hand. “DSG built all the controls and were a big part of the engineering,” says Aron Bickett, owner of Aron’s Electric. “They had everything done when they were supposed to, and once we got all the panels installed, they were up here constantly testing everything to make sure it was all in order. We had no major problems.” This is not the first time Aron’s Electric has provided automated controls for an elevator, but this was one of the biggest projects the company has ever done. It kept Aron’s Electric busy all summer. “This elevator was a lot more technologically challenging than other projects we’ve worked on,” says Bickett. “Thankfully, I had DSG, and they were great with any questions I had regarding the system.” Working with DSG has its advantages for Aron’s Electric, especially since the company

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

Conserve Energy. Save Money. Heat Up Sales. AUTOMATION

The weather doesn’t operate on full speed 100% of the time, so why does an HVAC system need to? With the Altivar 61 Drive, it doesn’t. The Altivar 61 Drive is a variable frequency drive that operates HVAC systems to match the air flow to actual heating and cooling demands. By operating the system at optimum capacity, power usage is reduced and energy is saved. It’s a system that’s easy to say yes to. • Fast Payback: On average, customers see a payback period in less than 18 months. •

Reduced Costs: Buildings using the Altivar 61 Drive will see increased comfort and reduced maintenance costs and downtime.

• Green Incentives: An excellent way for projects to take advantage of state and local government incentives is by going green.

Start saving your customers money! Contact DSG today!

58 www.dakotasupplygroup.com

Back To The Basics Everyone knows that I like to hunt. I also fish

It’s time to improve business from the inside out,

on occasion (OK, it might be a little more than

with planning and education. Take DSG’s own

“on occasion”). There’s something about being

contractor education programs, for example.

outdoors, away from the crowds of modern We heard recently from a contractor who told life, that helps you reconnect with the basics us that he would have never been able to adapt in life. Your goals are simple, your strategies are

to last year’s economic roller coaster without

tried and true and there’s a certain satisfaction

the business tools he got from DSG’s Better

pay off in the end.

I also think it’s time to jump in the truck

Lately, I’ve been thinking that it’s time to

and make some sales calls. Go and see your

get back to basics in our businesses, as well. We customers. Visit your business partners. Bring had a few years of success and growth that were

along some donuts. Talk about hunting. Ask

a little unreal. But the past year has reminded about their families. There’s something about us what reality is like. It’s hard work.

shaking hands with a customer and laughing

To succeed in a new economy where there’s

together about a play from last night’s game

competition for every dollar, it’s time for all

that just can’t be replicated electronically.

of us to take our customer service up a notch. Then ask about business, and spend some time listening to what they have to say. Think about how you can make their company more efficient, or their jobs easier. Tell them about some of your ideas, or about some of the new technology you’ve heard about. Together, you’ll generate ideas that you may not have

CONNECTIONS

that comes from knowing that hard work will Business Boot Camp.

thought of alone. I’m confident that we are going to put this economic downturn behind us, and we’re going to do it with big ideas, hard work and personal communication. Get together with your friends, your partners and with DSG. You’ll be glad you did.

Tom Rosendahl President

Winter 2009 CONNECTIONS

www.dakotasupplygroup.com North Dakota: Bismarck (800) 363-7112 Fargo (800) 437-4702 Grand Forks (800) 633-2211 Minot (800) 472-2145 Williston (800) 637-0170

South Dakota: Aberdeen (800) 660-5532 Mitchell (800) 660-5534 Pierre (800) 660-5537 Rapid City (800) 660-5538 Sioux Falls Electrical (800) 540-8215 Sioux Falls Mechanical (800) 660-5528 Sioux Falls Waterworks (800) 660-5531

Minnesota:

Alexandria (800) 345-0094 Bemidji (866) 506-0280 Benson (800) 222-3181 Brooklyn Park (800) 422-7237 Burnsville (800) 325-0514 St. Paul (800) 652-9784