February 2014
www.dakotasupplygroup.com
SPOTLIGHT Tom's
Current
Image Control I follow Michael Stone’s blog on markupandprofit.com, and recently he had a very enlightening entry about how contractors are perceived by the public. In it, he describes a classic case of one or two bad apples ruining the barrel. In particular, he points to dishonest contractors who focus only on making a quick buck. When the local news covers their actions, it gives all of us in the construction industry a bad name. However, there isn’t much to learn from this group. “Don’t be a crook” seems like a lesson most of us embraced in grade school, and for those who haven’t, a blog or a newsletter article is hardly going to change their minds. On the other hand, Stone goes on to describe another type of contractor that is tarnishing public opinion. He doesn’t have a name for them, but I’m going to call them “treaders.” Treaders are most often good people, and they’re almost always skilled workers who have proven themselves to be the cream of the crop in their trade (electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, etc.). Because they were so highly regarded, they started their own business, even though they didn’t have much experience running one. Like all new businesses, at first they took whatever jobs they could get. But because they didn’t know how to estimate correctly or budget properly, they didn’t plan for profit. That’s when the treading started. They started scrambling towards the next job to pay off the expenses
from the last job. They worked so hard trying to catch up that they never established good business habits (consistently tracking expenses, successfully managing collections, accurately reporting taxes). Today, they continue to tread like crazy, but never make any real progress. Fortunately, there’s a cure for treaders: business training. Michael Stone offers this himself, but so do companies like DSG (take our Power Tools Success Workshops or upcoming P4 Learning Labs, for example). These educational opportunities offer insights from contracting experts who understand how to create accurate bids, set realistic budgets, improve customer service and more. And it’s not just about fixing problems. Some of DSG’s most successful contracting customers send employees to P4 year after year. They use it as an opportunity to improve – and it shows. After all, good business training helps contractors to work on their business rather than simply in their business. The best way to upgrade our image is by improving how we do business, and that’s true for all of us. Join us for P4 and let’s do it together.
ELECTRICAL The Efficiency Of LED Plus An Impressive Lumen Output – RAB’s Dusk To Dawn LED Yardblaster Is Just What Your Customers Have Been Looking For! Made to replace 175W mercury vapor traditional fixtures, the Yardblaster’s outstanding coverage and widespread light distribution are perfect for large yards, barns, docks, entrances, porches and driveways.
Easy to install in both new and retrofit applications! • Comes in both wall and pole mount models • Stands up to tough environments with its rugged aluminum housing and weather-resilient, powder coat finish • Features a small profile at under 6" in height With features like these, your customers won’t be able to resist! • Rated to last 27 years (based on an average daily use of 10 hours) • Features a dusk-to-dawn photocell for improved security and switch-free convenience • Includes a vandal-resistant polycarbonate lens • Comes in cool, neutral and warm color temperatures to match landscaping
COMMUNICATIONS Reduce Long-term Injuries And Discomfort On Job Sites! Extreme Standing Mats® from Working Concepts, Inc., are the ultimate shock absorbers for jobs where workers are required to stand for long periods of time with little movement.
A safe and healthy worker is a productive worker! Extreme Standing Mats: • Keep the body in gentle motion to improve circulation and joint lubrication • Eliminate high-frequency vibrations • Strengthen the muscles that keep us upright and balanced DSG PRODUCT# W45032 W45070
Printed On 100% Recycled Paper!
Fast FACT
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is usually the female’s responsibility. White Day, on March 14, is the man’s turn to reciprocate.
UTILITY Proven, Simple And Safe – The BREAK-SAFE® Load Break And Pickup Tool From Utility Solutions Is A Must-Have. The BREAK-SAFE® is the only load break and load pickup tool available in the world. Lightweight and compact, in the hands of a trained lineman the BREAK-SAFE® functions as a portable switch to provide repair/maintenance convenience and flexibility almost anywhere on the system.
Maximize efficiency and shorten power outages! • The BREAK-SAFE® enables linemen to sectionalize distribution lines safely in less time and with less manpower. • Load break and load pickup can now be done with just one tool. • Connects to standard jumper/grounding cables and is rated for 300 amps – load break, pickup, and continuous current. Improve safety! • The BREAK-SAFE® is operated with a hot stick or shotgun stick, keeping the lineman at a safe distance from live lines. • The locking pin ensures that the tool stays either open or closed. • The yellow indicator band provides visual assurance of the tool’s position.
PLUMBING The Slim Line Jaws And Power Press Tool Gives Your Efficiency A Boost And Your Muscles A Break. New from Heatlink and DSG, it's going to make your job a lot easier!
Save money! • No need to buy multiple tools – just use one tool with jaws ranging in size from .5' to 1.5" • Interchangeable jaws provide flexibility on the job Save muscle power! • Larger diameter PEX connections seem virtually effortless • Easy one-handed operation Save time! • Short pressing cycles of 3-4 seconds • Powerful Makita Li-ion battery charges in just 15 minutes
Pop
Quiz
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Denise Schlegel’s (MDM Kalispell) two-year-old granddaughter, Audrey, caught this pike all on her own at Smith Lake.
in 2003 (a group including LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony), who was the highest paid from 2004-2007?
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NIVERSITY OF
DEVELOP
ING SUPE RIOR
GROWTH
Encourage A Student You Know To Apply For A DSG Education Connection Fund Scholarship The deadline for applications is April 30, 2014. Supporting the trade industries is now more important than ever before, and one way you can contribute is by encouraging a young person you know to explore a career in a trade profession. DSG is helping by providing scholarships through the DSG Education Connection Fund for those who wish to join the trade industries. Since its inception in 2009, the DSG Education Connection Fund has awarded $1,000 scholarships to more than 20 individuals. Scholarships are awarded in the spring, and all applicants will be notified by mail.
Applying is easy! 1. Go to www.dsgfund.com and print off and complete the scholarship application. 2. Attach the proper documentation listed on the application. 3. Mail the completed application to:
DSG Education Connection Fund
c/o Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation 502 1st Ave. N, Suite 202 Fargo, ND 58102-4804
WATERWORKS Buy Any Three Romac Products From DSG, And Get A Coffee Mug For Free! Buy any three of the Romac products featured in this issue of Spotlight, and get a free coffee mug ($25 value) from DSG and Romac between now and March 7, 2014.
SS Series Repair Clamps: Better construction means better performance! • Made with 100 percent stainless steel to eliminate corrosion from dissimilar metals and soil. • Chemically treated to create a corrosion-resistant coating for extra protection. Romac Alpha Restraint And Macro Couplings: One-piece installation, zero extra steps! • Install in about three minutes. • Require only two nuts to torque.
Coffee mug may not be identical to the picture.
HVAC/R B & D Geothermal QT Flow Centers: Reliable Geothermal Technology For Your Customers, Easy Installation And Service For You. These non-pressurized QT Flow Center pumping stations take geothermal heating and cooling to the next level.
Simple installation = increased productivity • Just connect the return line from an earth loop to the QT Flow Center, then connect a supply line from the QT to the heat pump unit. • Its built-in pump protection feature eliminates the need for a flush cart for filling and flushing a closed-loop system when manifolds are indoors. Easy to operate and maintain = fewer callbacks and happier customers • Removable, self-sealing lid keeps dirt and debris out and water in. • Add antifreeze easily by simply removing the lid and pouring it into the air elimination chamber.
DidYou Know?
DESCRIPTION
DSG PRODUCT#
QT Flow Center With 1 Pump........................ 100251 QT Flow Center With 2 Pumps....................... 100250
You can help support the future of the trade industries by making a donation to the DSG Education Connection Fund. Learn how at www.dsgfund.com.
The
WINNERS Of This Month’s
Spotlight Super Code
1189489
1191690
PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE
PAID Detroit Lakes, MN Permit No. 14
Divisions of DS G Box 13573 • Grand Forks, ND 58208-3573
Are...
1194487
Check the code on the printed version of your January issue of Spotlight to see if you are a winner! If your code matches one of the codes above, bring in your January Spotlight to your local DSG to claim your prize! Plus, don’t forget to hang on to the printed version of this issue of Spotlight to see if you’re a winner in March!
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What's Inside
METERING TECHNOLOGY DSG Metering Technology: Partners With Mueller And Hersey The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s an old saying for sure, but it’s also very true. Take, for example, DSG’s new partnership with Mueller Systems and Hersey Meters, two of the biggest names in metering technology. We’re very excited to offer you the advantages that these legendary brands provide, along with technology from our long-term partners like Itron. We’re changing and growing, but most things are still the same: the dedication of our people, the service, and the peace of mind that you’ve come to expect from DSG metering technology are as strong and dependable as ever. Jon Bradley Branch Manager DSG Burnsville / DSG Metering Technology
Tom’s Current February Featured Products Fast Fact DSG Outdoors Pop Quiz University Of DSG Did You Know?