The Guzzler Classic is the vacuum truck — the standard all others are measured against. Doing more in less time (and at less cost) defines this classic.
Safety-enhanced access to top of truck
Improved air routing and filtration
Easy maintenance with smart-design access points
Emergency stop and improved grounding
New Jersey Septic Management Group, LLC is a stateof-the-art septic services company and much more. The full-service business, under Jason Drift, CEO, provides commercial and residential septic systems installation, maintenance, repair, and inspection for several western counties of the state. However, the scope of the company’s mission far exceeds the traditional goals of septic service operators. The powerful technologies and processes its leadership
have in place are designed to facilitate the expansive objectives that will position the company to achieve that vision.
NJ SEPTIC MANAGEMENT LEADS INDUSTRY IN
This full-scope New Jersey septic management provider is breaking ground by adopting the world’s most advanced septic tank health technology and by innovating the industry’s most comprehensive and
an external team of network platform developers to realize Jason Drift’s technological vision for NJ Septic Management.
As New Jersey’s leading septic systems management company, NJ Septic invests in the most advanced service equipment and operations software. The company’s operating principles are defined by choices
of means and methods that help protect the region’s groundwater and that help septic services business operators throughout the industry do their work more efficiently and conveniently to produce the best quality results for property owners while minimizing costs for their septic businesses and their customers.
We are fortunate to have Jason share his amazing story of the development and growth of this exceptional east-coast service business with us:
Our original family business was commercial exterior maintenance called Dutchtown Nursery. We worked for residential homeowners and commercial maintenance providers. Johnson & Johnson was one of my father’s customers for many years. But, the lawn maintenance, building maintenance, and other
continued on page 12
services we performed didn’t really drive me. I liked more the big yellow equipment, like trackhoes and dump trucks. I also looked at competition and found there wasn’t a lot of opportunity there for the sense of challenge that motivates me most. Anyone with a backhoe and dump truck could do it.
On the path I chose, I liked the equipment, I liked seeing a house improve with your work. I initially focused on the real estate world. In most cases, minor repairable items or full replacement jobs for people who were often very stressed during the experience of buying and/or selling a home.
I started the company in 2002, and then I started the maintenance side of the business in 2004. We originally started installing advanced treatment systems with peat
moss. With that product there is a requirement to perform semi-annual service. I learned preventive maintenance is important for effluent filters in septic tanks.
I discovered that multiple contractors for septic pump outs I was familiar with were simply removing the water from the customers’ tanks and not the sludge. They were taking the easy way out. Then, we’d find that 6 months later the property owners needed a proper septic tank cleaning. In 2007, we applied for our own license. It’s a long, drawn-out process.
But, that’s what got me into the maintenance side with advanced treatment systems — it was knowing I could do the best job for the customers. Now we work with Norweko and Hoot Systems. They’re for aerobic systems, vs. those using peat.
continued on page 14
We’ve always been a group of people working toward the same goals, sharing the same values...
It’s a family business. My brother is a custom home builder. My father has a lot of skills and does a lot of different things at 82 years old. Both my father and my brother are silent partners in the business. Peyton, my daughter, has come on board to fill a major role in the company. My son just graduated too, and he is coming into the business. There are others involved too.
Our progress is never the result of just one person—it’s the strength of our group. From the beginning, over 20 years ago, we chose the name to reflect our vision: to serve the state and operate as a true group. We’ve always been a group of people working toward the same goals, sharing the same values, and supporting each other every step of the way.
At our office, we truly operate as a team. Everyone steps up and helps each other out—we all wear many hats and work together to keep things running smoothly. My sister-in-law Tracey is our accountant and handles credit card processing and bookkeeping, but her role goes far beyond that. She plays an integral part in the day-to-day operations. Vicki manages all
continued on page 16
of our service program contracts, but she’s also the go-to for troubleshooting, scheduling, and just about everything else. Peyton leads our marketing efforts, works closely with our team in India, generates repair estimates, and continues to take on more responsibility as the company grows.
During some seasons, we average about 18 employees, including myself. I don’t know the exact size of our fleet, probably 30 to 40 trucks. We do snow removal in the winter. If we’re just counting septic trucks, it’s probably about 15. What we tool each truck for is specifically what we need for the service we provide with that vehicle. We have checklists for tools that go out every morning with each truck. The pre- and postservice checklists include the daily tool and vehicle maintenance checks. That helps us efficiently control monitoring of particular tools and needs for proper care of the vehicles.
We have service vans for servicing customers’ septic systems, inspection vehicles, repair vehicles, and different sets of tools for each. We have Ford pickups, Western Star, Freightline, and Macks. We operate two locations in the same community, just 5 minutes apart. Our office and maintenance shop are at one location and our second location has 2 mechanics. My brother can do almost anything in mechanical repair. But,
Everything you need in a compact, efficient footprint.
The NEW Spartan Defender is a complete all-in-one skid-mounted system. Effective jetting coupled with a powerful vacuum pump puts everything you need to service and clean lines in one compact footprint.
With 3,000 PSI at 10 GPM jetting performance and a powerful suction pump, the Defender is ideal for grease trap maintenance, cleaning and maintaining small septic tanks, and removing waste from live sewers. Its compact footprint and new trailer mount version makes it easy to transport to the job site. Don't just clear the line, defend it.
conventional trucks roll out of the driveway—they just don’t compare.
Not having to put hoses together and break them down after each use is a big help. In our area, we only have 2 facilities where we can dump. Depending on where we’re servicing, it may be an hour and a half or 2 hours round-trip to drive to one of those. Using the onsite filtration method enables us to double or nearly triple what we can do in a day, and we save the dumping fees, all that time, and the big fuel expense. It’s also a huge benefit to the environment.
Some homeowners are convinced that a full 1,000-gallon pump-out is the only way to go, and
We take the time to explain the process and answer questions, and that effort makes all the difference.
they may be skeptical of anything different. But in most cases, educating those customers has been surprisingly easy. We take the time to explain the process and answer questions, and that effort makes all the difference. While some operators might not feel comfortable having those conversations—or might
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communication. I like to say we pretty much operate six different companies under one roof. For customers of each type of service we offer, succeeding depends on cultivating relationships with builders, sellers, attorneys, and others.
Whether we’re doing emergency repairs, or other major or minor repairs, once the work is completed, we always reach out to our customers to let them know it’s done. Depending on what kind of business we’re doing with them, education, communicating, and following up is most important. Peyton added, building relationships with customers over the phone and through email is key too. People really do appreciate a nice email. When they understand what’s happening step-by-step, they thank you so much.
Jason summed up the team’s attitude: You have to treat every customer like they’re your only customer, because they’re the only one that matters to them. They may need you for a minor item currently and then a major job in the future. You have to treat everyone equally, regardless of the size of the job you’re doing for someone right now.
It’s hard to sum up the best advice all in a single quote, to be honest, but what’s worked for me is really enjoying what I do, which is really taking the time to educate people and enjoy the industry and what it has to offer. Ours is one of the few industries that can’t get replaced or outsourced. It’s not going away. Almost everybody outside city limits anywhere in the country needs it.
There are lots of opportunities to run a successful
company if you’re making sure the customer is heard, and if you deliver a quality service product. I know it’s not the most glamorous career, but there is probably more opportunity to succeed in this business than many other alternatives.
For information about New Jersey Septic Management Group, LLC, Belle Mead, NJ, call (908) 874-4669 or visit nj-septic.com.
Coxreels V-100 Series product line has been improved and expanded! Introducing the new 1-1/4" vacuum hose reel V-112-735 without hose and the V-112H-735 with hose. The new model is a smaller frame size featuring 12" diameter discs instead of the original 17" diameter discs and is designed for use with 35' of 1-1/4" vacuum hose. The outlet connecting to the hose remains 1-1/2" and our 1-1/4" hose comes equipped with 1-1/2" slip cuffs on both ends for maximum flow.
swivel also includes hidden improvements via an enhanced O-ring sealing system for greater vacuum consistency and performance.
...the swivel has been improved on the entire product line.
In addition to the new models, the swivel has been improved on the entire product line. The new swivel design still allows for the connection of multiple hose sizes by using the inside and the outside of the housing, but a greater gradual taper has increased the amount of compatible inlet hose cuffs. This remains important because retail shop vacuums are coming with larger and larger hoses, some as big as 2.5". The
The hose has a super flexible “crush-proof” smooth interior hose suitable for commercial cleaning applications and is equipped with standard 1.5" threaded hose cuffs on both hose sizes. Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality professional grade hose, cord, and cable reels since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels® takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting all of their products right here in the U.S.A.
For further information on Coxreels® new options for the V-100 Series, contact Customer Service at (800) 269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.
Muncie, Ind., March 6, 2025 — Muncie Power Products, Inc. is excited to announce the release of the Z21 Series and Z25 Series power take-offs, designed specifically for RAM TorqueFlite HD/ZF PowerLine transmissions.
The Z21 Series is designed for the right side (passenger side) of RAM applications. This PTO is a medium-duty, clutch shift with a single torque rating of 265 lbs.ft. It features a rotatable pump flange for optimal pump mounting flexibility and trusted clutch pack technology.
The Z25 Series is designed for the left side (driver side) of RAM applications. This PTO is a light-duty, clutch shift with a single torque rating of 125 lbs.ft. Its low-profile housing allows for our PF4 Series Gear Pump and FX Series
For more information, visit munciepower.com/ram.
Muncie Power Products, Inc., is one of the leading manufacturers of power take-offs and fluid power components.
First Full-sound Attenuated Portable Diesel-Driven Pump Developed and Built 25 Years Ago
Port Orange, FL- For 25 years, Thompson Pump has been keeping your neighborhood construction pumping equipment quieter. Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company, an ISO 9001-certified and one of the country’s leading manufacturers of heavyduty bypass and dewatering pumps, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first-ever full-sound attenuated portable diesel-driven pump in the United States, Silent Knight®.
This sound attenuated canopy reduces pump noise levels to or below 69 dBA. The Thompson Pump Silent Knight features:
4 Sound enclosure to reduce noise pollution, allowing operation in noise-sensitive areas
4 Lockable doors to provide resistance to vandalism
4 Physical barrier to protect workers from machine parts
4 Protective enclosure to shield equipment from environmental and physical impacts
4 Built-in containment system to eliminate spills
In the late 1990s, an increase in urbanization and infrastructure development led to a rise in residential, public and commercial construction projects. With more of these projects taking place in densely populated areas, construction noise in neighborhoods became a big issue, facilitating the need for quieter equipment.
One such project was the expansion of the University of Central Florida campus with the development of Research Park and Greek Park. Contractors called on Thompson Pump to provide pumping equipment to dewater the construction sites but wanted the equipment to minimize noise due to its proximity to neighborhoods and businesses. Thompson Pump quickly began designing and building a prototype unit to be tested on the jobsite. The unit was a six-inch portable diesel driven pump with a metal enclosure containing sound absorbing material that covered the pump and engine for noise abatement, affectionately nicknamed “Silent Knight®”. With the prototype, Thompson Pump engineers achieved an overall noise level 10-15 decibels lower than the non-sound attenuated version.
The Silent Knight became an instant success and
after a few weeks, word spread, and more contractors started asking for this new sound attenuated pump. Over the next several months, Thompson Pump produced several more units which were placed in operation throughout the region in areas near hospitals, commercial districts and residential neighborhoods. The Silent Knight line has since been expanded to include various types of pumps, sizes and power sources. Today, almost 50% of Thompson Pump’s production includes sound attenuated pumps.
For more information on the Silent Knight and what it can do for you, contact sales@thompsonpump.com.
An ISO 9001 Certified company, Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company is an award-winning, full-service manufacturer and provider of high-quality, high-performance pumps, pumping equipment and engineering expertise for bypass pumping, dewatering, mining and flood control. Thompson Pump defines what is “state-of-the-art” in the industry and is dedicated to producing new and innovative dewatering and construction pump products. For more, visit thompsonpump.com.
here are a few tips from the team at Vactor for this year's spring cleaning.
Spring can be particularly hard on sewer systems as additional buildup can contribute to frequent blockages. Vactor is here to help...
4 KNOW WHAT LIES BELOW. Many factors contribute to blockages in sewer lines. Tree and plant roots can get caught up in the mess causing an increased risk. Before taking on a clogged sewer, operators may want to use a remote
camera to identify the “root” of the problem. With something such as H.A.L.O (Hands-Free Accessory Light Option), operators have a safe, efficient way to see what is happening in those dark sewers.
4 APPLY PROPER PRESSURE. It is important to know the size of the pipe before water jetting to ensure that the appropriate pressure is being
While
vacuum systems are a common choice for cleaning up excess water, a catch basin cleaning machine might also be a great option in the spring These machines can suck up blockages like litter and leaves,
used. The wrong flow can leave residents with blown toilets and other damage to their homes. For adjusting pressure, Vactor has Multiflow technology, allowing the water flow to be set at a low RPM while utilizing peak pressure.
4 APRIL SHOWERS BRING...EXCESS WATER. While vacuum systems are a common choice for cleaning up excess water, a catch basin cleaning machine might also be a great option in the spring. These machines can suck up blockages like litter and leaves, preventing flooding. They also remove pollutants before returning the stormwater to a natural water source.
4 TAKE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES. To decrease the risk of sewer blockages, start at the
source. Municipalities should educate residents and business owners about proper waste management and invest in routine street sweeping.
4 STAY ON TOP OF CLEANING. As snow melts, trash, sand, leaves, and other debris resurface and make their way into the sewer system. Make sure to treat new blockages as soon as possible to prevent them from growing.
Proper infrastructure maintenance sets the foundation for a clean, safe community. An efficient sewer system is essential to a municipality's function, and the team at Vactor works hard to ensure quality sewer maintenance is possible no matter the weather.
Keep communities clean from the bottom up. For
• West Coast portable sanitation & VIP trailers, $30mm revenue - under LOI
• Midwest portable sanitation & liquid waste hauling, $16mm revenue
• Southcentral portable sanitation & rolloff, $15mm revenue – under LOI
• East Coast restroom & shower trailer rental, $11mm revenue
• West Coast Emergency Services, $8mm revenue
• Southcentral portable sanitation & rolloff, $7mm revenue
• Northeast septic pumping, installation & repair, $5mm revenue
• Plains solid waste hauler & rolloff, $5mm revenue
• West coast portable sanitation, $4mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation & rolloff, $4mm revenue • Southeast solid waste & rolloff, $3.5mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation, $2.5mm revenue – under LOI
• Northeast septic pumping & installation, $2.5mm revenue
• Northeast portable sanitation, $2mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation, $1.5mm revenue – under LOI
• Northeast portable sanitation & rolloff, $1.5mm revenue
• Southeast portable sanitation, $1mm revenue – under LOI
• More coming soon!
Our new B1100 Spartan Pump Pack is built around the Battioni Ballast 11000 rotary vacuum pump. This pump is an absolute beast. The Ballast Pump is the perfect choice for heavy-duty applications, thanks to its innovative Crash Protection System. Featuring a sliding flange protection mechanism, this system prevents housing or rotor breakage in the event of vanes crashing. This ensures reliable and efficient operation, even in the toughest conditions.
With 3000 PSI of pressure and our premium aluminum cam-over box, our American made Jetter unit is reliable and tough enough for any job, including washing decking, driveways, or jetting out the toughest clogged pipes and drains.
• USA Made 24”x24”x48” Aluminum Box
• Stainless Steel Cam Over Latch with Padlock
• One Piece Gasket with Rain Gutter
• Jetter Stand with Anti-Vibration Pads
• Honda GX390 Gas Engine with Electric Start
• Rear Access Removable Panel with Vents
• Hannay Electric Reel with 200ft of Hose
• Guide Rollers and Electric Rewind Reel
• Wash Down Gun with Quick Connect Tips
PART NUMBER: 5000-8000
3,000 PSI
Finding legal and convenient disposal sites is a growing problem.
Many wastewater treatment plants have tightened restrictions on what they accept, limiting options for contractors. Some require pre-treatment before accepting hauled waste..
wastewater disposal. Contractors must log every gallon, noting where it was collected, where it was dumped and how it was treated. Some states mandate electronic reporting, while others still allow paper logs. Either way, missing records can bring hefty penalties.
This burden grows even more if you’re working across multiple jurisdictions. If you’re serving different counties or states, you may have to juggle different reporting requirements for each. Without a streamlined system, it's easy to fall behind.
while others prohibit it entirely. Failing to comply can lead to fines, license suspensions or legal action.
Finding legal and convenient disposal sites is a growing problem. Many wastewater treatment plants have tightened restrictions on what they accept, limiting options for contractors. Some require pretreatment before accepting hauled waste, while others impose volume limits that don’t necessarily align with your business needs.
Rural areas often have even fewer options. You may need to drive long distances to the nearest approved site, reducing your profits. Sometimes, wastewater plants simply stop accepting outside waste, forcing businesses to scramble for alternatives.
Many regulators require detailed tracking of
Portable restroom contractors face unique challenges. While septic pumping is heavily regulated, portable toilet waste falls into somewhat of a gray area in some states. Some locations classify it as domestic sewage, making disposal a simpler matter, while others require more special handling.
Stormwater regulations can also cause problems. Some areas prohibit washing portable restrooms in yards or shop facilities unless wastewater is captured and disposed of properly. What counts as “proper” disposal can vary, too, leaving contractors vulnerable to violations.
Staying compliant means staying informed. As a contractor, you should regularly check for updates from state environmental agencies and local health departments. Joining industry associations can also help. Groups like the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) or state-specific associations often provide regulatory updates and training.
Investing in digital recordkeeping tools can also make compliance easier. Many software options track
continued on page 36
2025 Peterbilt 567 with 4200
2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with 1200-gallon 2C (300 water/950 waste), with a Masport HD4 hydraulic drive with a cooler, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind DC 10 water pump, dual-side bucket fill, dual 36” toolboxes, dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders
$130,000.00
2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with a 999-gallon 2C (300 water/699 waste), with a Masport HD3 engine drive, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind 45 PSI water system, dual-side bucket fill, dual 48” toolboxes (not shown), dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders
$107,000.00 (Gas Models starting at 96,000.00 complete)
2025 Peterbilt 537 Paccar PX-7 equipped with with an Allison 2500 RDS-P Transmission Gen 6, a 2500-gallon 2C (200 freshwater/2300 waste), Masport Titan 407 CFM’s, Masport water system PTO driven with 50’ rewind garden hose, 48” Toolbox
$168,950.00
Optional Add-on: Jetter Box $6,000.00
Industrial vacuum trucks are put to work every day in some of the most demanding settings. From oil and gas fields to chemical plants and paper mills, these mighty machines tackle some of the toughest jobs. It can be dangerous work, and thorough training and following safety guidelines are important. Before
starting any job in adverse conditions, here are few tips from the experts at Guzzler:
1. PROTECTION: Operators should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Depending on the job, this may include gloves, eye protection and respiratory gear. The right PPE protects operators from all types of
Be sure to properly label, handle and dispose of hazardous materials... Doing so reduces the risk to the operator, crew mates and the environment. It’s important to strictly follow safety guidelines for these materials.
hazardous materials by creating a barrier between the operator and the materials at that site.
2. HANDLING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Be sure to properly label, handle and dispose of hazardous materials. Examples include chemicals, debris, and oil. Doing so reduces the risk to the operator, crew mates
and the environment. It’s important to strictly follow safety guidelines for these materials.
3. STABLE GROUND: Uneven terrain and unstable surfaces can lead to accidents or even tipping. Assess ground conditions before setting up. Maintaining a level surface is a safety measure.
5
CHOOSING THE RIGHT VACUUM TRUCK ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE BRAND OR SIZE. FOR SEPTIC, SEWER, AND PORTABLE RESTROOM CONTRACTORS, IT’S ABOUT HOW THE TRUCK PERFORMS ON THE JOB, DAY AFTER DAY, SITE AFTER SITE. THE WRONG SETUP WASTES TIME, WHILE THE RIGHT FEATURES CAN MAKE TOUGH WORK FASTER AND SAFER. HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU WANT YOUR VACUUM TRUCK TO PULL ITS WEIGHT.
1. A PUMP THAT MATCHES THE WORKLOAD
If the pump is underpowered, the whole truck is slower. For septic tank jobs or portable restroom routes, a strong and reliable pump keeps things moving. Vacuum levels around 27” Hg are standard, but the airflow also matters. Higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) means faster tank recovery, which cuts time at each stop.
For contractors hauling both liquids and semi-solids, a blower or vane pump that can handle thicker material is worth it. Look for brands with solid field reputations, and make sure the pump is easy to access and service. Downtime hits harder when it’s the pump that fails.
The tank is essentially part of your workflow. First, think about volume. Too small, and you're making extra trips. Too big, and you may run into weight limits...
SMART TANK DESIGN
The tank is essentially part of your workflow. First, think about volume. Too small, and you're making extra trips. Too big, and you may run into weight limits, especially on soft ground or older streets.
Aluminum tanks are lighter, which helps with fuel efficiency and weight restrictions. Steel tanks are stronger and better for thicker sludge. Whichever you choose, internal coating matters if you’re hauling corrosive waste.
Also, check how the tank empties. A full rear-opening door with a strong hydraulic system saves you time and hassle when offloading. Operators shouldn’t have to fight with stuck sludge or poorly designed controls.
REAL CONTROLS, NOT JUST BELLS AND WHISTLES
Controls should be simple, reliable and placed where
the operator needs them. Digital panels can be helpful, but not if they freeze up in the cold or fail in the rain. Manual backup is always a smart move.
Remote controls are another plus. They let you operate the pump, boom or valves from outside the truck. This can save you a ton of time, especially if you’re working solo. Make sure they’re rugged enough for real-world use, though, not just for sunny demos in a parking lot.
Every minute spent uncoiling or digging out hoses is time you’re not pumping. Hose trays or reels should be easy to reach, well-supported and built to hold the length and size you use most.
Some setups come with hydraulic or spring-loaded reels, which can help if you're using long suction lines or working in tight areas. Separate storage also keeps hose sizes from tangling if you have multiple sizes for different jobs.
Make sure there’s a place to store used hose without making a mess in the cab or bed. Small details like this make a difference over the course of a full shift.
A lot of jobs start early and run late. Good lighting is not just about convenience but about safety. LED floodlights around the tank, pump area and hose reels help you avoid accidents and work faster when visibility drops.
Backup cameras and audible alarms help prevent costly mistakes in tight yards or crowded events. And don’t forget basic safety gear: cone holders, eyewash stations, spill kits. It all adds up when things go wrong.
Some trucks now come with real-time weight
monitoring. That can keep you legal on the road and help you load more efficiently. It's not a must-have, but something worth asking about if you’re buying new.
Contractors don’t have time to fight their own equipment. A good vacuum truck should help you do more work with less hassle. When you’re choosing your next rig, don’t just look at specs on paper. Think about how the truck will hold up after a year on challenging routes.
Reliable pump, smart tank setup, real-world controls, better hose management and safety you don’t have to think about — those are the features that save time, reduce stress and keep the job moving.
SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN LIQUID WASTE MAGAZINE FOR REAL-WORLD TIPS, PRODUCT INSIGHTS AND STORIES FROM CONTRACTORS WHO KNOW THE JOB INSIDE AND OUT.
commercial economy. The increasing rate of female business ownership is expected to continue escalating through this year. This trend is facilitated by the growth of professional support networks for women and greater access to investment capital for female-owned businesses. In the health and wellness, technology, and sustainable products industries, entry barriers have been reduced.
Women’s emphasis on company culture and business models based on community needs are leading to innovation. Minority women account for a large percentage of the increased rate of women entrepreneurs in the US. Grants and other special venture funding programs benefiting women will continue to promote their progress and the greater economic growth of the country.
2. Entrepreneurship no longer feared as an extreme risk
Starting a business or buying an existing one has become accepted as a career pursuit that is no longer perceived by society as an extremely high risk as such a venture was in the past. The commercial environment of small and medium-sized businesses is now shaped by this great change in the way entrepreneurship is viewed. Due to this powerful trend in understanding, small businesses will drive business growth this year and beyond.
Entrepreneurs are increasingly diversifying their financing resources for improved stability and to support growth. Even as the economic environment is becoming more uncertain and operational costs are expected to rise, business owners are utilizing
loans, grants, and alternative funding to maintain their financial adaptability. Strong strategic planning and financial management enables business owners to respond to changing market conditions and advance their goals.
Obstacles to growth, such as funding plans for aggressive scaling, managing quality and customer experience, boosting market competitiveness, innovating, achieving digital maturity, and, ultimately, maintaining profitability will challenge all who choose business ownership as their career path. Nevertheless, aspiring to entrepreneurship can be expected to become the standard for the generation, as entry barriers continue to shrink, including availability of capital.
3. Government policy changes affecting small businesses
Federal policy changes can be expected to affect small businesses at the bottom line this year and over the next several, at least. Threatened stark shifts in tariffs and other international trade policies, as well as tax regulations impacting domestic pricing, are contributing to pervasive uncertainty about supply chain viability and retail product sales projections.
Threats of reciprocal tariffs, economic sanctions, and other forms of international conflict can be expected to influence the ways small business owners think, plan, and operate. That can affect growth results.
Small business owners need to be agile in adjusting to these chaotic conditions and stay informed as
continued on page 50
25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imported goods and 10% added to existing Chinese tariffs would increase prices for US consumers by about 0.75%...
4. AI issues of concern to small business operators
As information technology advancements continue, small business owners can expect their operations to be virtually unavoidably affected by the widespread adoption of AI and associated digital resources for upgrading operational efficiency and leveraging growth opportunities. The AI and ML innovations can increase productivity across all departments, from sales to manufacturing, to shipping, to service.
changes are potentially forthcoming. Federal tax allowances that help businesses expire at yearend 2025. Those are expected to be renewed by Congress before that deadline. They include the 20% deduction for small businesses, bonus depreciation, estate exemptions, reduced income tax rates, and other important tax benefits. Additionally, Congress is expected to reinstate certain popular R&D expense allowances that had been discontinued.
Yale’s Budget Lab research has reportedly concluded that 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imported goods and 10% added to existing Chinese tariffs would increase prices for US consumers by about 0.75% through the following year, which amounts to over $1,000 in reduced buying power for US families. Unemployment rates may escalate due to the drop in international production and trade. Further, regional military conflicts and even attacks on maritime shipping transport may be expected to rise over the coming periods, causing cost increases for businesses and end consumers. Business owners should develop flexible contingency plans and be prepared to vet new trade partners as necessary.
These tech changes can further empower business leaders to maintain greater agility under rapidly changing market conditions. For example, when consumers demand increased flexibility, convenience, or personal control over their relationships with vendors, or product improvements, small businesses can distinguish themselves by adroitly responding with creative, innovative solutions.
Cybersecurity is among the most pressing concerns of business managers in any size company. Breeches, recovery, systems upgrades, monitoring improvements, downtime, and other costs of internal and external networked systems security issues are now in the billions of dollars every year in the US. AI is exacerbating the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, data reporting errors, and other difficulties that the paradigm-shifting technology is expected ultimately to cure. Although, eventually, AI can be predicted to help small businesses gain efficiencies, the current growing pains of the technology across the business sector add to security challenges for company managers.
continued on page 52
AI is making it easier for network hackers with nefarious intent to exploit systemic weaknesses and commit financial crimes victimizing business owners and their customers. From ransomware to other forms of malware, from phishing to other kinds of data breaches, to blatant identity theft, small businesses are struck 400% more frequently by cyber criminals than larger enterprises with better-protected IT systems. The problem is, unfortunately, expected to grow this year as cyber criminals integrate AI into their own tech. 6. Increasing inflation and currency devaluation risks
If the dollar becomes stronger this year, US exporters of various product types can expect increased profits from sales to various foreign markets. On the other hand, if Mexico, Canada, China, or other countries levy retaliatory tariffs, US exports will naturally realize reduced profit margins. Impacted businesses will either need to recover the differential from their customers to maintain margins or pursue different markets for growth.
Additionally, some foreign trading partners may begin quickly buying up as much US inventory as possible, potentially leading to cash shortages that will impact upcoming quarters for US sellers. Or, payment defaults may increase if some foreign traders opt to decline absorbing the increased costs after receiving order deliveries. Further, some suppliers in foreign countries may raise prices for American business buyers, knowing their options have become limited for some kinds of goods. In any of these cases, small business owners are advised to assess all your trading options, select the overall best for your particular company, and pursue it despite tariffs.
Now that business ownership is no longer feared as an excessively highrisk proposition and with so many retirees selling their businesses, we can expect a strong rate of business buying this year. After all, today’s small business owners benefit from more innovative tech-facilitated approaches to business development...
The above trends have been identified in data reflecting US small business behavior relevant to forming projections for growth and assumptions for business budgeting. Notwithstanding risks, from supply-chain glitches to climate risks to political and social upsets, to economic espionage, and even terrorism risks, social unrest, and others all loom over the US American business landscape, the small business subsector is anticipated to drive the country’s economic growth through 2025.
Now that business ownership is no longer feared as an excessively high-risk proposition and with so many retirees selling their businesses, we can expect a strong rate of business buying this year. After all, today’s small business owners benefit from more innovative tech-facilitated approaches to business development, and deeper understanding of the
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American Tank Co. 25 254-721-5675 / atcvacuumtruck.com
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Bright Dyes 56 800-394-0678 / brightdyes.com
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