North American Sweeper - December 2021

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DECEMBER Happ 2021

Shop online: parts.odrasweeper.com

I N SI DE

IMPLEMENT THESE 3 TIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITHIN YOUR TEAM p. 8

COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS SEASONAL BRANDING IDEAS p. 1 0

DIVERSIFYING WITH SALES AND SERVICE: LoR e S W E E P I N G p.2 6

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 3

DECEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 12

CONTENTS

Happy Holidays F E AT U R E S 8

Implement These 3 Tips to Improve Communication Within Your Team

10 Community Conscious Seasonal Branding Ideas 16 Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo 2021 Delivers Another Successful Event in Vegas 20 It’s the Most Wonderful Time of The Year…

To Buy Equipment 24 Another Year in the Books!

26 Diversifying with Sales and Service: LoRe Sweeping 34 Index of Advertisers/Classifieds CEO & PUBLISHER Gideon W. Smith

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melissa Kennelly

SENIOR EDITOR Katherine Nolan

EDITORIAL MANAGER Heidi Karpinich

ADVERTISING Tracy Rodean

CIRCULATION Noah Aiden

Phoenix Global Media Inc. P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559 866-418-4400 phone 973-532-0319 fax sales@nasweeper.com North American Sweeper Magazine is published by Phoenix Global Media Inc. Copyright 2020 by Phoenix Global Media Inc. All rights reserved.

SUBSCRIPTIONS $15.00 per year, or by eligible request.

POSTMASTER: Please send changes to North American Sweeper Magazine P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559

Opinions expressed in editorial submissions contributed to North American Sweeper Magazine are those of the individual authors exclusively and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of North American Sweeper Magazine, its staff, its advertisers, or its readership. North American Sweeper Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility toward independently contributed editorial submissions or any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, or missing information within advertising copy.

4 NO R TH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2021

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AdamDomke, CLFP (320) 844-8721 adomke@oakmontfinance.com

EliseLinn, CLFP (320) 844-8802 elinn@oakmontfinance.com

We finance new & used: parking lot sweepers, street sweepers, milling machines and more!

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oakmontfinance.com/sweeper JaymeGerads, CLFP (320) 844-8803 jgerads@oakmontfinance.com

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Lisa James, Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, LLC

MichaelMcElroy, CLFP (612) 251-0804 mmcelroy@oakmontfinance.com

6 NO R TH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2021

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 7

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R

Implement These 3 Tips to

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX Improve Communication Within Your Team

Your street sweeping or paving business should be like a well-

point in your business, or perhaps you’re proud of your interaction with employees. Wherever your enterprise lands, here are three tips to

oiled machine. All segments of the

improve communication within your street

company — from the front office

1. DITCH TEXTING AND OPT FOR AUDIO MESSAGES

to those out in the field — should work in tandem, resulting in a smooth and effective operation.

sweeping or paving team.

We live in an odd time when it comes to cell phone communication. After all, mobile phones are seldom used for calling, and rarely do people leave voicemails anymore. Rather, people often communicate via texting.

However, to reach peak performance, the

However, texting presents a multitude of issues

communication within your company has to

when it comes to communication within your

be clear, simple, and productive. In an industry

team. First of all, texting can be hazardous for a

with many crucial details impacting both the

business constantly operating machinery and

public and private spheres, it’s critical that you

driving.

have an effective communication dynamic amongst your team members.

Maybe you feel communication is a weak

8 NO R TH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R DEC EM BER 2021

Secondly, texting is not clear. People can easily misinterpret a text, believing a message to be completely different from what the writer

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intended. Furthermore, emotional cues are often missed with texting, so how a team member feels about an issue can be lost.

Your business’s bottom

A great alternative to both texting and calling is

line is important, but your

sending audio messages. Making a phone call can

employees are your best investment.

be time-consuming, and texting can be insufficiently descriptive. Audio messages, on the other hand, don’t

If they feel known and valued,

have either of these problems. You can send a short

communication will be better

audio clip explaining a situation or perspective; the

which will, in turn, lead to better

recipient can then listen in their own time and receive both the information you wanted to convey and your

performance and

feelings associated with it.

more profit.

Audio messages are clear, concise, easy, and effective.

Both the iPhone and Android phones have built-in audio messaging capabilities, but there are also many third-

and valued, communication will be better, which will,

party applications available for sending audio messages.

in turn, lead to better performance and more profit.

2. MAKE COMMUNALLY SHARED DOCUMENTS

Thus, morale and success are both boosted — a win-win.

One of the last things you want in your company’s

Set aside time to get to know your employees and

operations is a no-show to a job. An excess of team

show them they are valued. This could be a weekly or

members showing up to the same job is also a problem

monthly event, perhaps as simple as a breakfast hour.

you want to avoid.

This is also an opportunity for co-workers to connect

A simple way to bring clarity to tasks and responsibilities is having communally shared

with each other.

Consider making it enticing to be there by hosting

documents. A very common way through which you can

a giveaway contest, and keep the gathering light and

achieve this is through Google Docs.

short. Something simple and consistent to show your

For instance, you can make a spreadsheet and a

employees that they matter will go a long way.

calendar outlining which team members have which

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT COMMUNICATION

particular tasks on the specific dates and times. Everyone

Communication, or lack thereof, will determine the

will have access to these documents and can make

strength, success, and longevity of your business.

updates to them should they need to do so.

Implement these three communication tips to make

Through these shared documents come clarity and

your company a more thriving and successful workplace

accountability, as well as ease of communication.

for everyone. For more helpful advice to grow your

3. GET TO KNOW EVERYONE THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY

business, subscribe to the North American Sweeper Magazine today.

Your business’s bottom line is important, but your employees are your best investment. If they feel known

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 9

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

Community Conscious

Seasоal Branding Ideas

A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R

‘Tis the season to try something new in your small business branding! So, you

your employees, customers, and community in more meaningful ways this December.

Naturally, you may need to make certain adjustments

need some exciting ideas. Of course, this

in managing some types of activities during 2021, as

is also a popular season of opportunities

COVID remains a concern.

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

TYPES OF PUBLIC AWARENESS BRANDING?

for social and environmental impact.

Free or low-cost small business branding ideas that

Let’s look at some ways to achieve

are especially suited to December 2021 can include

the right kind of exposure for your

internal and community contributions to efforts

pavement sweeping business while you’re prioritizing giving back this holiday season.

B

to increase social awareness and promoting the concepts: 4 Expressing gratitude 4 Supporting worthy charitable causes 4 Outreach to other local businesses for publicly sharing:

elow are some lists of suggested social

n Their experience in 2020 and 2021

and environmental awareness causes

n Hopes and plans for the future

for December community service activities your

n Goal and objective setting

company may choose to support. There are many

n Thought Leadership

different kinds of creative options for business

n Lessons for Entrepreneurs

promotions, events, online branding activities, and

4 Appreciation activities for customers, workers,

other ideas for your business to embark on to help

family, and friends of the business

promote this season of gratitude and giving.

4 O ther initiatives to promote a sense of personal

Maybe your company will adopt one of these

empowerment and greater gratitude for the

important causes as your own, or use these ideas as

current position of the company and the families

inspiration for your creative initiatives to connect with

involved in it. continued on page 12

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 11

BUSINESS CORNER

CHOICES OF PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

4 A toy drive

In addition to celebrating the holidays and promoting

4 An adopt a shelter animal drive

gratitude, there are other great themes for December.

4 A coat drive

These efforts get your business out in the local

4 A day stocking shelves at a food pantry

community, which cultivates the familiarity that fosters

SUPPORT DON’T-SHAVE DECEMBER

a strong local brand.

The No-Shave December movement is growing

I N D U S T RY N E W S

Adopt one of these great causes as your own, or use

in more ways than one. Every year at this time, an

these suggestions as inspiration for your own creative

increasing number of men throughout the country

community support and passive branding initiatives:

proceed to grow their mustaches through the end

4 Entrepreneurs

of December to raise awareness and funds for men’s

4 Military Families

health issues.

4 Women Entrepreneurs

4 Sign up for the formal annual event or do your own

4 Rescue Pet Adoption 4 AIDS Awareness Month

SPOTLIGHT

4 Childhood Diseases

4 Nutrition Awareness 4 Hunger Relief 4 Environmental Help

A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R

version of the initiative.

4 Have a friendly competition between employees,

INDEX

customers, or other businesses in your area.

4 Post a picture of your team with their mustaches (or post photos before and after).

4 Collect donations for a favorite men’s health

AWARENESS BRANDING INITIATIVES FOR DECEMBER

SIGN UP YOUR TEAM FOR A LOCAL FUNDRAISER.

Think about what your business can do to celebrate

Find out what kinds of charitable events or activities

the season with your community or pull together with

your community is featuring during December. Check

it to accomplish something meaningful. For example,

your local newspaper and talk to your Chamber of

invite other businesses in your area to co-sponsor

Commerce representative. Register a team from your

an awareness-raising and/or fundraising event and

company to participate, for example, in a local:

receive free branding as one effect of the effort. Here

4 Trivia Night fundraiser

are just some of the countless worthwhile community

4 Farmers Market

support ideas your company may choose to adopt.

4 Community Bake Sale

SPONSOR A CHARITABLE COLLECTION DRIVES

organization or other favorite cause.

For any activities you sign your team up to do, if

A very direct way for your family and employees to

appropriate, consider having T-shirts printed for your

get involved during December is to participate in

team with your company logo if you don’t have those

local charitable drives that support local organizations

already. Or, if needed in December in your climate

helping meet critical needs. For example, your group

region, print cozy sweatshirts for the volunteer team.

might choose to sign up for:

Participants can pay the cost as their donation/

4 A winter distance walk for charity

registration fee, or maybe you can sponsor those, budget

4 A virtual race

permitting. Further, if possible, sponsor a sign promoting

4 A food drive

your business for display at the event and any other

4 The neediest family collection

marketing and branding options made available.

1 2 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R D EC EM BER 2021

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become an integral part of big public pushes for critical

Just as November has its America Recycles Day, December has its own great national days of observance. These days can offer important opportunities for small businesses

community initiatives that are also great local branding opportunities.

Here are just a few examples of days in December that are designated for special observance: EXTRA MILE DAY (DECEMBER 1) This day of observance is ideal for small businesses.

It’s celebrated by taking that extra step or two to help someone. (If you’ve missed the official date, your staff can still observe this great tradition anytime during December.)

4 Challenge yourself, your staff, and your social media

ADOPT A DECEMBER OBSERVANCE DAY!

followers to help someone in their vicinity in need,

Just as November has its America Recycles Day,

whether it’s your customers, vendors, neighbors,

December has its own great national days of

anyone nearby.

observance. These specially designated days can offer important opportunities for small businesses to

4 You can even go the extra mile for the environment, which is going the extra mile for everyone! continued on page 14

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 13

BUSINESS CORNER

WORLD KINDNESS DAY (DECEMBER 13)

some key improvements in your virtual space.

Participate by reaching out to do an act of kindness

4 Update your Google Business Profile.

I toward N D Uone S TorRmore Y N E Wor S animals. Encourage people

n Optimize your business’s Google listing during

your family, employees, and everyone in your sphere

any month, but perhaps especially in December.

of influence to do something especially kind too. For

Scaled-up holiday consumer activity often means

example, participants could:

a scaled-up need for pavement sweeping and

4 Help a stranger in need.

related services.

4 Volunteer for an afternoon.

4 Give away something of value.

n Create Google posts about holiday community

A SSOC I AT I O Nsupports.

INSIDER initiatives your business

4 Post some uplifting material online.

4 Update your website.

4 Do something kind for the earth.

4 Publish a special year-end blog post.

4 Make a donation to a cause.

4 Feature your Holiday Hours.

4 Adopt a shelter animal.

4 Add photos and videos with December themes.

UPDATE YOUR ONLINE BRANDING IN DECEMBER

4 Add a page that promotes the charitable interests of

take SAsPaOminimum, TLIGH T advantage of the opportunity to bring your sweeping business’s online presence current with the season in December 2021. You can go a long way toward establishing your brand locally by making

1 4 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R D EC EM BER 2021

your company.

IN DEX 4 Add family, employee, customer, and vendor appreciation features.

4 Add FAQs about your December holiday operations.

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ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GIVE BACK

owners seek to be in their companies, markets,

There are seemingly countless community service

industries, and the world. As a branding strategy, that

activities supported by small businesses throughout

matter takes care of itself when you simply let your

the U.S. during the weeks of the holidays in December.

altruistic efforts be a true expression of your brand and

You and your company are to be congratulated for your

desire to support your community.

undertaking of initiatives to give to the community. It’s

With the concepts above and the ideas from family,

one mark of a brand with quality leadership. Encourage

friends, workers, and the World Wide Web, you’ll always

your customers, vendors, fellow small business owners,

have an overabundance of creative options for such

social media followers, and others in your community to

initiatives. Those will always serve your business well as

participate too. Every company can make a difference.

passive branding opportunities. Because, in creatively

THEY’LL REMEMBER YOUR DECEMBER BRANDING

expressing your appreciation, gratitude, and generosity,

This is a season dedicated to expressing appreciation

you naturally project your brand in its best possible light

for family, friends, employees, and customers. It’s a time

to everyone you lead and to your community.

for taking stock of your life and to feel gratitude for the good fortune to be in a business you love. And it’s a time of giving.

Giving back to the community this December makes

Sources https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2021/10/20/December-branding-ideas

you the kind of change agent that the best business

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 15

Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo 2021

Delivers Another Successful Event in Vegas T

he 9th Annual Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo, that celebrated the 10th year anniversary of

1-800-SWEEPER, was held in Las Vegas on November 3rd-5th. This was one of the first trade shows since the onset of Covid-19 and, needless to say, many folks in the power sweeping industry were ready to reconnect and spend some quality time together!

This year started off with the 1st annual golf outing at the Reflection Bay Golf Club. “We added the golf outing this year to kick-off the Summit as a way for our Partners and Vendors to spend time together, get re-acquainted, and have some fun.” Says Carolyn Bell, the Sweeper Summit’s Program Director.” Everyone had a blast; we will definitely be adding this to our program moving forward.” The outdoor Equipment Expo was also a hit and the largest yet, with over 20 trucks from 11 of the industry’s leading manufacturers.

New additions this year included Merit- Sweeprite and Karcher-Holding from Canada making the 2021 Summit an international event. They were joined

by Curbtender, Elgin, ODRA, Nite Hawk, Schwarze, Stewart-Amos, TYMCO, Victory, and XBroom, “Everyone enjoyed the outdoor displays and got to see a lot of new equipment” says Ben Steyer, Executive Director of 1-800-SWEEPER. “The inclusion of manufacturers from Canada was a nice addition.” continued on page 18

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Celebrating

10 Years Of

Sweeping Excellence

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 17

A cake celebrating the 10-year anniversary achievement with a champagne toast was shared amongst 1-800-SWEEPER Partners... “We reached a This year’s attendance was good with over 135

milestone and validated

participants. Educational sessions consisted of classes covering areas that have been challenging for the industry, such as Environmental Regulations, Hiring & Retaining Employees, Expanding Your Existing

1-800-SWEEPER is here to stay.

The group grows stronger every year.

Business, a manufacturers roundtable discussion, and a session on How to Increase the Value of Your Business.

All very pertinent and timely topics for the attendees.

The 10 Year Anniversary of 1-800-SWEEPER was also celebrated by the 1-800-SWEEPER Partners during their Partner meeting on Wednesday, 11/3. A cake celebrating the 10-year anniversary achievement with a champagne toast was shared amongst 1-800-SWEEPER Partners at the end of the day. “We reached a milestone and validated 1-800-SWEEPER is here to stay. The group grows stronger every year.

The vendor support we receive is unbelievable and a true testament to the strength and resiliency of our organization”, says Mike Lucht, founder of 1-800-SWEEPER. Plans are now being put in place for the 2022 Sweeper Summit & Equipment Expo. Watch the Sweepersummit.com website for announcements and details.

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WE CAN CREATE A RENTAL PROGRAM TO ALIGN WITH SWEEPING CONTRACTS YOU HAVE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 19

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of The Year…

To Buy Equipment

A

accelerated depreciation and tax deductions on qualifying business purchases. Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. In other words, buy a sweeper today and get a tax break in April 2022.

With the current state of equipment availability — manufacturers experiencing low inventory —it’s important to prepare now for end-of-year purchases and buy in time to be eligible for 2021 tax deductions.

Qualifying for Section 179 means the equipment must also be used in 2021.

SECTION 179 BENEFITS

If purchasing equipment (like sweepers and trucks), most businesses can benefit from Section 179. Of

s kids, we tried to be really

course, there are limitations

good all year long so

and exceptions, so be sure

that the big guy would bring

to consult an accountant or

us something shiny, new, and

tax advisor. To get an idea

fun at the end of December.

of how your business can

As adults, however, we’re not

potentially benefit, here’s a

always so well behaved; we

breakdown of the Section

need to buy our own toys

179 allowances for 2021:

before the calendar flips. We

4 Deduction Limit =

also need to take advantage

$1,050,000 (up from

of grown-up things like tax

$1,040,000 in 2020)

breaks.

4 Spending Cap =

At this time of year, Oakmont

$2,620,000 (up from

Capital Services encourages our customers to get

$2,590,000 in 2020)

pre-approved for equipment financing ahead of

4 Bonus Depreciation = 100%

any year-end purchases. We also want to ensure our

Let’s do the math to show what this looks like in

customers take advantage of Section 179.

reality:

WHAT IS SECTION 179?

4 New Sweeper Cost: $100,000

Section 179 (part of the IRS tax code) was created to

4 Tax Bracket: 21%

encourage small businesses to grow by providing

4 Section 179 Deduction: $100,000 continued on page 22

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Replacement Brooms You Can Rely On.

Quality. Performance. On-Time Delivery Keystone Plastics has been manufacturing the industry’s leading replacement brooms for street sweeping and road construction since 1954. At Keystone we believe in reliable quality and strive to make the heaviest, longest lasting brooms in the industry. We also believe the only good broom is the one that arrives to you as promised. Contact us to find a distributor near you.

Visit kpbrush.com | Call 1-800-635-5238

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 21

4 Cost Saving on Your Purchase: $21,000

current machines are breaking down or in need

4 Total Cost of Equipment: $79,000*

of repair too often. The ‘buy now, pay later’ model

You can also calculate Section 179 cost savings at

available with OCS is an economical option for

https://oakmontfinance.com/section-179-calculator/

businesses in the sweeper industry due to seasonal

FINANCING EQUIPMENT TODAY…FOR TOMORROW

cycles. I’ve seen it work to the advantage of many

Saving $21,000 or more is a great deal. And couldn’t

customers.”

your business benefit from an upgraded, higher

OCS is poised to help customers in the sweeping

efficiency sweeper with lower maintenance costs?

industry finance and own a new machine and can

Sure. But what if it’s not the best time financially for

offer:

you to purchase a sweeper (the most “wonderful”

4 No Money Down

time of the year and all)? That’s where Oakmont

4 E-Docs + Remote Online Notary

Capital Services (OCS) can help.

4 Structured Terms for Troubled Credit 4 Standard Rate Financing

...if you make a purchase this year, you don’t need to worry about supply chain shortages next

4 Delayed and Seasonal Pay ment Options Contact us with any year-end equipment purchase questions or to get pre-approved for a loan. Our goals are to help customers obtain equipment now,

year – you’ll already have your

take advantage of Section 179 tax breaks, and make

new machine in your possession.

sure the biggest challenge for any sweeper purchase is finding a red bow big enough to wrap around the machine!

At OCS, our finance professionals work with owners/operators to offer special terms, including delayed payments. This allows our customers to take advantage of Section 179 by purchasing a machine now but not making the first payment until the spring of 2022. Also, if you make a purchase this year, you don’t need to worry about supply chain shortages next year – you’ll already have your new machine in your possession.

“Purchasing a new sweeper is a big decision. But chances are that if you’re in the market for one, you’ve been thinking about it for a while,” said Michael McElroy, CLFP and Director of Business

ABOUT OAKMONT CAPITAL SERVICES : Oakmont Capital Services (OCS), founded in 1998, is a direct, independent lender providing commercial equipment financing and working capital throughout all 50 United States. Our seasoned finance professionals work across many industry verticals, including the sweeping industry, helping customers secure funding quickly and easily via a streamlined, virtual process. Our rates and terms are affordable, making OCS a reputable solution for equipment financing. The professional financing staff at Oakmont has combined experience of over 350 years in the industry and is the reliable choice for today’s financing needs. For more information, visit www.oakmontfinance. com/campaign-sweeper.

Development with Oakmont Capital Services.

“Maybe it’s time to expand your business, or your

2 2 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R D EC EM BER 2021

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 23

Another Year in the Books!

As 2021 comes to a close, like many of you we are reflecting on this year of challenges and growth. When we think back on the successes we had and the difficulties we overcame, we feel a great sense of gratitude for the talented people we work with every day. The connections we make with our vendors, customers, and colleagues are not only critical to running our company and solving difficult problems...they’re what make the job worthwhile! Let’s take a minute to reflect on those key relationships and how we can improve them as we start a new year.

about how you can improve employee motivation in 2022. We have found that low motivation among employees is often due to a lack of opportunities for advancement, creativity, or personal growth within the organization. If you are not able to offer financial incentives, think about creative ways to bring your people into the big picture and planning of the company. Create opportunities for different employees to take leadership over new initiatives, and coach them up to be more effective managers. Showing interest in individual growth will remind employees they are valued members of the organization.

LOOKING OUT FOR THE CUSTOMER

As with any relationship, cultivating trust and loyalty with the customer requires one-on-one time and attention. Allocating resources to give personal attention to the customer will show you care, that you’re serious about meeting their needs, and that you strive to provide quality service. In a tech-obsessed world, do not underestimate the value of face-toface meetings. Working directly with the customer

CARING FOR YOUR PEOPLE

will enable you to read their reactions and respond

Good business owners know this simple fact: the

immediately to any concerns. If an in-person meeting

success of your business is directly related to the quality

is not possible, a phone call also adds a personal touch

of your people. As you prepare for a new year, think

that is often lost through email.

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your company to schedule time for yourself and for

...we can reflect on our work-life balance and make sure our passion for work is not coming before our well-being or the well-being of loved ones.

your family. Take time away for hobbies, relaxation, or whatever it is that recharges you. Whether it’s hitting the gym, reading a favorite book, or spending time with family and friends, our personal time keeps us grounded, healthy, and happy.

If there is anything the NiteHawk team can help you with—whether it’s sales, marketing, operations, finance, or just talking about the industry—please give us a

CARING FOR YOURSELF

As small business owners, we are notorious for pouring all of our time and energy into our businesses. This is what the job demands, and it’s often where our passion lies. But especially this time of year, we can reflect on our

call. Even if you never intend to buy a truck or aren’t a current customer, we would love to talk to you and see if we can help. From everyone here at NiteHawk, we wish you a warm and prosperous holiday season and renewed optimism for the upcoming year.

work-life balance and make sure our passion for work is not coming before our well-being or the well-being of loved ones. Remember in the craziness of running

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SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

DIVERSIFYING WITH SALES AND SERVICE: LoRe Sweeping

As with many sweeping companies, LoRe Sweeping started out as a family business that has diversified, but in an unusual way. Begun by Carmen and Maryann LoRe in 1978 with a single walk-behind Billy Goat Sweeper, the company quickly expanded. As their daughter, Marisa, came of age and married her husband Chris Faiella, who had started working for the company in high school, they stepped into their own roles in the company, modernizing the business and keeping up with changes in the industry.

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H

owever, one of the ways that the company diversified was different

from most sweeping companies.

Though many companies move into power washing, parking lot striping,

Built on a basis of exceptional customer service, the company focuses very strongly on always being able to deliver for their customers.

and similar services, the LoRe family decided to open a second business, Garden State Sweepers, to act as an XBroom dealership. Though they’d used Elgin sweepers for many years, they wanted to go in a slightly different direction and noticed a small ad for XBroom. Combining business with vacation, Mr. and Mrs. LoRe flew out to Arizona to check out the company. Because it was just starting to produce sweeping trucks, the LoRes bought the third truck produced. They like it so much, they asked the company if they could represent XBroom.

TRUE REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPING !

Model 500x® High Side Dump

Model 600® COMDEX ® Street Sweeper

DIVERSIFYING WITH SALES AND SERVICE: LORE SWEEPING

Built on a basis of exceptional customer service, the company focuses very strongly on always being able to deliver for their customers.

Mr. LoRe focused on this from the

Model 435® COMDEX ® Mid-Sized Street Sweeper

Model 210® COMDEX ® Parking Lot Sweeper

beginning, and if they get a call in the middle of the night from someone who forgot to schedule their service, it gets done, even if Mr. LoRe or Mr. Faiella have to jump in a truck and do it themselves. If a truck breaks down, they have the capability to send another truck out to get the job done.

With a 40-year history of outstanding continued on page 28

Because swept is not always clean, call TYMCO. Our Regenerative Air Sweepers blast into pavement cracks with up to a 250 mph controlled jet of air, forcing up even the finest sand and particulates into a totally enclosed system — never exhausting dirty air as do vacuum sweepers. All with only a few moving parts, reducing maintenance cost and downtime.

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Model 600 Illustration

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 27

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

affair. Many of the mechanics, drivers, and officer

...LoRe Sweeping is a family affair. Many of the mechanics, drivers, and officer personnel have been with the business for many years...

personnel have been with the business for many years, even decades in some cases. The LoRes operate with the understanding that without their entire team, there is no company, and that attitude builds loyalty from their employees. In fact, one of the office workers, Debbie, worked for the LoRes when she was in high school, left to raise her children, then came back, and now her kids are also working for the company.

These days, the LoRes are often found in the sunnier

service, it’s no wonder that they’ve developed a loyal

climates for the colder parts of the years, and the

following of customers to whom they are loyal in

Faiellas are taking over more and more responsibility

return.

for the company, making it easier for Marisa’s parents

But beyond actual family, LoRe Sweeping is a family

to enjoy their golden years. As that change has continued on page 30

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NAPSA XL - Single Page .pdf

1

1/8/21

2:43 PM

Attention Members of the Sweeping Community!

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 29

INDEX

SPOTLIGHT

occurred, they’ve focused strongly on improving

Marisa has taken over

technology. One aspect that has strongly impacted

marketing for both businesses,

operations is GPS tracking of all the trucks. If a truck is delayed because of road construction, an accident,

and actively uses social

or a similar delay, Chris can call ahead from dispatch

media to promote the

and let the client know about the delay proactively.

If a customer does call in, dispatch can tell them

company, especially Instagram

exactly where the truck is and about when it will be

and Facebook.

there.

The company starts its day between 5-7 A.M., with Christ in the office to make sure the sweepers are getting out and can swap out vehicles if there’s a problem. The office staff comes in for about eight hours, setting up appointments for the next day or week. Same-day sweeping is something they try to avoid when possible, and for the most part, the regular customers set things up in advance, but if someone needs same-day service, they work it in if needed. Overall, the company is run 24/7, with dedicated staff to meet their customers’ needs.

That being said, there are some challenges that But that’s not the only change in technology. When the company was started, marketing was much different than it is today. Marisa has taken over marketing for both businesses, and actively uses social media to promote the company, especially Instagram and Facebook. Drivers are encouraged to take pictures as they work, which can be used on the company’s social media accounts. Their new sweeper trucks are wrapped to make them stand out, providing a clean, unique appearance that helps not only protect the paint but also promote the company, both as a service as well as a dealership.

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they’ve faced over the years. The LoRes have chosen to invest in new equipment, which allows competitors to undercut them in price with used equipment, but because they’re not as reliable, customers come back for superior customer service.

Finding supplies during the COVID pandemic was another challenge they faced, and the current increases in fuel, insurance, parts, labor, and similar expenses are creating their own sets of challenges.

Marisa passed on this advice during our interview for new businesses, “don’t devalue yourself. Know your worth.”

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 31

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 33

INDEX 1-800-SWEEPER..........................................................................17 1800sweeper.com

The ODB Co..................................................................................35 800-446-9823 / www.odbco.com

Bucher Municipal.........................................................................31 704-658-1333 / buchermunicipal.com

Safety Vision.................................................................................32 800-851-4764 / safetyvision.com

Buffalo Turbine.............................................................................13 P R O D/ buffaloturbine.com U C T W AT C H 716-592-2700

Schwarze Industries Inc........................................................3, 7,21 800-879-7933 / schwarze.com

Carolina Enviromental Services...................................................13 800-239-7796 / cesrefuse.com

SEALMATE....................................................................................23 sealmate.com

Curbtender Sweeper s LLC........................................................BC 319-266-1721 / curbtendersweepers.com

Sharpco Sweeper Shoes................................................................4 313-343-4328/800-372-5007/sharpcosweepershoes.com

Eagle Eye Tracking.........................................................................3 855-338-7225

Skavin’jer Street Sweepers..........................................................14 888-652-2137 / skavinjer.com

Elgin Sweeper Company..............................................................33 elginregenx.com

Stewart-Amos Equipment Co........................................................4 800-482-2302 / stewart-amos.com

Global Sweeping Solutions............................................................2 909-713-1600 / globalsweeper.com

Street Smart..................................................................................19 888-653-6800 / streetsmartrental.com

KeyStone Street Sweeping Brooms............................................21 800-635-5238 / kpbrush.com

Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.......................................................23 800-289-1456 / superiortire.com

NAPSA..........................................................................................29 866-793-9999

Sweeper Parts Sales......................................................................6 877-695-3060 / sweeperpartssales.com

Nite-Hawk Sweepers................................................................6, 25 800-448-9364 / nitehawksweepers.com

Trinity Highway.............................................................................15 888-323-6374 / trinityhighway.com

Oakmont Capital Services LLC......................................................5 320-844-8800 / oakmontfinance.com

Tymco............................................................................................27 800-258-9626 / tymco.com

ODRA Sweeper...................................................................... FC, 11 844-888-6372 / odrasweeper.com

United Rotary Brush Corporation................................................32 800-851-5108 / united-rotary.com

Pat’s Pump & Blower....................................................................18 800-359-7867 / patspump.com

Xpress Sweeping Inc....................................................................34 401-523-6116 / xpresssweeping.com

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N SWEEPER 35 052419 TMT

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