North American Sweeper - May 2023

Gideon W. Smith SENIOR EDITOR Katherine Nolan ADVERTISING

Tracy Rodean

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Melissa Kennelly EDITORIAL MANAGER

Heidi Karpinich CIRCULATION

Noah Aiden

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North American Sweeper Magazine is published by Phoenix Global Media Inc.

Copyright 2023 by Phoenix Global Media Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

QUIET SWEEP LTD

Rockville, Maryland

Quiet Sweep, Ltd. is one of those U.S. all-American success stories of steady incremental growth in a bustling market. For over 14 years, Steve Dekelbaum’s team, including his wife Robin and son Zach have served Rockville and the greater Maryland, D.C., and upper Virginia area. The family business grew, got hit hard by the Covid pandemic, resumed growing strong after the public threat subsided, and has recovered over the past year. Dekelbaum has focused on municipal contract pavement sweeping in the heavily populated market, a strategy that has proven exceptional — if you’re as good at it as Steve and his team are.

We interviewed Steve Dekelman in late January of 2020 for the February issue that year, and…

THEN ALONG CAME COVID…

Quiet Sweep Operations Manager, Zachary Dekelbaum, son of owner Steve Dekelbaum, recently shared some great updates for NAS magazine about how things have been going at Quiet Sweep since early 2020.  Zach is the Operations Manager and newest member of the Quiet Sweep top leadership team. Here he talks about the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the business — an impending economic shock to the country that was still unforeseen in February 2020. That was only a month before the economic shutdown occurred, when we originally interviewed Steve and shared the Quiet Sweep success story with our readers.

THE ROAD BACK FROM COVID TO NORMAL

When Covid hit our area, it affected us very badly. We were able to continue working, due to being essential workers, but we still had to make a lot of changes within the company. We lost business because property management companies had to cut costs. We had to let some employees go, which made us short-staffed. But, if we had kept them on, the company would have gone under.

We are still recovering but we’re starting to revive the business and transform it back into the exceptionally thriving company we were before covid. We have 50 employees now, and we clean more than 80 shopping centers each night. We run about 6 to 8 street sweepers per day on highways, streets, and on milling and paving job sites for asphalt paving companies. We have another 6 to 8 parking lot sweepers going out 7 nights a week.  Zach finished his business degree and now works full time at the family business. As the Quiet Sweep LTD

Quiet

Sweep goes the extra distance to provide top-quality service. For example, instead of the standard oneperson occupant, every Quiet Sweep sweeper truck is manned by both a driver and a driver’s helper.

Operations Manager, he oversees street sweeping, parking lot sweeping, and the bulk trash removal service. His mom, Robin, does the bookkeeping with QuickBooks and other admin work. His dad, Steve, communicates with area property managers and city officials who handle municipal service contracts.  Steve has expressed that one of the things he likes about his family business is building it together with his wife and son.

QUIET SWEEP SERVICES UPDATES 2023

Quiet Sweep goes the extra distance to provide topquality service. For example, instead of the standard one-person occupant, every Quiet Sweep sweeper truck is manned by both a driver and a driver’s helper. We provide these very popular services, among others:

WHAT’S IN? We do commercial bulk trash removal, which goes hand-in-hand with parking lot sweeping. Managers of properties naturally prefer to have the same company that cleans their shopping center lot to also handle removal of any illegally dumped items or trash from tenants. So, we provide bulk trash truck visits for about 60 properties per week.

Quiet Sweep LTD continues to provide various other exterior maintenance services in addition to pavement sweeping, including portering services. The company also brokers trash bag supply and products for melting surface ice. These reduce customers’ costs by a large margin, and help makes Quiet Sweep an even more convenient one-stopshop for commercial parking lot maintenance needs.

WHAT’S OUT? We are no longer involved with snow removal, because the snow in Maryland has significantly decreased over the years and it’s no longer cost effective to get equipment ready for the winter season when no snow is occurring.

We are also no longer involved in pressure washing due to its environmental impacts.

QUIET SWEEP LTD BECOMES A SWEEPER DEALER!

Since Covid, we have entered the sweeping market

for milling and paving companies. But, we ran into some problems purchasing new sweepers. None were readily available or the lead times were too long. We were able to find a sweeper manufacturer in Canada called Merit Sweeprite.

continued on page 14

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.

company also brokers trash bag supply and products for melting surface ice. These reduce customers’ costs by a large margin

We did our research and found that they have almost zero presence on the east coast of the United States. So, we reached out to them and talked to them about their products — the Sweeprite S2 and S3. In that conversation, we asked if they had any representatives or dealers on the east coast and they informed us that they didn’t. We saw a perfect opportunity and decided to go for it.

We asked if they had any interest in having a dealer on the east coast and they fell in love with the idea. After some more discussions and a trip up to Canada to meet the whole Merit Sweeprite team, my father, Steve, and I formed a new company called ZnS Platinum Sweeper Sales.

This created a perfect, direct link for Quiet Sweep to purchase new sweepers and also be able to showcase the sweepers on the east coast, and create a bigger presence for the Merit Sweeprite team.

UPGRADED SWEEPER TRUCKS FOR QUIET SWEEP

Quiet Sweep currently has 2 Sweeprite S2s. Zach explains that these are non-CDL-required sweepers that Sweeprite manufactures. We have a third sweeper truck to be delivered in the next week or two. As well as a fourth one soon to be put into production. The third and fourth S2s will have blue-colored bodies.

That is where Zns Platinum Sweeper Sales comes into play as the east coast dealer for Merit Sweeprite sweepers. We plan to utilize the new S2 model to its fullest potential. This means it will be driven around to showcase the new blue sweeper that no one in our area has ever seen before.

in our area. Our goal is to completely change that.

Zach says he is interested in seeing how many eyes it catches and how many questions will start to get asked. He explains the sweepers are usually white, so having the blue ones will be enough to catch someone’s eye. He reasoned, people in the industry may be surprised to see a Sweeprite S2 or S3 because they practically have zero presence in our area. Our goal is to completely change that.

SWEEPER TRUCKS THAT YIELD A BRANDING BONUS!

The Quiet Sweep team have certainly proven adept at catching the right kind of attention for the company.

In addition to the exciting and unique new blue sweeper trucks and other great brand-building strategies, today, Quiet Sweep LTD still displays its bold, imposing logo on its website homepage at http://www.quietsweep.com/. Back in 2020 when we first discovered it, the logo seemed to us to starkly contrast with a concept of a quiet kind of service business.

continued on page 16

...the sweepers are usually white, so having the blue ones will be enough to catch someone’s eye. He reasoned, people in the industry may be surprised to see a Sweeprite S2 or S3 because they practically have zero presence

The logo is a huge ferocious-looking bulldog with a dangerous-looking spiked collar. It seems to say, “We’ll attack your sweeping needs!” So, why have such hyper-exciting brand imaging matched with the message of quiet sweeping, i.e., tranquility in service delivery? To grab attention — just as it is still doing.

GPS TRACKING STILL RULES SWEEPING TECH

There are the usual great benefits that modern commercial pavement sweeping company owners expect from GPS tracking technology. Those include generally smoother operations because of tracking vehicles’ functioning, speed and idle time monitoring, and much more.

bypass having to deal with such fundamental clean-up necessities and produces revenue for Quiet Sweep.

ADVICE FOR MARKET ENTRANTS BASED ON QUIET SWEEP LTD

Steve Dekelbaum told us a few years ago that though there is competition in his market area, he feels in his element serving numerous municipalities and state administrations. So, finding a market in which you’re comfortable can lend much to long-term happiness as an entrepreneur in the pavement sweeping industry. Also, Steve Dekelbaum has made a lot of the right choices over the years. Making good choices is skill with which a hard-working entrepreneur can go far. He switched to the pavement sweeping industry at an opportune time, picked the right business to buy and rebuild, chose all the smartest ancillary service channels to shore up revenues and stay maximally competitive, and more.

But the Dekelbaums have more fully utilized this technology for generating new business. They encourage sweeper drivers and other field services employees to submit reports from customers’ sites to management that help generate new business.

The workers can transmit photos with the reports showing large trash items, for quickly dispatching workers for pickup. This enables customers to

In this updated article about Quiet Sweep LTD, we here offer our NAS magazine wisdom for newcomers to the industry based on the Dekelbaum success story. First, have the vast range of skills Steve Dekelbaum has brought to his enterprise, and constantly demonstrate the inspiring level of commitment and steady management for growth that Quiet Sweep represents.

For questions about the Sweeprite S2 and S3, please email zach@znssweepers.com or steve@znssweepers. com

The workers can transmit photos with the reports showing large trash items, for quickly dispatching workers for pickup.

CITY VIEW SPECIALTY VEHICLES, LTD ADDED TO SCHWARZE TRUSTED DEALER NETWORK

SPOTLIGHT INDEX

Huntsville, AL, April 21, 2023 – Schwarze Industries LLC , is proud to welcome and announce the addition of our newest dealer, City View Specialty Vehicles , to our Schwarze Trusted Dealer Network. Effective immediately, City View Specialty Vehicles will provide Sales, Service, and Parts for Schwarze products for all of Ontario, Quebec, Canada.

City View will be responsible for supporting the Schwarze branded products in new whole goods sales, parts, warranty, factory-trained service, and reconditioned

units. Schwarze is focused on Quality, Performance, Public Safety, Value, and Customer Support. Having the right dedicated dealer is crucial to delivering the exceptional support our customers expect. We are pleased to have City View as a trusted dealer.

For more information:

City View Specialty Vehicles, Ltd

1213 Lorimar Drive, Mississauga, ON L5S 1M9 866-739-3965 | www.cityviewvehicles.com

Schwarze Industries LLC

1055 Jordan Road, Huntsville, AL 35811 (800) 879-7933 | www.schwarze.com

About Schwarze Industries LLC:

Schwarze Industries (ISO 9001:2015) is an Alamo Group (ALG: NYSE) company and the premier manufacturer of parking lot, airport, street sweepers, and asphalt maintenance equipment. For 45 years, Schwarze Industries has been committed to providing an exceptional level of customer support and offers one of the most comprehensive lines in the sweeping business. Applications include parking area cleaning, industrial sweeping, mall, and shopping center sweeping, airport ramp and runway sweeping, street sweeping (PM10), asphalt milling cleanup, and stormwater (MS4) management.

About City View Specialty Vehicles:

City View Specialty Vehicles was founded in 1995, serving private and public sectors across Canada and the US, with a core focus on delivering innovative vehicle solutions for municipalities and government agencies. Since our inception, we have expanded and diversified our products and services to meet our customers’ evolving and specialized needs.

BATTLE MOTORS TO PRESENT THE NEW 100% ELECTRIC BROOM BEAR ELGIN STREET SWEEPER AT ACT EXPO

ELGIN, Illinois – The Electric Broom Bear, the brand new all-electric street sweeper manufactured by Elgin Sweeper with a Battle Motors LNT EV chassis, will be showcased at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California May 2-4 at Booth 6778. The Electric Broom Bear is a first of its kind truck-mounted sweeper utilizing an all-electric chassis.

“We’ve taken today’s modern propulsion system and incorporated it with Elgin’s 100+ year history of sweeper innovations,” said Tim Letts, Product Manager, Elgin Sweeper. “We’re using modern technology to meet the modern demands and sustainability goals of our customers.”

With electric vehicles becoming a reality to meet zero emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and stricter emissions standards, the Electric Broom Bear delivers another option for customers to achieve their sweeping and sustainability goals. The Electric Broom Bear is Elgin’s latest innovation offering uncompromised performance. In addition to all the benefits of an electric vehicle including noise reduction and lower maintenance costs, the Electric Broom Bear has plenty of energy onboard, so customers can sweep and run their regular routes without worrying about getting home. It has enough energy for a full workload and some leftover for operators’ peace-ofmind.

Developed specifically for vocational use, the electric chassis is from Battle Motors, formerly Crane Carrier Company, which has a 76 year history of providing heavy duty trucks and has an extensive and highly trained dealer network for service and support. The electric LNT has been in service since 2022 across a variety of vocations including refuse, delivery and now sweeping. The additional weight of the electric chassis was taken

into consideration when developing the Electric Broom Bear, and customers can rest at ease knowing the payload capacity is the same as a standard Broom Bear. The fully electric Battle Motors LNT is a narrow, nimble, and durable workhorse now delivering zero emissions, zero fuel costs, and lower maintenance costs. Good for the planet and good for business while reducing an environmental footprint.

“We are proud to collaborate with Elgin on bringing a Battle Motors LNT electric street sweeper to market. Our trucks produce zero emissions making them environmentally friendly, providing a cost effective solution to municipalities across the country. Together we are going to change cities nationwide with numerous benefits across the board,” said Mike Patterson, Battle Motors Chairman and CEO.

The charging port on the Electric Broom Bear is a standard SAE J1772 CCS, compatible with both level 2

continued on page 20

or level 3 chargers. Level 2 AC charging will enable overnight charging while Level 3 DC-DC charging will enable fast charging, if needed.

About Federal Signal

SPOTLIGHT INDEX

ACT Expo attendees can view the Electric Broom Bear at Booth 6778. To request a demo of the Electric Broom Bear or place an order, visit ElginSweeper.com.

About Elgin Sweeper Company:

Sold and serviced through a network of more than 100 dealer locations worldwide, Elgin Sweeper products are the sweepers of choice for a variety of general street maintenance, special industrial and airport applications. With more than 100 years of experience, Elgin Sweeper offers municipalities, contractors and industries the most sweeper options in the world, using the latest sweeping technologies. Elgin Sweeper is a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation’s Environmental Solutions Group. For more information, visit www.ElginSweeper.com.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure and protects the communities where we work and live. For more information on Federal Signal, visit www.FederalSignal.com.

About Battle Motors, Inc.

Battle Motors, a leader in the development of electric vehicle (EV) technology, acquired commercial vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Crane Carrier Company, LLC (CCC) in 2021. Battle Motors is the leader in the vocational truck industry, providing work-ready diesel, clean natural gas (CNG), and now EV chassis designed and manufactured in North America for the refuse and recycling markets. For more information please visit: https://www.battlemotors.com and follow us @ BattleMotors

New Google Site Ranking Requirements

ASSOCIA TION INSIDER

What You Need to Know

As a modern pavement sweeping business owner, you probably understand the indispensability of a website fit to drive leads. As such, you’ll likely want to be aware of Google’s new ranking criteria for first SERP findings and the ways that sites are now judged more stringently in areas of functional performance and content quality levels. Below is a brief overview of the changes in the Google site ranking system and what you can do to ensure that your site is not penalized by Google for fixable problems with component functions and information deficiencies.

SPOTLIGHT INDEX

Google has explained that the search engine’s new Page Experience signals measure the quality of users’ experience on websites they visit.

quality of websites. The new Google metrics measure the quality of performance in areas that affect user experience. For example, slow page loading, page elements shifting out of position, mobile compatibility, undesirable pop-ups, etc.

EFFECTS OF THE CHANGES IN THE GOOGLE ALGORITHM

In 2021, the mega search engine updated its page layout algorithm, which supports its website ranking system. It applies a range of metrics to quantify the

Google has explained that the search engine’s new Page Experience signals measure the quality of users’ experience on websites they visit. The algorithm, or, more accurately, a collective of algorithms, is set up to

prefer sites with pages optimized to deliver an enjoyable experience to users on any kind of device. The company’s objective is to help ensure smoother transactions and an overall improved quality of users’ experience to promote increased use of and greater engagement with the internet.

GOOGLE PAGE EXPERIENCE CORE WEB VITALS

Google’s page experience Core Web Vitals (CWVs) are different from its standard rankings of content relevance and general site usability measures. The new CWVs quantify the quality of the experience people have using web pages. The CWV metrics include webpage loading speed, stability of visual elements, functionality of interactive components, and others.

Here are the expectations of sites in various key areas of performance:

Slow Page Loading - The page speed affects the smooth flow of routine search results for web users. Reaction time over 2.5 seconds is considered too slow by Google and should be reduced.

Unstable Elements - Image shifting increases bounce rates. One new metric measures the extent to which images and other page elements shift around while loading, and it scores the site.

Page Response Delays - Webpages are supposed to react immediately when a user clicks a command button or an inline text link, but many sites are very slow in moving between internal pages.

continued on page 24

INDUSTR Y NEWS

Interstitial Impediments - Google wants web hosts to stop using pop-ups that interfere with users’ actions. Google now penalizes sites that force users to close popups to access information and functions on the site. Insufficient HTTPS Security - Naturally, security breaches are grossly adverse to user experience. So, updating security for internet users’ information security is essential.

ASSOCIA TION INSIDER

TESTING YOUR SITE’S PAGE EXPERIENCE CONDITION

The new Google Page Experience algorithm now affects all websites and Google has announced that more page experience ranking measures will be implemented. All website owners are advised to scrutinize all pages on their sites.

SPOTLIGHT INDEX

Poor Mobile User Experience - Since 2015 Google has penalized sites that are not upgraded to perform well on mobile devices. Programmers have become increasingly focused on mobile.

Use Google’s online testing tool, if necessary to identify areas of needed user experience improvement. Then,

The new Google Page Experience algorithm now affects all websites and Google has announced that more page experience ranking measures will be implemented.

work with a skilled web designer to correct problems. These are essential steps in preventing search issues for your business resulting from search engine ranking penalties that can severely impact your visitor traffic.

REQUIRED WEBPAGE EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

Implement the needed page upgrades as soon as possible to avoid continuously diminishing traffic caused by measurable detriments to the quality of your site’s user experience. Here are the six key updates Google’s new quality measures require. These changes can help improve your site’s first-visit conversion performance:

1. Increase Page Speed: Use proper file formatting, reduce lag time on the server, and reduce load time for large elements with browser caching. Minify HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

2. Optimize Page Responsiveness: Include HTML meta tags and queries. Test elements to ensure that graphic images, photos, and others are stable on the page. Ensure that fonts are clear. Make sure that videos are usable on all device types.

3. Code Headers Properly: Using the right HTML heading tags (H1 – H6) enables Google to identify the degree of relevance of the content you’re offering for particular search criteria and appropriately route traffic.

4. Functioning CTA Buttons: High-quality CTAs combine visually attractive buttons and appealing text. These are essentials for maximizing page performance in terms of information gathering, lead generation, and conversions.

5. Correct 404 Error Code Problems: Use the Google

continued on page 26

REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPING !

Search Console tool to help find any 404 coding debris in your site programming and eliminate those errors.

6. Upgrade Your Site’s HTTPS Security: Update your website’s security software and the safety protocols you have in place to protect users’ personal and financial information during transactions.

MEASURABLE EFFECT ON YOUR SITE USERS’ EXPERIENCE

Google has emphasized that the overarching priority for site rankings remains to offer users original content that is rich in quality information, even if a website’s user experience is inferior. But, page experience drives results from traffic organically finding your site. These outcomes are quantified by the duration of visits, conversion rates, click-through numbers, pages visited per session, and others.

That means that making the basic visitor experience improvements called for in the new Google page experience metrics can help raise conversion rates. For example, data gathered by Google shows that when certain user experience signals meet the search engine’s CWV thresholds, a site’s bounce ratio drops as much as 24 percent! If your business relies on support from your website, that’s a finding that should prompt action to ensure it’s working properly for its purpose.

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Model 500x® High Side Dump

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Google has emphasized that the overarching priority for site rankings remains to offer users original content that is rich in quality information...

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

CORNER

Embracing Technology: Digital Tools Every Small Business Needs

Owning a small business can feel like juggling multiple plates simultaneously — managing multiple projects while trying to grow. Introducing a new IT system into the mix might initially seem daunting, but choose the correct tool, and you could find yourself free to concentrate on growing the business.

Let’s explore the digital systems available that might just be the answer to your concerns.

PICKING THE RIGHT TOOLS

Only some tools will be relevant for you and your business. We assume you’re using either Google or Microsoft. These are easy to use, free and reasonably priced. We are also assuming that you are using accountancy software.

Let’s focus on tools you might not be so familiar with.

All the tools we mention in this article are cloud-based, meaning they generally can be accessed online through your cell phone. They are easy to use and have reasonably priced options, meaning that if you are small or new to the tool, starting with them should be a manageable prospect.

SALES AND CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT

CRMs (customer relationship management systems) can help you ensure you never miss a sales call opportunity or a follow-up call ever again. CRMs help you track your business leads through your sales and bidding process, allowing you to keep track of customers, vendors and other contacts. The best CRMs will easily integrate into your existing systems making administration of your crucial sales and bidding processes easy and helping support your growth efforts.

Examples of affordable CRMs: Bigin, Pipeline

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Managing complex customer projects requires attention to detail and accurate task tracking. If you have staff involved, you’ll need a system that will accommodate tasks and people so that you can easily understand who is responsible for which project and, at a glance, know each project’s status. Many project management tools are available, but the best is simple to set up, can be accessed on a cell phone (because you’ll often be out on customer calls) and fits your budget.

Examples of Project Management Tools: Asana, ClickUp or Monday.com

EMAIL MARKETING TOOLS

Email marketing is still one of the best ways to find new customers and keep your existing ones. Separate from

continued on page 30

Gmail or Outlook, an automated email system should have several functions essential to a small business:

4 Be easy to automate.

INDUSTR Y NEWS

4 Have access to email templates.

4 Analytics so you can monitor your campaigns.

4 Have data management tools and be legally compliant with data laws.

Examples of Email Marketing Tools: MailChimp, ConvertKit

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Social Media is often a necessary evil that can become time-consuming if not managed carefully. These tools allow you to manage multiple accounts at once, schedule posts days or weeks ahead of time, and give you statistics on which of your

posts proved popular.

Examples of Social Media Tools: Buffer, Planable

ONLINE SALES GATEWAY TOOLS

These tools are dependent on the services or products you offer. But these might be worth exploring for those who sell goods and services.

Examples of Sales Gateway Tools: Shopify, WooCommerce

ASSOCIA TION INSIDER

CENTRAL HUB (OR DOEVERYTHING-ALL-AT-ONCE TOOLS)

SPOTLIGHT INDEX

If your budget is tight or you like to get stuck in and build something, these tools might be the right ones for you. These tools can be used in a note-taking or project management capacity but are incredibly flexible. With some time, they can be used to build complex systems

Social Media is often a necessary evil that can become time-consuming if not managed...

that support your business. All have project and data management functionality and are easy to start using.

Central Hub Tools: Notion, Trello, AirTable

DO YOU NEED SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL TOOLS?

This was a very quick tour through the digital tools available to small businesses. It’s well worth setting aside some time to explore them and see what works for your business.

In your journey of exploration, you may find that you don’t need any more tools, and that’s ok. Make sure whatever decision you take it’s the right one for you and your business. Whatever tool you choose to invest in must serve your business and support you and your staff in growing your company.

When you choose to take on new digital tools, support your staff with the right training and enough time to get used to the change. Don’t underestimate how disruptive

new IT systems can sometimes be to the everyday workflow of a business.

New digital tools can be the making of your business but if they are chosen with care and consideration.

Sources

https://rewind.com/blog/tech-tools-small-business/ https://connecteam.com/the-14-must-have-free-tools-to-runyour-small-business/

https://www.caflou.com/10-essential-management-toolsevery-small-business-needs, https://asana.com/ https://monday.com/, https://pipelinecrm.com/ https://bigin.com/, https://clickup.com/ https://convertkit.com/, https://buffer.com https://planable.io, https://mailchimp.com

https://shopify.com, https://woocommerce.com/ https://notion.so, https://trello.com

https://www.airtable.com

Snow End in Sight

Aswe all eagerly anticipate the start of warmer weather, across the country many regions continue to face difficult winter storms, persistent snow packs, and flooding from ice melt. Many folks out there have had to keep their snow plows out much longer than anticipated, so the problems associated with snow driving are not over yet.

Even in areas accustomed to winter weather, many motorists fail to follow common sense guidelines to drive safely around snowplows. Operators must constantly be on the lookout for motorists who try to pass on the right, follow too closely, or fail to turn on their headlights during snow and rain.

We can’t control all the bad drivers out there, but we can make sure our operators are clearing snow as safely as possible. Review these rules of parking lot snow removal with your team:

n Know where the customer wants the snow piled.

n Follow all contract requirements for cleanup.

n Keep water drains and catch basins clear.

n Do not pile snow near entrances/exits, or where they will block motorists’ vision of oncoming traffic.

n Shovel sidewalks first, then plow in front of buildings and overhead doors. The parking lot comes last.

n Push piled snow away from buildings. Do not pile snow near handicapped parking spaces.

n Pile snow downwind to minimize drifting.

As you struggle with this mercurial weather, remember that summer is just around the corner and your focus can return to sweeping instead of pushing!

We can’t control all the bad drivers out there, but we can make sure our operators are clearing snow as safely as possible.