North American Sweeper - November 2023

2005-2023

2005-2022

NOVEMBER 2023

INSIDE IN THE NEWS p.14 THE SECRET TO STREET SWEEPER LONGEVITY? p.18 THE IMPORTANCE OF A BUSINESS PLAN p. 24 12 WAYS TO ACHIEVE GREATER EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT p. 28

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

NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 11

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S 8

Texas Site Services, Personal Service in San Antonio

14 In The News 18 The Secret to Street Sweeper Longevity?

24 The Importance of a Business Plan for Street Sweeping and Paving Companies 28 12 Ways to Achieve Greater Employee Engagement 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 2023 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.

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Visit Us at NPE and PaveX for

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Broom Bear

®

T H E L E G E N DA R Y P O W E R BEHIND SWEEPING

• Non-CDL version available • Mechanical sweeping to handle heavy applications like millings • Independent broom control for in-the-cut precision • Single engine for fuel economy and less maintenance

Multiple Fuel Configurations

Diesel, CNG, Hybrid & 100% Electric

• Simple start-up procedure with easy-to-operate controls

Questions?

B U I L T F O R C L E A N . B A C K E D F O R LIFE.

Ask an Expert! ©2023 Elgin Sweeper Company

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

TEXAS SITE SERVICES P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E I N S A N A N TO N I O

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Texas Site Services (TSS) in San Antonio offers street sweeping, pavement striping and other marking, pressure washing, installation of wheel stops, and related services. TSS was founded in January 2020 by Dax Winslett and his wife Brooke Simmons. Dax had been in the industry for many years before starting his own business. Those years of experience enabled the leadership duo to develop an excellent business plan and execute a successful startup phase, even during the onset of the Covid pandemic just a few months after launching their new business.

We also attend meet-and-greet and charity events, to help support the community and build more personal relationships with our customers. Instead of only knowing their voices over the phone, we want to recognize their faces and engage in friendly communications that help develop lasting business relationships.

N

AS was recently fortunate to work with Dax and Brooke to learn and share some information about

this high-energy operation and its spectacular success during these initial years: HOW IT BEGAN FOR TEXAS SITE SERVICES

We also offer multiple types of services to General Contractors, and that diversification also helps set us apart.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and why you decided to get into the power sweeping industry and related services?

Can you tell readers a little bit about what sets the

Dax initially got into the sweeping business in 2005

company apart from others in your market?

when he and a friend started their own small sweeping

What sets TSS apart is our customer relations. Many

company. The business was successful until the economic

companies in the construction industry don’t engage in

downturn in 2008. They shut their doors in 2011. After

face to face conversations or meet in person. Everything

that, Dax worked in various fields until coming back into

is by phone or email communication. We like to go to job

the commercial sweeping industry in 2015. As General

sites to meet General Contractors and Project Managers.

Manager, he helped another sweeping company grow its continued on page 10

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C AN SWEEPER 9

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

client base and revenues. Then, in 2020, he started his

MARKETING AND SALES AT TSS

own company with the launch of Texas Site Services.

How do you secure new customers, and what is the

OUTSTANDING GROWTH OF TSS

general size of most of your contracts?

Can you please speak to the types and kinds of growth

The majority of our customers are repeat customers

that your business experiences?

or referrals from our steady customers. We do obtain

Our growth has been phenomenal. We have

new customers through networking, use of bid site

increased sales and revenue every quarter past

referrals, and sometimes just stopping at job sites and

our benchmarks, due to our ability to diversify and

introducing ourselves. We focus heavily on getting face

provide multiple commercial services. We are a one-

to face with our customers and connecting with them

stop shop for sweeping, pavement markings, power

personally, this has proven to be effective in gaining

washing, thermoplastic, sign and bollard installation,

their trust and building lasting working relationships.

and wheel stop installation.

Generally, our sweeping revenue is not from

We market our diversified service channels heavily

providing contractual recurring service. The majority

across regional markets. We reach out to set up

of our sweeping work is as an on-call service to

meetings with our customers’ entire estimating and

General Contractors for new construction and

pre-construction teams, so we get to know them

asphalt companies laying down highways and roads,

personally.

until each job completion.

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PAVEMENT SWEEPING EQUIPMENT AT TSS

...our growth potential is extraordinary due to the multiple service lines we provide. In addition, we can mobilize to provide services to various regions in Texas.

How do you see the growth of street sweeping in the services that Texas Site Services offers its customers?

Due to our marketing strategies, I see nothing but positive growth ahead in our customer base, equipment assets, and our company team.

How and when do you incorporate street sweeping for your facility maintenance contracts?

Facility maintenance contracts are the area of our business we target least frequently. Our company focuses primarily on targeting asphalt companies and

SCALING A TEXAS SWEEPING BUSINESS

commercial General Contractors.

As mentioned earlier, our growth potential is

How does your fleet management team maintain your

extraordinary due to the multiple service lines we

equipment?

provide. In addition, we can mobilize to provide

We have an incredibly strong shop manager and crew

services to various regions in Texas. That allows us to

who maintain our vehicles as they come in and do

target different markets and areas. So far, we have hit every growth goal we have set. We have weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals for estimates submitted and sales obtained. That short-term goal-setting helps us stay on top of our overall growth goals. Staying focused on hitting the smaller goals makes achieving the bigger ones easier.

January 2024 will be the anniversary of our 4th year in operation. We started with 2 sweepers in January 2020; we now have 8. Construction and population growth are not slowing down in our region, so we anticipate staying on pace with the successful growth we have been experiencing.

basic mandatory maintenance checks. Additionally,

What is the breakdown in percentage of your business in

our drivers have a mandatory daily checklist they

terms of different divisions offered? What part or division

go through before turning a truck in. If any major

experiences the most growth and why?

repairs are needed, our shop team can address those

Sweeping is 60% of our company’s revenue. We also

immediately onsite, so we can have trucks back on the

have a pavement striping division that consists of

road as quickly as possible.

striping, power washing, and roadway thermoplastic

What do you look for when purchasing sweepers and

applications. Our sales of these services grow at similar

paving and milling equipment?

rates as a result of our marketing strategies.

We use both ODRA mechanical road sweepers and continued on page 12

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SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

vacuum sweepers. We base our purchasing decisions

We currently have 29 employees, including 10 sweeper

on the demands of our customers and job types. Some

drivers and 8 on our pavement striping/washing crew.

GCs have a strong preference for the type of machine

Our in-house office operations are run by Dax Winslett,

to be used, and we try to accommodate that.

President, and Chip Hodges, COO. Shawna West is our

How important is simplicity and reliability in the

Office Manager, Roxy Mazurek is our Sweeper Manager,

equipment you purchase?

and Mabrie Winslett is our Marketing Manager for the

It is extremely important to have our equipment

Austin region. Dennis Geer is our Shop Manager and

running efficiently and for it to be easy to operate

Brooke Simmons, Vice President, handles marketing for

and repair. That minimizes downtime. Simplicity

the San Antonio region.

of operation is highly important to our drivers. We

How do you boost efficiency in your jobs and your

provide training for them on how to troubleshoot

workers? How do you boost the morale of your workers?

onsite, but the equipment should not be too

What do you expect of them? Who trains them?..

technical for most people to operate.

Our motto is “Total Superior Service,” so we train with

THE TSS TEAM AND COMPANY CULTURE

that in mind. Customer service and satisfaction, clear

Do you want to mention the employees that work for

communication, and job efficiency are highly important

the company? How many employees do you have and

to our company. We boost efficiency by holding

what are their names and titles?

monthly training in addition to 40 hours of initial driver

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training when a new sweeper operator is hired.

the vehicles running consistently so you don’t lose

Morale on our team is high because we treat

clients or revenue.

our employees like family. We respect their needs

The most important factor in running your

for personal and family time and maintain open

business smoothly is adequate maintenance on the

communication with each team member.

vehicles. So, you need to develop a strong vehicle

One of our goals is to make our employees as

maintenance department and strong training for the

successful as possible. We want to see them grow in

drivers on how to maintain the sweepers to avoid

their leadership abilities, other job skills, and in their

breakdowns or equipment problems that impact

financial security and personal lives through their

efficiency.

employment with our company. If they are successful and fulfilled, then TSS is successful!

For more information about Texas Site Services, call

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEWCOMERS INTO SWEEPER BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?

(830) 708-5878 or visit texassiteservices.com/.

Focus on building relationships, communicating with your customers frequently, and building a personable brand to stand out from other contractors. And, keep

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IN THE NEWS

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

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

IT IS TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SECTION 179: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

West Chester, PA, October 2023 - If you’re a smallto medium-sized business owner, you know that running a business requires purchasing (expensive) equipment and software. The good news is that a tax deduction could help alleviate some of the financial burdens of those operational expenses. The catch?

Your business needs to finalize purchases before the end of the calendar year. If you want to save money and invest in your business’s growth, let’s dig into Section 179, including an overview, updates, and pros and cons.

This tax break allows businesses to write off the total purchase price of any qualifying equipment or software purchased/financed in a calendar year.

Most business expenses, such as equipment, computer software, and furniture, apply to Section 179. Consult your accountant or tax advisor about your specific business expenses to see if you qualify for this write-off before the end of 2023.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2023?

The Section 179 deduction limit has increased by $80,000 from 2022, making it $1,160,000. With the WHAT IS SECTION 179?

new stipulations, a business can now deduct the

Section 179 is a tax break for small businesses. This

entire cost of qualified equipment up to a total

tax break allows businesses to write off the total

equipment purchase limit of $2.8 million. This is an

purchase price of any qualifying equipment or

excellent opportunity to invest in new equipment

software purchased/financed in a calendar year.

to help your business grow and thrive!

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PROS OF SECTION 179

CONS OF SECTION 179

With Section 179, a business can immediately

One thing to consider before taking a Section 179

deduct expenses on its taxes for the calendar

deduction is that it could move your company into a lower tax bracket. This is because deducting a larger amount upfront could offset any later income that may have been taxed at a lower rate.

Consult with your accountant or tax advisor to

year (2023), lowering yearly tax liability. By

weigh the pros and cons of taking this deduction to

utilizing Section 179, small businesses can take

determine if it will positively benefit your business.

advantage of the tax write-off and use the money

NEXT STEPS

saved to fuel growth in other areas. This can

Interested in making a purchase before the end of the

lead to increased investment in equipment and

year? Contact an OCS finance professional any time

technology or even hiring additional staff. Section

at 877-701-2391 or ocs@oakmontfinance.com.

179 can be a valuable tool for small businesses looking to expand and thrive.

Why Buy USED When You Can Afford NEW?

Base Models Starting at $220,000 sales@odrasweeper.com | 844-888-6372 | www.odrasweeper.com w w w. na sweeper.co m

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 15

IN THE NEWS

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

SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

CITY OF KELOWNA RELIES ON ELGIN BROOM BEARS FOR SPRING SWEEP

ELGIN, Illinois — The city of Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada sits in a valley with the neighborhoods spanning up into the hills surrounding the city. Each winter, the city uses 14,000-15,000 tons of sand to keep its nearly 150,000 citizens safe on the snow-covered roadways. Then come spring, that sand along with all the winter debris requires pick-up.

That’s when the Elgin Broom Bear street sweeper is put into action.

“We ran our three Broom Bear units for 20 hours a day for eight weeks, and we had no issues at all other than regular oil changes and maintenance intervals,”...

“They handled it like champs.”

passes. The new Broom Bears did it in three passes – maybe four in the worst conditions. That’s pretty outstanding. They pick up quicker and better.”

With the help of their three Elgin Broom Bear sweepers, the municipality of Kelowna cut down its spring sweep from 12 weeks to 8 weeks. The City of Kelowna purchased its first Elgin Broom Bear about four years ago and then purchased two more about “We ran our three Broom Bear units for 20 hours a

two years ago. The city utilizes them from March

day for eight weeks, and we had no issues at all other

through December.

than regular oil changes and maintenance intervals,”

“Our operators love them,” said Schwerdtfeger.

said Andrew Schwerdtfeger, Roadways Operations

“They’re comfortable, quiet machines. They pick up

Manager for the City of Kelowna. “They handled

really well, and maintenance has been limited. Less

it like champs. Our previous sweepers needed 6-8

downtime means we like them.”

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tive fuel and waterless dust control. Elgin Sweeper is a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation’s Environmental Solutions Group. For more information, visit www.ElginSweeper.com.

About Federal Signal 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. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer, manufacturer and supplier of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois,

Utilizing a Freightliner chassis, which is what the City of Kelowna uses for its fleet, enables an easy crossover and availability of parts. It’s a big relief compared to the City of Kelowna’s previous

with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit www.FederalSignal.com.

sweepers, which were another brand and much older. A contractor that helps with sweeping as needed in the city and runs Elgin Broom Bears recommended Elgin.

“They’re good reliable, productive units,” said Schwerdtfeger. “They pick up well. The feedback has been really positive.”

For more information on the Elgin Broom Bear street sweeper, 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 — mechanical, pure vacuum, regenerative air, alterna-

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 17

advertorial

The Secret to

Street Sweeper Longevity?

Over the last few years, Bucher Municipal North America, Inc., formerly Johnston Sweepers, has been made aware of several Bucher/Johnston sweepers that have passed the fifteen-plus years ʺstill in operationʺ milestone. This development sparked our curiosity about how these end-users were extending the life cycle past the average industry standard of eight years.

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T

his article is just one example of why Bucher/ Johnston Sweepers have become the industry

standard worldwide for productivity, reliability, and durability.

Dan Diehl (Equipment Operator, City of Hickory) grins wide when I ask him what he likes most about the Johnston Sweeper he’s driven for the last 17 years. It’s part of me. I can depend on my sweeper; it will perform every time I sit in the cab, gushed Dan. Dan lights up as he gives me a tour of the VT 650 pure vacuum sweeper built in 2004 by Johnston Sweepers and that the City of Hickory put into operation in 2005.

Dan describes in detail, with the enthusiasm of a proud father, the hopper, brushes, vacuum intake, equipment locker, cab, and well...all of the sweeper.

John Bowman (Assistant Street Supervisor) said Dan knows this sweeper like the back of his hand.

As we drove to meet Bobby Hatley (Street Superviso r), John Bowman (Assistant Street Supervisor), and Dan Diehl (Equipment Operator), we passed city, after city we’ve sold street sweepers to. Hickory is right in the heart of Bucher/ Johnston Sweepers country. Hickory, North Carolina, is located an hour from Charlotte and Asheville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When I visited, the crew had recently finished

Dan Diehl (Equipment Operator, City of Hickory) grins wide when I ask him what he likes most about the Johnston Sweeper he’s driven for the last 17 years.

“It’s part of me. I can depend on my sweeper; it will perform every time I sit in the cab, “...

cleaning up after a snow and ice winter storm that had made quite a mess of their area. The sweeper

months a year, as the weather allows during the

was a major contributor during the clean-up.

winter months.

MILES UPON MILES

The Freightliner cab-over chassis inches ever

On a good day, Dan sweeps 25 lane miles. Due

closer to the 100,000-mile mark. Currently, the

to weather Hickory typically sweeps nine solid

chassis has 99,572 miles on it. continued on page 20

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 19

THE SECRET?

“The overall condition of the sweeper, including the hopper, is astonishing after seventeen years. It’s as structurally sound like one of our brand-new hoppers.

So, what’s the secret to getting extra time out of a street sweeper? As it turns out, there is no secret.

“Consistent and proper preventive maintenance,” said Bobby Hatley (Street Supervisor). Dan and the Hickory vehicle maintenance crew make sure to service the Johnston / Bucher sweeper daily.

What is the most replaced part of the sweeper?

No surprise there, it’s the brushes. I tell anyone else on the crew who operates my sweeper, take care of it, and it’ll sweep great for you, says Dan. I took along one of our longtime employees (12

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection

years and counting), Johnny Kidwell, for his expert

Agency), all that usage is pretty amazing when

perspective on the sweeper.

you consider the current average lifespan of a street

Johnny said, The overall condition of the sweeper,

sweeper is five to eight years (depending

including the hopper, is astonishing after seventeen

on use).

years. It’s as structurally sound like one of our brand-

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new hoppers. That’s amazing when you consider the corrosive and abrasive environment it works in every day. Johnny added that the majority of the electronics in the equipment locker were original.

That speaks to the quality of the OEM Johnston/ Bucher parts, said Johnny.

OTHER SWEEPERS?

Bobby says, We have a newer competitor’s CNG regenerative air street sweeper, but it just doesn’t pick up like our Bucher/Johnston sweeper, plus CNG didn’t catch on here. on the competition’s pick-up performance, Dan added, Not even close.

WHAT’S NEXT?

What’s next for the city of Hickory? We’re happy to report Dan, Bobby, and John-Boy were thrilled last Spring when their new Bucher MaxPowa V65t continued on page 22

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pure vacuum sweeper was delivered and started

About Bucher Municipal North America, Inc.

sweeping. Dan especially likes the extra room in

Bucher Municipal is the largest manufacture of cleaning

the V65t’s cabin.

equipment in the world. Bucher Municipal North Ameri-

As I look back at my time in Hickory, the classic

ca, Inc. specializes in pure vacuum, regenerative air, and

Johnston sweeper is a lot like one of my favorite

mechanical truck mounted sweepers, as well as compact

Star Wars quotes from Han Solo on his well-used

and mid-vac pure vacuum sweepers. What’s most im-

ride, the Millennium Falcon, She may not look

portant to us is what is most important to you. Helping

like much, but she’s got it where it counts.

you choose the best fit for your street sweeping program.

ABOUT THE CITY OF HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA

To learn more please get your free copy of the industry

Hickory’s regional hub of 365,000 people is

report: The 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying a

home to minor league baseball, walking and

Street Sweeper at www.buchermunicipal.com

biking trails, 26 parks, boating, restaurants, and

Special thanks to Bobby Hatley, John Bowman, and Dan

a revitalized spirit of business collaboration.

Diehl of the City of Hickory, North Carolina for sharing

Hickory boasts a collective spirit of

their time and experiences with us.

craftsmanship that strengthens any endeavor

By Matt Starnes, Product Marketing Manager at Bucher

with detail, artistry, and quality. Hickory is Life.

Municipal North America, Inc.

Well Crafted!

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.

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TARGET CLASSES • Power Sweeping • Porter Service • Catch Basin Service

AVAILABLE COVERAGE 4 Auto Liability Physical Damage 4 General Liability 4 Umbrella 4 Workers Compensation

4 Property/Equipment 4 Employee Benefits 4 Payroll/HR Services 4 Surety Bonds

WORLD INSURANCE IS PROUD TO PRESENT Our Exclusive National Power Sweeping Insurance Program Contact Scott Cerosky at 800-660-6934 ext 355 scottcerosky@worldinsurance.com w w w. na sweeper.co m

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 23

BUSINESS CORNER

I N D U S T RY N E W S

The Importance of a Business Plan

for Street Sweeping and Paving Companies A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R

A business plan is a document that

S P O Toutlines L I G H Tyour company’s goals, operations and projections. It is a

serves as a tool for setting clear, measurable goals and monitoring progress. By establishing key

INDEX

performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks, you can track your company’s performance

comprehensive guide that specifies the

and make adjustments as required. Also,

vital steps that are needed to start or

regularly reviewing the business plan keeps

scale your business and the expected

you accountable and adaptable to changing

financial results. A well-written

circumstances.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

business plan is especially important

A well-structured business plan outlines the

for a street sweeping and paving

strategies and tactics your company will employ

company because it highlights the

to achieve its objectives. This includes details

trajectory of the business concerning

on your target market, competition analysis,

sales, marketing, advertising and

marketing and sales strategies, and operational

finance, giving a detailed overview of your company’s present and future.

plans. Strategic planning is a continuous process, and your business plan serves as a dynamic document, making it an invaluable tool for strategic planning.

The importance of a business plan for your

ORGANIZING AND SCHEDULING

street sweeping and paving company cannot be

Street-sweeping businesses require effective

overstated. Here are the reasons:

organization to run smoothly. Proper organization

GOAL SETTING AND MONITORING

helps to cater to various areas such as facility and

A business plan is not just a one-time document; it

equipment care, scheduling and work routes. A

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business plan allows you to outline key operational details, ensuring efficient resource allocation and optimal service delivery.

BUDGETING AND FINANCE

Your business plan outlines the financial demands or

Street sweeping businesses often involve significant

burdens of various aspects of your

equipment and maintenance costs. A business plan

company, such as procurement,

helps you create detailed financial projections, calculate startup costs and establish a budget for ongoing

wages and advertising costs.

expenses. It also includes revenue projections based

This aspect of the plan is

on market demand and pricing strategies, giving you a

vital for resource allocation and

clear picture of your potential income.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

to ensure that the company

Your business plan outlines the financial demands or

has the funds necessary to sustain

burdens of various aspects of your company, such as

these areas

procurement, wages and advertising costs. This aspect of the plan is vital for resource allocation and to ensure that the company has the funds necessary to sustain

a comprehensive business plan demonstrates your

these areas, thereby helping the company grow. A well-

commitment to the business and your understanding

prepared business plan can also help identify potential

of its potential. Investors rely on business plans to

financial pitfalls and offer solutions to mitigate risks.

assess the viability and growth prospects of a venture,

COMMUNICATION AND TEAM ALIGNMENT

so a well-crafted business plan can significantly increase

A business plan is not just for external stakeholders;

your chances of securing funding.

it also serves as an internal communication tool. By

CREATING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

helping to align the entire team around a common

Creating a business plan for your street sweeping and

vision and set of goals, all staff members can

paving business is a fundamental task, and you should

understand the business’s direction and strategies. This

approach it with a systematic and exhaustive approach.

fosters a sense of purpose and unity, driving employees

This is the only way to truly reap its benefits. Here’s a

to work collaboratively towards shared objectives.

list of key elements that you must include in your

ATTRACTING INVESTORS

business plan:

For startups seeking funding, a business plan is

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

often the first document investors request — for a

This comprises your mission and vision statements, an

good reason. Whether you’re approaching venture

overview of your services, target market, budget and

capitalists, angel investors or seeking a bank loan,

financial objectives.

continued on page 26

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BUSINESS CORNER

2. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

provide I NHere, D Uyou ST R Y aNdetailed E W Sdescription of your

7. FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

Create detailed financial projections, including income

business, its operations, legal structure and your unique

statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

value proposition.

Estimate your startup costs and running requirements.

3. MARKET RESEARCH

READY TO PAVE THE WAY TO PROSPERITY?

Conduct thorough market research to understand

At North American Sweeper Magazine, we believe in

your industry, competitors and target market. This

empowering businesses like yours. Dive into the world

enables you to define your target market and its size,

A S Splanning O C I AT O N the I Ndoors SID R of strategic and Iunlock toE growth.

demographics and needs.

Subscribe today and access resources, templates and

4. SERVICES

expert guidance to craft a business plan that defines

Outline the services you offer, clearly explaining their

your success story.

features, benefits and pricing.

Sources

5. ADVERTISING AND SALES STRATEGY

https://www.simplilearn.com/business-planning-article

Describe how you plan to market your business, your

https://www.waveapps.com/blog/importance-of-a-business-

advert channels and tactics.

plan

SPOTLIGHT

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INDEX

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 27

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

12 Ways to Achieve Greater Employee Engagement SPOTLIGHT

INDEX

There are natural advantages

WHAT IS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT?

for business competitors who

Employee engagement is a worker’s degree of

prioritize increasing employee

commitment to his/her role in the company and to the business’s endeavor to accomplish its goals

engagement and tracking the

and fulfill its expressed mission. The universally

progress of their efforts. But,

recognized advantages of having team members

“employee engagement” is often

who are engaged in this way have made increasing

misunderstood, improperly defined, and ineffectively pursued. Some leaders may also be uncertain

employee engagement a top priority for the most competitive business leaders.

12 WAYS TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Multiple performance metrics reflect the results of

about the skills they need to

initiatives to increase employee engagement. Just

sustain the engagement of their

a few of those are individual and team productivity

team members. Let’s look at some ways to increase employee

rates, product and service quality, employee satisfaction, and staff turnover rates.

Here are a dozen of the best tips for increasing

engagement, including developing

employee engagement at your commercial

an environment that is conducive

pavement sweeping business:

to it and what management must actively do to foster it.

1. Express the importance of each individual’s role to the business’s mission.

2. Celebrate team and individual achievements. continued on page 30

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 29

BUSINESS CORNER

These are among the most common problems that

I N D UWithout S T R Y making N E W S the effort to

build a positive rapport with the workers, you can expect a workplace culture of minimal caring about the company’s best interests.

lead to low engagement among workers:

1. Poor listening skills: When people feel ignored and frustrated that their opinions and ideas are not valued, they naturally disengage and refocus their priorities elsewhere.

2. Poor speaking skills: If objectives, strategic plans, Amilestones, S S O C Iand ATexpectations I O N I Nare S Iunclear, DER overcoming challenges and maintaining transparency is more difficult.

3. Disrespectful leadership: A rigid or dismissive 3. Provide employees with the tools necessary for success.

SPOTLIGHT

4. Acknowledge people when you are spending time in their work area.

5. Create a safe environment for workers to freely express their concerns.

6. Consistently show appreciation for good efforts.

7. Identify and eliminate impediments to employees’ success.

8. Demonstrate patience, listen, and encourage workers to talk and not just listen.

9. Allocate time for every worker to contribute suggestions and feedback.

manager who shows a lack of trust or confidence in employees, or makes excessive demands will

I N Dworkers.

EX disengage 4. Extreme kindness: People pleasers may be too fearful of people leaving to provide clear expectations or the necessary feedback for workers to stay engaged and succeed.

5. Displaying indifference: Failing to recognize workers’ value and lacking interest in them breaks the sense of team connection necessary for optimal staff engagement.

BASIC EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN

10. Provide a clear process for problem-solving.

If you have assessed your organization’s internal culture

11. Enable people to collaborate on projects and function

and found that there is a general lack of commitment to

autonomously on tasks.

the business among your team members, it’s probably

12. Provide employee development time and resources.

time to take measures to cultivate greater engagement

PROBLEMS INCREASING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

of workers with their roles, your leadership team, and

Effectively fostering worker engagement calls for

your company.

insights into the individual goals that motivate the

Here are some fundamentals for obtaining the kinds

people on your staff. Without making the effort to

of information you will need for planning a successful

build a positive rapport with the workers, you can

program to boost employee engagement:

expect a workplace culture of minimal caring about the

4 Canvass the team: Ask your staff what they like and

company’s best interests.

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don’t like about their jobs, how they think things

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could be improved, and anything else on their minds regarding their workplace.

4 One-on-one: Schedule individual meetings with each employee to talk

Schedule individual meetings with each employee to talk about how they are doing with their work responsibilities...

about how they are doing with their work responsibilities, teammates, occupational goals, and other job matters.

4 Track resolution of issues: List all the problems and possible solutions you are considering pursuing. Number the priorities and then sort those by their relative level of ease to resolve.

4 Management self-development: Start by reading the material featured on the Additional Resources list below, and read other leadership learning content on employee engagement.

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BENEFITS OF INCREASED EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

The critical business benefits of fostering employee engagement in modern companies are indisputable. In virtually every area of business performance, engagement is an essential factor.

Just some of the key benefits of increasing worker engagement include: 4 Increased talent retention rates: A fully engaged staff constitutes a company culture to which top talent wants to belong and target market members trust to provide great service.

4 Improved quality: Well-engaged staff continued on page 32

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 N O RT H A M E RI C A N SWEEPER 31

BUSINESS CORNER

members show a stronger interest in the business’s

people and reasonable expectations.

success and are more concerned about how to help

That means the business’s leader has adopted the

the company instead of being only interested in their

practical habits discussed above, as required for good

Ipersonal N D U performance.

S T RY N E W S

team management. And, where you find management

4 Improved brand reputation: Fully engaged workers

applying these core employee engagement principles,

demonstrate commitment to their roles and the

you can expect to find a strong pro-company workplace

business’s mission. This is a transformative force in

culture reflected across the company’s key performance

developing a winning brand image in the market.

indicators.

4 Increased profitability: Engaged employees strive to exceed expectations. They work to create solutions, support management, collaborate with each other, and show enthusiasm and professionalism to customers.

KEEPING WORKERS ENGAGED LONG-TERM

AdditionalA Resources S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R Engaging Employees Starts with Remembering What Your Company Stands For, Harvard Business Review, Retrieved 2-22-2019 from https://hbr.org/2018/03/engaging-employees-starts-with-remembering-what-your-company-stands-for Carrots and Sticks Don’t

In a work environment where employees are thriving

Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement, Marciano, ISBN-13:

in their roles, you can expect to find that they are

978-07-171401-3 Five Steps To Drive Employee Engagement And

SPOT I G H T that foster high levels of worker operating in L conditions engagement. In such a workplace, you will likely discover that management demonstrates respect for

3 2 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R NO V EM BER 2023

Business Growth, Forbes, IND E Xhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-

coachescouncil/2018/04/20/five-steps-to-drive-employee-engagement-and-business-growth/#41f69c1c4e2f

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INDEX

Bensink.........................................................................................13 704-658-1333 / buchermunicipal.com

Safety Vision.................................................................................26 800-851-4764 / safetyvision.com

Elgin Sweeper Company................................................................7 elginregenx.com

Schwarze Industries Inc.................................................................5 800-879-7933 / schwarze.com

R OSales D U&CService.............................................................3 T W AT C H FMIPTruck 800-927-8750

SEALMATE....................................................................................21 sealmate.com

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

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

Gregory Highway..........................................................................29 866-994-4929 / gregoryhighway.com

Skavin’jer Street Sweepers..........................................................34 888-652-2137 / skavinjer.com

KeyStone Street Sweeping Brooms............................................22 800-635-5238 / kpbrush.com

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

NAPSA..........................................................................................33 info@powersweeping.org

Street Smart..................................................................................27 888-653-6800 / streetsmartrental.com

Nite-Hawk Sweepers................................................................6, 32 800-448-9364 / nitehawksweepers.com

Sweeper Parts Sales....................................................................33 877-695-3060 / sweeperpartssales.com

Nomad.........................................................................................BC 450-530-9873 / balaisnomad.com

Trinity Highway.............................................................................20 888-323-6374 / trinityhighway.com

Oakmont Capital Services LLC......................................................6 320-844-8800 / oakmontfinance.com

Tymco............................................................................................31 800-258-9626 / tymco.com

ODRA Sweeper.............................................................................15 844-888-6372 / odrasweeper.com

United Rotary Brush Corporation..................................................3 800-851-5108 / united-rotary.com

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

World Insurance...........................................................................23 866-793-9999

Pat’s Pump & Blower....................................................................17 800-359-7867 / patspump.com

Xpress Sweeping Inc....................................................................13 401-523-6116 / xpresssweeping.com

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