THE LEGENDARY POWER 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
• Simple start-up procedure with easy-to-operate controls
In 2014, Sweep It only provided clean-up services for road construction projects. In 2022, the company added its own asphalt milling division — an exceptionally bold and virtually unprecedented form of expansion...
In 2014, Sweep It only provided clean-up services for road construction projects. In 2022, the company added its own asphalt milling division — an exceptionally bold and virtually unprecedented form of expansion among US pavement sweeping service providers. Juan reflects on the business’s history, current operations, and plans:
The business was started by my brother, Lupe Aranda, in 2014. Lupe had asked me from the
beginning to come and run the business with him, so I came on board in 2016. Previously, I was in Wisconsin as a supervisor at a foundry (over the operations for melting and molding metal into parts). I’m the COO of Sweep It now. It’s a family business, with Lupe, myself, Kevin, who is Lupe’s son, and my granddaughter Atiyanna all working in the company.
THE SWEEP IT TEAM
We operate as two businesses, Sweep It, LLC. (for
SPOTLIGHT
clean up/sweeping) and Superior Roadway Services of Florida (for milling). Between the two, we have about 75 employees, with about half working at each company. In the office, we have Gary, our CFO, myself (Juan, COO), Mandy, our Controller, Kevin, our Estimator, Atianna, who assists with general office work, and 2 Operations Managers – Alan over Milling and Pete over the clean-up business. So, we have about 8 people in the office, about 4 in the shop, including Tom, the Shop Manager, and around 63 operators out in the field.
We recently opened a second location in Tampa and have some clean-up equipment and sweeper trucks there. Tom oversees the shop at the Tampa location as well as the one here, and Kevin and Pete also go over there once or twice a week.
We have many employees who have been with us
We have almost 100 pieces of equipment between the two businesses, including sweeper trucks, water trucks, milling machines, broom tractors, skid steers and foremen’s trucks.
for over 10 years. Several started out as equipment operators and have moved into management roles.
THE SWEEP IT FLEET
We have almost 100 pieces of equipment between the two businesses, including sweeper trucks, water trucks, milling machines, broom tractors, skid steers and foremen’s trucks. For sweeping, from parking lot cleaning to milling cleanup, we use the ODRAs. We’ve been running ODRAs for a long time so we still have Elgin Broom Badger branded units made by ODRA from when they partnered (ODRA manufactured the MT4H branded as Elgin Broom Badger from 20122020). Right now, we have 7 Badger-branded ODRAs and 3 ODRA MT4H units. We just got one delivery of an ODRA about a month and a half ago.
The ODRAs are our preferred sweeper truck for several reasons. You don’t need a CDL to operate them. They’re easy to maneuver. They don’t have the bulkiness of other sweeper trucks, which makes them better for sweeping smaller areas. They basically do the same job as those that do require a CDL And, price-wise, they’re an economically better choice.
Safety is our number one goal. We like the superior
safety features on the ODRA trucks. We’re focused on making sure we’re keeping our workers, pedestrians, and others in the area safe. The external cameras are very helpful.
The newest trucks even come with a camera in the hopper too, so you can see when it’s time to empty it. Anything that helps make operations smoother helps the operator do the job better.
HOW DOES SWEEP IT SUCCEED WITHOUT WEB MARKETING?
We all know that a business, or anything else at all, cannot exist if it’s not on the web, right? Turns out that that is not really true after all. In researching Sweep It, before the interview with Juan Rocha, we found the company listed in multiple online business directories
but did not find a website or Facebook page. We knew the company existed because we had just been referred to its COO by a prominent sweeper truck equipment manufacturer.
So, contrary to common belief, a highly successful business can be built in modern America without a website and even without so much as a Facebook page. Beyond having logos on their trucks and uniforms, we discovered no notable efforts being made to promote the Sweep It, LLC business in the bustling central Florida market.
Yet, the company has now opened a second location in Tampa! The Sweep It leadership team has proven that a company that builds a regional reputation on a consistently strong rate of customer satisfaction can
SPOTLIGHT
conference in St. Louis this week. We participate in trade shows. We usually like to go and learn and see what the industry is doing.
We have GPS tracking, using ClearPathGPS, in all of our vehicles. The software provides extensive reporting and provides real-time alerts for events like speeding, excessive acceleration and hard braking. It’s also how we track maintenance, oil changes, and other information for the trucks, and we use it to audit payroll, etc.
We’re adding dashcams in our trucks now. This allows us to ensure our team members are following our safety procedures. In the event of an accident or incident, we can receive greater insight into what actually occurred.
SAFETY PRACTICES AT SWEEP IT
The operations software we use is called mHelpDesk. We use it to generate estimates. During the work week, we generate a ticket for each job. The ticket includes information regarding the job location, timing, and who is assigned. The foreman inputs information using these job tickets and submits pictures of the day’s progress.
Any equipment or job issues are entered.
Maintenance issues and payroll entries are reviewed, and we get a clear picture of how things are being done. At our quarterly safety meetings, we bring all the employees together and do safety discussions based on the reports.
Workers out on job sites also have required weekly
safety meetings. We give them a binder with safety topics, and they need to pick one per week. It might be about heat exhaustion, overhead electric lines, or proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc. They gather together on the job site where they’re working and have their safety topic ready to discuss. While they’re together, they take pictures, so we can see that they have completed the safety meeting.
ADVICE FOR INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS FROM
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If you’re trying to get into road construction, be sure to purchase good equipment, and maintain it regularly. Surround yourself with good people and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. You will only be as good as the team you build around you.
Model 500x® High Side Dump
THE IMPORTANCE OF SEALCOATING FOR LONG-TERM PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
SEALCOATING IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF ASPHALT PAVEMENT. PAVING CONTRACTORS KNOW THAT ASPHALT DETERIORATES OVER TIME DUE TO TRAFFIC, WEATHER AND EXPOSURE TO OILS AND CHEMICALS. WITHOUT PROTECTION, SMALL CRACKS TURN INTO POTHOLES, AND OXIDATION MAKES THE SURFACE BRITTLE.
SEALCOATING SLOWS THIS PROCESS, KEEPING PAVEMENT IN BETTER SHAPE FOR LONGER AND REDUCING THE NEED FOR COSTLY REPAIRS.
HOW DOES SEALCOATING WORK?
Sealcoating applies a protective layer over asphalt to shield it from the elements. This thin coat, usually made of bitumen or acrylic-based solutions, protects against oxidation, water penetration and chemical spills. It also creates a smooth, black surface that
Oxidation is one of the biggest threats to asphalt. Over time, UV rays break down the binders in the pavement, causing it to dry out and crack.
improves the appearance of pavement while making it easier to clean.
Oxidation is one of the biggest threats to asphalt.
Over time, UV rays break down the binders in the pavement, causing it to dry out and crack. Once cracks form, water seeps in, leading to further damage.
Sealcoating blocks UV rays, keeping the pavement flexible and preventing premature breakdown.
Water penetration is another major problem. If water freezes in cracks, it expands, making the cracks worse.
Sealcoating acts as a waterproof barrier, stopping water from reaching the base layer and slowing down the freeze-thaw cycle that leads to potholes.
Chemical resistance is also important, especially in parking lots and roadways where oil, gas and other fluids leak onto the surface. These substances weaken
continued on page 18
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Sealcoating is a low-cost maintenance strategy that saves money in the long run.
asphalt and cause it to break down faster. A properly applied sealcoat repels these fluids, reducing the risk of damage.
COST SAVINGS OVER TIME
Sealcoating is a low-cost maintenance strategy that saves money in the long run. Repaving a road or
parking lot is expensive, and full-depth repairs can be disruptive. Regular seal coating, which typically happens every two to three years, prevents small issues from turning into major problems.
A well-maintained asphalt surface lasts significantly longer than one left unprotected. A typical asphalt pavement without maintenance might need replacement in 10 to 15 years. With regular sealcoating and crack filling, that lifespan can extend to 25 years or more. The cost of sealcoating is only a fraction of what a complete resurfacing job would be, making it a wise investment for property owners and municipalities.
IMPROVED SAFETY AND APPEARANCE
Sealcoating does more than just protect asphalt. It also improves safety. A fresh sealcoat creates a smoother,
more even surface, reducing tripping hazards in pedestrian areas and improving traction for vehicles. It also enhances visibility by providing a dark, uniform background that makes painted lines and markings stand out.
For businesses, a well-maintained parking lot sends a positive message to customers. Faded, cracked pavement gives the impression of neglect, while a freshly sealed lot looks clean and professional. Property managers and commercial businesses recognize that curb appeal matters. Sealcoating is a simple way to maintain a polished look.
BEST PRACTICES FOR SEALCOATING
Not all sealcoating jobs are the same. For the best results, asphalt needs to be properly prepared
before application. This means cleaning the surface thoroughly, repairing cracks and potholes and making sure the pavement is dry. Applying sealcoat to a dirty or damaged surface leads to poor adhesion and reduces effectiveness.
Then there are the weather conditions. Sealcoating should be done in warm, dry weather with no rain in the forecast. Cold temperatures or high humidity can slow drying times and affect durability.
Paving contractors should also use high-quality materials and apply the right amount of sealcoat. A thin, even layer is better than a thick one. Too much product can lead to flaking and peeling. Using the right tools — sprayers, squeegees or a combination of both — guarantees a uniform application.
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LONG-TERM PROTECTION WITH REGULAR SEALCOATING
Sealcoating is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the life of asphalt pavement. It protects against oxidation, water damage and chemical spills while improving safety and appearance. For paving contractors, offering sealcoating services is a valuable way to help clients reduce long-term costs and keep their pavement in top condition. Regular maintenance today prevents expensive repairs down the road, making sealcoating an essential part of any pavement preservation plan.
STAY INFORMED ON THE BEST PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PRACTICES; SUBSCRIBE TO NORTH AMERICAN SWEEPER MAGAZINE TODAY!
DETERMINING THE BEST HOPPER SIZE for a cleaner community
Debris can overtake the streets as changing seasons bring in new elements. Street sweeping is an essential part of keeping municipalities clean year-round.
Elgin Sweeper Company offers a wide variety of street sweepers that utilize different methods to remove debris. When determining what sweeper is the right fit, it is important to consider the capacity of the sweeper’s hopper – where the debris is stored.
Elgin offers multiple hopper size options ranging from a 3.6 cubic yard capacity to an 8 cubic yard capacity leaving even the busiest streets free of debris. Here are a few things to consider when determining
hopper function and capacity needs.
4 Street size. For narrow downtown areas, a small hopper might be necessary to maneuver down narrow roads. For larger highways, regenerative air sweepers and pure vacuum sweepers feature large hoppers that reduce the need for frequent dumping.
4 Seasonal changes. Street sweeping needs vary from season to season. Fall time brings in an
Once the hopper is at capacity, it cannot hold more debris. Longer distances between designated dump sites may require a larger hopper.
abundance of leaves while snow melt, sand and debris make spring a busy time too. Consider the amount of debris the sweeper will encounter.
4 Distance to dump sites. Once the hopper is at capacity, it cannot hold more debris. Longer distances between designated dump sites may require a larger hopper. Be aware of where debris can be dumped.
4 Weight of debris. Heavier debris, like wet leaves and large sticks and branches, may require a larger hopper. Frequent storms and rainfall are factors to consider in areas with heavier debris.
Even after considering these factors, it can be difficult to know where to start, so here are a few sweepers to consider depending on hopper capacity.
4 Large capacity. Regenerative air sweepers and pure vacuum sweepers have the largest hopper capacity at 8yd3. These include the Crosswind1, RegenX,
and RegenX1 regenerative air sweepers and the Whirlwind and Whirlwind1 pure vacuum sweepers.
4 Standard capacity. Mechanical street sweepers might be the way to go for areas with standard debris. The Road Wizard has a 5.4 yd3 hopper and the Broom Bear and Eagle have 4.5 yd3 hoppers.
4 Smaller Capacity: For particularly narrow streets and small capacity needs, consider mechanical street sweepers such as the Pelican, a three wheeled sweeper with a 3.6 yd3 hopper, and the Boom Badger with a 4 yd3 hopper.
Having the proper size hopper prevents debris from taking over and keeps municipalities clear year-round.
With the support of the industry’s strongest dealer network, Elgin sweepers have what it takes for jobs of any size. Visit ElginSweeper.com to learn more.
3. Do You Hover Over Tasks You’ve Delegated?
Delegation means handing over responsibility, but if you’re constantly checking progress, asking for updates, or stepping in to “help,” your team isn’t getting the space to own their work.
4. Do You Rarely Feel Satisfied With Results?
If you’re often frustrated with outcomes, it might not be the quality of the work—it could be unrealistic expectations or difficulty accepting different approaches.
5. Do Your Team Members Avoid Taking Initiative?
If your team hesitates to make decisions or waits for explicit instructions before acting, it could be a sign they’ve learned to rely on you to avoid being secondguessed.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF MICROMANAGEMENT
Micromanaging doesn’t just make daily work harder—it has long-term consequences for teams and organizations:
4 It Hinders Growth: When managers control every detail, team members miss opportunities to learn, solve problems, and take ownership.
4 It Pushes Good People Away: Talented employees want to feel trusted and valued. If micromanagement makes them feel powerless or underappreciated, they’ll start looking for opportunities elsewhere.
4 It Erodes Team Morale: A micromanaged team often feels disempowered and disengaged, which can lead to frustration, resentment, and lower productivity.
4 It Limits Managerial Effectiveness: Micromanagers spend so much time on small details that they can’t focus on big-picture strategy or leadership priorities.
BREAKING THE CYCLE: HOW TO STOP MICROMANAGING
1. Step Back and Trust Your Team
Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Start by giving your team clear goals and responsibilities, then step back and let them execute.
Instead of “Send me the draft before you finalize it,” try “Finalize the draft and send me a copy once it’s submitted.” This shows confidence in their abilities.
2. Focus on Outcomes, Not Processes
Micromanagers often fixate on how tasks are done. Shift your focus to the desired results and let your team figure out the best way to achieve them.
Instead of prescribing every step for a report, say, “The goal is to highlight trends and actionable insights. Use the format you think works best.”
3. Set Clear Expectations
Ambiguity can lead to over management. Clearly define what success looks like for each task or project. Use a shared checklist or document to outline deliverables, deadlines, and key milestones. This ensures alignment without constant oversight.
4. Encourage Initiative and Autonomy
Build confidence by allowing your team to make decisions and solve problems independently. If mistakes happen, treat them as learning opportunities.
Say, “I trust your judgment—let me know how it goes,” instead of stepping in immediately with your solution.
5. Schedule Regular Check-Ins Instead of Constant Monitoring
Replace impromptu check-ins with scheduled updates. This gives your team uninterrupted time to work while keeping you informed.
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Micromanagement often stems from good intentions, but its impact can be deeply damaging.
Instead of asking for daily updates, hold a weekly meeting to review progress and address challenges.
6. Reframe Your Role as a Leader
Great leaders focus on enabling their team’s success, not doing the work for them. Shift your mindset from “How do I control this?” to “How do I support my team’s growth?”
Ask yourself, “Am I helping my team develop, or am I doing their job for them?”
7. Invite Honest Feedback About Your Style
Your team’s perspective can reveal blind spots. Create a safe environment where they can share how your management style affects them.
Ask, “How can I give you more space to work independently?” and be open to their suggestions.
CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
Micromanagement often stems from good intentions, but its impact can be deeply damaging. By reflecting on your habits, focusing on outcomes, and empowering your team, you can break the cycle and build a more engaged, productive workforce. Leadership isn’t about controlling every detail— it’s about fostering trust, encouraging growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. If you let go of the reins, you might be surprised at just how far your team can go.
About the Author: Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team provide onsite, virtual, and online soft-skills training courses and workshops to clients in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.
2. The Employee Experience Advantage
Talent is the fuel that drives a business forward, and high-performing companies treat their employees like their most valuable asset. They don’t just offer jobs; they create environments where employees thrive. These companies invest in professional development, employee well-being, and company culture. They prioritize engagement, conduct regular satisfaction surveys, and actively act on feedback. As a result, their employees become brand ambassadors, delivering superior service, innovating, and staying loyal to the company.
3. Customer-Centricity as a Growth Engine
For high-performing companies, customer satisfaction isn’t enough—they aim to create customer advocates. They analyze customer journeys, remove friction points, and proactively seek feedback. More importantly, they take action on that feedback, refining their offerings and personalizing experiences to create deep relationships.
Data from a global management consulting company shows that fluctuations in a company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) can explain 20-60% of its organic growth. This statistic alone highlights why top companies prioritize customer experience—it directly impacts revenue.
4. Quality as a Cultural Cornerstone
High performers don’t just meet quality standards— they set them.
They integrate quality into every process, ensuring it’s not just a final checkpoint but a guiding principle from the start. This commitment to excellence builds trust and differentiates them from competitors. Apple, for instance, isn’t just known for technology but for meticulous attention to detail. High-performing
companies operate with the same mindset—whether it’s in their service delivery, internal processes, or employee training.
5. The Adaptability Imperative
Disruption is inevitable. The question is: will your company adapt fast enough to stay ahead?
High-performing companies don’t resist change; they embrace it. They anticipate market shifts, monitor industry trends, and pivot when necessary.
Research has shown that many companies failed during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic—not because they lacked resources, but because they failed to adapt. Meanwhile, organizations that were agile in their strategy and execution thrived.
6. Data-Driven Decision Making
Top companies leverage data to make strategic decisions and track real-time key performance indicators (KPIs) through dashboard systems that are visually engaging. Through the utilization of AI and other software programs they aggregate information across the enterprise for a holistic view and understanding of how all elements fit together. This ensures leaders have access to clear information and actionable insights. More importantly, they align their data collection with business objectives, avoiding “data for data’s sake.”
7. Ecosystem Intelligence and Collaboration
The best companies don’t just monitor their competitors—they understand the full ecosystem in which they operate.
They recognize that value creation often requires collaboration. Whether through strategic partnerships, industry alliances, or supplier relationships, they position themselves at the center of innovation and market shifts.
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8. Operational Excellence Through Simplification
Complexity slows companies down. High performers know this and focus on making operations lean and efficient.
Steve Jobs famously said, “Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.”
Top companies take this to heart. They continuously refine workflows, eliminate unnecessary steps, and automate where possible. The result? A more agile, cost-effective, and scalable operation.
9. The Learning Organization Mindset
Perhaps the most defining trait of high-performing companies is their relentless pursuit of improvement.
They don’t assume they have all the answers— they continuously learn, evolve, and refine their strategies. They invest in leadership development, create knowledge-sharing platforms, and encourage experimentation.
These organizations view failure as a stepping stone to progress, not a setback. This mindset allows them to stay ahead of industry changes and maintain a competitive edge.
BECOMING A HIGH-PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
If you want to build a company that stands out, start by assessing where you currently stand on these nine traits. Ask yourself:
4 Are our purpose and values deeply embedded in everything we do?
4 Do we treat employees as our greatest asset?
4 Are we truly customer-centric, or do we just say we are?
4 Is quality a guiding principle in all areas of our business?
4 How adaptable are we to change?
4 Do we make decisions based on data or gut instinct?
4 Do we understand our industry ecosystem and leverage partnerships?
4 Have we eliminated unnecessary complexity in our operations?
4 Do we foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement?
Achieving high performance isn’t about making one major change—it’s about consistently refining these areas over time. The question isn’t whether these traits matter. The real question is: How quickly can your organization begin embedding them into its DNA?
About the Author:
Susan Quinn has worked for 30+ years with Fortune 500 to middle market firms across the country developing strategies that spur growth. As CEO of circle S studio, she supports companies in their quest to ‘better their best’ and brings a keen understanding of how to create a winning strategy. Quinn is the author of Does Your Business Show Up or Stand Out?, a leader’s playbook for implementing the nine traits. For more information, please visit www.circlesstudio.com/businessplaybook.
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