Pressure Cleaning Contractor
February 2012
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Pressure Cleaning Contractor
Powerwash.com would like to invite you to connect with other professional contractor, commercial and industrial users in the pressure washing industry at Power Wash Community. This is the launch of a new bulletin board for those professionals in the industry looking for an online place to meet and hang out to discuss topics of the day concerning all aspects of pressure washing. Please take a moment to check us out and be part of a knowledgeable and respectful group at http://www.powerwash.com/community/ forum.php Mobile users can also take advantage of our FREE Power Wash Community app called “PW Community.”
February 2012
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February 2012
In This Issue: Additional Features:
12 UAMCC Elects New Leadership, Stimulates New Support 14 The 2012 Pressure Washing Seminar 17 Guidelines for Winter Pressure Washing 18 Pressure Washing Industry Loses Pioneer, David Olson
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Scott Stone Awarded Cleaning Contract of a Lifetime
27 The Man on the Monkeyrack 29 Choosing Courage in This Economy
Bonus for Paid Subscribers Only The safety Issue
31 Safety 101 – How to Manage Risk in the Workplace 36 Do you have your MSDS?
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Inside Envirospec’s New Service School
37 Avoiding Ladder Falls 38 Protect Your Eyes 39 UL 1776: What it Means for Contract Cleaners 41 Maintenance...something to think about 44 Employer’s Cell Phone Liability 45 Reducing Injuries
Pressure Cleaning Contractor is published quarterly Publisher: Allison Hester Sales/Marketing: Paul Horsley Pressure Cleaning Contractor
12300 Nebraska Ave. N. Little Rock, AR 72118 501-517-1620 pccmagazine@live.com www.PWCMag.com
February 2012
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It’s Time for Me to Get Serious
(and get some help)
Successful pressure washing businesses must know about more than simply how to clean. They’ve got to understand business. Marketing. Sales. The same holds true for successful publishing. When I started this magazine a year ago, I went into business with my long-time industry friend Steve Stephens. I brought with me almost 20 years of experience in writing, editing, design and publishing for a number of markets, including pressure washing. Steve brought 30+ years of pressure washing business success. However, due to health issues, it quickly became apparent that Steve simply could not come through on his commitment to handle the magazine’s marketing, sales and finances. So I’ve been paddling upstream – virtually alone – for the past year trying to stay afloat. In the meantime, Pressure Cleaning Contractor has developed an industry presence and a dedicated following. The magazine, however, has not transformed into the publication or resource that it can and should be. That is about to change. I’ve known since the beginning that I could not do this magazine alone. I just wasn’t sure what to do about it…until now. A few months ago, well-known contractor Paul Horsley of Scotts Power Wash mentioned in passing he might be interested in working with me and the magazine. A few days ago, we sealed the deal. Paul Horsley is now overseeing marketing and sales, allowing me to focus on writing and editing content. Paul literally grew up in the industry, as his father started Scott’s Power Wash in 1966. Today, Scott’s Pressure Wash is a million-dollar plus business located in Calgary, Alberta, with satellite operations Edmonton, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Regina. A long-time board member for the Power Washers of North America (PWNA), Paul also has a consulting business that works with pressure washing companies from around the world. I am excited to have someone with Paul’s vast knowledge, expertise, business sense and commitment on the PCC team. So this is my last solo mission. Starting with the next issue – which will be out in March – we will be making some significant changes for the better. Specifically, the magazine will be free to all, and it will be online monthly. In the meantime, however, enjoy the February issue. Those who have subscribed will receive a separate email with instructions on how to access the second half of the issue, which focuses on safety, as well as how they will be reimbursed for the rest of their paid subscription. Thank you all for sticking by me this first year. I believe the magazine has finally grown its wings. Now we’re ready to fly. – Allison Hester Editor
Scott Stone Awarded Cleaning Contract of a Lifetime Most pressure washing contractors dream of the day their company will join the “millionaire’s club,” but only a handful reach that dream. Rarely is it off of one contract. But for Scott Stone in Mesa, Arizona, 2012 is the year that is launching his company, A Mind for Detail (AMFD), from a small, fivetechnician business, to the millionaire’s mark – and well beyond – with a five-year, multimillion dollar government contract that in one year will increase his company’s sales ten-fold.
good” at detailing. “I could hit the 90 percent detailing mark, pleasing 90 percent of the customers. But in order to excel, I needed to hit the 100 percent level.” Stone also admits that he was not a good salesman at the time, “so after a year, and no more money, I drove a truck delivering milk for a dairy while pressure washing on the side.” Stone’s company then switched to fleet washing. He washed for his first customer, a crane company, for 15 years until they took their cleaning in-house. In the meantime, Stone was promoted by the dairy. Then, “after working a 120-hour week – on salary – and coming home, picking up my baby boy, and having him crying because he did not recognize me, I knew it was time for a change.” Stone quit his job at the dairy and committed to a full year as a truck driver. He still found time to build his pressure washing business in the interim. “A couple of solid recommendations and a little bit of proper timing, and I was soon able to wash some of the higher profile accounts for Ryder,” he said. He kept those accounts for six years – “which is the longest anyone had been able to wash those prime accounts without complaints” – until Fleetwash received the accounts as part of a national contract. “I felt it coming and had expanded to other customers.” Then came AMFD’s big break. After several
21 Years in the Making Stone has been in the pressure washing industry for 21 years, starting a car detailing company – “hence the name, ‘A Mind for Detail, Inc.’” – as a way to supplement his income working for a public utility’s salvage yard so that his wife could stay at home with their children. “Where else could someone make in a few hours on a Saturday what my wife could make babysitting or working outside the home in a week, even with a college degree?” However, Stone was laid off shortly after developing the salvage yard’s environmental plan and detailing became his liveihood. Stone says he quickly learned two things about car detailing. “First, I found out it was really hard to make money in that industry,” he explained. “It is a wait-for-the-phone-to-ring type of business until you are well established.” Second, Stone found out he was “not very 8 Pressure Cleaning Contractor February 2012
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years of washing fleets, one of Stone’s City customers lost the cleaning contractor that was washing their bus stops because they were pulling out of the area. “They sent out an IFB (invitation for bids) that we bid on, and – much to my surprise – we won,” he explained. “I wasn’t shooting to be the lowest price, but I managed to anyway.” Stone said that he has always bid on contracts so that if he lost all other jobs, he could justify going out and doing that one project. Since winning that contract, AMFD has stopped washing fleets – and all private contracts – to concentrate on municipal government work. At first it was parking garages and bus stops. “At one time, we were washing 40 to 50 parking garages a year, with two crews,” he said. Today, parking garages make up less than 10 percent of their business “because the bus stops have become so big.” The BIG One Then last year, the City of Phoenix put out a IFB for cleaning the City’s bus stops. Stone had bid on the project before, but was always “tossed out” during the evaluation process. This time he worked extra hard to ensure he won the contract. “There are a lot of things that happened that tell me the hand of the Lord was involved,” he explained. “I don’t understand how He could bless us so much and not bless the other company, but I have no doubt that He did. I could recite chapter and verse all the little things that happened that enabled us to bid. Things that looked like closed doors, but eventually worked in our favor, down to how much to bid.” Before AMFD could even put in a bid, Stone had to have his company in order to prepare to receive the contract. Pressure Cleaning Contractor
For example, he had to make sure he could get enough financing for at least 16 vehicles, for three-months’ pay for his new workers (“in case an invoice was late coming in”), and for new equipment, as well as having suppliers lined up to provide all needed equipment and materials. One thing that separates Stone’s company from all the others is Scott’s wife, Cheryl. “I have never known anyone who has such an eye for detail and is able to so closely monitor the jots and tittles to make sure everything happens,” he said. He added that a large part of their financing was being prepared so that they could have a good enough credit score to be a safe risk for the lenders. “I have worked hard to earn the money, but she has worked just as hard managing the money. In fact, one of our lenders commented that not only were we the perfect combination for the contract, but that they had never seen such clean books. That is quite a compliment, and is fully attributable to her keeping track of the money. After telling Cheryl they had won the contract, he immediately told her it was going to be a long time before they started the work. “It ended up being absolutely insane because of protests with the city, the registrar of contractors, threats of lawsuits, and even being threatened with going to jail. There were
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After winning the City contract, A Mind for Detail now has 20 trucks and 37 staff members to do the work.
a few times when I thought that everyone was Above the Competition conspiring against me,” he added. Stone said Stone said he believes the biggest thing he later found out that another bidder was that separated A Mind for Detail from the trying to organize protests against him. other bidders is their experience. “We are the However, despite all the delays and issues, only company that bid on the contract where work on the project officially rolled out on the principles have actually done the work. January 1. As AMFD has begun, Stone has It makes a huge difference,” he explained. started seeing additional needs. “Fortunately, “Coupled with our 11 years of experience in doing the bid, I made allowances to be able performing identical work, we were well to hire that many people. The hardest part is prepared to tackle this project.” resource allocation – how hard do I really want Additionally, over the years, Stone has to run my brand new trucks and pressure learned how to maneuver through the washers?” he adds. government red tape. Since winning the contract, AMFD has had Because he was familiar with the type of to make some significant changes to prepare for work involved, he had also already dealt with the scope of the new project. Last year, AMFD getting the proper wastewater-related permits. had just five technicians – with Stone doing Since they use no chemicals, AMFD was able some of the work himself – and four trucks, two to obtain a stormwater permit as the City of which were used just for picking up trash at considers the cleaning a “storm event,” even the bus stops, and four pressure washers. when using hot water. Now he has 20 trucks, and may be adding “Interestingly, we had to obtain a county a couple more in the near future due to waste-haulers permit in order to pick up the additional opportunities that have arisen in the trash at the bus stops, which meant that process of starting this contract. we were required to come up with a closed They also now have 37 employees. “Cheryl container to mount on the trucks,” Stone did all the interviewing and hiring,” said Stone. added. “We ended up going with a dumpster. It “Again, her involvement in this whole process is a hassle, but over time, my guys have grown has been hugely important. to appreciate the clean appearance that it “I have made a special effort to ensure that gives to the equipment.” the trucks are something our employees can However, again, he gives the largest be proud of, including getting a fold-down amount of credit to Cheryl. “I will admit that arm rest, similar to what is in the higher line there are times she has driven me crazy trucks, and chrome simulators for the wheels,” worrying about the money, but in reality, Stone said. “It makes a difference in how the without her, our business would never have employees treat the trucks, and how the bus been able to pull this coup off. And it was truly riders – our customers – perceive the value of quite the coup.” the service we give.” 10 Pressure Cleaning Contractor February 2012 www.PWCMag.com
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UAMCC Elects New Leadership, Stimulates New Support In early January, the United Association of Mobile Cleaning Contractors (UAMCC) – a 501c non-profit organization run by mobile cleaning contractors – held elections to vote in its new board of directors. Ron Musgraves, owner of Pro PowerWash in Phoenix, Arizona, and 25-plus year industry veteran, ran unopposed as the organization’s new president. Recognized as a straightshooter and go-getter, Musgraves has already begun laying out his first steps for growing the association, with plans to “build a strong awareness and education program like no other.” Musgraves, founder of the National Cleaning Expo (NCE), is familiar with the value of education, hosting numerous educational events and certifying over 200 contractors over the past two years. He also began PressureWashingInstitute.com in 2001, a popular industry bulletin board. Doug Rucker of Clean and Green Solutions in Houston, Texas, who also ran unopposed, will fill the vice-presidential role. Rucker, who recently joined the UAMCC, said he decided to run for VP because he wanted “to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.” He added that he joined UAMCC because he likes the way the organization is set up. “In the UAMCC, everyone has the opportunity to run for a position and be a part of change, from the rookie contractor to the seasoned pro. This helps to prevent the portrayal of a good ol’ boy club or that it’s set up as an independent business that benefits only a select few.” Mostly, though, Rucker said he wanted to be a part of Musgraves’ vision of change. “Like him or not, Ron is a proven leader in our industry – in my opinion, the foremost leader we have,” he said. “Ron knows this business 12
Pressure Cleaning Contractor
inside out and is very knowledgeable on just about every facet of this business – from sales, to marketing, to running a business, to technological advancements, to environmental issues, and so on. Ron Musgraves has been at the forefront of them all and has helped many contractors, including myself, in all areas of their business.” Specifically, the new VP and president became friends when Musgraves came to Rucker’s aid last year following environmental problems in Houston, bringing to the forefront the issues of unreasonable fines and, in some cases, jail time for pressure cleaning contractors due to misinterpretations of the Clean Water Act. On his own dime, Musgraves traveled to Houston on multiple occasions and spent endless hours on the phone with Houston regulators in order to protect the industry. “When talking with regulators, Ron always focuses on the fact that contract cleaners are actually environmentally responsible rather than contributing to the environmental problem. I’ve had City of Houston representatives say, ‘Wow! In 16 years no one has ever explained this like Ron has,’” adds Rucker. “The education Ron has given me has been invaluable, providing me with the peace of mind of knowing I am now cleaning responsibly.” Guy Blackmon of Pressure Kleen Power Wash Service in Fayetteville, NC, who was elected UAMCC secretary, said part of the reason he decided to run again – making this his second two-year term – was because of the new leadership. “I believe a president such as Ron Musgraves being at the helm is the business leadership the UAMCC has needed for quite some time,” he explained. “Ron has a proven track record of business success and has a superior feel for the pulse of our industry and the people in it.” Additionally, Blackmon said he wanted to serve a second UAMCC term because “the idea of a contractor-run organization has always appealed to me. One that represents the whole of its membership. One that will truly help members grow their businesses and be a benefit to and for our industry.” He also said
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that he likes that the UAMCC is member-owned and made up of mobile cleaning contractors from “every sector of our industry: pressure washing, window cleaning, street or parking lot sweeping, KEC, wood restoration, roof cleaning, and others.” John Orr of Low-Pressure Exterior Cleaning in Tidewater, Virginia, rounded off the election of the top officials, and will also be serving a second term as UAMCC treasurer. Additionally, five at-large seats were elected. These were as follows: • Chris Apple, Arkansas Pro Wash, Little Rock, AR • Bill Booze, Accurate Pressure Wash (Accuwash), Goldsboro, MD • Rob Carey, Carey Cleaning Systems, Des Moines, IA • Blaine Krugerud, Bioclean Mobile Wash, Mounds View, MN • Charlie Soden, Apex Deck Savers, Pittsboro, NC The official “changing of the guards” took place on January 15, as the old BOD passed the torch to the new board. Prior to that meeting, Musgraves had already asked the new board to develop a list of 10 short-term and long-term goals. These items were discussed during the new BOD’s meeting on January 18. “The board must get together and decide what course this organization needs to go and how this organization can directly benefit its members and their businesses,” said Rucker. “We must be able to help contractors increase their revenue and become more profitable.” “I believe the UAMCC is about building
(Left to Right) New UAMCC President Ron Musgraves and Board Member Rob Carey (with Allison Hester) at July’s NCE East Event in Tampa. strong, viable businesses and business relationships in a not-so-strong economy,” added Blackmon. “I believe we need to focus on building a strong membership, just that simple. And by that I mean a membership that will be actively involved in the UAMCC.” Musgraves plans to approach the UAMCC with the same passion he has had for the Houston situation, growing the association into a “must” for anyone in the mobile cleaning industry who “doesn’t want to be left behind,” he concluded. “I can assure that in the end we will achieve our goals if we stick to a plan and keep our heads up high no matter what happens.” To learn more about the UAMCC, visit their website at www.UAMCC.org.
MISSION: The United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners is a national trade association of the pressure washing industry. The UAMCC’s mission is to improve and enhance the pressure washing contractor’s business climate nationwide through promotion and education of the pressure washing industry to the general public, act as an advocate for the rights of the pressure washing contractor, and educate the pressure washing contractor with methods to improve their business. Pressure Cleaning Contractor
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The 2012 Pressure Washing Seminar March 31 – April 1 Albany, New York
“Continue to Prosper in This Challenging Economy” In late March, pressure washing contractors from across the country will assemble in Albany, New York, for a power-packed weekend of education and networking. The 2012 Pressure Washing Seminar is being put on by Jack Kramer and Matt Johnson of Contractor Education Services – which has been providing power washing training since 2007 – and is designed for new and veteran contractors alike. Johnson held a similar event in 2009, which hosted over 100 contractors. “That was one of the best, well thought out events that I have attended for education and networking,” said Carlos Gonzalez of New Look Power Wash in Fairfield, California. “Mathew and Jack did a phenomenal job bringing in fresh ideas and educational classes to contractors from all across the country. Very
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professional atmosphere from start to finish. I will be attending the next one.” Jeff LeCours of JL Pressure Washing, Myrtle Beach, SC, who also attended the 2009 event, agreed. “It was one of the best events in the pressure washing industry I’ve ever attended. There was a buzz around the whole event. Contractors were excited to be there. Whether you were in listening to one of the many presenters, outside seeing a product or equipment demonstration or just hanging out with other contractors, it all went smoothly and was just fun to be there.” The Program On Thursday and Friday, March 29 through 30, contract cleaners who are relatively new to power washing can choose to participate in the program’s pre-seminar, hosted by Kramer and Johnson, which will cover basic power washing and wood restoration in both classroom and on-the-job settings. “This is not just a class to learn how to wash a house or clean a roof,” said Kramer. “Our class is all inclusive, covering how to start a business, what equipment is required based on target customers, EPA regulations, and how to properly clean houses, soft wash roofs, perform wood restoration, cement cleaning and more.” On Friday afternoon, Seal ‘N Lock will also offer a free paver sealing class to all event attendees who are interested. Friday ends with a networking reception. Saturday and Sunday mornings will offer educational sessions designed for contract cleaners of all experience levels on a variety of pressure washing and business related topics.
February 2012
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(See the 2012 Schedule for specifics). “We look to present contractor education in a venue that is professional and comfortable and that represents our industry as a profession, rather than that of a skilled trade,” said Johnson. He added that the information is designed in a seminar setting “conducive to adult education and the adult learner.” Presenters will utilize multimedia formats with preprinted notes for each session placed in a three-ring binder for attendees to keep. “That way the attendees are focused on the speaker, not on trying to take notes. This is proven to help with content understanding and content retention,” added Johnson. “The audio/visual was top notch (at the 2009 event) and the speakers were great,” said LeCours. “There was a wide variety of topics that kept everyone thinking. There was no down time where you were left wondering what was next. There was always something to learn or do.” The one presentation that will be a repeat from their last event is Contractor Emergency First Aid, a class lecture presented by Johnson – a former EMT educator and field paramedic – that targets specific injuries and treatments that may occur in the pressure washing industry. “It also addresses different chemical exposures and basic chemical safety,” he explained. Vendors, Demos, Giveaways New this year, the event has added booth space for the event sponsors. “We have opened the event so that distributors and manufacturers can come meet and greet the contractors,” said Johnson. “These sponsors have allowed us to bring in speakers from out of the area and fund booths.” Additionally, Johnson’s distributorship, PWS Equipment, purchased a Hydro Tek hot water pressure washer that will be given away as a door prize. “With the support of all of the sponsors, we have prize giveaways exceeding a total value of $13,000,” he added. Kramer’s goal is to provide a balance between the contractors attending this event and the vendors supporting the event. “For every decision, we ask ourselves how this will benefit Pressure Cleaning Contractor
the contractor,” he explained. “The second question asked is how does this benefit the vendor.” The Pressure Washing Seminar is also allowing multiple vendors with similar products to participate. “This gives the contractor the opportunity to understand the different products and what each has to offer,” said Kramer. “As for the vendor, we do our best to bring in as many contractors as possible and encourage them to buy from the vendors that support this event.” Saturday afternoon will provide participants with a more hands-on experience, with equipment demos by participating vendors, followed by one of the industry’s most anticipated events, the Power Washing Olympics. The Power Washing Olympics “We are looking at some fun with water events,” said Johnson. “These are some basic competitions that allow individuals to show off skills that are used in the profession.”
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Specifically, the “Olympic” categories include Hose Rolling, Power Ball, Midnight Deck Staining, Shot Put and Splash and Dash. “We are structuring these events into measurable and score-able competitions to rank each of the competitors,” added Johnson. “We will be awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies for each event with the Olympiad
Champion of the PW Triathlon taking home some cash as well. Any contractor attending can compete.” A Few More Details “You can tell their hearts, heads and soul went into the event and I know the upcoming Albany event will be more of the same and then some,” said LeCours. The seminar will end on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, following an awards dinner, grand prize drawing (must be present to win), and closing remarks. The cost of attending the event starts at $149 for those who register by March 13. Preseminar power washing and wood restoration classes have an additional cost. To learn more or to register for the event, visit their web page at www.pwseminar.com.
2012 Pressure Washing Seminar Schedule
Wood Restoration Services” 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Chicken BBQ Lunch 1:30 pm: Demonstrations and Power Washing Olympic Competitions, Vendor Networking and Equipment Demonstrations (Olympic competitions are subject to event weather) 8:00 pm: Mahogany Ridge Informal Networking Symposium
Thursday, March 29 8:00 am – 6:00 pm: Pre-seminar: Basic Power Washing & Wood Restoration Friday, March 30 8:00 am – 1:00 pm: Pre-seminar continues 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Seal N Lock Paver Sealing Certification (Free to Event Attendees) 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Pre-registration 7:30 pm: Networking Reception Saturday, March 31 7:00 am – 7:45 am: Event Registration 8:00 am – 8:10 am: Opening Remarks 8:10 am – 9:10 am: “Wowing The Customer: 5 Essential Strategies Needed To Thrive In A Down Economy,” Jason Evers, Coastline Window Cleaning of Florida 9:10 am – 10:05 am: “Create Business Now Using Social Media,” Charly Caldwell II, Internet Services Group of Florida, LLC 10:20 am to 11:00 am: “When God Gives You Lemons,” Mathew Johnson 11:00 am – 11:45 am: “Budget to Bottom Line, Understanding Your Profit,” Tim Krulan, Service Max LLC, Rockaway, NJ 11:45 am – 12:30 pm: “Expert Panel – Residential and 16
Pressure Cleaning Contractor
Sunday April 1 8:00 am – 8:05 am: Good Morning Comments 8:05 am – 9:00 am: “10 Steps to Online Success,” Charly Caldwell II 9:00 am – 9:30 am: “Cleaning Windows, An Easy Upsell,” Tim McCulla, Excell Property Services 9:30 am – 10:00 am: “Hitting A Grand Slam With Upselling!” Jack Kramer 10:15 am to 11:00 am: “The 7 Ways to Create Business Through Networking,” Jason Evers 11:00 am to 11:40 am: “Contractor Emergency First Aid, a Review for Some, a Must for Others,” Mathew Johnson 11:40 am to 12:30 pm: “Expert Panel – Commercial, Industrial and Multiunit Property Cleaning” 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm: Awards Dinner, Grand Prize Drawing and Closing Remarks, must be present to win
February 2012
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Guidelines for Winter Pressure Washing by Paul Horsley, Scotts Pressure Washing Publisher of PCC Magazine
Pressure washing must be done carefully when you’re outdoors in very cold temperatures. Among many other risks, you don’t want to deal with freezing water or, worst-case scenario, hypothermia. Here are some tips to keep you brave cold-weather pressure washers safe while pressure washing in winter: Beware of Hypothermia Be wary of getting ill when outdoors in the rigid temps. Hypothermia can take place even when land temperatures are above freezing. Winter pressure washing should take place during the warmest part of the day. Bundle up to take care of your health – wear warm clothing as well as a hat and gloves to protect your skin. It’s also important to warm up with plenty of indoor breaks. Chemicals are Less Effective Another thing cold weather pressure washing contractors should keep in mind is that chemicals are less effective in cold weather, which is why it’s best to accomplish pressure washing tasks during the warmest part of the day. You can also consider
a hot water rig. Powdered chemicals will mix much better in hot water, resulting in a quicker cleaning job – and less time spent out in the cold. Freezing Water Can Happen You don’t want to damage your pressure washer’s pump, and this is very likely to happen during the winter unless you take extra precautions while pressure washing. Frozen water in a pump expands, and any remaining liquid in your pump can damage your equipment. To avoid parts from rupturing, pay attention to the following tips: • Store the pump in a warm area so it does not freeze during the winter. • Use compressed air to release the remaining fluid in your pressure washing equipment. • Run a blend of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water through your pump. You should also be careful while pressure washing in freezing temperatures, as water can freeze behind you and cause a nasty fall. Paul Horsley is the owner of Scotts Pressure Washing in Canada, a PWNA board member and the new publisher of Pressure Cleaning Contractor Magazine.
Pressure Washing Industry Loses Pioneer DAVID ROGER OLSON Nov. 14, 1942 - Dec. 23, 2011
“A great resource of knowledge for the Pressure washing community just passed away. Not just knowledge on the technical side of things, but knowledge on humanity. He was a great man, and a credit to our industry.” – Scott Stone A Mind for Detail
18
On
December 23, the pressure washing industry lost a contract cleaning pioneer as David Olson, 69, owner of Tidy Powerwash Service in Catlin, Illinois, lost his battle with lung cancer. David was known by many in the industry through his involvement with organizations, bulletin boards and attendance at numerous industry-related events over the past two decades. David started his pressure washing business in 1984 because he “didn’t like working for other companies, and had experience from his teen years working for his dad in sandblasting farm silos,” said Peggy, his wife of 49-and-a-half years. “He also sprayed plastering material on the silos interiors. That was back when silos were made of cement (in the 1960s). Cleaning by water blasting was a natural!” Over the years, David became an active member in a variety of organizations. “He felt he ‘owed’ it to the industry to step up and help out when possible, which wasn’t as often as he wished considering the schedule he had – making himself available days or nights, weekdays and weekends for his customers,” said Peggy. He was also an executive board member of the Power Washers of North America in the 1990s. “His involvement with the PWNA was a new experience for him, and he jumped in with both feet,” she explained. “When he started spending more time on PWNA than what he was spending running his business, he knew it was time to move on.” Peggy said David loved “everything” about the pressure washing industry – being his own boss, setting his own schedule (“always per the needs of his customers, of course”), buying and updating equipment, working with his “great crew,” a wide variety customers, “and in meeting the challenges of some pretty demanding cleaning projects. He was like a kid in a candy store!” However, the “icing on the cake” was the interaction he had with fellow pressure washing contractors through forums, chat groups,
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phone calls, emails and at various meetings and trade shows. “Dave gained a lot of experience and knowledge over the years and he loved to share information and highlights of his experiences with business and social contacts,” Peggy explained. “Although some of the people he talked to were competitors, he knew that they had families to feed, too, and he wanted the best for them, even when it turned out that he lost business to them!” Peggy said this was in line with his overall business philosophy. “He believed in doing the best possible cleaning job for every customer, large and small, even if he ended up losing money on a job. He highly respected all his customers and always tried to be a true gentleman.” And that he was, as the various comments by industry members demonstrate. When asked what she thought Dave wanted his legacy to be, Peggy replied, “He believed you should keep the good faith, learn all you can, treat everyone with respect, and do the very best cleaning job that you can.” David is survived by his wife Peggy; two sons: Daniel Olson of Florida and Michael (Francis) Olson of Danville, IL; one daughter: Deborah Tankersley of Colorado; one brother: Alan (Cathy) Olson of Pennsylvania; one sister: Linda Olson of Danville; two sister-in-laws: Linda S. Briggs of Elgin, Illinois and Patricia (Dennis) Bone of Florida, one brother-in-law: Michael Briggs, as well as several grandchildren & nieces & nephews. Industry members can sign the family’s guestbook or leave their condolences online by visiting www.robisonchapel.com then clicking on the “obituaries” tab.
David was well-known in the industry for his innovations, including his well-designed enclosed box trucks. He was also known for hs love of collecting and restoring antique trucks and tractors.
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“Dave was a world of knowledge. A truly honest man. He was a passionate person who cared about others deeply.”
– John Tornabene Clean County Powerwashing
“Dave was most likely the classiest man I knew in this industry. I hope I can live up his industry accomplishments by the time the lord calls me. Dave Olson will be remembered by our industry for years to come.”
– Ron Musgraves Pro Powerwash
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Service School: Contractors in Business
by Allison Hester
“The
reality is that if you have to
rely on a Distributor
to keep your equipment running, you’re
out of business. You just don‛t know it yet.”
J
– John Allison, Founder of Envirospec
ohn Allison has said this for years, and he believes it as much today as when he started Envirospec over 25 years ago. It’s a principle that Allison learned while “in the trenches,” starting one of the nation’s earliest contract cleaning businesses in 1972.
“That was before there were numbers to call or Internet sites to look up if I had questions. If my machine broke down in the middle of the job, I had to figure out how to fix it or I wouldn’t be able to make my house payment.” In 1972, there were very few people pressure washing commercially. Allison got Top: Inside the Envirospec Warehouse, a virtual “candy store” for his first job cleaning around 40 trucks for contractors. Connecticut Natural Gas in Harford. “I was knee-deep in snow using cold water, Above Right: John Allison testing one of several new products Envirospec is bringing to market in 2012. with two 55-gallon drums of water on the 20
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back of a pickup truck.as my water tank,” he explained. Because there was no water available at the jobsite, Allison would fill his “water tanks” then drive 20 miles in freezing weather. “I thought if I kept my engine running and kept the water circulating in the tanks, I could get there before it would freeze.” He could wash about 12 trucks, then had to drive 20 miles back to go get more water. “It took me all weekend.” Allision actually built his first machine, and he learned to fix his equipment when it broke down in the middle of a job. He figured out tips and tricks to help him clean faster and more efficiently. He developed gizmos and gadgets that improved his bottom line. And he created chemicals that “worked better and less expensively than what was available in the marketplace,” he explained. “The chemicals we manufacture today were created by me in the field many years
ago. I decided if I was going to stay in this business, I could not afford to buy $500 drums of soap that didn’t work from a guy wearing a Hart, Shaffner & Marx suit who’s never washed anything in his life.” Today, Allison said Envirospec’s chemicals “go up against the biggest companies in the world and walk away with the deal every time. It’s because the products were built in the trenches where it really counts – and they work.” By 1985, Allison’s contract cleaning company had grown too big, covering six New England states plus New York, with 22 trucks and 35 crews. It was time to sell and change directions. “I knew how to build machines and I knew how to make chemicals that worked,” he explained. So he decided to take his chemicals and machines to market. “Then I figured, ‘Well, if I’m going to do that, I might as well sell parts too.’” And that’s how Envirospec began.
“The most expensive way to go into this industry is to
buy cheap.”
- John Allison
J
ohn Allison believes it pays to invest in quality. However, he also believes contractors should not have to pay ridiculous prices for quality products. That’s why Allison knows he is probably his vendors’ “least liked person” because he fights them “tooth and nail” when it comes to getting the best price. “I don’t want to make a lot of money,” he stressed, “but I do want the people who buy from us to get a bargain.” Before founding Envirospec in 1985, the only dealers out there sold everything at retail prices. “I was one of those people who worked hard then struggled when my pump went down and I had to pay full price to replace it. That was my profit. That was my car payment.” When Allison started Envirospec in 1985, he decided to do things differently. He would target customers nationwide so he could sell at low cost, high volume. He would keep his staff small but Pressure Cleaning Contractor
efficient, move product quickly and not hang on to dead inventory. As a result, Envirospec is able to offer the highest quality products available on the market at low costs. When it comes to working with vendors, he stressed that he will always walk away with the best price. “It doesn’t increase our bottom line, but it’s going to ensure that the guy who is out there working seven days a week to feed his family is getting a deal,” he added. “If there were not people like us, there would be a lot of people making twice as much profit off of a pump.” Though this has often been an unpopular approach with his vendors and competitors, it has definitely benefited the contract cleaner. It has also helped pave the way for other well-known distributors who have followed Allison’s lead. “Everybody has been able to build a business because we went to the vendors and scratched tooth and nail,” he concludes.
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all contract cleaning “85%of companies are
out
of
business
within two years.”
- John Allison
Keeping Contractors in Business ressure washing is easy to get into. With no real requirements and low startup costs, every Spring new companies pop up in almost every community. But as soon as their equipment breaks down, they cannot afford to have it repaired or replaced, and they are out of the industry. To help contractors become and stay successful, Envirospec has begun hosting a monthly hands-on Systems Certification School and Symposium, teaching how to troubleshoot and repair pumps, chemical injectors, unloaders and burners, as well as properly
P
John and Shelly Allison share a passion for helping animals and children. All of the proceeds from the Envirospec Systems Certification School and Symposium will go to the Allison’s animal shelter, Suzie’s Friends, and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Since 2003, the Allison’s have run an animal shelter for homeless, abused and neglected animals. The effort began after finding a stray dog, now known as “Suzie” – whose front leg had been dislocated for quite some time and eventually had to be amputated. When John asked Shelly what she would like for Christmas, she said she wanted to start an animal shelter for their community. And so they have. Most of the shelter’s animals faced serious injuries when the Allisons brought them in. And most have been with the shelter for several years. 22
Pressure Cleaning Contractor
maintain engines. Participants also practice putting together a pressure washing system from the ground up. “Most of the problems that are generated by contractors come from using their equipment. So if it breaks on the job at 10 at night, you’ve got a problem. You know you’re not going to be able to make the house payment tomorrow unless you can get this contract done tonight,” explained Allison. “But, if you can sit down, try to figure out why it broke and how to patch it back together, you’re light years ahead of your competition.” A School for Newcomers & Veterans Alike n December, I was invited to join with 25 contractors from across the country to participate in Envirospec’s pilot symposium. (Although I was not brought in to
I
The animals are provided with firstrate accommodations and are loved and cared for by the entire Envirospec team. To learn more or to donate to the shelter, visit their website at www.SuziesFriends.org.
February 2012
John Allison with “Elvis,” one of the stray now at Suzie’s Friends. Elvis is blind and growls at everyone who comes near – except for John
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“This was, without a doubt, the
most informative
hands-on event yet for me!” - David Styles, High Tide Exterior Cleaning Solutions, Inc., St. Augustine, Florida
write an article for the magazine, I felt it would be a disservice to readers to let this opportunity slip by.) In addition to the hands-on repair classes, participants got the opportunity to test all types of equipment, enjoy fantastic barbeque, network with other contractors and have Allison’s honest feedback on a multitude of questions. David Styles of High Tide Exterior Cleaning Solutions, Inc., in St. Augustine, Florida, has been in the pressure washing business for several years, but came from a banking background. “So I really knew nothing about maintaining my machine,” he explained. In fact, any time his equipment broke down, he had to drive it to Jacksonville – located 40 miles away. “It costs me $45 in fuel just to take it in, then the equipment still isn’t right after I get it ‘fixed.’” Prior to the symposium, Styles rated his comfort level for working on equipment at a “2” (out of 10). By the time he left the following afternoon, he rated his comfort level at an “8,” and added that he would be willing to attend the class again. For those individuals – like Styles – who were unfamiliar with working on their equipment or who were new to the industry, the course’s benefits were obvious. But even industry veterans such as Dana McGowan – who has owned Top Gun Power Washing
“John could answer the questions I haven‛t been able to get answered locally.” – Carl Lamb, Cracks & Crevices Pressure Washing, Jacksonville, Fla. Pressure Cleaning Contractor
Innovations in Savannah, Georgia, for over 25 years and who has even built his own equipment – said the class was well worth attending, giving it a “10” out of 10. “Even though I already knew quite a lot about working on equipment, I feel way more comfortable taking my pump apart now,” he added. The Course e’re going to talk to them using language they can understand and that they can relate to every day,” Allison told me prior to the class. And he was right. Day one began with Allison and his Technical Services Manager, Ernest Beecher, leading the group in a hands-on demonstration of how to take apart and rebuild a pump. “Contractors are often afraid of the pump. But the thing is, if it is broken, they’re not going to break it any more by taking it apart and trying to fix the problem,” Allison explained. Allison and Beecher taught the attendees to dismantle the pump piece by piece, helping them troubleshoot problems, then making
“W
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sure everyone had the opportunity to put the pump back together. The pump class ended around 11 a.m., and contractors such as Jonathan Bischoff of Karen Bischoff, Inc., in Milner, Georgia, said the trip to Homerville had already paid off. “We’ve already learned enough for the school to have been worth attending.” Maurice Clark of M S Clark in Albany, Georgia, added that he planned to pull a couple of old “broken” pumps out of the scrap metal pile when he returned home. “If nothing else, I can play with them and learn,”
he explained. “Better yet, after attending this morning’s class, I can probably fix them and save myself a few hundred dollars.” Starting in January, Chuck Welch – “technical services guru” who worked many years for General Pump – will be handling the equipment and pump programs. “We are truly excited to have Chuck join our team,” said Allison. “We have been friends for years and I am convinced that very few in this industry know as much about pumps, unloaders and their application as Chuck.” Chuck Welch and Greg Dupree (Kohler Engines) are just two of the industry experts Allison plans to add to the instructional team in 2012. In the afternoon, the group left the Envirospec classroom and headed to the company’s warehouse for a class on fixing burners. “Burners are a nightmare for everyone. They scare people to death,” said Allison. But then he added, “A burner is probably the simplest thing there is to fix.” One of the hardest and most timeconsuming aspects of fixing a burner
New Time-Saving Products for 2012
“I
get bored easily,” admits John Allison. “This is the dullest industry because nothing changes.” However, he plans to correct that for 2012. A “professional tinkerer,” Allison works every day developing new products that will make contractor’s jobs much easier. This year, Envirospec will be introducing many new products that will save contractors time and money. Here’s just a sampling: • The Burner Diagnostic System • The Allison Foam Turbine • A New Trigger Gun • 3 New Pumps • A Line of 40 Horsepower, Big Block, High Volume, Dual Pumpers Each item was created with the contractor’s needs in mind by someone who spent many, many years “in the trenches.” 24
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“I now realize that the Mechanics of the
Equipment
are not as complex as we often think they are.
Burners are the perfect example.”
– Maurice Clark, M S Clark, Albany, Georgia
is diagnosing where the problem is. To help simplify and greatly speed up the troubleshooting process, Allison demonstrated a new product that will be entering the market in 2012 – the Burner Diagnostic System. “It all stemmed from me remembering what I did when my burner didn’t work back when I was cleaning in the field, and what I did to fix it,” Allison explained. “I’ve decided it’s time to bring that solution to market.” Envirospec’s new Burner Diagnostic System attaches to the burner and has three lighted buttons, each indicating a potential problem: the flow or pressure switch (blue button), the thermostat (green button), or the hi-limit (red button). By simply pushing each of the buttons, the controller lets the contractor know within seconds which part of the burner is not working, saving contractors time, heartache, and ultimately, money. “I plan to buy one of those next year,” said McGowan following the demonstration. “In fact, I have a list two miles long now of things I want to buy, but that is at the top of it.” Of course, diagnosing the problem is only part of the fix. Contractors need to learn how to repair the problems as well. In the class I attended, participants watched Allison diagnose and repair the problems, but future classes will take a more hands-on approach – similar to the pump class. By the end of the day, all attendees that I interviewed said they had learned something worthwhile. “Before, I would make small repairs and have the larger repairs done at a local repair Pressure Cleaning Contractor
shop. After the class, I will make all of the pump, burner and unloader repairs myself,” said Lamb. Building a Pressure Washing System fter enjoying an evening of barbeque and camaraderie, sponsored by Envirospec at a local eatery, attendees arrived the following morning ready to face a new challenge: building pressure washers from the ground up. The group worked in teams to piece together two separate machines. “My group’s unit was an 18-hp Vanguard mounted to a skid plate. We then attached a gearbox, pump, unloader, inlet filter and bypass line,” said Styles. Once the machines were completed, the groups took them outside for everyone to test out. Styles, who was already in the market for
A
“I Don’t want to make a lot of money, but I Do want the people who buy from us to Get a Bargain.”
February 2012
– John Allison, Envirospec www.PWCMag.com
26
“I learned a lot,
Enjoyed the Demonstrations and got the chance to
Develop an informal relationship with my main supplier
– Rudolph Palmer, Optimal Power Wash, Philadelphia, Penn.
a new machine, got so “attached” to the unit – “with its PA gear drive and the new Quantum Z unloader” – that he brought it home “with a great show special price. Thanks again Envirospec!” Allison also offered anyone who attended the class the opportunity to come back and have a certified systems technician help them build their own machine at no charge. Engine Maintenance ext, Greg Dupree of Kohler Engines led a discussion on engine maintenance, which dispelled a number of engine misconceptions and provided greater insights on how to keep engines running better, longer. The engine diagnostic and repair segment was the favorite part of the school for Rudolph Palmer of Optimal Power Washing in
N
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Palmer, who said he was fairly comfortable in working on his pump and engine prior to the class, felt “much more confident” working on these components by the time the school was over. Playtime! he second half of day two was spent “playing,” as attendees got to test out any and all equipment and accessories that they wanted to see in action. “It was kind of like being a kid in a candy store. You want to grab everything!” said Barrett. This “playtime” also gave attendees the unique opportunity to test out products that they may otherwise have never considered trying. “I gained some great new insights by being able to see and test new equipment and products that were different from what I use,” said Glenn Igsler of Enviro Clean Pressure in Atlanta. Additionally, the guys spent the afternoon – and the entire school for that matter – networking with one another, sharing experiences, tips and tricks, and just enjoying the fellowship of hanging with pressure washing contractors from other communities. “The class size and the laid-back schedule was great,” said Corey Dulaney of ABM Services in Saginaw, Michigan. “I also really enjoyed that it was hands-on and interactive rather than like other classes I’ve been to where you have to quietly sit in a chair and
T
“John Allison has done so much
for our industry over such a long period of time.
Complete Confidence
I have
in him and his company.”
– David Styles, High Tide Exterior Cleaning Solutions, Inc., St. Augustine, Florida
be bored for three hours. John did a great job of making it easy for us to network without being disruptive.” “Everything I learned was valuable, but especially the interaction among everyone concerning the equipment, techniques, and marketing strategies,” said Steve Hill of East Coast Marine in Savannah, Georgia.
shelter, Suzie’s Friends, and the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. December’s attendees agreed that the value of learning to repair their own equipment, the numerous tips and tricks shared, and the opportunity to try out new products was well worth it. “I would be willing to pay much more than $300 for the class to save me from having to buy a new $600 pump,” said Dulaney. Lamb agreed. “Being able to do the repairs myself will save me a lot of money. Also the repairs will be done much quicker, saving downtime.” However, just being able to gain honest insights from an industry veteran like Allison and his staff made the school well worth the investment for many. “You simply can’t put a price on John’s knowledge of power washing and equipment repair,” said Gary McIntosh of McIntosh Exterior Cleaning in Braden, Florida. Overall, everyone in attendance agreed that the symposium was first-rate. “John and his staff did a phenomenal job hosting the school,” said Igler. “John has a tremendous amount to offer. I would definitely go back and take other courses from Envirospec.”
Envirospec’s Systems Certification A Money-Saving Investment n our interview, Allison explained that a School & Symposium person can go to college for years, invest 2012 Schedule thousands upon thousands of dollars in education, then, if they’re lucky, make January 25-26 July 25-26 $100,000 per year. On the other hand, a pressure washing February 22-23 August 22-23 contractor can make the same amount of March 21-22 September 19-20 money by investing in education, only the cost is minimal – just $300. “If you really want to April 25-26 October 17-18 learn how to make money in your business, May 23-24 November 7-8 spend $300 and come to Homerville, Georgia, for a couple of days. We’ll feed you, educate June 20-21 December 5-6 you, then when we send you home, you will be 10 years ahead of your closest competitor. Plus, Spaces Are Limited you will have a contact you can call whenever you need to.” To Register, contact Joseph at Starting in January, Envirospec is offering 912-487-1778 its two-day school once a month. The cost includes two lunches and one dinner, and all or Email joseph@envirospec.com proceeds will go toward the Allisons’ animal Pressure Cleaning Contractor February 2012 www.PWCMag.com
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Why I Use What I Use
The Man on the Monkeyrack by Julie Spicer
Anyone who makes their living working on extension ladders has tragic stories of friends, family members or coworkers that have suffered great injuries or fatal falls due to ladder accidents. Extension ladders continue to be one of the most used and misused pieces of access equipment. Research gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that ladder falls are one of the top four cases of fatal occupational injuries from 1992 through 2009. My husband, John Spicer, a 30+ year veteran of the construction trades, has taken more then his fair share of falls. John earned his construction work experience in Minnesota, enduring extreme conditions of cold temperatures most often accompanied by rain, sleet, snow and wind. John used his construction knowledge to create a full service property maintenance company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Successfully serving the needs and requests of Property Managers throughout the Twin Cities required great versatility and expertise in various trades. While John wasn’t afraid to take on any work request, his Service Technicians were less than enthusiastic about the amount the work that requiring extension ladders. John developed and trained his young crew and never hesitated to buy or rent the equipment needed to perform the job comfortably. But with equipment purchases and costly rentals, comes great expense and lower job margins. John knew that with his age and the birth of his son, he could no longer take the risks he had in the past and refused to risk the health and welfare of his employees. Vivid memories of painful injuries suffer by ladder falls, fueled his determination to locate a product that would protect himself and his employees.
John searched for a solution and discovered the current products on the market could not provide the strength and versatility he sought. Armed with specific product requirements, John began to design a product that met his specific needs. With safety as his top priority, he insisted on steel construction for its strength and durability. To ensure that the product would be used, he knew that it must be user friendly and with quick installation for single users. Lastly, he wanted the product to be compatible with standard equipment. John’s ladder stabilizer went from strength testing on the shop floor to the field for application testing. The ladder stabilizer successfully facilitated steaming of ice jams, gutter repairs and cleaning, window cleaning and repair, and pressure washing projects. Within weeks, the service techs were no longer complaining about work requests requiring ladder applications, employee productivity increased and profit margins increased. The service techs often returned from jobsites, mentioning the crowds of people watching them work and asking where they got this unique ladder stabilizer. At that point, John realized the interest and demand for the product needed to be made available to the market. Immediately following the sale of the property maintenance company, John and his family relocated to a warmer climate and began pursuing the product’s introduction into market. The final product design and prototype was submitted to the US Patent office and was trademarked the Monkeyrack. The final prototype of the Monkeyrack ladder stabilizer consisted of a product that attaches directly to a standard 2” receiver hitch and your 16’ to 24’, 1A or stronger, aluminum or fiberglass industrial grade ladder. The Monkeyrack is specifically designed to position the extension ladder at OSHA’s recommended angle of 75 degrees. The Monkeyrack’s 3/16 inch steel construction and stainless steel u-bolts safely secures the ladder in place and eliminates the opportunity for the extension ladder to sink, tip, slip or fall. The Monkeyrack’s strength allows up to Pressure Cleaning Contractor
20 feet of free standing height, minimizing any potential structural damage. The Monkeyrack does not increase the strength of the ladder, but works within the ladder manufacturer’s weight guidelines. The combined strength of the ladder and stabilization of the Monkeyrack uniquely allows the application of a safety harness directly to the extension ladder to provide ultimate fall protection. The Monkeyrack ladder stabilizer continues to be the only ladder stabilizer that secures your ladder from the very first step. The Monkeyrack ladder stabilizer went into production in Florida and was introduced to the market in 2009 at the MiaGreen Expo in Miami, Florida. In an effort to support and stimulate American manufacturing, the Monkeyrack is manufactured only in the USA and is constructed of steel produced in the US. The Monkeyrack is eco-friendly, 100-percent recyclable and built for sustainability. Currently, the Monkeyrack has been identified as a viable solution for height in 30+ fields and is utilized in 22 states and Canada. Since the initial release of the product, additional capabilities have been tested and expanded to facilitate application options. These applications include the capabilities to mount receiver hitches on all sides of trailers to facilitate limited space applications. The Monkeyrack can be safely mounted to any piece of equipment weighing 1200lbs, including but not limited to trucks, trailers, tractors, cars, heavy duty maintenance carts. The Monkeyrack continues to gain popularity as the trades become aware of its safety benefits and universal applications. The employees of Monkeyrack Products LLC are dedicated safety advocates and continually strive to develop ladder stabilization solutions unique to the markets they serve. The ultimate mission of Monkeyrack Products LLC is to provide the market with environmentally responsible, cost effective, efficient products that are designed to increase personal safety, protect our environment, and improve the community’s quality of life. To learn more, visit our website at www.monkeyrackproductsllc.com.
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Choosing Courage In This Economy
Life is often like a roller coaster. There are many with ups and downs in life. Some spin around attempting to leave you dizzy and overwhelmed. Sometimes you get sick, sometimes you laugh, and sometimes you cry.Once you get on the roller coaster, you by Charlie Arnold, President of Arnold Powerwash LLC can’t get off until the end. and Pastor of Seaside Baptist Church, Lewes, Delaware For many, this past year has been full of ups and downs. Many have experienced changes, whether it’s a new business, a move, Businesses are failing, marriages splitting a divorce, a new child, or the death of a loved up, families hurting,. Homelessness and one. suicides are increasing. How can we power Your ride may have been forever changed. washers, as business owners, face such an The level of pain that will exist on the ride uncertain future in spite of all the poor odds from this day forward depends on what is built against us at the moment? around you. That is something only you have An answer to this question is by facing it control over because you control your choices. head on, by choosing courage when others give There are many things you can structure into fear. into and around your life to help you stand Courage is actually different than what most when you think you are about to fall, but the people think it is. Look at the actual definition most important, I believe, is to include the God found in Webster’s Dictionary: who created you, loves you, cares for you, and Courage: “mental or moral strength to helps you along this ride in life if you will only venture, persevere, and withstand danger, let him. fear, or difficulty.” You must choose to let God teach and guide Notice that this definition of courage does you through His path for your life. Choose to not state it is the absence of fear, but simply believe you can and will see God’s goodness. the strength to withstand fear, difficulty, or Choose to wait on the Lord and go through this danger. Fear is an emotion you cannot help life at His pace, not yours. but experience in certain circumstances. You Choose to “be of good courage.” Choose to cannot stop it from happening no matter how wait on the Lord for God to teach you, guide courageous you are. The difference here is you, show you His goodness and give you more can you exercise your mental, moral, and/or courage than you think you have. For God to spiritual strength to withstand the danger, the strengthen your heart. fear, the difficulty. If you can make that choice You may feel fear, discouragement, and act on it, then you would be facing them sadness, or like you can not go on. Feelings with “courage.” easily deceive us. Instead, follow the truth. Let the truth set you free. Make Psalm 27: 11, 13-14 New King James Version (NKJV) choices based upon God’s Word. 11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Let those choices move you forward. Choose that kind of Courage! 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD If you have a question for Pastor In the land of the living. Charlie Arnold or a spiritual topic you’d like him to write on, please 14 Wait on the LORD; email us at pccmagazine@live.com. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! 30 Pressure Cleaning Contractor February 2012 www.PWCMag.com
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