Editor’s Note—September 2019

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published September 2019

Opportunities abound for those businesses in the pressure washing industry in the September issue of Cleaner Times. “Selling to Colleges and Universities” on page 30 talks about the business opportunities represented by the 4,300 colleges and universities in the United States. There is a need in higher education for pressure washing products and services. As it is pointed out in the article, “Selling products or services by responding to a request for a bid can be time consuming and vexing.” It can be difficult to reach a decision maker at a college or university, and while the process can be arduous, it is doable and offers financial rewards.

In the article “Changes in Pressure Washer Guns and Wands” on page 6, Diane Calabrese writes “how ergonomic considerations and a focus on the end user have driven many changes” in guns and wands. Jim Shepherd with Suttner America Company in Dubuque, IA, and Aaron Lindholm with Veloci Performance Products in Savage, MN, share why changes have been made to these components.

A vital relationship in the industry is that between the manufacturer and distributor. Again, Diane Calabrese, writes about this relationship on page 24 in the article “What a Manufacturer Wants in a Distributor.” Terry Craycraft with Hydro-Chem Systems points to the importance good communication skills play in keeping the relationship strong between manufacturer and distributor. He says, “Without communication, the partnership between manufacturer and distributor can’t build into something great.”

In “Starting Up, Branching Out, and Taxes” on page 50, Mark Battersby shares, “Anyone who pays or incurs business start-up costs and who subsequently enters the trade or business can choose to expense and immediately write off up to $5,000 of those costs.” He also addresses the kind of funding to seek and the importance of having legal, accounting, and other expertise.

Finally, we are shaped by the relationships we form and the individuals who come into our lives. One of those individuals who has had an impact on many in the industry is Carol Wasieleski, who recently passed away on May 30. To read about how several individuals were impacted for the better by their relationship with Carol, turn to page 12 and read the article “Carol Wasieleski: Remembering an Industry Favorite.”

Cleaner Times thanks you for all your work to better the industry, and we hope to see many of you at PowerClean in Charleston, SC, next month.

Michael Hamline
michael@adpub.com
(800) 525-7038