February Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

As I sat down at my desk this morning to read my copy of Just in Time¹, from the National Association of Manufactures, I browsed through the articles and was struck by all the stories that seemed to apply directly to me, Nite-Hawk and our industry in general. I kept thinking, is this what happens when we get older? Do we pay attention more, or does there seem to be, dare I say kindly (and more politically correct), "a different agenda toward business"? There was an article talking about the Health Care Reform Bill. An article speaking of the labor department's 90 proposed rules and regulatory actions adding 250 additional OSHA field inspectors. And another article about the EPA announcing "endangered findings" and declaring greenhouse gas (GHG) a danger to the public health, thereby giving the EPA unprecedented power. Regardless of where you find yourself in the political spectrum, keeping informed can be the key to survival.

If you are still not convinced, please call me and I can give you the names of some great contractors in my home state of California who can fill you in on what may be heading your way. Gulp! This isn't a rant on regulation, but more of a caution to stay aware and be vigilant for the betterment of your business and so that you may have a voice to influence change. Some of you may take the approach, "I vote and do my civic duty, that's all I have time for." I think you may be surprised at how much influence you really have, and what you can accomplish without running for public office.

A recent Gallup Poll² asked if people had a positive or negative image of small business. 95% of respondents said they have a positive image. Free enterprise elicited a 86% positive view and to all you sweeping contractors or "entrepreneurs" 84% of respondents had a positive image of you. Those numbers surprised me initially, but then I thought about how many of the people I admire are entrepreneurs. I've also noticed over the years how small business owners are admired for their courage to do things on their own. I think that gives us an opportunity to keep people informed and best of all, they will listen. The first place to start is with our employees.

In the top sweeping companies in the industry, having informed personnel is almost always universal. Informed employees are engaged in not just the running of the operation, but understanding the reasons behind the procedures, and how ultimately it benefits everyone at an organization. They understand how outside forces and regulation can affect the bottom line and why procedures help control costs and provide a safe working environment. Therefore, these employees can offer insight on increasing efficiency because they are informed.

But don't stop there. Inform others about the things that ultimately affect us all. As we battle through tough economic times and increased debate on the role of government involvement in business, stay informed and understand your responsibility to inform others and don't underestimate your ability to make a difference.

¹ January 2010 Issue

²Gallup Pole: Socialism Viewed Positively by 36% of Americans 2/04/10

Learn from one of the best
Take a look inside the operations of one of the most successful sweeper companies in the nation: Atlanta Sweeping. Visit our website at "www.nitehawksweepers.com/advantages/video/#operations" to see how they manage and operate one of the largest parking lot sweeping companies in the country.

Maintenance Minute - Tire Rotation

Daily Maintenance - Examine the blower and remove all dirt and debris from blower exterior and the engine. Check the cooling fins and air cleaner for clogging and clean as necessary. - Inspect the engine, tank and hoses for possible fuel leaks, and repair as necessary. - Inspect the entire blower for loose, damaged, or missing components, and repair as needed. - Carefully remove any accumulations of dirt or debris from the muffler and fuel tank. - Remove the air cleaner cover and inspect the filter and per-filter. Clean or replace if needed. - Clean and gap the spark plug to the manufacturer's specifications (usually .024"). Weekly Maintenance - Daily maintenance 1-6 plus: - Remove and inspect fuel filter and hose, replace if needed. - Remove dirt and debris from cylinder fins and crankcase. - Remove and clean the spark arrester. Replace if damaged or unserviceable.