August Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

GRATEFUL

I was walking through the airport the other day and I saw a young guy, mid twenties I suspect, walking in front of me. Clearly in good shape with a well groomed haircut, I am guessing a military man of some sort. As I and the rest of the passengers walked off to their respective planes eager to get to their next destinations, he stood out to me for some reason. He was wearing a t-shirt that read:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."

The quote is attributed to Ronald Reagan. I was immediately struck with a sense of gratitude for the privilege to live in this country and for the men and women who serve.

For months, it seems like in every article I mention the doom and gloom out in the world today, but yet fail to mention all the opportunity that this great nation affords us. I don't slow down nearly enough to contemplate the truly awe inspiring sacrifices that went into not only creating, but maintaining our country and freedoms. I am humbled by the privilege to live and raise my family here.

I love history and have dragged my family around the country to places like Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York to see firsthand the staggering time line of events that created the United States of America. I try to teach my kids how important it is to recognize the value in what we have as citizens. Mostly I imagine my kids are thinking that it's just another thing dad wants to see" or "really dad... do you have to read everything?" But I hold out hope that one day they will truly appreciate their country and not take it for granted.

This was no more evident to me as when recently our family left from a visit to see my wife's great Grandpa. At almost 90 years old he is a tremendous example of the greatest generation. He served in WWII on two continents and received two purple hearts; he never speaks about it, but will answer questions if you ask. He doesn't consider himself special, but figures that it was the right thing to do.I love that about those guys. I think he knows that he made a difference. I certainly know he did. I am grateful for his sacrifice and hope that I don't have to wonder someday if I made a difference.

And even though times are not what we all would like them to be, it is important for me to stay grounded and understand what I truly have. I have had the opportunity to travel and see other places both in this country and abroad. I am constantly reminded how lucky we are to be in the U.S.A., but day-to-day life gets in the way and you forget what a blessing it is to live here. The great fortune we enjoy to make our own way and raise our families and teach them as we see fit. We have the opportunity to start a business and succeed or fail, by the sweat of our own hands, and to enjoy the rewards. An opportunity I am grateful and thankful for living in this blessed country.

Tracy Day, President

NAPSA Webinar

Tips and Tools for Estimating a Profitable Parking Lot Contract September 1, 2010 - 5:00 PM Eastern Objective To provide individuals/organizations involved with parking lot sweeping with tips and tools on how to estimate a contract while making a profit. What You Can Expect To Learn: Myths about estimating Mistakes often made when submitting a sweeping estimate The differences between estimates and bids, as well as pros and cons of both How to develop a strategy The impact that frequency has on an estimate Where do additional services fit in? Tools you can use How to estimate Examples of the estimate process Intended Audience All individuals and companies within the sweeping industry are encouraged to attend this webinar. Whether you are a new company starting out or if you are a second or third generation owner, everyone will gain something from this educational session. For more information and registration please visit the NAPSA website at https://www.powersweeping.org/index.cfm/webinar_registration/?CFID=6957280&CFTOKEN=73541976.

Maintenance Minute - Skid/Flap Adjustment

A simple way to keep your Nite-Hawk performing at its peak is to regularly inspect and adjust your pick-up head, flaps, and skids. This inspection should be part of your daily procedure with a focus on the skid, alignment, pick-up head, and length of the rear flap. Step 1: The skid (NH # PU-1601) and skid plate (NH # PU-0211) should be parallel to the top of the pick-up head. If the skid plate is out of adjustment, use a ¾ wrench to loosen the skid plate bolts and bring the skid plate back to parallel. Step 2: Next, inspect the skid for wear and damage. The skid should be a minimum of ¼" think in all areas, with no signs of cracking or fatigue. All the skid bolts should be tight and unbroken. Step 3: After inspecting the skid plates and skids, sight down the rear of the pick-up head for damage and alignment. Step 4: To check for flap wear, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the rear flap. This distance should be no more than 1/4". If an adjustment is needed, remove a skid spacer using a ¾" wrench. If the rear flap is uneven, remove enough skid spacers to eliminate all gaps. Over time, the flaps will wear and this process can be repeated. The flaps (NH # PU-1900) should be replaced when all skid spacers (NH # PU-1602) have been removed and the rear flap shows a gap of ¼". By following these simple procedures you can maximize the performance of your Nite-Hawk and extend the life of your pick-up head. For parts and service you can visit us on the web at parts.nitehawksweepers.com or call us at 800.448.9364.

April Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

PLANNING FOR YOUR FLEET

We all wish we could have predicted the economic turmoil over the past several years. Maybe you were one of the astute people that saw it coming and were able to capitalize. But, if you were like most, you probably have enough on your plate focusing on running your own business. What's true in any sense is the more information you have, the better your chances of capitalizing on future opportunities and avoiding the pitfalls sure to head your way.

One of the larger changes at our doorstep is the new US Emissions Regulations. Some of the information is pretty complex, but with the help of our friends at Isuzu, hopefully, we can provide some additional information to stay ahead of the curve and help you plan for future fleet decisions.

From 1988 to 2010 government initiated environmental restrictions have led to a diesel engine emission reductions of 97%. Environmentally fantastic, but at a steep price to the end user. The financial result has been a dramatic increase in prices for diesel chassis, as we have migrated from the Tier II standard to the current Tier IV standard. The current Tier IV chassis, (not available until early 4th quarter 2010) requires an additional NOx after-treatment device. Isuzu and most major OEM's have chosen to use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection to reduce the NOx. In other words, they will be adding a diluted mixture of 33% automotive grade urea and 67% de-ionized water. This is a certified (by the American Petroleum institute) fluid that should be widely available.

This is not technology to be afraid of as over 700,000 are currently operating in other countries, but definitely something to be aware of as you evaluate your fleet. Additional cost for this system will come in the form of purchase price and maintenance. It is uncertain at this point what those costs will be, but definitely plan on spending more. Estimates on the chassis increases could be as much as $4,500. Early indication for DEF filter replacement intervals are every 1 to 2 years but there is still no definite word.

For those of you in cold climates, DEF systems will be warmed through the engines and may require extra start-up time.Space requirements for the DEF units will require sweeper manufacturers to engineer around the changes. On a positive note, we have been told that the DEF equipped trucks will be more fuel efficient than current models. After this change, it appears like there are no other changes scheduled for the foreseeable future. All 2011 model year trucks will have DEF level indicators on the dashboard and manual site glasses to view the urea mix levels. Warning lamps will let the driver know somewhere between 400-500 miles before the DEF tank is empty.The amount of DEF used will depend, just like fuel consumption, on how the truck is used but plan on 2% or less of fuel consumption.

Hopefully this was helpful information. There is a lot to digest, so please don't hesitate to give us a call with any questions or comments. Or visit our website or www.factsaboutscr.com or www.isuzucv.com.

Tracy Day, President

Maintenance Minute - Isuzu
The recommended maintenance schedule for Tier III emission Isuzu NPR chassis have been increased for the following items: Lube, oil, and filter - 6,500 to 10,000 Engine Coolant - 26,000 to 30,000 Brake Fluid - 26,000 to 30,000 Transmission Fluid - 26,000 to 30,000 Differential Gear Oil - 26,000 to 30,000 Power Steering Fluid - 26,000 to 30,000 Wheel Bearings Grease - 26,000 to 30,000

March Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

IDENTIFYING YOUR POSITION PLAYERS

A few months back I wrote an article titled, "Creating Your Team". The short article focused on creating a team of competent contributors outside your business to help you identify ways to become more productive, identify growth strategies, and manage resources. Being a sports fan, I identify with the "team" aspect. And in retrospect, I probably should have written about the "internal team" first. Putting your internal team together, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and what positions you need to fill, are essential steps that require examination routinely as part of your ongoing business health. Think about it like an annual physical, not pleasant but good insurance.

The first step is to identify your tendencies and personalities as the business owner, manager, or supervisor. Are you the dreamer, the manager organizer, or the person that just wants to get to work? Business books refer to these unique personalities in different ways, but I like the descriptions that Michael Gerber's The E-Myth uses; the entrepreneur, the manager, and the technician. Understanding who you are and what dominates your behavior is the first step to balancing these traits and selecting complimenting players around you. Stacking a line-up with all home run hitters may be great against a weak pitcher, but will ultimately lead to a higher strike out rate, and more than likely, poor defense. You need to have consistency in your lineup to accommodate for the deficiencies of the power sluggers.

I was thinking about a customer who was lamenting the performance of a once productive employee. He was disappointed that this employee wasn't functioning well in a new sales role and was contemplating terminating him. We spoke about how happy he was with this employee when he was in operations and he didn't understand what went wrong. He was promoted to fill a need and since he was good at operations and worked hard, it seemed like a natural transition to be a hard working salesperson. Looking at it from the outside it was easy to see that he had tried to make a .375 hitter into a home run hitter. He was hoping to change a manager organizer into a dreamer. Now, I'm not saying that people can't switch positions, or grow vertically and horizontally in an organization, but it's certainly essential to know what positions are needed and what type of people should fill those jobs. The reality of a successful growing business is that you need all three types of people. Not finding a balance will lead to frustration for you, the employee and possibly severe consequences for the business.

Taking the time to plan and identify these needs in your business can sometimes be a colossal task. Especially if you are one of the personality types, (entrepreneur), who fills the constant need to move on to the next project, challenge, or dream. Force yourself to honestly evaluate what your business requires and just like the thankless task of budgeting, your attention today, will pay off down the road.

Spring Clean-up Sale
Spruce up your fleet with these incredible prices on cost-saving options for your fleet: OEM Front Bumper Covers for Isuzu Cabover - $200.00 $50.00 Side-Suction Hose - $550.00$499.00 Arctic Vinyl Seat Covers for Isuzu Cabover - $450.00$399.00

Maintenance Minute

Having a good safety plan for your employees and equipment will help minimize your risk for costly repairs or insurance claims. Go over your safety procedures and updates at your annual safety meeting. Employee Safety - Replace damaged or worn safety glasses, ear protections, gloves, boots, masks, and work vests. Equipment Safety - Replace damaged or cracked lights, horn, guards, mirrors, windshield and fire extinguisher. Give our service department a call for more safety tips and training available.

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.

January Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

Creating Your Team

You've heard the old sayings, "Behind every good man is a great woman" (or the other way around if you prefer) and "A coach's success is proportional to the talent of his team". Just recently up here in Seattle, first year head football coach Jim Mora, was fired after only 1 year at the helm of a 5-11 Seahawks team. The President of Football Operations, Tim Ruskell, also "resigned" (see non-renewed contract) his position in early December. Now, I'm not sure if the record was caused by the coaching, players or a combination of both, but I can tell you is that the results did not live up to the expectations and the staff paid the price. However, I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence that the poor showing of the Seahawks coincided with the absence of Future Hall of Famer, left tackle, Walter Jones (out for the season), All Pro middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu (missed most of the season), and All Pro corner back Marcus Trufant (missed most of the season).

So what does this have to do with our industry? I have a long held belief that the success of your team (or business) is directly related to the quality of your team, your "players" and "front office". I am sure everyone would agree with the simplicity of that statement. I have witnessed firsthand that the most successful companies in our industry have a foundation of great players and fantastic "front office teams". I particularly want to speak to the quality of the front office teams.

Every December customers call us for new equipment to be delivered before the end of the year to take advantage of the Section 179 deduction. (In retrospect, I probably should have written this article three months ago). And not surprisingly these calls come from the best companies. And invariably we hear during the conversation, "I spoke to my accountant or financial advisor and he recommended ....". Owners of the most profitable companies don't meet together only on April 14th with their accountants they see once a year, hand them a stack of receipts, and ask "How much did I make?" But rather, they include these individuals in their monthly budget discussions and monthly close outs to discuss the progression of the company, and look for ways to improve. They meet with their insurance agents regularly to receive recommendations on policy and procedure improvement to reduce premiums and decrease their exposure. They have relationships with bankers that understand their business's capital requirements. They have trusted people (I call them bounce-back guys), both in and out of the industry, they can brainstorm and discuss ideas with. We try to be one of these guys and provide information to you, so that you can make the most appropriate decision for your company. We are fortunate to have "bounce-back guys" that give feedback on operating Nite-Hawk more effectively or improving our product.

Now the quality of your team can vary and it takes real relationship building to find the best people with whom to advise and confer with. To maximize the value of your team, focus on finding that competent accountant, insurance broker, banker or bounce-back guy that has a passion for your small business. Demand that they get involved and become creative, like you, to look proactively at the future. As entrepreneurs we are accustomed to figuring things out on our own, so it may take a bit of humility to ask for help. You may be good, but with some help; you can take advantage of opportunities to increase profitability. Develop relationships with qualified people and let them have an emotional attachment to your business. Let them share in your successes and in time, the effort and money spent in this pursuit will pay off.

Tracy Day, President

Tax Season is Upon Us

Taxes are one of the most important issues facing small and growing businesses. And like a company's profitability, its annual tax bill will reflect the owner's aptitude and knowledge. Business owners need to be sure that they are meeting all of their responsibilities and seize every opportunity available to reduce their taxes. For the latest in tax laws, tips, deductions, and credits available, refer to www.irs.gov.

Maintenance Minute - Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is an aspect of tire service that is often ignored. Tire rotation can help equalize tread wear and greatly extend tire life. This is usually performed at 5,000 miles depending on the type of tire and vehicle. Check your owner's manual for recommended mileages. Tire rotation can often be done in conjunction with an oil change to minimize down time. This is also a good time to have your tires rebalanced to avoid vibration issues. Inspect the tires for any damage, remove stones or debris from the tire treads, check for uneven wear, and tire pressure.

December Newsletter

Thoughts from the Nest

Dear Friends,

At Nite-Hawk we would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season.

What a year! I am sure many of you are happy to let 2009 pass into oblivion and get 2010 going. But before we jump forward, we want to thank you for your business, your support, and your friendships. We will continue to strive to be the best solution for your business. Whether we can help with your equipment needs, or you just need to ask questions and talk over ideas, we hope you always feel welcome at Nite-Hawk.

We feel very blessed to have weathered the economic storm as a strong successful company. Our products continue to improve and we still have the same enthusiasm for the industry as we've had in the past. Even this month we have released another game changer in the new NH200 Osprey. Another bird-of-prey named powerhouse of new innovative sweeper functionality. The Osprey was a fun and innovative project that seems destined for sweeper stardom (see the excitement)! We hope in the future you will take the opportunity to see it in operation.

We will continue to strive to improve and become better in all aspects of our organization as we move forward into 2010. Once again, we are grateful for the opportunity to have tremendous entrepreneurial customers like you and look forward to helping you grow. Please feel free to contact us anytime and once again, Thank You!

Tracy Day and the Nite-Hawk Family.

NPE Show - Nashville

Please join us at the NPE Show, January 20-23rd, in Nashville, TN. Stop by our booth (#1432) and check out our all new NH 200 Osprey along with its "big brother" the Raptor. We will have demo models available for you to "kick the tires" and see how they perform on typical parking lot conditions. There are industry workshops, round tables, and networking opportunities throughout the show. We have complimentary show passes available. Give us a call at 800.448.9364.

Maintenance Minute - Maintenance Schedule

Weekly Maintenance Monthly Maintenance Yearly Maintenance Seasonal Maintenance Check fluid level Check belts for wear and tension (if applicable) Change hydraulic fluid and filter Flush coolant. Maintain 50/50 ratio between water and coolant. Check all lines, fittings, pumps, and motors for wear and leaks Check seals for wear Check all wiring for wear Check battery output. Batteries tend to work at lower efficiencies in colder weather. Clean and vent hopper Clean water strainer (if equipped with dust suppression system) Drain water tank and disable dust suppression system Check broom and flaps for wear Check skid plate alignment Please refer to the truck manufacturer for chassis maintenance.

Sweeper Model

A few weeks ago Kenny Page was driving down the highway and saw one of our sweeper trucks that inspired him make a model of our truck. Great job!