March 2008 Table of Contents

Features
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28Cover Story: Acting the Part
Southern California Jetting and Plumbing Co. wins and keeps commercial accounts with quality equipment and reliable performance. -
38Special Feature: The Big Bang
Louisville residents still remember the Friday the 13th sewer explosion in 1981 that destroyed some 13 miles of lines and left 38-foot deep craters. -
54Profile: Still Going Strong
At age 87, Arnie Schweiss still keeps long hours in his own drain-cleaning company — while staying competitive with investments in better technology. -
66Profile: Marketing Makeover
Drain-cleaning contractor American Minutemen gets aggressive with branding and with Internet, direct mail and media advertising. -
82Tech Perspective: The New Telephone
Global positioning systems (GPS) are becoming standard and indispensable management tools for businesses that operate service and delivery fleets.
Columns
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10From the Editor: Low-ballers in Town
There will always be competitors who cut prices and cut corners. Smart contractors fight them by focusing on customers who demand value. -
16Safety First: Yet Another Reminder
The death of a 52-year-old worker in a trench collapse underscores the importance of protective measures. -
22Money Manager: Running Off the Rails
A variety of common mistakes can keep you from meeting your financial goals and supporting the lifestyle you want for your retirement years. -
46Better Business: Communicating Through Conflict
Know the difference between false and real conflicts — and know how to act quickly to resolve the real ones. -
74Money Machines: Big Impression
Cab-over service trucks owned by Pipe Wrench Plumbing are as productive on the inside as they are attention-getting on the outside. -
88Reader Pipelines: War Stories
Tales of extremely challenging cleaning jobs can help contractors learn valuable lessons, avoid mistakes, and improve customer service. -
98Tough Job: Maiden Voyage
An untried pipe-bursting machine enables a New York contractor to renew a sewer while a community continues to function normally during the process. -
106Product Spotlight: Drain/Sewer Cleaning Machine Moves on Four Wheels
It can be a chore getting access to drains and pipes in remote locations. -
114Industry News: News From Around the Industry
Putzmeister Names Service Engineer, Telebelt Specialist; WinCan Moves to New Location; RapidView Expands Headquarters, Appoints Manager; StoneAge Catalog Available Online; and Doheny Places Largest Vactor Order.




