Inside the March 2008 Issue

Features

Tech Perspective: The New Telephone

Global positioning systems (GPS) are becoming standard and indispensable management tools for businesses that operate service and delivery fleets.

Special 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.

Profile: 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.

Profile: Marketing Makeover

Drain-cleaning contractor American Minutemen gets aggressive with branding and with Internet, direct mail and media advertising.

Cover Story: Acting the Part

Southern California Jetting and Plumbing Co. wins and keeps commercial accounts with quality equipment and reliable performance.

Columns

Safety First: Yet Another Reminder

The death of a 52-year-old worker in a trench collapse underscores the importance of protective measures.

Reader Pipelines: War Stories

Tales of extremely challenging cleaning jobs can help contractors learn valuable lessons, avoid mistakes, and improve customer service.

Money 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.

Industry 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.

Tough 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.

From 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.

Product Spotlight: Drain/Sewer Cleaning Machine Moves on Four Wheels

It can be a chore getting access to drains and pipes in remote locations.

Better Business: Communicating Through Conflict

Know the difference between false and real conflicts — and know how to act quickly to resolve the real ones.

Money 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.