April 2008 Table of Contents

Magazine Cover

Features

  • 34Profile: Subterranean Sleuth
    Locating and inspection devices help a suburban Boston contractor solve customer’s sewer pipe mysteries and build up profitable lines of business.
  • 44Cover Story: New Name, Same Face
    A local plumber finds that taking on a national drain cleaning franchise requires adjustments — in equipment, pricing, and approaches to dealing with customers.
  • 60Tech Perspective: Bringing Leaks to Light
    Smoke and dye testing give contractors simple yet effective tools to help communities and commercial customers find system defects.
  • 72Brainstorms: Great Grab!
    To drain cleaner Allen Lewerer, quality service includes helping to keep marriages happy.
  • 80Special Feature: Deep Reconnaissance
    A pipe inspection camera does duty in the follow-up to a mine disaster.

Columns

  • 10From the Editor: Best Face Forward
    Cleaning and service contractors share the logos they’ve developed to make an impression on customers and be top-of-mind in the market.
  • 16Safety First: Risky Business
    Teaching employees to break the cycle of at-risk behavior begins with the business owner.
  • 22Money Manager: Mastering Cash Flow
    A key to success in business is managing what comes in and what goes out. These tips can help you keep monthly income ahead of operating expenses.
  • 28Better Business: Change is Good
    Here is some practical advice on how you can make your business prosper, even when the market or economy is changing and times are hard.
  • 68Reader Pipelines: Then and Now
    Contractors explore how the industry has changed and how those changes affect the way they operate their businesses.
  • 82Tough Job: Beside the Road
    Horizontal directional drilling and special pipe enable installation of a new water main along a busy highway while keeping traffic flowing to businesses.
  • 84Industry News: News From Around the Industry
    News from Federal Signal, Rooter-Man, USB-Duesen, Earth Too, RIDGID, and Stoneage.
  • 92Product Spotlight: Space-Saving Features Mark Camera Inspection System
    The systems include an integrated monitor and detachable push-rod reels.