Inside the April 2008 Issue

Features

Profile: Subterranean Sleuth

Locating and inspection devices help a suburban Boston contractor solve customer’s sewer pipe mysteries and build up profitable lines of business.

Cover 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.

Brainstorms: Great Grab!

To drain cleaner Allen Lewerer, quality service includes helping to keep marriages happy.

Special Feature: Deep Reconnaissance

A pipe inspection camera does duty in the follow-up to a mine disaster.

Tech Perspective: Bringing Leaks to Light

Smoke and dye testing give contractors simple yet effective tools to help communities and commercial customers find system defects.

Columns

Reader Pipelines: Then and Now

Contractors explore how the industry has changed and how those changes affect the way they operate their businesses.

Product Spotlight: Space-Saving Features Mark Camera Inspection System

The systems include an integrated monitor and detachable push-rod reels.

Safety First: Risky Business

Teaching employees to break the cycle of at-risk behavior begins with the business owner.

Industry News: News From Around the Industry

News from Federal Signal, Rooter-Man, USB-Duesen, Earth Too, RIDGID, and Stoneage.

Money 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.

Better 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.

From 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.

Tough 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.