Inside the March 2009 Issue

Features

Cover Story: The Old Is New Again

A business born amid the oil shocks of the 1970s now prospers in a new era of high fuel prices and environmental awareness

Special Feature: Starting Over

Farrell Brown invested in video technology and relaunched his business as an inspection and cleaning service. Now he’s added pipe bursting and pipe lining.

Special Feature: Running The Show

The latest versions and tools in business and office productivity software help service businesses stay on top of routing, finance and much more

Tech Perspective: An Ounce of Prevention

Like any machine, your computer needs regular maintenance. Here is some basic advice for keeping your system running fast and protecting it from threats.

Columns

From the Editor: What Percent Do You Use?

You may never use or need all the computing power that’s on your desktop. But chances are you could be using more of that power than you are today.

Safety First: Too Extreme? Or About Time?

The National Safety Council proposes a national ban on cell phone use while driving

Reader Pipelines: Talking Tech

Contractors describe how they have adopted technology and innovation to make their businesses more efficient, profitable and satisfying

After Hours: Spirit and Determination

Despite visual impairment, a Pittsburgh contractor returns to college at age 41, aiming to earn his degree and set an example for his children

Better Business: Protecting Your Idea

If you’ve ever thought of taking an invention to market, here are some strategies for keeping control of what you have created

Industry News: Industry News

MyTana Seeks Unusual Moments; Federal Signal Launches Online Store; Perma-Liner Names Business Development Managers; LMK Launches New Web Site; StoneAge Releases 2009 Product Catalog; Super Products CEO Retires, Successor Named; EelCam Offers Pipeline Inspection Brochure; Vanair Moves to 60,000-square-foot Manufacturing Plant; Envirosight Names Adams Operations Manager

Money Machines: Giving a Lift

Cranes help technicians move heavy equipment to and from service vans, saving their backs and helping to prevent accidents

Tough Job: Fruit Cocktail

A multilayered poly resin liner enables a Pennsylvania food manufacturer to stop leaks and maintain production

Money Manager: Finding a Parking Place

Your cash reserves don’t have to sit idle. With a little planning, you can put these dollars to work earning more for your business.

Product Spotlight: Compact Crawler Camera System Provides Versatility

Obstacles in pipes that normally make it difficult to see defects farther down the line are now easier to examine with the P350 Flexitrax series of crawlers and camera inspection systems from Pearpoint.