September 2007 Table of Contents

Features

• 12Reading Between the Lines: Vac Loading May Offset Dip in Residential Work
  When I talk to pumpers and portable restroom operators these days, I ask if a local slump in the housing market is hurting their bottom line.
• 18Building the Business: Leave a Good Impression
  You may provide stellar service, but are your loyal customers satisfied?
• 26Rules and Regs: Maryland Onsite Association Lobbyist Fights Septic System Funding Cuts
  The association established the Onsite Political Action Group, which hired a lobbyist to represent the onsite industry.
• 32Cover Story: A Dynamite Idea
  New York contractor combines use of explosives with top-notch equipment and personnel to tackle tough vacuum loading jobs.
• 38Interview: Respect the Suction
  Proper safety procedures are a huge concern for pumping contractors who add industrial vacuum-loading services.
• 47Expo Preview: See More of the Industry
  The Kentucky Exposition Center gives the 2008 Pumper & Cleaner Expo more exhibit space than ever, in a floor plan designed for attendees’ convenience.
• 54Profile: The Problem Solvers
  Florida’s Gaffin Industrial Services develops innovative solutions to grow the business with vac-loading and waterblasting clients.
• 62Overheard Online: Tank Fills as Fast as I Empty It
  A Pumper Discussion poster asks for advice on how to handle a customer who is happy with a septic system that has obvious water infiltration problems.

Columns

• 52NAWT: NAWT Programs Focus on Professional Image
  Onsite installers probably are hearing about the National Environmental Health Association Installer Credential Examination. Even regulators are starting to support it.
• 82Money Manager: Consider Disability Insurance
  Imagine what could happen to your business or income if you’re suddenly unable to work due to injury or illness.
• 90Reader Pipelines: Sucking Up Profits
  Pumpers discuss adding industrial vacuum loading services to generate new revenue.
• 98Septic System Answer Man: A Failing Grade?
  An onsite professional puts the Answer Man on the spot with a question regarding a recent mound inspection.
• 116Industry News: Industry News
  Clear Computing Adds to Sales and Service Staff; RedBox+ Signs Manufacturing Deal with Wastequip; SPIR STAR Releases Latest Catalog; Thompson Pump Obtains ISO 9001:2000 Certification.
• 124Association News: Expanded Septic Locator
  The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association has made its Septic Locator easier to use.
• 124Training and Education: Training and educational opportunities abound
  Several states will offer training in September and October.
• 124Calendar: Industry events calendar
  View this comprehensive list to learn about the upcoming trade shows, conferences, conventions and more.

s

• 70Lighter Side: King of the Load
  He’s no Roger Miller, but this sanitation storyteller has all the pumper tales covered in song.