When I began working with power sweeping contractors 35 years ago, parking lot sweeping was straightforward and relatively simple: Equipment choices were limited, most, if not all, work was done directly with the client and environmental concerns were negligible. There were no websites, email or social media to contend with.
Today, all of the latter exists as part of standard business practices. The rise of third-party vendors, often called aggregators, has brought a new level of complexity to contracts, as well as, performing the work needed. Plus—especially if they have followed my advice—many of today’s contractors perform a wide variety of exterior maintenance and other services.
Our present economy has brought new challenges, like hiring and retaining employees, challenging supply-chain issues, dealing with rising fuel prices, login/logout requirements, dealing with COVID in the workplace, and the list goes on and on. There is no question that the best way to find answers for these diverse issues is to have trusted sources available for consultation, education and investigation.
When I founded the World Sweeping Association a decade ago, I had already assisted sweeping contractors for 25 years. During that time I’d seen plenty of mistakes being made. Using my experience I organized WSA so as to provide the best possible method of assistance to its members. Since time is often of the essence, I decided to send an informative bulletin out on the first and 15th of each month. To emphasize the importance of safety, one of these always includes a safety message from an international expert.
In addition, WSA developed a slate of available mentors, which makes a huge difference for a number of our members. And we have over 250 articles, videos, and audio podcasts available for members on-demand. As the very wise Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted saying, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.”
