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Winterizing Your Pressure Washer
The cold weather is almost here, so don’t forget to winterize your pressure washer. Below are some key factors to consider before putting your unit away for the season.
Winterizing your pressure washer is very important, not only to keep the components from freezing, but to also extend the life of the pressure washer itself.
Fuel Stabilizer
For gas powered units, it is important to add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent tarnish build-up in the carburetor while it is being stored.
You should add the fuel stabilizer according to directions from the manufacturer. It is recommended, after adding the stabilizer, to run the engine for at least two minutes to circulate the fluid throughout the system, and then shut it off.
Flushing Detergent
Any detergent in gas and electric powered units should be flushed before storage to avoid growing mold and mildew.
To do this, place the unit’s detergent injector tube into a bucket of clean water. Start your pressure washer and run it at a low-pressure setting for up to two minutes and then turn off. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to release any trapped pressure and disconnect all hoses and attachments and let them dry thoroughly.
Pump Saver
Many pressure washer providers recommend using windshield wash to keep a unit’s coils and plumbing system from freezing. This tactic is inappropriate for pressure washers and other pieces of equipment with carbon steel coils. Windshield wash has a mixture of about 32% Methanol which attacks carbon steel and when heated can increase the damaging effects it has on carbon steel.
Instead, we recommend using Mi-T-M pump saver solution to winterize your pressure washer. The pump saver solution provides longer pump life, prevents build-up of hard water mineral deposits, preserves seals and pistons and protects against freezing. It’s fast and easy. First disconnect all hoses and the spray gun wand and assembly and drain as much water as possible from them.
On a gas-powered pressure washer, attach the pump saver solution bottle directly to the water inlet and turn the knob on the bottle to the open position. Then pull the recoil until the liquid coming out of the discharge is 100% solution.
On an electric powered pressure washer, attach the pump saver solution, like a gas unit, directly to the water inlet and turn the knob to the open position. Once the bottle is in place, squeeze the bottle while turning the pressure washer on until the liquid coming out is 100% solution.
After you have completed all of these steps your pressure washer is ready to be stored safely for winter.
Advantages of a Hot Water Pressure Washer
Some Like It Hot: Hot Water Pressure Washers
Grime, muck, grunge and grease – all tough to remove from surfaces.
When you want to sanitize an area, do you use hot or cold water? What about scrubbing dirty dishes? When trying to remove stains from clothing, do you select a hot or cold rinse? No doubt you answered hot to all three questions. When you have greasy stained surfaces, a heat setting makes sense for dishwashers, washing machines and other household appliances. The same is true for pressure washers.
Hot water is proven to be more effective at removing stains than cold water. Why? The hotter the temperature, the lower the surface tension of water. Hot water contains fast-moving particles. This means the molecules spread apart, making it easier to expand and then loosen a stain. In addition, hot water can cut through grease quickly and effectively kill bacteria and microorganisms.
Mi-T-M Product Line
Our Mi-T-M pressure washer product line — both electric and gasoline-powered — includes many types of residential and commercial options. While cold water is perfectly fine for some applications, there are clear benefits of hot water pressure washers. It’s important to know when to use a hot water pressure washer. Certain industries rely on the cleaning power of heat, including:
- Construction – Big diggers and excavators are required to do some dirty jobs. The result is a build-up of mud, grime, oil and grease. A hot water pressure washer makes quick work of hard-to-remove, caked-on mud and grime.
- Food industry – Restaurants and wineries must meet the required standards to pass inspection. A hot water pressure washer can be used to properly clean and disinfect many different areas, including floors, kitchen hoods and ducts, outdoor seating and dumpster/waste areas. Hot water cleaning also requires less detergent, saving you money while protecting the environment.
- Rental property – Need an effective method to clean the exterior of your rental properties? A Mi-T-M commercial hot water pressure washer is just the ticket. You can mount or transport one of our units in the back of a truck or one of our trailer units. Then, the washer becomes a portable cleaning machine. For decks and driveways, use one of our superior rotary surface cleaners.
- Manufacturing – If your products leave a mess on the shop floor, our industrial-grade pressure washers can blast away the mess left behind. You can also take advantage of our many pressure washer accessories to target specific areas of your facility.
- Trucking – Big rigs return from time on the road covered in crud, muck and filth. But you have a secret tool in your arsenal, a Mi-T-M hot water pressure washer. A hot water pressure washing can take care of any cleaning concerns. And, you can use it afterward to clean your shop floor!
- Waste Management – Garbage and recycling trucks must pick up everything. That’s why these machines need thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Hot water pressure washers can remove grease and caked-on dirt quickly and effectively.
As you can see, there are many benefits of hot water pressure washers. No matter what kind of business you run, we know you’ll appreciate the strong power of our equipment.
At Mi-T-M, we manufacture products in our nearly 1 million-square-foot facility located in Peosta, IA. Once you purchase a product from Mi-T-M, we want to be sure you know how to properly use it.
Check out our many how-to videos to learn more. We’re proud of our high-quality hot water pressure washers and know they’ll help save you time, money, and stress. Contact Mi-T-M today.
Professional Pressure Washers for the Food Industry
There’s nothing more satisfying than working in a clean environment when preparing food in a commercial kitchen or a food and beverage operation. To save time, stay safe and get the most sanitary clean, an electric hot water pressure washer is the best choice. With no fumes and often no detergent needed, you can have a green solution for cleaning your counters, floors, kitchen, beverage tanks and more.
Choosing Food Cleaning Equipment to Keep You in Compliance
As a business requiring health inspections, owning your own hot water pressure washer will allow you to remain in compliance with health regulations, at all times. With a hot water pressure washer, you can use high-temperature water each time you clean kitchen, brewery and winery production spaces. On top of all the necessary industry requirements, you will also achieve an eco-friendly clean!
High performing electric hot water pressure washers are available in portable and stationary models. Portable hot water pressure washers make it possible for you to easily move the unit, while cleaning every inch of your space, inside and out, with zero emissions. Electric hot water pressure washers help to easily tackle those areas including:
- Food preparation areas
- Kitchen hoods
- Floors
- Counters
- Worktables
- Walk-in coolers
- Fermentation tanks
- Beverage bottling equipment
- Dining rooms
- Outdoor furniture
- Dumpster areas
With many indoor and outdoor spaces to clean, a portable electric pressure washer may be the best choice for a restaurant or commercial kitchen. For the beverage industry and food processing operations, carefully positioned stationary pressure washers provide long-lasting cleaning power. Mi-T-M dealers provide expertise in helping you find the right equipment for any application.
Accessories for Convenient Use
Pressure washer accessories are essential for extra cleaning ability. Nozzles increase cleaning power and decrease cleaning time, while wand extensions clean hard-to-reach places. Professionals know it’s more important than ever to get a job done faster and more efficient. From hoses to wands and nozzles to cleaners, find all the pressure washing accessories you need for any cleaning application.
The nozzle is one of the most important cleaning accessories you will use with your pressure washer. It’s the nozzle that creates the pressure stream that cleans your surfaces, so make sure you choose the right nozzle for the job. Mi-T-M offers several nozzles for use with your pressure washer, giving you a choice of spray angles and pressures that work best for every cleaning task.
An excellent way to increase your cleaning power and decrease your cleaning time is to use a rotating nozzle. Our nozzles offer convenient, quick-connect fittings. This accessory is excellent for cleaning built-up grease and grime.
See how to use the Rotating Nozzle
For food industry applications, breweries, wineries and restaurants, durable Mi-T-M electric pressure washers enable a quick, efficient clean, every time. Choose from several models designed for the heavy-duty cleaning required in restaurants and food and beverage applications.
Find a Mi-T-M dealer now
Hot Water Pressure Washer vs. Cold Water: Which is Right for You?
Hot Water Pressure Washer Vs. Cold Water: Which is Right for You?
When considering the purchase of a pressure washer, many people wonder if they should purchase a cold water or hot water pressure washer. A hot water pressure washer is a big investment, so if you are planning to purchase a pressure washer for your home to clean siding, decks, patio furniture and small equipment around your property, a cold water pressure washer will be your best choice.
Mi-T-M cold-water pressure washers are used for removing dirt, grime and mud from many surfaces and are great tools for striping paint. Mi-T-M manufactures dozens of different series of cold water pressure washers, offering the size and cleaning power for whatever your specific needs are.
The spraying power of a cold water pressure washer makes quick work of muddy messes and will easily sweep away debris and remove dirt from driveways, dog kennels, cars, boats, RV’s and many other surfaces. Plus, Mi-T-M cold water pressure washers are low maintenance, easy to operate and generally cost less than a hot water machine.
However, if you need a pressure washer for cleaning big equipment or have a large property that will benefit from the extra cleaning power, then you should definitely consider a hot water pressure washer.
Mi-T-M hot-water pressure washers are ideal for cleaning and dissolving oil and grease. They are often used in the sanitation and food and beverage industries where hot water is needed to thoroughly clean and sanitize. Hot water pressure washers give you that extra cleaning boost.
Mi-T-M manufactures a variety of hot water pressure washers. Customers have many power options to choose from including gas, electric or diesel. Mi-T-M offers both portable and stationary and depending on how often it will be used, the choice between a belt and direct drive pump should be considered.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself before making a purchasing decision are:
- What are my primary cleaning needs?
- How often do I plan to use the pressure washer?
- How much pressure do I need?
- What is my budget?
Once you’ve chosen your pressure washer, check out our helpful how-to videos in the Mi-T-M Video Library. You will find videos for both cold and hot water pressure washers that show how to start, maintain and winterize your pressure washer. There are also troubleshooting videos and how-to-use many Mi-T-M pressure washing accessories.
The Mi-T-M Sales Support Team is always happy to answer your questions. Contact us at 800-553-9053, submit a question online or find a dealer near you.
In The Spotlight – Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co. (What’s New)
Back in the Summer of 2020, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Slavik of Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co. Nick’s story is one of hard work and dedication to his craft, and Mi-T-M is honored to be a part of the journey and continued success!
As we fast-forward 2 years from our initial interview, things have definitely changed.
What’s new with Nick Slavik and Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co.?
- Has your business and team grown since 2020?
- “We have grow to about 40 people + subcontractors.”
- How’s your Facebook Live Series “Ask a Painter” going?
- “AAP is such a fun thing that I originally started to share my life – that of a master craftsperson and a trades business owner. It’s turned into so much more and in the end, I realize that I’d learned so much from the viewers. I would not be where I am today if not for that community.”
Any new & interesting projects you’ve been working on?
- What (specifically) did you enjoy most about those projects?
- “We do many big historic restorations each year. I love the history, the interesting colors and the clients. They are monumental efforts and are super satisfying to undertake! We also painted a custom beer mural on a silo overlooking a baseball field this summer! Its fun stuff like that that gives me a ton of energy.”
- Where are some of the most beautiful places you’ve worked in the last 1-2 years?
- “We’ve been to wilderness cabins, islands in the Gulf of Mexico, San Francisco and Utah. All adventures!”
How has Mi-T-M played a role in your success?
- How many pieces of Mi-T-M equipment do you own?
- “We own about 6 washers.”
- What do you enjoy most about the equipment?
- “Reliable, tough, no hiccups.”
- What are some of the best qualities of your Mi-T-M equipment?
- “I feel like they are sturdy machines – they’re just tough little things.”
- What does the future look like for Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration?
- “We’ve just tipped over the hill of what I would consider a ‘professionalized’ business. We have a full leadership team, a great group of craftspeople and we give clients an awesome experience. My hopes are to maximize the effectiveness of our little freedom machine and create a bunch of opportunities for those involved.”
For more information about Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co., you can read the original blog interview from July 2020!
(Original Interview – July 2020)
Nick Slavik has been a part of the painting and restoration industry for 28 years. Starting at such a young age was a challenge for Nick, but once he got to dictate his own path he fell in love. In fact, he loves what he does so much he decided to start up his own company Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co. 13 years ago, where he has worked relentlessly to make a name for himself.
Nick Slavik does everything he can to ensure his clients receive the greatest value. He specializes in large residential historic restorations, interior fine finishing, and exterior wood restoration such as decks, fences, and log/wood homes. Slavik and his team also work large scale commercial and industrial projects.
While visiting his local Sherwin Williams store, Slavik first laid his eyes on a Mi-T-M power washer and was instantly impressed. The sturdiness and quality stood out to him, which is why he made his first purchase and never looked back. Looking forward, Slavik now owns three Mi-T-M pressure washers that he uses to facilitate washing and chemical restoration services.
When it comes to choosing his equipment, Slavik does his research, looks for the really good stuff, makes an informed decision then makes the purchase in hopes to never think twice about it. Slavik wants the best for his company. He wants the equipment that is well made, works as advertised, easily maintainable, and never fails. That is why he chooses to continue working with Mi-T-M units and his local Mi-T-M dealer.
“The best compliment I can give these units is that I don’t think about them. They are the most reliable employee I have. Never sick, always overperforms. They never disappoint.”
If Slavik has any advice for future buyers, it’s to “invest in the good stuff and never worry about it.”
Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co. is a premier painting contractor for New Prague and the surrounding area. Make sure you also check out their Facebook Live series “Ask a Painter.” This Facebook show is where you can ask questions and Slavik uses his two decades of knowledge to answer. Slavik goes live on this Facebook page every Friday.
Maintaining The Indianapolis Motor Speedway: The Tale Of Quipco Sales.
The crowd gathers during the pregame ceremonies at the 2018 Indianapolis 500, May 27, 2018. A B-2 Spirit performed a flyover before the start of the race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Pfiester)
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2 1/2 mile stretch of road that has led many drivers to greatness. There are many unique things about this place, an obvious one being the prestigious Indy 500. Although many events around race day are well documented, many don’t consider the extensive work that takes place before, during, and after. We’d like to give you an insider’s look at what it takes to keep the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in pristine condition for drivers and spectators alike.
As a young boy Daniel Porterfield would ride his bike to the track so he could witness all the action happening on race day. Years later he took over the company his parents founded Quipco Sales and began selling Mi-T-M power washing equipment; because of the contacts he made when visiting the track, Daniel was able to establish the Indianapolis Motor Speedway maintenance crew as his clients. This relationship continued to grow over the years, and in 2016 proved to be fruitful for both sides. Internal factors lead to a track management vacancy at IMS, and Daniel was notified immediately once the contract became available. A relationship that began over 25 years ago resulted in Daniel earning a contract to power wash the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is a testament to properly serving clients.
From April 1st to May 25th, Daniel put in 12 hour days of power washing with Mi-T-M equipment before and after each race. One can imagine the amount of cement, concrete, asphalt, composite, and black concrete that’s washed at a racetrack, but picture doing it all by hand. Walking the track with 5,000-gallon water trucks, and spraying it from the top of the bank to the infield seemed to be a never-ending task. As all innovative business owners do, Daniel is currently developing a customized 96-inch truck mounted sprayer to make his operation more efficient the next time around. An improvement such as this could cut his man-hours substantially, and ensure he produces an even better result.
Aside from cleaning the racetrack areas, Daniel is responsible for the washing and sanitizing seating, amenities, and other highly traveled areas. The 250,000 bleacher seats at IMS were cleaned throughout the racing season as well as restrooms, concessions, and concourse areas.
Quipco Sales was founded on the principals of professionalism, trustworthiness, and service, three elements that help to continually strengthen customer relationships. One piece of advice Daniel has for other contractors is, “if possible, always communicate with others on the jobsite. You never know where you’ll make a friend or gain a customer – which are the same thing in my book.”
We love to hear great stories like this from our dealer network and those using our machines to do great work. If you have a story to share with us, please contact us on Facebook.
Dealer Spotlight: Hanson Industrial Inc.
For more than a half century, Hanson Industrial, Inc. has been a trusted equipment provider in the Quad Cities area. Providing high-level sales and service to customers and partnering with leading manufactures, Hanson Industrial prides itself in offering the highest quality and most durable equipment. The company is well known for their valuable experience, problem-solving skills and superior customer service.
Hanson Industrial was originally located in Kewanee, Illinois until eight years ago when the opportunity to tap into a larger market arose and the company moved to the
Quad Cities. Prior to owning the company, Bill Hanson worked with his father in the business formerly called R.G. Hanson Company. After owning Hanson Industrial for 40 years and building a remarkable support network which contributed to the company’s ongoing success, Bill decided to sell the company.
Greg Rothbardt, worked in the industrial and contractor supply business for
many years and wanted to own his own business. In February of 2015 Greg met with Bill Hanson and they began talking about the possibilities of a deal. They closed the deal a few months later and Greg became the new owner of Hanson Industrial, Inc.
Hanson Industrial has many years of experience working with customers to assist them with equipment and service needs. Their service technicians repair equipment in the company’s service center or in the eld if necessary. Although they are a small company, they do business with many large corporations including Mi-T-M.
“Mi-T-M is a great company to work with. They have great sales and technical support and everyone seems to have the ‘can do’ attitude which is a very important part of business,” states Greg.
Today, Hanson Industrial specializes in the sales and service of pressure washing equipment, water treatment systems, steam cleaning units, pumps, generators, air compressors, and wet/dry vacuums.
Greg’s plan is to expand current business by adding sales people and complementary lines of equipment. In addition to increasing the number of new customers, they intend to increase future business with existing clients and possibly tackle new markets and add an additional branch.
“I am proud to own Hanson Industrial and look forward to the opportunities to grow the business and become more successful, says Greg. Partnering with clients, reliable vendors, and great people here at Hanson Industrial will be the key to that success.”
“Hanson Industrial has formed a great customer base in and around the Quad Cities with all of their hard work and dedication over the years. We feel very fortunate to have a company like Hanson Industrial as our partner and we look forward to many more years of success!” states Karl Loeffelholz, Distributor Division Manager.
Tech Tip: Hot Water Pressure Washer Troubleshooting
Standard HG Hot Water Pressure Washer Troubleshooting
What to do if the burner is not firing and how to check the MV terminal.
The first thing you should do if your hot water pressure washer burner is not firing is to make sure the unit has a pilot flame. If it does, you will then need to check if the ignition control box is seeing the flame correctly. To do this, you will need to locate and check the MV terminal on the hot water pressure washer. Every HEG unit has an ignition control box that is powered with a 24V AC the minute the pressure washer motor starts.
The ignition control box is mounted to the left of the water pump under a black metal cover. When a unit is started, the ignition control will create a spark and open the pilot solenoid on the gas valve to light the pilot flame. Once the ignition control box senses the pilot flame, it will send 24 volts of AC power out through the MV terminal. To check it properly, you will need to use a voltmeter. Place the black lead of the voltmeter on the TR ground terminal and the red lead of the voltmeter on the TH terminal.
So why is the MV terminal so important to check?
Without the 24 volts of AC power that is sent out through the MV terminal, no other part of the burner circuit on the hot water pressure washer will work. It’s the AC power that will power the main valve on the gas valve that’s used to light the burner ring. Regardless of what options are included, all HEG units have the same power circuit process. So, if there isn’t any power that is being sent out through the MV terminal, the sensing circuit on the machine will not be satisfied. You will need to make sure to check this terminal in the first steps of troubleshooting to narrow the variables down to the pilot flame, sensing rod and wire or the ignition control box itself. On isolated occasions, the grounding of the unit can affect the sensing circuits, so keep this in mind while working on these units. Typically, if your ignition control box is sending out 24 volts of AC power through the MV terminal, then the issue could simply be the replacement of a pressure switch or thermostat.
If your hot water pressure washer burner is still not firing after completing these steps, contact an authorized Mi-T-M Service Center or reach out to Mi-T-M Product Support at 800-553-9053.
Dealer Spotlight: FT Farfan Limited
Mi-T-M’s February 2017 Dealer Spotlight: FT Farfan Limited
Location: Six locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago
Employees: 320
For more than 70 years, FT Farfan Limited has been providing technology and engineering solutions to many industries throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
A few of these industries include energy, petrochemical, industrial, agricultural and the woodworking sectors.
In 1999, AS Bryen Group bought the company. Under their leadership, the business has grown into one of the leading industrial supply companies on the island. Yet, despite its large size, more than 60 percent of the company’s staff is directly involved in the sale of high-quality industrial brands to consumers, distributors, contractors, government, and petrochemical sectors.
Mi-T-M was pleased to enter a partnership with FT Farfan Limited in 2004. Of FT Farfan’s many partnerships, the one with Mi-T-M has been especially successful.
The Mi-T-M brand brings quality cleaning equipment to FT Farfan Limited clients. It has helped them carve out a niche and build a strong reputation based on pressure washing equipment, information, and training.
Providing superior customer is important to FT Farfan Limited. Mi-T-M is also laser focused on our clients. In September 2008, Steve Cleary visited FT Farfan Limited to conduct sales and service seminars.
“Our teams found the training very informative and impactful,” said Nadia Beeray, FT Farfan Limited sales and marketing assistant. “
Over the years, FT Farfan Limited has been nimble and flexible, quick to change with the times. Their goal is to continue adapting to meet the needs of all their customers. They provide guidance and direction on which pressure washing equipment is most appropriate for specific applications. Because of this focus on the client, FT Farfan Limited and Mi-T-M have become the preferred brands for the cleaning professional on the island.
“Since 2004 when we first started to work with Ft Farfan, it felt like the making of a great partnership, and has proven to be just that. Ft Farfan has been part of our dealer business for the past 13 years and we look forward to many more years to come.“ – Karl Loeffelholz, Distributor Division Manager at Mi-T-M Corporation
As their business continues to grow, the future looks very bright for FT Farfan Limited.
“Moving forward we look towards growing and diversifying our product portfolio to include hot water pressure washers, air compressors, wash down stations, and water treatment systems,” says Richard Benjamin, Commercial and Residential Division Manager.
“We are confident that we can enjoy the same level of success due to the confidence we have in our partnership with Mi-T-M,” he added.
FT Farfan Limited has a clear vision: To be the largest industrial sales and service group in their key market segments in the Caribbean, operating in modern facilities with motivated, professional staff using the latest technology.
Mi-T-M supports that vision and is proud to partner with FT Farfan Limited.
Dealer Spotlight: Swift Industrial Cleaning Solutions
Mi-T-M’s January 2017 Dealer Spotlight: Swift Industrial Cleaning Solutions
Lyle Swift often yearns for his former way of doing business. “Somebody should close the internet and let us get back to work the old-fashioned way,” he jokes.
Lyle Swift, owner of Swift Industrial Cleaning Solutions
The president of Swift Industrial Cleaning Solutions started his Cincinnati-area pressure cleaning business in 1999. He misses the days of dropping in to see his customers, shooting the breeze, and providing personalized service. Swift says that one-on-one type of doing business changed after 911.
“We can no longer go to the back door and talk to Joe and check on the machine,” he explains. “Now we go to the front door, talk to the front desk, and try to get to Joe . . . except Joe doesn’t work there anymore and they no longer give out names or phone numbers.”
But Swift has changed with the times. With his outgoing personality, he’s never met a stranger. And he’s thrilled no two days at work are the same.
“The great thing about this industry is that I can sell to a hog farmer in the morning, get barn yard debris on my feet, stop by the office, change clothes, and go see a VP of Engineering in the afternoon,” he says.
Swift and his staff have more than 90 years of shared experience servicing industrial pressure washers and wastewater systems.
Swift Industrial serves a wide variety of industries—including manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, construction, recycling, food service, painting/resurfacing, and industrial cleaning contractors—and sells, services, and rents many types of equipment.
Dual-axle trailer unit used by heavy construction contractors, factories, well drillers, mines, military bases, road builders, contract cleaners, shipyards, municipalities and food services.
“Meeting the needs of industry with quality and service has always been our slogan,” he said. “I guess I have also looked at it as, ‘It’s not the big that eats the small, but the fast that eats the slow.’ After all, we are Swift.”
Ohio customers appreciate the outstanding customer service and high-quality equipment they find at Swift Industrial. The company has cemented its lines in both pressure washers and parts washers, and has carried the same lines for many years.
Mi-T-M Air Compressor/Generator Unit
“This helps our current and potential customers realize the stability we offer,” adds Swift.
Things have changed quite a bit since Swift began his company 17 years ago. Back then he didn’t even have a forklift or dock, so he contracted with a local lumber yard to drop off his orders. He’s proud of the partnerships he’s formed, especially with Mi-T-M.
“A small company like mine couldn’t ask for better support,” Swift says. “Their quality is second to none. Having the floor plan has helped keep machines in stock, where many times you can’t sell what you don’t have. Their warranty support is better than any company I have worked with.”
Swift is used to hard work and believes it has been the key to his company’s success.
“I first climbed on the tractor solo 52 years ago, and was told to come home when the field was done,” Swift says.
But he’s ready for and heading toward retirement. An avid hunter, Swift loves spending time in the Rocky Mountains on a horse. He also enjoys time on the links.
When it comes to retirement, heading that direction and getting there are two different things. He’s grateful his daughter, Brandy, is working and learning the business from the office out to the service bay.
“In today’s economy, everybody is complaining of no jobs, and it is so hard to find quality help,” says Swift. “They either want the rainbow, or have no experience or both.” Swift’s name is on all his trucks and he must consider how employees represent his business. Training and retention are also ongoing issues.
Given these concerns, his retirement will most likely include taking off just September and October. He’d like to spend that time in the mountains; in the summer, he wants to stop work about 3 p.m. and play golf.
“Other than that, what else is there to do but work?” he asks. “It keeps the mind going, and for those of you that know me, that in itself, is a lot of work,” he quips.
Based in Cleves, Ohio, Swift Industrial offers a complete line of industrial equipment, including portable generators, pressure washers, portable heaters, water treatment systems, jobsite boxes, air compressors, and wet/dry vacuums.
Dealer Spotlight: Chappell Supply and Equipment
Company: Chappell Supply and Equipment
Year Established: 1980
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
He started small with a strong work ethic and a dream. In 1980, Roy Chappell founded his business in the back of a business park with just one machine and $250 in inventory. Today, as one of the nation’s largest industrial cleaning equipment suppliers, we salute Chappell on his 36th anniversary in the industry.
Chappell Supply and Equipment has been a long-time partner with Mi-T-M. In all they do, Chappell continues to provide innovative solutions and to stay informed about the complex requirements of the industrial cleaning marketplace.
“It is a pleasure doing business with a company that lives up to their word. I call it a partnership, because that is exactly what it is,” said Chappell. “Mi-T-M is interested in teaming with your company to provide a quality product to help your business grow.”
Chappell Supply and Equipment built their reputation with a focus on providing outstanding customer service and equipment and with a dedication to safety.
“It’s the key people we have,” said Chappell. “Everybody works as a team.”
As part of that teamwork, everyone undergoes rigorous safety training to become certified in electrical safety, confined spaces, fall protection, lock-out/tag-out, and emergency responses. All employees are factory trained and certified too.
Chappell believes that when you sell equipment to a customer, they are also buying your reputation. That’s why customer service is woven into every aspect of his business.
From the parts department—where they supply parts for every manufacturer in the industry—to their hose manufacturing and service departments, every team member goes the extra mile for customers. They want to ensure customers are served right the first time, just like Mi-T-M.
“Mi-T-M has proven time and time again that at the end of the day, it is all about people, and the willingness to work together,” added Chappell.
Doing the right thing pays dividends and Chappell has been recognized as a Top 15 family-owned business in the state of Oklahoma and as the 2nd Largest Environmental Firm in the Oklahoma City Area (both by the Journal Record).
Chappell Supply and Equipment is a founding member of the CETA Education Foundation and a member of the Oklahoma City Greater Chamber. For his part, Chappell was elected to the CETA Board of Directors for five – 3 year terms.
Mi-T-M congratulates Chappell for their professional commitment to the industry. Kudos on 36 years of providing high-quality products and solutions.
Dealer Spotlight: Ben’s Cleaner Sales
Company: Ben’s Cleaner Sales
Year Established: 1945
Location: Seattle, Washington
In 1945, Ben Meyer founded a small cleaning contractor business in Seattle, Washington. Now operated by the third generation of the Meyer family, Ben’s Cleaner Sales is one of Mi-T-M’s longest standing dealers. We’re proud of our partnership and are happy it’s mutual.
“Mi-T-M has people we can work with and are willing to work with us to do what is best for the situation and satisfying the customer,” said Chris Meyer, Ben’s grandson.
“I really appreciate the managers at Mi-T-M. Karl, Ron and Aaron are outstanding representatives of Mi-T-M. They are the standard I like to give as how representatives should treat their dealers,” added Gordon Meyer, Ben’s son.
Mi-T-M salutes Ben’s on their 71st anniversary.
We’re amazed by their story and their success.
After building his own steam cleaner, Ben Meyer built his company’s reputation by working with the original steam cleaning machine, using 325°F heat. He soon expanded his business to help his loyal clients service, repair and purchase their new equipment. In 1969, he turned his focus to selling and servicing.
Technology has changed a bit over the years. In the 1960s, pressure washers were rated up to 400 PSI, now they run up to 6000 PSI.
Ben’s three sons Gordon, Ron and Jerry, worked for the company throughout high school and college, and eventually full time. In 1982, they purchased the company from their parents and incorporated the company.
Today Ben’s Cleaner Sales is one of the largest and oldest full service steam cleaners and pressure washer distributors in the U.S.
With 25 employees, Ben’s Cleaner Sales sells, services, and rents cleaning and commercial equipment as well as chemicals, parts, and accessories throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
“We pride ourselves in learning exactly what the customer needs, instead of just figuring out what most closely fits their needs. We design and build what is best to help them get the job done right,” said Chris.
On a personal note, the owners had an exciting year in 2015 outside their business: The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl and the Meyer family celebrated three weddings and welcomed three babies.
Mi-T-M congratulates Ben’s Cleaner Sales for their outstanding service. We wish them continued success with all their business endeavors and are thankful we could share their story for this issue of the Dealer Spotlight.
Dealer Spotlight: Associated Cleaning Equipment
Company: Associated Cleaning Equipment
Years Established: 34
Location: Pittsburg, IL
More than three decades ago, Bill Kissing opened a full-service gas station and repair shop. In 1984, Kissing expanded and moved his business to Pittsburg, Illinois. He began to focus on industrial grade pressure cleaning equipment. A lot has changed in the intervening years for Associated Cleaning Equipment (ACE).
For many years, we made our own hot water cleaning products. We also partnered with elite manufacturers for both electric and gasoline pressure washers. In 2005, ACE became a member of the Mi-T-M Private Label Program. This special designation means we can include our name on equipment we order from Mi-T-M.
“Our long time vendors have helped us through tough times and good over the years. Without their help and support, we would not have made it,” said Kissing.
Today, with a crew of four, we serve more than 400 companies within a 100-mile radius. What once began as a gas station, now includes our large pressure washing business as well as nine other product lines, including air compressors, generators, and industrial wet/dry vacuums.
During 34 years of business, we have experienced much growth and many changes. But one thing has never changed: ACE’s promise to serve our customers with the highest quality service and equipment on the market.