We’ve again gathered data on the carpet cleaning industry through our annual Carpet Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report (page 9). There was a wonderful turnout this year, with more than 750 industry professionals donating their valuable time to help us develop a realistic overview of running a business in the industry. Thank you to all of you who took part, we appreciate your input. And a special thank you to our sponsor, Legend Brands, for helping spread the word about the survey.

Now on to insights from the survey.

Carpet cleaning industry competition

Companies in the carpet cleaning industry continue to struggle to differentiate themselves from “low-ball” companies in the eyes of customers who expect the same quality of service from both. Though they will not get that quality, their business does often go to these kinds of companies. Perhaps it is time for the industry to come together—much like the restoration industry is doing—to advocate for quality companies and conceptualize ways to elevate perceptions of carpet cleaning and educate them on quality of service.

Other problems reported are struggling to stand out against a crowded field, a rise in do-it-yourselfers (with every big-box company selling/renting machines), and Google rankings.

Business building, employees

Mostly the same issues with employees continue to plague companies in the carpet cleaning industry: finding and keeping hard workers. With a low unemployment rate, it is an employee’s market, with many companies desperate for job seekers. It’s a tough time to be hiring.

Labor costs pose another problem as minimum wage requirements continue to increase. Even those in areas with lower wages are feeling the effects, with survey respondents reporting a rise in pressure from staff to raise wages and employees continually lost to nearby areas with higher minimum wage.

Rising costs of running a business are a chief complaint among those in the carpet cleaning industry—health insurance, gas prices, and insurance costs. An interesting challenge arose in this year’s survey that I don’t believe I’ve seen in past surveys (though multiple people reported it this year): traffic/traffic patterns. It’s a problem not easily solved but one which causes serious issues, delaying arrivals (and upsetting customers), throwing off schedules, and limiting job radius. Using Google Maps and scheduling software that groups jobs by location and traffic are helpful, but it is a largely unsolvable problem (until teleportation becomes reality).

Many also struggle with the requirements of running a business in the modern world, like website maintenance, online scheduling, social media upkeep, the cloud, and the minutia of online advertising. Speaking of online advertising, one respondent succinctly put it, “Google is a moving target!”

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Many cited problems getting equipment repaired and needed parts quickly. This problem is exacerbated in remote areas where distributors are far away.

Things aren’t all bad. Equipment was an area of positivity from most, with glides, lighter wands, tracking software, and powerful truckmounts all reportedly making life easier. Rotary extractors and CRBs received the most praise from survey takers.

I know running a business in the carpet cleaning industry has its drawbacks. Sometimes those drawbacks seem to outweigh the benefits, but I hope next year brings you relief from what ails your companies, continued success where you’ve succeeded before, and new avenues for success you’ve never seen.

Amanda Hosey is the managing editor of��Cleanfax. She has worked as an editor and writer for more than six years, including four years with��Cleanfax.��Reach her at��amandah@issa.com.

The post Facing the Woes in Carpet Cleaning appeared first on Cleanfax.

Aero Tech Manufacturing Inc. takes great pride in producing the highest quality equipment and delivering performance and flexibility for the ever-changing cleaning and restoration market needs. For more than 15 years, Aero Tech has been providing technical support and knowledge to ensure we deliver unmatched cleaning performance with the XT from Aero Tech. We engineer greatness into every XT that leaves our manufacturing facility. Creative engineering blends well with quality construction and continued innovation to create the most powerful cleaning system available today. The XT’s simple design and ease of maintenance make the unit versatile. Whether for cleaning or restoration, large jobs or small, this system is ready with extreme heat, true dual-wand capabilities,
and dual-pressure regulators for cleaning at two different pressures simultaneously.

Contact: 866-390-2376 |

[infobox title=’AMAZING All-in-One Carpet, Tile, Upholstery, Degreaser, & Encapsulation Cleaner for Professionals’][/infobox]

Carpet Details naturally releases dirt and oils from surfaces utilizing a proprietary process and blend of pure, natural minerals and has been providing custom spotters to flooring retailers since 1991.

• Neutral 8.1 pH
• Mill approved for stain-resistant fibers
• Healthier for you and your customers
• Not heat activated
• No acid rinse needed
• No VOCs, 100 percent odorless
• Non-allergenic, no solvents, no polymers
• No foam = No sticky soap
• Effective fiber-penetrating encapsulation
• Indefinite shelf life
• Freeze-thaw stable
• Will not corrode metal
• 100% made in USA
• Prespray entire areas for faster cleaning (no worries if it dries before getting to it)

Contact: 800-693-6464 (call or text) | info@carpetdetails.com

[infobox title=’The Go-to Media Source for Restoration and Cleaning Professionals’][/infobox]

For the past 32 years, specialized cleaning and restoration professionals have relied on the Cleanfax brand for valuable information. Now part of ������ý, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Cleanfax continues to provide industry-leading content, resources, and tools to the cleaning and restoration marketplace.

By utilizing a dynamic, integrated media platform, Cleanfax provides business owners, managers, and technicians with solutions they need. Subscriptions are availabe for Cleanfax magazine and the Cleanfax Insider and Restoration Insider newsletters. And be sure to check out ������ý.com for global cleaning
industry news, trends, education, and more.

Sign up today for all the Cleanfax media resources you deserve at www.cleanfax.com/subscribe.��

Contact: cleanfax@cleanfax.com | www.cleanfax.com����

[infobox title=’Back in Action and Better Than Ever’][/infobox]

We are proud to announce that the El Diablo Truck Mount is back in production! Mike Schaeffer is the new owner and has owned and operated a carpet cleaning company for 20 years. We are excited to continue offering the same quality truckmounts that the carpet cleaning industry has come to know and rely on. The renowned El Diablo Diesel truckmount provides quality cleaning performance and equipment reliability. Kohler fuel-injected engines power both units and provide up to 25% less fuel consumption compared to regular carbureted engines.

Contact us to today for all of your El Diablo sales, parts, and service needs!

Contact: 605-786-7538 | eldiablotruckmounts@gmail.com

[infobox title=’The Easiest, Most-Profitable Mold Removal System…Period!’][/infobox]

Goldmorr Systems LLC is a global company offering cutting-edge technologies in mold remediation and indoor air quality, with proven results. Goldmorr is restricted to trained professionals only and cannot be purchased elsewhere. Training is approved by IICRC for CECs toward mold remediation certificates.

Increase your company’s profit margins

• No franchise fees and no minimum purchases
• Minimal required equipment
• Drastically reduced labor costs

Become a leader in mold and indoor air quality technologies

• Exclusive, proprietary product line with remarkable, same-day results
• Third-party air quality testing in real time
• Clearances based on ISO and WHO standards
• Ongoing training for your technicians and staff

Excellent customer satisfaction

• A clean, mold-free home with outstanding air quality
• Much lower cost
• Minimal lifestyle impact
• Restoration of contents

Contact: 844-446-5366 |

[infobox title=’Summit PTS: New Direct-drive Truckmount With 10-year Limited Warranty’][/infobox]

Looking for direct-drive simplicity? The new Summit PTS delivers the superior performance, reliability, and durability that has made Prochem and Sapphire Scientific truckmounts the #1 selling brands. This quality-built machine includes a constant-velocity cooling fan and Cerakote coating on exhaust components to reduce internal van temperatures and extend component life, an adjustable-pressure General pump with high-temp seals, and an electric clutch combined with the proven Gardner Denver 408TL blower. And Legend Brands supports users with a 10-year limited warranty and the industry’s largest national service network.

Contact: 800-932-3030 |

[infobox title=’Meet the DryLINK® EcoSYSTEM: New in 2019 from Phoenix’][/infobox]

You can truly DRY LIKE A PRO with DryLINK, DryTAG, DrySENSE, and DryPHONE! DryLINK by Phoenix is the free, job-based drying log app that connects to Bluetooth-enabled equipment and works with iOS and Android phones. The DryLINK 2.0 Update is available NOW. We’ve updated our Drying Report and added moisture content readings and auto-complete to speed job setup. You can now add non-smart equipment to your company’s inventory, enter chamber dimensions with our built-in calculator, and add multiple drying log entries per day if needed!

Coming Soon: Meet the Rest of the Ecosystem

The NEW DryTAG Bluetooth Beacon with a built-in accelerometer can come included with select Phoenix equipment and�� be added to ANY equipment. DrySENSE is a Bluetooth, material-moisture level sensor for setting and monitoring moisture goalson the jobsite. DryPHONE is an optional, dedicated, leave-behind device for remote monitoring and instant notifications in real-time. Not only does the newest DryMAX XL have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, but also the original DryMAX now can be updated with Bluetooth!

Contact the PHOENIX TEAM for availability.

Contact: 800-533-7533 |

[infobox title=’Reusable Dust Barrier Entry Systems’][/infobox]

Save time and money with the Re-U-Zip dust barrier entry system. Our innovative reusable zippers and magnetic, self-closing entries are designed by industry professionals to be high quality, cost effective, and user friendly. Visit our website to learn more about how our products can help your business.

Peel. Save. Reuse.

Contact: info@reuzip.com ����

[infobox title=’Wall Cavity Drying in a Fraction of the Time’][/infobox]

The Aerator is an innovative tool used to improve and speed up the restoration process after a water-loss event. The Aerator is designed for wall cavity drying. It creates a precise 5/8-inch hole in wet drywall, leaving no debris to clean up. No longer back-breaking work, the process can be completed 15 times faster than the traditional drill and vacuum. What would normally take a technician an hour, they can now do in 5 minutes! In less than an hour of use, the Aerator has paid for itself! Use Xactimate code: WTR WALLH.

Contact: 779-210-3000 |

[infobox title=’The LittleBig Truck’][/infobox]

These compact trucks have seating for three technicians, have a vast amount of storage, and are exceptionally maneuverable. These trucks are ideal for carpet cleaning and as a first-response vehicle. They are equipped with a 12-foot box, have a payload capacity of 3,800 lbs., and are competitively priced!

Also, check out our new, innovative SlideOut Shelving, which nearly doubles floor space and maximizes the shelf storage area.

View the “LittleBig” Truck online at Butlersystem.com, YouTube or Facebook.

Contact: 800-535-5025 |

The post Best Buys for 2020 appeared first on Cleanfax.

By Amanda Hosey

Your customers want and expect you to give back to your community. You can argue this isn’t so, but the numbers don’t lie. Countless surveys have shown customers will choose a community-engaged company over one that isn’t.

A earlier this year found 79% are more likely to support a company that gives money to local charities, and 81% say this about companies that donate their services. And 81% of millennials (your future, like it or not) say they’re more loyal to companies that support their community.

Ideally you want to give back to provide help where it’s needed in the area that supports your business. This shows you’re an upstanding member of the community and makes the community a better place for you to live and work in.

Many business owners consider charitable giving a waste of time and resources. One person said, when asked what he gives back, “I didn’t take anything.” That’s an understandable frame of mind—after all, you’re running a business, paying taxes, making people’s lives better by selling them your services. And it can be hard to give anything away if you’re struggling to turn a profit or you don’t feel like the local market allows you to charge what you deserve for your services. Plus, some people simply don’t feel the need to help the community for their own personal reasons. If you’re still wondering “why bother,” consider charity from a purely business perspective (though at least a little care for community is helpful), and think about these benefits:

Tax deductions: Yes, you really can write-off charitable giving. Unless your company is a corporation, you file taxes through your personal return, and you can deduct cash contributions, gifts, etc. If you perform services at a discounted rate for charitable organizations, you can also deduct travel and other out-of-pocket expenses for the work.3 Keep in mind charitable organizations must be recognized by the IRS to be tax deductible. Visit to search a database of deductible charities.

File deductions using the following forms by business type: Sole proprietorships/single-member LLCs use Schedule A; partnerships/multi-member LLCs/S corporations use Schedule K-1 with donations split between parties.

Publicity: Honestly put, giving in your community is a great way to market your company. Think of every sporting event you’ve ever gone to and the sponsor names on the field or court. And consider how many people engage with charitable organizations in your community and, therefore, how many people will hear about the good you’ve done. If “giving” things away bothers you, think of it as an investment in your company’s name and reputation.

Company culture: Do you want your employees loyal to your company? Bringing in hardworking friends to work for you? Talking positively about their workplace? Employees respect companies that make a difference in the community. A Fortune collaboration found employees who feel their company cares about the people it does business with are 13 times more likely to look forward to work!4

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[infobox title=’A Look at Cleaning for a Reason’]������ý, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has provided home cleaning for more than 37,000 cancer patients through its Cleaning for a Reason program.

• The organization contracts with residential cleaning services throughout the country.
• Any woman, man, or child in active cancer treatment is eligible for the service.
• Patients receive two months of cleaning services after being matched with a local cleaning service.

This program could easily be replicated by carpet cleaners in a given area. Consider working together with other service providers, types of cleaners, or even (gasp!) your competition to provide free services for families struggling through cancer treatments.[/infobox]

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In the end, hopefully you find something you care about—dogs, sick children, single moms, church, rights, research, etc.—and parlay that into a cause you can give to, financially or otherwise, and see the benefits for yourself.

Amanda Hosey is the managing editor of Cleanfax. She has worked as an editor and writer for more than six years including four years with Cleanfax. Reach her at amandah@issa.com.

The post Engage With Your Community appeared first on Cleanfax.

Every day, we read stories about how low unemployment and labor shortages are affecting virtually every industry.��In many ways, labor is a commodity, and like the availability of oil or crops, it impacts the cost and challenge of acquisition. An abundant labor pool generally means the economy is slow, unemployment is high, and people are just happy to have a job.��Today, however, the labor market is tight: The demand for workers is high and applicants are looking for jobs with the best fit. This environment challenges businesses to convince prospective employees that their job openings offer a fulfilling experience as well as opportunity for advancement. Job seekers want options that will lead them down a satisfying and thriving career path.

Organizations should offer steppingstones that allow individuals to improve themselves and expand their careers. With this in mind, the IICRC offers for every stage of career. People entering the job market for the first time and entrepreneurs alike can use to develop their careers, whether they’re beginning as an entry-level technician or supervisor, starting a new business as a certified firm owner who offers multiple services, or becoming an approved instructor whose passion for the industry can inspire a new generation.

Looking back

The has impacted my entire career path. I started looking for a career in my teens. My parents owned a building-services company, but I did not see this field as an appealing option. I eventually accepted a position at a small appliance sales and repair company. I worked there for four years until I injured my shoulder while taking a box off a refrigerator. Initially I was told recovery would take four to six weeks, but after surgery revealed more damage than expected, the doctor extended my recovery to more than four months. As most of us know, a small business cannot wait months for a team member to return to work, so I became unemployed. I took my bad shoulder and started helping in the family business.

Although I still was not enthusiastic about working in building services, I was interested in carpet cleaning. I started a carpet cleaning division within the family company, and thanks to my father’s appreciation for continuing education, I attended an IICRC carpet cleaning certification course. The knowledge I gained from that course influenced every aspect of my career moving forward; it made me aware that this and all fields have a technical aspect. Almost overnight, I felt as though I was not a carpet cleaner but a technician. This new identity propelled me to build a business that competed on expertise rather than on price.

Exploring an IICRC career path

Over the years, I was able to explore many of the career paths available through IICRC education. The success of the carpet cleaning division inspired me to look into other facets of the industry. In fact, our family business also did upholstery cleaning, color repair, carpet repair and reinstallation, and large- and small-loss restoration. In time, I gained enough exposure to these fields to know that, though interesting, they were not for me.

About 25 years ago, I became an IICRC-certified senior carpet inspector. That certification made me a dramatically better carpet cleaner: It improved my ability to answer customer questions, help my flooring retailers solve their problems, and talk to customers and peers with the authority that comes with knowledge.

The problem-solving aspect of inspection attracted my attention, and this formed the pathway to my next career. I was young and eager to enter this side of the industry. Many professionals become inspectors later in their careers, exiting the labor-intensive side of the industry and increasing their income heading into retirement. I became proficient and experienced at a much younger age than my peers, which led to my committee involvement. I became vice president (and later president) of the National Institute of Certified Floorcoverings Inspectors, an , standard consensus body chair of an ANSI standard, and a director on the .

Moving forward

Mapping out a career path is all about finding what is right for you; where you start is not necessarily where you will remain. The IICRC has to satisfy technical, consumer-focused, and instructor-led interests where you can grow, learn, and earn.

The way an industry embraces technology has a great impact on its appeal. As Alicia Hill at writes, “The millennial generation is comprised of tech-savvy individuals who are looking for a flexible work environment where they can thrive and grow. They are seeking employers that are able to embrace technological trends.” Hill outlines that “the one thing that really sets this generation [millennials] apart from others is how much they love technology. They’re the first to try new apps, programs, and hardware. Older generations had to adapt to new technology, but millennials have grown up using smartphones, other mobile devices, and all the technology that comes with it. If you want to attract this talented generation, offer them opportunities to experience all that technology has to give.”

While I don’t fall into the millennial generation, I embrace technology. Older generations accept technology; younger generations expect it. From apps to online training, technology defines an industry and affects its image and attractiveness as a career option. This is one area the IICRC is working diligently to address. In the meantime, businesses have the responsibility to adopt and implement technology in every aspect of a job.

Technology has also become a large part of my career path. As a business owner, I build my own websites, manage my social media, and create forms and documents for the industry. Most recently, I started a podcast and will soon be offering online training for certifications.

Technology should impact every aspect of your job because, again, it is expected—not just accepted.

Growing professionally

The IICRC offers a place to start and a place to evolve and grow personally and professionally. Not only does it encompass a , but these fields also are intertwined, giving you the ability to explore different options within each category and find what is right for you. Through my career, I didn’t just research building services, carpet cleaning, restoration, color repair, carpet repair, and inspections; I experienced each one of them and really understood what I enjoyed.

Having an IICRC education gives you options. Whether you are an employee or entrepreneur, beginning with an IICRC education can lead to many career paths—all you must do is discover which one is best for you.

The new year brings the chance to begin fresh and to realign. The IICRC offers educational opportunities (available at ) for where you are now in your career path and where you desire to be in the future.

Paul Pleshek is president of Floor Claim Solutions Inc. and the National Academy of Floor Covering Training. He has spent 25 years in the inspection industry and currently serves as an director, inspection division chair, and WLFI TAC chair.

The post Planning Your Career appeared first on Cleanfax.

We picked up six still-wet rugs from an old home when we were finally allowed to remove them four weeks after a fire. These two were the worst, a 3-by-4-foot Sarouk Mir and a 16-by-25-foot Persian-design Pakistani. We washed and dried three times. The first wash, we sprayed on a high-pH restoration chemical at the weakest dilution and power washed and dried. The second wash, we dusted then pretreated with enzymes prior to immersion in our sanitizing agents. The third time, we did our normal wash procedure. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a picture of the final wash for the large rug. The “after” picture here was taken after the first wash of the smoke-damaged rug.

For an opportunity to win a gift card worth $250, send your images and a brief 100-word description on how you obtained your results to Amanda Hosey, managing editor, at amandah@issa.com, or submit via Facebook Messenger at . Contest rules available by request.

[infobox title=’DID YOU KNOW’][/infobox]

The best neutralizers for alkali pH values are acetic acids, and the best neutralizer for acidic residues is ammonium hydroxide because both are volatile.

Learn more about color loss and chemical reactions at cleanfax.com/carpets-lose-color.

The post Smoke-Damaged Rug Rescue [Photo Contest] appeared first on Cleanfax.

Homeowners, realtors, and property managers frequently search for contractors who can successfully remove tobacco smoke and other odors. This service is especially important when preparing to rent an apartment or sell a home—or even before selling a vehicle.

Lingering smoke odors create significant issues. A survey of Ontario, Canada realtors found that 88% of realtors say it is difficult to sell a home in which the previous owners smoked tobacco, and the presence of smoke odors can reduce the value of a home by as much as 20%.

Other malodors that can negatively affect a home’s value relate to pets, overcooked protein, and other food odors such as fish, curry, onions, and garlic. The procedures discussed below apply equally well to these types of odors.

Smoke odor sources

Smoke and odors from tobacco disperse in the air and adhere to all surfaces. These sticky tobacco residues accumulate and continually release malodors. Heavy smoking over a long period of time causes stubborn and severe smoke odors.

The yellowish-brown, sticky substance left on all surfaces and furnishings is easy to see, smell, and feel, but it is extremely difficult to remove. Residue from tobacco often discolors painted walls and plastics, and it can permanently change the appearance of wallpaper, blinds, paint, and other surfaces. The smoke penetrates upholstery, carpet, drywall, and window treatments, and the HVAC system will carry these residues and odors throughout the structure.

The resulting odor and appearance from long-term smoking in enclosed areas can resemble that of an actual fire. To successfully remove tobacco and cannabis residue and odor requires skill and expertise, but it is easily within reach of the well-prepared restoration contractor.

Proven odor removal system

No single product exists that eliminates tobacco and cannabis odors, but there are proven systems that do work. Here’s a three-step process used for many years by professional smoke damage remediators with great success:

• Step 1: Thermal fog using a heat-activated odor counteractant that penetrates cavities and materials and creates a vapor barrier to prevent smoke malodors from returning.
• Step 2: Clean all surfaces—including cabinets, inside drawers, ceilings, and walls—with a degreaser that contains brightening and deodorizing agents.
• Step 3: Treat hard and soft surfaces with a product that is designed specifically to neutralize and deodorize tobacco/cannabis odors. Apply with a sprayer or use with carpet cleaning extraction equipment.

Remember that all areas of the home are likely contaminated, so you need to clean all surfaces to truly eradicate odors. This includes wall surfaces, doors, moulding and trim, ducting, ceilings, carpet, tile and grout, and cabinetry. Finally, don’t forget to clean the air in the space. Use a HEPA air scrubber equipped with an activated carbon filter to not only assist in removing odors, but also improve the indoor air quality, as recommended in a recent Environmental Protection Agency guide. (See link at the end of this article.)

After thorough cleaning, you need to seal surfaces with a special primer designed to lock in any remaining stains and odors—standard paint primer is not sufficient. Once the primer is applied, the surfaces will be ready to paint, refinish, or apply new coverings.

Soft goods such as upholstery, bedding, window coverings, and rugs require special attention. Because they absorb odors so well and are often easily damaged, these items may require specialty upholstery or fabric cleaning expertise to restore. In some cases, the owner may prefer to simply replace these items. Treatment of antiques, paintings, jewelry, electronics, and anything that is irreplaceable or especially valuable to the customer may best be referred to a restoration specialist for that specific item. As always, maintain clear lines of communication with your customer, and don’t proceed with any cleaning procedure or disposal without permission.

Be the solution

People react differently to smells. Some potential homebuyers may immediately decide against a house where malodors are present, while others may remain open to it, knowing they will have to invest time and money into remediation. In either case, negative odors will make a significant impact on how the home is perceived and valued. That means your ability to remove tobacco smoke odors is a high-value asset.

Delivering the “smell of clean” using a proven odor removal system will result in satisfied customers, positive referrals, and a stronger bottom line for your business.�� Tobacco and cannabis smoke removal is an excellent way to diversify your business.

Further reading:

• Odor removal process from Legend Brands:
• Additional information regarding environmental tobacco smoke:
• Using air scrubbers in homes:

John Otero has been in the cleaning and restoration industry for 29 years and is currently the restoration chemicals category manager for Legend Brands. He is IICRC certified in CCT, UFT, fire, smoke, trauma/crime scene, commercial drying, and WRT. John has taught hundreds of educational seminars and CEC events to more than 3,000 restorers and other professionals in the United States and Canada. For additional information, please contact John Otero at j.otero@legendbrands.com.

The post Become an Expert at Removing Tobacco and Cannabis Odors appeared first on Cleanfax.

Magic marker scrawlings, wine stains after a party, rust from a filing cabinet, oil spots from the car… stain removal for stone, tile, and concrete can be a major problem that stumps both customers and professionals. The following guide is designed to give you the knowledge and tools necessary to remove the most difficult stains.

The art of stain removal

Stone, tile, and concrete stain because they are porous, which allows fluids to enter the material and become imbedded below the surface. The size of the pores determines what will enter and become imbedded.

Some materials are more porous than others. Honed and textured surfaces are usually more porous than polished surfaces, so they generally absorb more staining material. The longer the stain remains, the deeper it penetrates, and the more permanent the stain becomes. Certain chemical reactions can also permanently set a stain. This is one reason to advise customers to remove a stain as soon as it occurs.

To remove a stain, we must reverse the staining process. In other words, we need something that is more porous than the stained material to literally suck the stain back out and into the more porous material. This porous material is called a poultice.

The art of stain removal for stone and other porous surfaces involves identifying the stain, choosing the proper chemicals and poultice material, and applying them correctly to remove the stain. This sounds simple enough, but there are many factors that determine if and how a stain can be removed. This article will take you through the process of stain removal step by step.

Is the stain a stain?

When asked to remove a stain from stone, tile, or concrete, you must first verify that the problem is, in fact, a stain. There are many problems that look like stains but are not.

Etching: Some highly polished concrete and tile and nearly all polished marble will become discolored and dull after coming in contact with acidic substances such as orange juice, lemons, soft drinks, household and commercial cleaners, etc. The dulling effect caused by acids is a condition known as etching, and it is especially common in marble countertops.

Etching is not a stain; the polished surface actually becomes damaged when it comes in contact with an acid, so removing an etch requires refinishing and repolishing. Though often confused with staining, etching cannot be fixed with stain removal techniques or chemicals. If the spot in question is dull, clouded, and whitish, it may be an etch. Feel the spot. If it is not as smooth as the surrounding surface, you can be sure it is etched; however, a mild etch may still feel smooth.

The simplest way to determine if a marble surface is mildly etched is to place some polishing powder on the etch, take a white pad with a little bit of water, and work the powder into a creamy slurry, rubbing the slurry across the spot for several minutes. If it is an etch, this process is likely to remove it or improve it. For deeper etches, this simple technique will not work very well, and you will need to re-hone the area before you can polish it.

Water spots: Another common problem associated with staining is the deposit of water spots and water rings left behind from a glass. These rings appear on marble tables and countertops when slightly acidic liquid runs down the sides of a glass and etches the water ring into the marble.

Chemicals in the liquid can also deposit minerals such as calcium on the stone, sometimes referred to as hard water spots. These mineral deposits are the same type that appear in an automatic dishwasher or on a glass shower door. These rings and spots are usually not stains and cannot be removed with stain-removing chemicals and poultices. Again, refinishing and re-polishing will probably be necessary.

Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a deposit of minerals that appears as a white powdery dust on the surface of stone or concrete. These minerals usually come from the setting bed or from the stone or concrete itself. When it becomes wet during installation or afterward, the water dissolves some of the minerals in the setting bed and carries them to the surface. When the water evaporates, the minerals are left behind in the form of a powder.��If you wipe your hand across the surface and pick up a light powdery residue, you are dealing with efflorescence.

Stuns: Stun marks appear on certain marbles as white marks, but they cannot be felt if you run your finger across the mark. It seems as though it is below the surface. Stun marks are usually caused by an impact on the surface of the stone, such as someone dropping a heavy object or walking across the floor with high heels.

These marks occur from an explosion of the crystals within certain marbles, and they can be deep, extending all the way through the marble. Stun marks are very difficult to remove, but again, they are not considered stains.

Wet stone: When stone, tile, or concrete becomes wet, it tends to darken. This is especially true when newly installed because the setting bed is usually very wet, and the water migrates to the surface to escape and evaporate.

The drying process for newly installed or saturated materials can be lengthy depending on the temperature, humidity, and air flow. Certain granites can take months to dry and the moisture might appear blotchy like a stain, but it is important not to treat moisture as if it is a stain.

The best way to test a surface for moisture is to use a moisture meter. If you don’t have a meter, take a heat gun or hair dryer to the suspected wet area, and see if the area lightens. Caution:��Do not apply too much heat, especially to granite, because it may cause the crystals in the stone to expand and spall or the stone to crack.

It is also possible to run into combinations of conditions, such as a stain and an etch. Wine is an example of this condition. The tannin in wine will stain marble, and the acid will etch it. In this case, it is necessary to first remove the stain and then refinish or repolish the etch.

Factors for stain removal

Once you determine that you are dealing with a stain, several factors impact how difficult the stain removal will be—or if it is even possible.

Type of stain: If you have ever tried to remove magic marker ink from a shirt or blouse, you know how hard that can be, while certain food stains, although they may look bad, are relatively easy to remove. The same is true of stone, tile, and concrete. Certain stains are very difficult to remove because of their chemical nature or because the cause of the stain is actually part of the stone itself such as iron deposits in marble.

Age of the stain: The older a stain the more difficult it is to remove. I received a call one afternoon from a homeowner who was upset with her remodeler. Apparently, the remodeler had used a black permanent marker on a white marble floor to mark where he was going to place a wall; however, in the end, the wall was constructed two inches back from the marked area, leaving a long black line parallel to the wall. When I asked the customer how long the mark had been there, she told me approximately 30 days. The remodeler told me he did not understand why the marker would not come off since he had first tested the marker by placing a mark on the floor and immediately wiping it off. What the remodeler failed to realize was the ink from the marker slowly penetrated into the stone. I knew right away that this was going to be a difficult task, but I was still successful at removing the marker. It took several applications of poultice, but it worked. Determining the age of the stain will give you a good indication of how difficult it will be to remove.

Size of the stain: The size of the stain also will influence how long it will take to remove. A small area stained with a few drops of oil is going to take a lot less time than an area that has had several gallons of oil spilled on it. It is important to find out how much of the staining substance has penetrated. I have had several instances where there was so much material spilled on the floor that it soaked all the way through and into the setting bed below. In these cases, it was nearly impossible to remove all of the stain.

Proper selection of poultice or cleaner: The improper selection of chemicals or poultice materials can worsen or permanently set a stain. For example, it is important to know what to use on iron stains because the wrong chemical can oxidize iron to rust and cause permanent staining. One chemical that rapidly oxidizes iron is common, household bleach. I have seen numerous instances where bleach was used in an attempt to remove a rust stain, only to make matters worse. The stain becomes darker and larger and is permanently set. Ask your customer if they have used any chemicals on the stain already to determine if the stain is removeable.

Stain types

Generally, stains can be classified into two types:

1. Organic stains are caused by those materials which are derived from living organisms. For example, most foods, drinks, and plants and some dyes are all considered organic stains.
2. Inorganic stains are those materials which are not derived from living organisms. They are usually mineral-related such as copper and rust.

Why is the distinction between these stain types so important? Inorganic stains are mineral in nature, and so are natural stones, tile, and concrete. Iron is a compound found naturally in stone, some tile, and concrete and will oxidize and rust, causing the surface to turn yellow, brown, or red. This occurs frequently in white marble and some limestones. If the stains are caused by oxidization of iron, they may not come out, and knowing this from the start can help to save time and set expectations with your customer.�� Organic stains can also be difficult to remove for different reasons. For example, when oil is absorbed into a porous surface, it can quickly spread throughout the material even if the stain on the surface appears relatively small. To illustrate this point, place several drops of oil on a piece of light-colored marble or concrete; then turn it over after several days and you will see that the stain has spread below the surface. When it comes time to remove the oil stain, it’s important to understand that the true stain may be much larger than it appears. Of course, the quicker you can get to a stain, the less chance it will have to soak in and spread.

Stain identification

It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to identify the stain. If the stain is unknown and you try to remove it, you could be using chemicals that may not work or may set the stain and make it permanent. Before you do anything else, ask what the stain is. Chances are the customer who called you to remove it knows what was spilled there. Knowing the identity of the stain is half the battle—then a proper chemical can be chosen to remove it.

If the stain is unknown, you will need to do a little detective work to try and figure out the most likely cause of the stain. The following steps comprise my investigative process for determining the type of stain:

1. Look for color and consistency. If the stain has the same color and is spread entirely over the surface, it is likely caused by external staining materials such as old wax, crystallization fluids, iron in cleaning water, etc.
2. Consider the location of the stain. Stains near the stove or refrigerator may have been caused by food or cooking oils.
3. Look for a pattern in the placement of the stain. A splashed pattern indicates a liquid stain, while a smudge may indicate something solid was dropped. In Statuary white marble, iron might be noticed adjacent to veining, usually running alongside the length of the vein. If this is the case, it is a good indication that the iron is part of the stone and cannot be removed.
4. If further analysis is needed, remove a section of stone to determine if the staining is on the surface only or through the entire stone. If the stain is all the way through the stone, then it will be difficult or impossible to remove. Examine the setting bed where you removed the section of material. If it is stained, remove a portion of the setting bed to see how deep the stain is or to determine if the stain is coming from somewhere within the setting bed. Often, rebar or stray nails and screws can cause iron staining.

What is a poultice?

We’ve established that porous surfaces stain because they are absorbent. In order to remove the stain, this process must be reversed and the stain sucked back out. A poultice is an even more absorbent material applied to a surface to draw out a stain; however, a penetrated stain is very difficult to reabsorb, so something must be used to first loosen the stain. This loosening is accomplished by adding a chemical to the poultice that is appropriate for the type of stain. Again, this is why stain identification is so important.

A poultice can be paper or gel, but the most common poultices used today are powders. A number of powders are very absorbent and are ideal for stain removal including:

• Clays and fuller’s earth,
• Talc,
• Chalk (whiting),
• Sepiolite (hydrous magnesium silicate),
• Diatomaceous earth,
• Methyl cellulose,
• Flour.

Clays and diatomaceous earth are usually the most effective poultices for stain removal. Do not use whiting or clays containing iron because any acidic chemicals used will react with the iron and may cause yellowing of certain stone surfaces. It is best to purchase poultice powder materials from a reputable supplier for this reason. Some typical paper poultices include cotton balls, paper towels, and gauze pads. Paper poultices can be quite effective on mild stains. They are easier to apply than powder poultices and are also easier to remove.

Gel poultices are usually thick chemical gels that are designed to be applied to a stain with the use of powders or papers. They work effectively with certain stains.

When purchasing poultice materials, ask if they contain stain removing chemicals or if they need chemicals added. Some powder and gel poultices contain chemicals, and all you need to do is add water. Never mix additional chemicals with a poultice that contains its own chemical formulation.

Steps for stain removal

Stain removal can be difficult, but the following procedure will make the job much easier:

Step 1: Identify the stain.

I continue to emphasize, knowing stain type is half the battle in stain removal. Ask questions and investigate.

Step 2: Clean the stained area.

Just because the stain looks like it is deep doesn’t mean that it can’t be cleaned with a good cleaner. Clean the area thoroughly using a cleaner with a neutral pH. A heavy-duty cleaner also may be used, but first try a mild, neutral cleaner. When attempting to remove any stain, always use the gentlest method first, then proceed to more aggressive chemicals and techniques. Cleaning will also remove any surface residue caused by the staining material, allowing for faster removal if a poultice is later needed.

Step 3: Remove coatings.

If the stone, tile, or concrete has been coated with wax, acrylics, urethane, or any other topical treatments, it is important to strip the coating before attempting to remove the stain. Most coatings will interfere with the effectiveness of chemicals used to remove the stains.

Step 4: Pre-wet.

Wet the stained area with distilled water to fill the pores with water. This isolates the stained area and prevents the chemicals used from drying too fast, allowing them to stay in contact with the stain longer.

Step 5: Prepare the poultice.

If a powder poultice is to be used, mix the powder with the stain-removing chemical you choose. Create a thick paste about the consistency of creamy peanut butter. You want the mixture to be wet, but not so wet that it runs.

If a paper poultice is used, soak paper in the chemical of choice before applying to the stain.

If a gel poultice is used, apply gel directly to the stain.

Step 6: Apply the poultice.

Apply the poultice to the stained area, overlapping several inches beyond the stain in each direction. This overlapping is important because the stain may be spread farther than it appears on the surface. The thicker the poultice is applied, the longer it will take to dry; generally about ¼ inch thick is sufficient for most stains. (See the step-by-step video on how to apply a poultice for stain removal below.)

Step 7: Cover the poultice.

Covering the poultice prevents it from drying out too quickly. It is necessary to keep the poultice wet as long as possible to allow the chemical to work on the stain and loosen it. Cover the poultice with plastic and tape down the edges with a tape that will not stain. Plastic food wrap and a low-contact masking tape work well.

To prevent the poultice from staying too wet, poke several small holes in the plastic.

Step 8: Remove the plastic cover.

After approximately 24 hours, remove the plastic from the poultice. If it is not yet dry, leave the poultice uncovered until it is. This is extremely important because a poultice works by drawing the stain out, and the drying process is what pulls the stain from the surface into the poultice.

Step 9: Remove the poultice.

After the poultice is thoroughly dry, scrape it off with a razor blade or putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the surface. Clean any residue of poultice from the stain with water and a neutral cleaner.

Step 10: Examine the area.

Carefully examine the stained area. If the stain is not completely removed, reapply the poultice. It may take several poultices to remove difficult stains. If after two applications of poultice you do not see any lightening of the stain, then your chemical choice may be incorrect, or the stain may not be removable.

Final thoughts

Stain removal is not an exact science. The steps I have outlined will work in many cases, but some stains may be permanent and will almost never come out. Be careful not to waste too much time in applying poultices. If the type of stone or tile is still available and you can obtain a close match, it may be easier and cheaper to replace the stone or tile. In the case of concrete, it may be easier to remove and patch the stained area.

Once you have examined and identified a stain, be sure to discuss all the options and possible outcomes with your customer.

Fred Hueston is the owner of Stone Forensics, a leading consulting and training firm specializing in stone, tile, and other surface failures. He is the host of the weekly radio/podcast, the Stone and Tile Show. He is an author of over 35 books and hundreds of articles on stone and tile restoration, maintenance, fabrication, installation, and failures. Contact him at fhueston@gmail.com, and find his complete stain guide at .

The post Stain Removal for Stone, Concrete, and Other Porous Surfaces appeared first on Cleanfax.

Like most industries, restoration is rapidly evolving, and meeting demand is more challenging than ever. To meet customer demand, restoration companies must ensure their vehicle fleet is safe and reliable. Fleet management often takes a back seat to other aspects of the business, but without an operating group of assets, you can’t ensure productivity on the whole. In this technology-rich society, it’s easier than ever to track every aspect of your restoration fleet.

While many associate technology upgrades with massive investments and arduous implementations, that isn’t the case with fleet management technology. Cloud-based software is not only cost effective, but it also only requires an internet connection to quickly activate all computers and mobile devices.

Digitizing data onto a single platform ensures your team is synchronized in its management efforts and that stakeholders can easily track and analyze fleet performance to lower costs and prevent downtime.

An uphill battle

With so many moving parts and operations to oversee, managing a variety of assets is difficult. This seemingly daunting task usually falls to one person or a small team, stretching management thin.

Adding to that, many restoration companies are still using outdated systems like spreadsheets to manage fleet processes. This not only proves inefficient, it also prohibits you from efficiently tracking operations, causing needless errors and unnecessary downtime.

To scale your business and keep up with competitors, leveraging software to manage fleet operations is key. Fleet management software enables mobility, automates processes, maximizes efficiencies, and controls costs by allowing managers to easily track drivers and assets.

Mobile solutions for preventive maintenance

Restoration fleets are constantly on the move. Time and communication are critical to begin recovery initiatives. Without properly functioning assets and the ability to troubleshoot and manage repairs on the go, downtime can have a detrimental effect on your fleet.

Mobile fleet management software ensures you receive important updates regarding vehicle status. It also allows you to improve preventive maintenance processes.

The first step to preventive maintenance is regular vehicle inspections. Mobile inspections enable drivers to quickly assess vehicle status on the go through a series of clicks and swipes. Eliminating paper processes ensures employees don’t lose reports and fleet managers are alerted of any critical issues.

Cloud-based technology further improves preventive maintenance by following an automated schedule to ensure you don’t miss routine service tasks like oil changes. A preventive maintenance schedule sends mobile reminders based on meter readings and creates work orders for you to assign, monitor, and review.

The ability to track inspections and service tasks from start to finish also helps you forecast future maintenance and view repair patterns across assets, giving you the best understanding of fleet health.

Automating maintenance processes and data collection

Spending hours attempting to manage vehicle repairs and manually keying in data takes managers away from other aspects of the business. Technology creates efficiencies in fleet management by automating processes. This not only eliminates human error, but it also boosts productivity across your team.

There is no time to waste in the restoration industry, and fleet automation offers a way to optimize processes for time efficiency. All information is regularly gathered and stored in a centralized software, allowing you to improve maintenance processes and analyze everything from asset performance to fuel costs.

Maintenance workflows within fleet management software operate based on data collection. With data from meter readings and updates from your team, workflows are triggered based on individual vehicle needs. Instead of determining a course of action when a vehicle breaks down, you can develop maintenance strategies to automatically begin based on data. With real-time insight into fleet operations, you can take a proactive stance on fleet maintenance and prevent downtime.

While fleet management software compiles data from inspections and service, integrating data from fuel cards, telematics, and other applications centralize all fleet operations, giving you a comprehensive look at maintenance, performance, and costs.

Calculating total cost of ownership

Your bottom line is the basis of all business decisions. Determining your fleet’s total cost of ownership (TCO) can be challenging when you’re trying to sort through spreadsheets and manually crunching numbers.

The two largest ongoing expenses for restoration fleets are fuel and maintenance, but because fleet managers have a difficult time manually tracking TCO, these expenses can be unnecessarily high. Leveraging data through fleet management software automatically calculates fleet TCO into an easy-to-read report, allowing you to make data-driven decisions to better manage your fleet.

With insight into fleet expenses, managers can develop strategies to lower expenses and best allocate funds—all while preventing unnecessary downtime of your vehicles.

Instead of combing through spreadsheets and crunching numbers, using fleet technology to track and control expenses ensures your fleet operations are sustainable. Though managing fleet costs is an ongoing challenge, knowing your TCO helps ensure a strong return on investment and positively impacts your company’s bottom line.

Laura Flowers is the content marketing specialist for , a fleet management software that helps fleets of all sizes track, analyze, and improve fleet operations.

The post Using Technology to Streamline Restoration Fleet Management appeared first on Cleanfax.

While this year saw many issues we hear about every year, like low-ball competitors, staying consistently busy, and finding good employees, we also saw the rise of less common complaints. Chief among these were finding mechanics and parts for machinery and dealing with the increasingly online-only societal shift.

See all the results from the survey at www.cleanfax.com/2019carpetsurvey.

Despite oft-bemoaned needs to be “one stop shops,” most companies continue to specialize in floorcare.

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While 89.4% of respondents are owners of their companies, only 21.24% say they aren’t involved in the physical labor of cleaning, and more than 25% work more than 50 hours each week.

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The number of franchised carpet cleaning companies continues its downward trajectory–down 2% from 2018 and 4% from 2017.

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Almost a quarter of companies say at least half their work comes from commercial customers, adding the need for an understanding of contracts and specialized sales techniques.

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Carpet cleaning services account for at least half of revenue for more than 78% of respondents.

Hard surface work rose 5% (and hard wood 3%) over 2018, likely due to a shrinking carpet market, which 90% of respondents reported noticing.

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More than 93% perform rug cleaning—35% clean them on site.

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Only 2% of companies include fabric protection in the price of carpet cleaning, and 35% charge more than $.20 per square foot.

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Most charge $50-$74 for cleaning an armchair or recliner.

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Telephone purchases remain the most popular way to buy products, and 10% report they never buy online.

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Most wages stayed the same year over year except in the Northeast where the starting wage ($10-$10.99 in 2018) and average wage ($12-$12.99 in 2018) both increased to $15-$15.99, likely due to rising mandated minimum wage increases in places like New York.

Click the preview below to view or download the complete results from the 2019 Carpet Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report.

To compare these results to last year’s report, click here.

About this report: The data in this survey is based on results from carpet cleaning contractors responding to invitations for this survey. Results are not necessarily based on audited financial statements. This report was made possible with support from .

The post The 2019 Carpet Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report appeared first on Cleanfax.

As business owners, we wear many hats. We all agree on this. Maybe we should make a list of what each of these hats has printed on the front.

What if we limit the list to the truly important things that a business owner should do? I’ll bet the list would look much different. What activities would make the list? Which wouldn’t? At the very least, building this list would force some thought and careful prioritizing.

Why do we need to make this list? Correct me if I’m wrong, but most of the time we find ourselves switching hats—it isn’t a smile we wear on our faces. I agree we all suffer some hat changes as owners, but is that it? It’s unavoidable? Period? End of this article…thanks for reading.

I don’t think so, not if I can offer some ideas on this topic to help profile this challenge and provide some tools to help you make more money.

Priorities matter

Since we don’t get to blame anything but ourselves if we aren’t happy with our sales and profit, I encourage business owners to think back to the vision, excitement, and expectations that launched their companies. This is something most of us forget to do. Most envisioned ownership as a positive proposition. Then we pulled the trigger, got the business license, pulled in a few jobs, did good work, and got more jobs. Then it hit: chaos!

On the list of important things to do, I seriously doubt any of us included “welcome interruptions,” “take every call,” or “do everything as it comes at me.” Running supplies out to a job because the crew forgot them wouldn’t make the list of important owner duties either. This would be properly labeled as an interruption. I will bet you didn’t decide to be self-employed because you are a good parts runner.

Plenty of entrepreneurs get into business as a reaction to a terrible boss or a perception that there’s a lot of money in the business. However, I think we can all predict that high-achievement businesses might have taken a more calculated route to opening their doors. This is okay. It’s never too late to start recalculating.

Too often, we find ourselves lost in the sea of urgent things. To find our way out, the manager must lock onto better management. This means new knowledge, new priorities, new perspectives, and new attitudes. Otherwise, your activities won’t change. Successful people catch themselves when they ignore important responsibilities in the face of seemingly urgent interruptions. They give themselves no trophies for tail chasing.

Not-so-successful managers accept the chaos and sometimes brag about wearing a lot of hats as if it is a skill in and of itself. It might be fun in a chaotic way, but you won’t find a positive mention of wearing lots of hats in any bestselling management book.

At a point, an owner must recognize that a business license is not a business degree. We must lock onto learning management. Management has nothing to do with cleaning, microbials, anti-microbials, dwell time, negative air machines, or anything else that represents what you do on the truck. Even if you are an owner/operator, you are still a manager. You manage yourself.

Every business needs marketing, management, administration, and production. All of these talents are critical for growth and profit. Too often, we find ourselves lost in the sea of urgencies. Urgencies often help your immediate customers but stand square in the way of your business-building goals.

Production systems are important

We all agree there’s nothing funny nor profitable when the owner of a company has to take a ladder out to the jobsite because it was forgotten. Who forgot the ladder?

If the closest thing we have to a system for getting ladders to jobs is simply the intention of “remember to bring a ladder,” I must first say you can do better! Secondly, the answer to the question is: The forgotten ladder is the owner’s fault. Finally, I’ll point out that this is the perfect time (after reading the rest of this article) to assess your production systems (or lack thereof).

In the world of management, we believe there are certain things that should be left to peoples’ memory. They include such tasks as using a clean, empty cup when pouring coffee; opening the door before trying to walk through a doorway; starting the truck before putting it into gear; etc. Everything else in a company should follow a system. I’m not really trying to be funny here, but rather point out some profitable (and therefore important) activities for managers.

The owner owns our forgotten ladder problem since he or she failed to put in place a system that would ensure a ladder was placed securely on the proper truck and that that truck made it to the correct jobsite on the day it‘s needed. A good system addresses all elements needed to be more profit. There’s no profit in running ladders across town separately from other supplies and employees.

A simple “equipment and supplies needed” list for each job can put real percentage points on a company’s bottom line. Some systems are just this simple, and there is no need to complicate it. If the company can perform better service, it can impress more customers and widen profit margins. Therefore, who should take on the responsibility of remembering the ladder? (This isn’t a trick question.)

Returning to our comparison between important tasks and urgent tasks (those pesky interruptions), we can plainly see that the manager who prioritizes the time to create a simple checklist will not only cause jobs to go smoothly (making more money), he or she will avoid “helping employees make mistakes,” which is an art form that many managers have perfected by failing in the areas of production organization and systems.

Production systems belong on our list of important things to do.

Identifying the important things

I ask myself “is this a problem or an issue.” A problem is an interruption and might be urgent. An issue exposes a flaw in our outlook or process. An issue is important. A problem is urgent and must be dealt with. How fast we deal with it and the solution we find is unique to each problem. Relax and analyze. Let’s not allow others to prioritize our problems and gobble up our time for important things.

After we build our first system (or 50), we have to make sure to actually use them. The first system and the new “systems mindset” will take time to adopt. Nobody can change habits overnight. Just try to avoid the misperception that systems take too much time or the profit-killing attitude that it’s too much paperwork.

If we look at marketing as taking too much time, we won’t do that either. Building a business takes time. Everything takes time. The study of the urgent versus the important helps us protect time to do both when (and how) appropriate.

Consider the old phrase: “Why is there never enough time to do it right but always enough time to do it twice?” This describes why the “memory method” creates inefficiency. Yes, systems take time, but without them we fail in so many ways, some not so obvious in the short term.

We all agree that, in the middle a normal day, things happen. There is no perfect or sure-fire way to get your company to zero-interruption rate. Interruptions and urgencies happen. But we can eliminate lots of them. Use this article as encouragement and reason to take the first step in setting yourself up to grow. You’ll need people to help you grow, and your team will enjoy their jobs much more if you provide training and production systems to help guide their days to positive outcomes.

Don’t accept chaos as part of the deal. It’s only part of the deal if you accept the same, flat sales year after year (after year after year)… because this is what chaos creates.

You can have a business free of chaos, or you can spend the rest of a long career dealing with urgent interruptions instead of important things.

Brian Clark is president and CEO of (STOP), a unique franchisor in water, restoration, and biohazard. STOP emerged from within the industry as a business consulting firm known for building companies through systems and close interaction. Clark is a seasoned consultant, business coach, and speaker. Reach him at brian@stoprestoration.com.

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