EXPERT ADVICE
to repair any equipment .
“ It is also a good time to talk to your material supplier about any new or improved sealer , crack filler or any other material you may need . Many producers work during the shutdown to improve their exiting formula as well as to develop new products . And , depending on your volume , consider a bulk sealer rank , which many sealer producers will supply at no charge . The bulk tank could eliminate time and money spent going back and forth to your supplier ’ s location .”
Additional key maintenance activities the sealcoating contractor should conduct during the winter shutdown should include removing and rebuilding the sealcoating pumps .
“ All the piping should be cleaned out on the tanks as well as the tanks need to be chipped out and all the debris cleaned out of them ,” Hemsink said . “ The same should go for crack kettles . Although you can ’ t get them quite as clean as the sealcoat tanks , they should be chipped out and pumps should be either replaced or maintained . All small equipment and compressors should be fully serviced as well .”
During the shut-down / slow-down period it ’ s important to stay in contact with customers .
“ Each company is different on how early they should contact customers ,” stated Brent Louzenhiser , owner and founder of Seal-Rite Products , LLC , Auxvasse , Mo . “ If you have the ability , we would advise having a crack filling season during the cooler months . This allows you to be in contact with your customers during the sealcoating off season . This practice could also lead to some sealcoating jobs during the spring season . One job can often lead to the next .”
A contractor should take a proactive approach to their next season , according to Brian Horner , sales manager with E . D . Etnyre & Co ., Oregon , Ill . “ Build relationships with current or potential new customers during the off season . This can be done with direct calls / visits or attending government trade shows or meeting . Many customers rely on the contractor to be the expert and guide them to the best solution for road maintenance .”
Hemsink succinctly stated the nut of how much customer contact is best in her response to the question of how far in advance of the new season should sealcoat contractors start talking with customers . She said : “ Never stop talking to customers .”
In today ’ s world , it appears that the fastest and easiest way to learn about a company is through the Internet .
“ As part of preparing for the upcoming season , contractors should view their own website and adopt an outside prospective and see how it can be improved ,” said Louzenhiser . “ Adding new photos from the previous season and any
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