The 2016 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show officially kicks off today with education day at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
The day — filled with educational and training seminars — begins at 8 a.m. and runs straight through 5:30 p.m.
There are several sessions that are a perfect fit operators of hydroexcavators, air excavators, trenchers, directional drills and then for those who are looking to improve their management skills.
Here’s a look at some of the sessions taking place on Wednesday that operators should check out it they are at the WWETT Show. The show runs through Saturday.
Vacuum Truck Equipment and Operation Training
Room: 109-110
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Speaker: Bruce Fox
More Info: This day-long session will discuss in detail the equipment on vacuum trucks and how to operate them. Pumping terms will be covered, as will safety principles, materials often encountered on the job, government regulations, and how to speak to customers. Rotary vane pumps, the most common type of pump, will be explained in detail. Other pump types discussed will include liquid ring, rotary lobe, diaphragm, and centrifugal. Various drive mechanisms will be covered (direct drive, belt drive and hydraulic drive) and how all the equipment can be configured whether it is on a straight truck, semi, tow-behind trailer, or skid-mounted. Other tools that can make a tech’s job easier will be discussed. There will be tips on how to do the work: Locating tanks, properly accessing the tank to ensure a thorough cleaning, cleaning effluent filters, hose handling, unloading, and using each job as an opportunity to educate homeowners about their systems. The session will end with a hands-on demonstration using an actual vacuum truck, a review and an exam.
How Much Should I Charge?
Room: 140-142
Time: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Speaker: Ellen Rohr/Zoom Drain and Sewer
More Info: This session will discuss how to budget, how to create a selling price, and how to tackle the underlying issues that can keep a business from making the money it deserves. Did you call your competitors, ask them how much they charge, then charge the same price? Or less? It’s time to take a different approach. This session will show attendees a simple, no-fail formula for creating a selling price that will leave a business with exactly the amount of profit it is looking for. It will discuss getting buy-in from employees. If they don’t buy it, neither will customers. It will cover how to reward good performers without hurting the business’ bottom line, simple marketing strategies for “no complaints” pricing, tips for turning bad news into good news, and how to work toward someday retiring.
Pre-Engineered Shoring Systems for Cross-Trench Utility Challenges
Room: 237-239
Time: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Speaker: Mike Ross/Efficiency Production Inc.
More Info: This session will discuss the many pre-engineered shoring systems that can be utilized when a work site is full of crossing utilities. There is very little room for error as municipalities and excavation contractors need to rehabilitate or upgrade infrastructure, but must first locate, identify, mark, and properly shore around existing underground utilities. This session will detail pre-engineered shoring systems such as Shore-Trak Sheeting Guide Frames, Slide Rail System Panel Guides, and Quicksheet Guideframes that are specifically designed for contractors and municipalities faced with the challenge of multiple crossing utilities in their excavation projects.
Business Game Changers: Top 5 Secret Strategies for Massive Growth in Your Service Business
Room: 140-142
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Mike Agugliaro/CEO Warrior
More Info: This session will discuss top strategies for growing a service business: Breaking the myths about sales and why others have been lying about what to do to improve; why your marketing is poor and how to do it like the largest companies on the planet; how to create a thriving culture that has your employees not wanting to go home; how to hire endless “A” players with ease; and the secret weapon behind having it all in wealth, freedom and market domination.
Excavation Safety
Room: 237-239
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Gary Hooks/Safety Corporation of America
More Info: This session will discuss safety for the operator who uses backhoes, mini-excavators, vacuum excavation and alternative excavation methods. Topics within this class cover motivation for compliance, soil analysis, definition of a “competent person,” and the current OSHA Excavation Standard, as well as safety checklists and manufacturers’ tabulated data. Attendees will learn to identify existing and predictable hazards on a job site, including risks outside of an excavation cave-in. The class will also cover proper use and installation of protective systems. Safety solutions include options for shields, benching, sloping and shoring. The session will clarify certain OSHA terms, allowing workers to speak the language of OSHA. A copy of the OSHA Excavation Standard will also be available to attendees.
The Un-Business Plan – Making Your Business Less Complicated But More Profitable
Room: 140-142
Time: 11 a.m. – Noon
Speaker: Ellen Rohr/Zoom Drain and Sewer
More Info: This session will discuss how to both simplify and amplify your business. Make more money, have more time and feel more energized. It starts with thinking about a plan. The problem with thinking is that it doesn’t look like you are doing anything. However, if you don’t plan, you may be planned for — by your employees, family, customers and vendors. This presentation will show you how to build your un-business plan step by step starting with answering the questions of: What do you want your business to be? How will you know when you have “made it”? It will cover building your team and determining whom does what; the bare bones basics for building a budget, keeping score and bringing in the bucks; how to best create a sales-focused culture; surefire systems for doing things right the first time, every time; and how to make sure you stay on the right track and keep everyone involved on the same page. It’s not a matter of doing more. Impose a little discipline — just enough to free up your time and energy, and live your perfect life.
OSHA Confined Space, Air Monitoring and Fall Protection Explained
Room: 237-239
Time: 11 a.m. – Noon
Speaker: Chris Cira/MTech Company
More Info: This session will discuss confined space, air monitoring and fall protection regulations with a different and unique high-level overview. The presentation will untangle the multitude of regulations regarding these topics and bring it down to a practical and understandable approach and, most importantly, an approach that can actually be implemented in the field. It will also touch on the differences related to general industry, construction, agriculture and maritime regulations and which one impacts you in the field.
How to Use Superior Customer Serviceto Increase Sales
Room: 140-142
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Michelle Hogan/One Biotechnology
More Info: This session will discuss customer service — a sometimes forgotten art but essential to support a sales plan and grow a business. This presentation will cover the essentials of providing superior customer service, as well as how to use that service to increase sales. The topic of increasing sales with customer service will include discussion of relationship building, making your customer No. 1, and using your CSRs for add-on sales.
Proper Industrial Truck Maintenance Can More Than Pay for Itself in Productivity and Safety
Room: 237-239
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Gary Toothe/FS Solutions
More Info: This session will discuss how putting some money into proper maintenance can pay off down the line. Many people consider maintenance costs to be a major drag on their bottom line. They avoid pre-operational inspections and preventive maintenance at all costs. That is penny wise and pound foolish thinking. Keeping a vacuum/air mover in peak shape not only is a good visual for your customer, but it can pay major dividends in increased productivity and personnel safety. Cycle time reduction, efficient loading, and safe operations with flammable and combustible materials are all benefits derived from a properly maintained unit. Come see how that penny spent can wind up putting major dollars in your pocket.
Reward the Right Stuff: Finding, Training and Keeping Great Team Members
Room: 140-142
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Speaker: Ellen Rohr/Zoom Drain & Sewer
More Info: This session will discuss how businesses can reward those who go above and beyond at the company without significantly hurting profits. It will cover how to find the right people, how to create a magnetic work culture, and how to hold your team accountable and drive performance that moves you in the direction of your goals at the same time. Want to write bonus checks with a smile? Quit rewarding the wrong behaviors at your company. Learn a simple system for rewarding “right stuff” performance. Learn how to create a clear ladder of opportunity. Help your team improve their skills and move up the ladder. Learn how to create a situation where you win, your customers win, and your team wins.
Air Conveyance Through an Industrial Vacuum Truck
Room: 237-239
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Speaker: Thomas J. Feltman and Dan Strauser
More Info: This session will discuss what air is, how it flows through an industrial vacuum’s system, how material is filtered, and how material is conveyed. This presentation will focus on understanding the why and how material is conveyed, how the material is filtered throughout a vacuum truck, different material particle sizes, and how to increase vertical conveyance of material.
Is Your Business Prepared for a Crisis?
Room: 140-142
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Speaker: Heather Ripley/Ripley PR
More Info: This session will discuss the various types of crises a service business will face and how owners and management can better prepare themselves for a graceful recovery. Even the most sound service business is susceptible to a crisis. Whether it’s a damaging review, poor employee behavior, or an uncontrollable disaster, a crisis can only be straightened out if management is properly prepared. Pre-planning is the key to minimizing damage to your business, its financial stability, its reputation and its standing in your community.
Vacuum Excavation Applications and Opportunities
Room: 237-239
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Speaker: Steve Shafer/Jack Doheny Companies
More Info: This session will discuss the different applications/opportunities that exist with vacuum excavation products. As demand for safe excavation escalates many new applications and challenges are being presented. This presentation will cover the different techniques used such as air versus water to cut the ground in different applications. The methods used vary based on geography, application and more. This session will provide a working understanding of the options available to discuss with your customers.
