June 1, 2009

It might be a pit toilet in the woods to most people, but this outhouse is a regal throne away from home for its proud owner

Building Business

Stop the Presses!

Learn the dos and don'ts of dealing with the media so your company can benefit from publicity

Office Matters

Show Me the Money!

Collecting debt is no fun, but it's got to be done to preserve precious profits

Equipment Roundup

Ground Forces

Hardworking skid-steers and track loaders stand ready to help excavators tame the toughest terrain

Featured Contractor

Shovel Ready

Wisconsin excavator John Laudolff strengthened his business by taking on new roles as a trusted septic system installer and pumper

Special Feature

Less Junk in the Trunk

Eco-friendly service bodies made with recycled content are lighter than ever, increasing fuel economy and boosting payloads

May 1, 2009

Articles

From the Editor

Dirty Jobs are Good Jobs

TV host Mike Rowe is on a one-man campaign to boost the prestige of working in the trades

Building Business

Get Cracking on Business Preservation

If a lagging economy is chipping away at your profitability, start with these 10 moves to keep your company ship-shape

Office Matters

Is Feng Shui Worth a Try?

Consider the role wall color and subtle interior decorating changes might play in giving your business a boost in challenging economic times

EQ Performance

Do-It-All Diggers

Small enough for any jobsite and big enough for most tasks, midsize excavators are a vital construction business tool

Product Roundup

Mowing Down Profits

The newest breed of commercial mowers help landscaping professionals work more efficiently and trim operating expenses

Featured Contractor

Landscaping the Lakes

Weekend cabin dwellers demand quality lawn care and a "green" approach to improvements for their cherished second homes

April 1, 2009

Articles

From the Editor

Home Improvement

Builders and landscapers switch their focus away from new-home construction to preserve their businesses in a downturn

Office Matters

Learn the Ropes of Leasing

If you're considering leasing your next piece of equipment, there's a host of new financial terms to learn

EQ Performance

It's Time to Kick the Tires

As you gear up for another busy season, make sure your truck fleet and equipment have plenty of rubber to meet the road

Special Feature

Let's Be Safe Out There

As you prepare for the busy spring and summer seasons, take a safety equipment inventory of your shop and consider new products to protect your most vital resource - your workers

Cover Story

Give Yourself a Lift

Looking to save time and hard labor in cramped quarters? It's tough to beat the new breed of workhorse mini-loaders

Featured Contractor

Never Say 'No'

A willingness to tackle any excavating job and shift worksite priorities on the fly has kept Al Roggenkamp & Sons busy during the toughest economic times

March 1, 2009

Articles

From the Editor

It's Slop Time!

More than any other month of the year, March reminds rust belt truck owners to clean the salty crud from their service vehicles

Office Matters

Employ Fearless Prospecting

Don't let the slow economy and a steady stream of "no" responses scare you away from pitching your services to potential customers

Safety First

Too Extreme? Or About Time?

The National Safety Council proposes a blanket ban on cell phone use while driving

EQ Performance

Spring Tune-Up

By preparing your equipment properly for another work season, you can help prevent delays and costly downtime when things get busy

Cover Story

Level the Playing Field

Today's agile and sophisticated crawler dozers offer plenty of brute force and a lighter touch for serious dirt moving capabilities

Featured Contractor

One Man Wrecking Crew

Iowa excavating whiz Terry Dykstra constantly looks for ways to bring greater efficiency to a solo operation

The Legal Advisor

Protecting Your Great Invention

Follow these steps to give your latest great contraption or gizmo quick, easy and inexpensive patent protection

February 1, 2009

Articles

From the Editor

Web Wise

Your excavation or construction business home page is a great place to test inexpensive marketing tactics

Office Matters

If it's Necessary to Trim Staff ...

Proceed carefully and thoughtfully when business conditions require you to terminate workers

Building Business

Little Leadership

It's the smallest workplace gestures that make the biggest difference in employee morale

EQ Performance

Taking Charge

Follow this practical advice to make sure your vehicle or machine batteries won't let you down when you need them most

Special Feature

Lights...Power...Action!

Powerful lighting systems and brawny portable generators and air compressors keep construction sites humming 24/7

Featured Contractor

Engineered for Success

Wisconsin homebuilder Blenker Companies turns to component manufacturing to smooth out economic ups and downs

Special Feature

Rack 'em Up

A well-organized van or truck can make parts, tools easier to find and your day safer and more productive

January 1, 2009

Articles

From the Editor

Time to Reflect

A January lull offers many contractors the chance to glance back and look forward to a new year ... Then c'mon over to the EQ Discussion Forum to chat about your small business challenges

Office Matters

A Weighty Issue

Employee obesity is a tough topic to bring up, but addressing the problem can have many positive impacts on your business

Featured Manufacturer

Raised on Nuts and Bolts

Owner of Swartz Equipment grew up buying and selling farm machinery and now sells iron to construction contractors

Building Business

The Contractor's Wife

It is often the bookkeeping spouse who has the best perspective on what ails a business

Eq at Work

Making Short Work of a Big Job

A Wisconsin contractor brings his baling equipment to help a city with fall cleanup

Featured Contractor

Marketing Moxie

Berger Built Construction keeps the hammers swinging by targeting mid-range buyers with a narrow assortment of house plans and a user-friendly Web site

Expo

Extend Your Hand

The people you meet at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo might help you solve a nagging problem or give you business ideas worth their weight in gold

November 18, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Sick of Employees Calling in Sick?

Maybe it's time to take a look at what's keeping employees off the job, and what you can do about it

Safety First

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Protect workers from injury related to long-term exposure to frigid working environments

Featured Manufacturer

Uplifting Inventory Drives Growth

High-visibility location, commercial and agricultural construction customer base help Central Equipment grow during a housing slump

Building Business

Treat Business like a Game of Golf

Take lessons learned on the course and apply them to build a stronger team and a more profitable company

Snow Equipment Roundup

Blizzard Tamers

Big blades clear the way, while spreaders ensure good traction during even the nastiest winter weather

Featured Contractor

Blade Runner

Whether it's mowing or plowing, Minnesota's Nick Tamble has been sharpening his small business skills since he was an enterprising teen mowing neighbors' lawns

Product/Industry News

Product & Industry News

News about the Industry and new Products

October 21, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

The Snow Job

The blizzards of last winter might bring more competition for plowing work this year. But several simple business tips will help you retain valued customers and attract new ones.

Building Business

Back From the Dead

Think of former customers as qualified leads and take these five steps to revive your business relationship

Safety First

Shoo the Flu

Winter and early spring bring bouts of seasonal influenza. You can help protect yourself and your employees.

Featured Manufacturer

We Dig New Equipment

When an updated skid-steer or excavator model is delivered to St. Joseph Equipment, curious employees call dibs to be the first one at the controls

Office Matters

Corralling Insurance Costs

Higher deductibles, safety programs and security measures help control rising business insurance costs

Featured Contractor

No Business Like Snow Business

Landscaper Andrew Riegert relishes the time when he swaps his excavator for a snowplow, but he's always ready for the white stuff to retreat in the spring

Product/Industry News

Product and Industry News

News about the Industry and new Products

October 7, 2008

A simple phone greeting can set the tone for your quality customer service. So why do so many companies mess up this common-sense etiquette issue?A simple phone greeting can set the tone for your quality customer service. So why do so many companies mess

Office Matters

File or Pile?

Follow these six steps to better paperwork organization and you'll soon break free from menacing office clutter

EQ Performance

Safety First

Tool Rules

Ergonomics should play a role in choosing the right hand tool for the work you'll perform with it

Featured Manufacturer

Black Gold

A MINNESOTA FARMER SELLS HIS COWS TO MINE AND MARKET ORGANIC SOILS FOR LANDSCAPING WORK

Building Business

The Upside to the Downturn

It's time to keep your chin up and consider expanding the business while competitors cut back.

Featured Contractor

Is "Trendy" a Niche?

When Twin Cities companies and their architects envision an out-of-the-ordinary building project, general contractor Diversified Construction specializes in bringing it to life

Product/Industry News

Product and Industry News

News about the Industry and new Products

September 23, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

46 Ways to Pay Taxes

As a small business owner, you have to think about sales tax every day. Understanding your state laws, keeping good records and a big supply of antacid tablets can help you survive a sales-tax audit

Office Matters

Seven Deadly Sins

One way to protect your bottom line is to avoid making common money-management errors. Here are several pitfalls to avoid.

Featured Contractor

Pipe Dreams

Sweat equity and family support builds Mick Gage Plumbing into an Iowa success story

Featured Contractor

90 Years and Counting

Trustworthy service keeps four-generation Illinois contractor Flader Plumbing & Heating on the grow

Building Business

It's Their Ship

Business owners and employees alike can take lessons from the experience of a U.S. Navy skipper who turned his destroyer into a top-flight outfit.

On The Block

SOLD! In Dakota

A WIDE ARRAY of construction equipment, trucks and attachments changed hands at the September auction at Clark Sales Inc.

Product/Industry News

Product and Industry News

News about the Industry and new Products

September 9, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

The right PSI for the best MPG

With high fuel prices apparently here to stay, proper tire inflation and common sense driving tips can help control transportation costs

Office Matters

Sorry Kermit, but it is easy being green

There are changes you can make in your office to help the environment, and save money too!

Featured Manufacturer

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Fury Motors offers a variety of specialty services to meet the demands of fleet and commercial buyers faced with high fuel prices and slow economic growth

Building Business

Straight Talk

Communicating the good news builds a positive 'emotional bank account' with employees and helps soften the blow when inevitable bad news is delivered

Featured Contractor

Paint by Numbers

Snowfall totals, rising insurance premiums and timely equipment upgrades all play a role in the year-to-year success of High Peaks Chairlift Painting

Compact Excavator Roundup

Small Size, Big Performance

Versatile compact excavators make short work of many jobsite challenges

Product/Industry News

Product News

News about the Industry and new Products

August 26, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Diversification's Risks and Benefits

Growing a company by diversifying can be profitable if it's done at the right time for the right reasons.

Safety First

Don't Let This Happen to You

OSHA fines for excavating safety violations serve as a wake-up call for contractors

Office Matters

Netiquette Counts

How you use e-mail can enhance or detract from your professional image. Here are some tips for looking good.

Featured Manufacturer

Delivering the Goods

Minnesota's Alex Power sees power equipment sales growth from agriculture customers and do-it-yourself homeowners

Building Business

Time and Money

A simple project priority list can help business owners focus on things that need doing and drive the company toward success

Featured Contractor

Breaking New Ground

Thanks to the addition of diverse new excavation divisions, Wisconsin's James Peterson Sons Inc. is set up to remain a successful family company for generations

Special Report

Pain at the Pump

Supply and demand issues have turned fuel prices upside down in recent months as traditionally economical diesel has trumped gasoline

Product/Industry News

Product and Industry News

New Products in the Industry

August 12, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Going Once, Going Twice...

Check out our new feature, On the Block, to see the latest auction sales prices for popular equipment

Office Matters

When Financial Trouble Strikes

Many businesses at some point face hard times. Here's some practical advice on how to get through with the least damage to your finances

Featured Manufacturer

The Pioneer Spirit

A fourth-generation family truck accessory dealer sees product demand shift with skyrocketing fuel prices

Building Business

A System For Everything

Build efficiency and consistent service through step-by-step operation standards

Featured Contractor

Paving the Way

For more than 60 years, Bituminous Roadways has laid smooth driving surfaces for motorists in the Twin Cities area

On The Block

Moving Iron

Huge roster of construction equipment changes hands during I.R.A.Y. early summer auction

Product/Industry News

Product News

New Products in the Industry

July 22, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

The Right Truck for the Job

A farmer's sage advice about choosing a pickup could help ease YOUR pain at the gas pump

Office Matters

Help Wanted

Recruiting good employees is an ongoing effort that results in lower turnover

Truck Roundup

Pondering a Pickup?

Check out the specs on three domestic 3/4-ton workhorses and two beefed-up 1/2-ton imports that compete for a spot as your new all-around people and small equipment hauler

Building Business

Improve Your Business Value

Even if selling the business isn't in your plans, it's helpful to look at ways to build its sale value for the future

Featured Manufacturer

Getting Hitched

A reputation for custom work, a broad dealer network and the weakened dollar keep Felling Trailers rolling along

Featured Contractor

A Pattern of Success

From a 5,000-square-foot driveway to a complex civic center project, Chad Johnson has mastered the skills of paver hardscaping

Product/Industry News

Product News

New Products in the Industry

July 8, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Cheap Yet Effective - That's Referral Marketing

Referrals work wonders for boosting business, but contrary to popular opinion, they don't just happen. You may need to nudge a customer to spread the word about your quality service.

Office Matters

Get Phone Friendly

Try these telephone tactics to land new customers and improve relationships with existing clients

EQ Performance

Short-Tail Excavators

Don't let their abbreviated looks fool you. These nimble machines fit jobs in tight spaces with performance that can rival conventional-style excavators

Safety First

Alarms Without Noise

With today's technology, it's possible to alert people on work sites to backing machinery without waking up the whole neighborhood

Building Business

Getting Beyond the Daily Grind

When you empower employees to run the business, you can turn attention to building profits or starting another venture

Featured Contractor

The Wieser Way

An Old-school homebuilder prefers small, hardworking crews with varied skills to keep more of each project in-house

Featured Manufacturer

Fleet Buyers Seek Economy

With skyrocketing fuel prices, contractors are choosing fuel-stingy V-6 engines over brawny V-8 POWERPLANTS in their new service pickup trucks, according to this Luther Chevrolet sales representative

Product/Industry News

Product News

New Products in the Industry

June 24, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Iowa Contractors Answer the Call

When a tornado flattened much of Parkersburg, Iowa, construction companies large and small provided necessary disaster relief

Office Matters

Don't Bleed Your Company Dry

Thoughtless slashing of expenses when business is sluggish can do your company more harm than good

Featured Contractor

The Schoone Strategy

A nimble business plan, strategic new service offerings and knowing when to replace critical equipment helps Wisconsin builder and excavator thrive in an uncertain economy

Featured Manufacturer

Borrowed Time

Equipment rental is seen as an alternative to buying when contractors confront a tough business climate. But when the economy improves, renters sometimes turn into buyers.

Building Business

Leaders Create Great Expectations

Employees may never have your constant burning desire to make the business succeed, but there are ways to kindle their interest in the future of your company

EQ Performance

More Value Than Ever

The latest excavator models are roomier, more efficient, more comfortable, and easier to service. Consider these benefits when shopping for next season

Product/Industry News

Product News

New Products in the Industry

June 10, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Summer Job Safety

Hiring teens for the summer is a win-win situation. You get extra help during the busy season; they get some great experience and return to school with pockets full of cash. Just promise their moms you'll keep them safe on the job site.

Office Matters

The Paperless Office

Listen up, all you contractors keeping records the old-fashioned way: Once you get past the fear of the unknown, you'll find that digital records and systems greatly enhance productivity and convenience.

Featured Contractor

On The Level

Time-tested laser-guided system, memorable advice and steady demand from pig farmers keeps Iowa excavator's business going hog-wild

Building Business

Failure Often Leads to Success

If you're afraid to stumble and fall with a business initiative, you may never reach your potential for success

Featured Manufacturer

Materials Witness

Truck Utilities sales manager Ike Van Briesen goes into the field to make sure the company's dump bodies are standing up to a punishing workload

Safety First

Mind What You're Pulling

Safe driving is essential, of course. But take special precautions with trailers.

EQ Performance

Radial Rewards

By switching to radial tires, owners of loader backhoes and skid-steer loaders can boost machine performance while pocketing more savings

May 27, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

There He Goes Again

THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE AN ILL-EQUIPPED BACKYARD HANDYMAN AT WORK, SHARE THESE FIVE ARGUMENTS FOR HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TO DO THE JOB RIGHT

Office Matters

Payroll Help Can Pay Off

IF THE TIME YOU SPEND PREPARING PAYROLL AND FILING EMPLOYMENT TAX IS GROWING AND COULD BE BETTER SPENT DOING SOMETHING ELSE, MAYBE IT'S TIME TO HIRE A PAYROLL SERVICE

Featured Contractor

The Right Stuff

RELIABLE, HARDWORKING EQUIPMENT AND SKILLED, WELL-REWARDED EMPLOYEES PAVE A PATH TO SUCCESS FOR MINNESOTA'S T & K OUTDOORS

EQ Performance

LINE OF DEFENSE

FUEL LINE FILTRATION DEVICES PREVENT EQUIPMENT DAMAGE AND EXTEND ENGINE LIFE BY EFFICIENTLY REMOVING WATER AND PARTICULATE MATTER

Featured Manufacturer

Emerson Hits the Spot

INVENTOR'S SPEED BAGGER FOR FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS JUMPSTARTS EZ SPOT UR SKID-STEER ATTACHMENTS BUSINESS

Building Business

Motivating the Unmotivated

PLAY TO YOUR EMPLOYEES' PERSONALITY TYPES TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EVEN THE MOST LACKLUSTER PERFORMERS

May 13, 2008

Articles

From the Editor

Spring Fever

COULD YOU RESIST PULLING OUT THE CHECKBOOK FOR THE SHINY NEW EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY AT THE WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE FARM SHOW?

Office Matters

Hire With Care

PROPERLY WORDED JOB DESCRIPTIONS, HELP-WANTED ADS, AND JOB APPLICATION FORMS CAN HELP KEEP YOU FROM RUNNING AFOUL OF EMPLOYMENT LAWS

Featured Manufacturer

Seeing Orange

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER ALLAN ABLEY SPENDS MORE THAN 60 HOURS A WEEK BEING THE KUBOTA ANSWER MAN FOR MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA EQUIPMENT DEALERS AND SAYS NO TWO DAYS ON THE JOB ARE ALIKE

Featured Contractor

Green & Growing

THE BACKYARD AND HIS DAD'S PUSH MOWER WERE A YOUNG MINNESOTA LAWN CARE PROFESSIONAL'S FIRST TRAINING GROUND

Guest Editorial

Education is Job One

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY AN AGING INFRASTRUCTURE CREATES A MULTITUDE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR A NEW WORKFORCE

Building Business

High-Tech Tool Talk

MARKETING IS MADE EASIER WITH THE ADVENT OF EASY ELECTRONIC TOOLS TO HELP YOU REACH CUSTOMERS WITH EFFECTIVE MESSAGES

April 22, 2008

Articles

Featured Contractor

Digging His Job

CHUCK EGGERS MIXES WORK AND PLEASURE WHEN HE MAKES DIRT FLY OR POPS THE HOOD OF AN AILING PIECE OF EQUIPMENT

Featured Manufacturer

A Quick Take

WHEN CUSTOMERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT CONVENIENT PRODUCT CHANGES, LONGTIME ATTACHMENTS MANUFACTURER QUICK ATTACH LISTENS AND RESPONDS

April 8, 2008

Articles

Featured Contractor

Making The Grade

Family business J L Excavating digs its role in shaping the future of its Minnesota region.

Featured Manufacturer

Thinking Outside the Box

Midland Equipment offers personal service, customized products for every customer, to carve out its own dump body niche.

March 25, 2008

Articles

Featured Contractor

Something Old, Something New

MINDE LOG CONSTRUCTION USES OLD-WORLD LOG HOME CRAFTSMANSHIP TO BUILD ENERGY EFFICIENT 21ST CENTURY HOMES

Featured Manufacturer

Log On

MINNESOTA BUILDERS' SUPPLY COMPANY PROVIDES THE PRODUCTS AND KNOW-HOW TO HELP BUILDERS TURN HEWN TIMBER INTO TREASURED HOMES