In 1978, Warren Bays Bought His First Sweeper...
With more than 30 years of experience, Custom Sweeping Service knows all the reasons why power sweeping is so important!
Warren Bays started Custom Sweeping Service as a one-man operation. In 1977 he borrowed $700 from the bank for a brushhog mower. That began his start with what was then called General Telephone Company for contracted mowing and snow removal.
In 1978 he bought an open, ride-on Tennant sweeper and expanded the business to include sweeping as well as general landscaping and snow removal. Through the intervening years, Warren and his wife of 40 years, Claire, have expanded their businesses to also include small engine repair and dump truck and loader services. They have additionally built two car washes. They recently sold the landscaping part of the business.
Custom Sweeping Service is a true family-run business. Claire runs the office, and they have three children, all of whom grew up helping in the business. Together they have seen this and their other businesses grow in their hometown of Terre Haute, IN.
When he gets the time, Warren's biggest hobby is drag racing. He follows the NHRA circuit, where you'll see him racing his '63 Corvette roadster in the Super Gas or Super Comp classes.
If you have any questions about our company, call 812.299.2878 or send us an email. We offer sweeping frequencies and value-added service programs to suit our customers' exact needs. Your satisfaction is always our top priority. Sweeping as a BMP
The Importance of Ethics in Business...
Ethics has been an important part of Custom Sweeping Service for over three decades!
Since sweeping doesn't require any type of specific licensing, hiring companies often do not realize how to confirm the professionalism of their contractor of choice.
As a component of our Founder's Membership in the World Sweeping Association (WSA), we have affirmed – in writing – that we conform to all of the following. In addition, there are many other advantages we are able to pass along to our customers as a result of our WSA membership.
Certificates of Insurance Covering Sweepers and General Liability
In the case of an accident for which a sweeping contractor is liable, if the contractor doesn't carry insurance coverage then the owner of the property on which it occurred is much more likely to be held liable.
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Proof of Compliance With the Workmen's Compensation Laws of the State
Some companies cut corners by not paying the workers' compensation on their employees. Without it, there is a much greater chance that a sweeper operator who gets injured will sue the owner of the property being swept, or the hiring firm, for damages.
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Local Business Licenses and Federal Tax Identification Number
Another way to identify legitimate businesses is to confirm that the company complies with all the statutes to which ethical business people must conform. Most cities require that a local business license be issued to companies doing business within the city limits, and this usually includes sweepers. Also, if a company doesn't have a federal tax ID number, it is much more likely that required taxes are not being paid.
These include payroll taxes and the remittance of any sales taxes which are due in some states. It is not in a property manager's best interest to hire a company which could be shut down at any time for non-payment of taxes.
Trade References
Most companies want to do business with an established company, one which has a good chance of being there some years from now. Another way to get a handle on reputability is to talk to others who supply the sweeping contractor with parts and supplies.
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Waste Disposal Information
It has been found that both the contractor and the property owner can be held liable for incorrectly dumped waste. If an account manager does not provide an on-site place to dump collected litter, he or she should confirm that the litter from the site is being disposed of at an appropriate dump facility.
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Dumping fees are becoming an ever larger component of doing business in many areas, and, although the incidence of 'midnight dumping' is being successfully reduced, some companies still dump on their personal property or elsewhere in order to cut costs.
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We are also a Founding Member of WSA's Ethics in Power Sweeping initiative.
