Ardent Learning

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published September 2014

In May 1780, Abigail Adams penned a letter to her then 12-year old son, John Quincy Adams, exhorting him, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” John Quincy must have heeded his mother’s advice because 45 years later, he would become the sixth President of the United States.

The advice of Abigail Adams to her son is sound counsel for any person in any age, and so it is appropriate for those who make their living in the pressure washing industry to heed these words. Whether a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or contract cleaner, there must be urgency and intensity in learning all one can about the pressure washing industry to better serve all involved and to reap benefits for one’s own company and employees. So, how can one pursue this learning?

One answer to the aforementioned question comes from Chad Christensen, Owner of Eldred Environmental, whose company is profiled in this month’s Cleaner Times|IWA on page 6. He talks about the importance of cultivating professional relationships and on his interaction with one individual, he comments, “We have a lot of general conversations about the industry, what equipment is out there, who uses it, and who doesn’t. He’s given me a lot of insight in to the industry.” Talking with other industry professionals, who know your market, provides great learning opportunities.

An additional way to develop a passionate pursuit for learning and to sharpen one’s knowledge is to attend many of the industry events that are upcoming. On October 14–15, those who are part of the waterjetting industry have a great networking opportunity in the WJTA-IMCA trade show that is being held at the Ernest N. Morial Covention Center in New Orleans. In November, the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) will host their 2014 PWNA Convention/Fall Technical Seminar, November 1–3, in Orlando. That convention will be followed by the CETA Annual Convention in conjunction with ISSA/Interclean. CETA’s Annual Convention will be held from November 4–7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. All these shows are great places to deepen your learning.

Since learning does not happen by chance, make plans to attend the appropriate conventions now by marking them on your calendar. And look for the Cleaner Times|IWA October “Show” issue, which will feature each of these upcoming shows in more detail.

Michael Hamline
michael@adpub.com
(800) 525-7038