On October 22 through 24, dozens of pressure washing contractors will gather in Orlando, Florida, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Power Washers of North America (PWNA). Founded in 1992 by Robert Hinderliter, the PWNA began as an association in order to discuss solutions to new environmental pressures from the EPA.
Today, the organization has expanded its focus to include a variety of power washing-related certification programs, along with business and marketing topics specifically geared toward cleaning contractors. “If you spend a few hundred dollars to take a class but you improve your working knowledge and your efficiency, you start earning that money back immediately,” said Pete Marentay of Contractor’s Foundation, who will be teaching Power Washing 101 course. “Sometimes the small amount you spend can pay you back the first time you don’t cause damage on a job.”
During this October’s event, the PWNA will offer a variety of educational opportunities, including five different certification programs. (Note: while anyone can attend a certification class, only PWNA members can receive certification. Additionally, $99 of the convention fee for members can be applied toward a certification class of the member’s choice.)
- Wood Restoration: taught by John Nearon of Timber Ox Products, the course will cover the following topics: nature of different wood species, economic opportunity, chemicals, detergents and cleaners, equipment, cleaning process, safety, pricing, bidding, marketing, and potential add-on services. Course Dates: Monday, 10/22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Course cost: $395 for members.
- House Washing: Led by Dan Galvin of East Coast Power Washing, Inc., the house washing course is offered on Monday from 9 to noon, then repeated Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:15. The cost is $99 for the course, plus $50 for certification.
- Roof Cleaning Certification: Charlie Arnold of Arnold Powerwash teaches this three hour course. The price is $99 plus $50 for certification and will be offered Monday from 9 to noon, then again on Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:15 p.m.
- Environmental Power Washing: Led by Robert and Michael Hinderliter, this course will be offered Tuesday morning from 9:15 to 12:15, and costs $99 for the course plus $50 for the testing.
- Fleet Washing: Led by Paul Horsley of Scotts Pressure Wash (and publisher of eClean Magazine), this course runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, and costs $249 for members.
- Flat Work: This course, offered Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., includes the Seal ‘N Lock Authorized Technician training plus PWNA certification in flat work. The cost is $99 plus $50 for certification.
Additionally, there will be a kitchen exhaust cleaning course (no certification) offered on Monday afternoon by Daryl Mirza from 1 to 4:30, and costs $69 for members, $99 for nonmembers.
For those attending who do not wish to participate in the certification courses, other classes will be offered. These include, among others, an advanced marketing course and two-part power washing 101 class.
Of course, official classes are only one aspect of the educational gains attendees will receive at this year’s PWNA convention. Perhaps even more valuable are the informal networking opportunities that PWNA provides. For instance, Tuesday will offer “Snack and Chat Roundtables” at lunch, and there will be two evening cocktail receptions at the hotel.
Wednesday will allow attendees to view and visit with a variety of vendors – including eClean Magazine – as the exhibit hall opens from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., then again from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon will offer a vendor auction, outside demonstrations, and a HydroTek skid giveaway!
The cost to attend the conference is $249 for members, $349 for non-members.
Additional representatives from a member company are $149, and $249 for non-members. (Spouses attend free but must pay the fee for courses or lunches with costs associated.)
Remember, all contractor members receive a $99 credit toward a certification of their choice. Early bird specials are $50 off each registrant if you register by August 31, 2012 and $25 off if you register by September 30.
To learn more, visit the PWNA website at www.PWNA.org.
