GumBlasters of Arizona - Phoenix Gum Removal Specialist

New Business Opportunity

2008-02-19T10:40:00.001-08:00

GumBlasters is now licensing in all 50 states. Contact Derek Mills at 480-353-1401 if you are interested in starting a new business.

Business Opportunity Includes:
1. Minimal Start Up costs and licensing fees
2. Ground floor opportunity to build a unique brand in your home town
3. Support and training
4. Complete Business Guide
5. How to Price your services guide
6. Training on sales and marketing of this unique service
7. Ongoing support from other GumBlaster operators via conference calls
8. Pooling of resources for advertising/marketing/recruiting

GumBlasters now members of Better Business Bureau

2007-11-30T10:56:00.001-08:00

GumBlasters has been chosen and is participating in the Better Business Bureau program in Arizona.

We have met all the requirements of membership, and support the ethical business standards of the Better Business Bureau.

http://gumblasters.ethicalaz.com/

Derek Mills

Owner

GumBlasters

Phoenix Gum Removal Service Featured on 12 News Today

2007-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Best New Service in the Valley was recently featured on 12 News Today. Call GumBlasters for a free demonstration and price quote at your facility.

Click this link to see the video...

http://www.gumblasters-az.com/inthenews.html

GumBlasters featured in Green issue of Phoenix Magazine

2007-11-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Green Services

Cleaning

GumBlasters

Gilbert resident Derek Mills started this company last year to remove chewing gum from public spaces using an environment-friendly steam-cleaning technique: 480-353-1401

www.gumblasters-az.com

GumBlasters featured on Good Morning Arizona_Gum Removal Specialists in Phoenix

2007-10-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

GumBlasters Featured on Good Morning Arizona

Check out the incredible GumBlasters process LIVE!

www.gumblasters-az.com

Client Feedback_

2007-10-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

This letter was written to us by the Director of a local performing arts center. GumBlasters removed the gum nuisance from the property earlier this year. Our gum removal process left the facility looking new and here is what they had to say...

Derek,

I just walked the grounds to inspect the results of your gum removal service. Amazing! It's as if the gum was never there. With the volume of pedestrian traffice we've had over the years, there was a tremendouse amount of gum build-up on our sidewalks and terrace. Your machine took care of it, and the difference is night and day.

Thank you for introducing your service to the Center for the Arts. I would easily recommend it for any public facility that deals with gum issues.

Sincerely,

Director

2007-09-04T11:04:00.001-07:00

Saving soles: New technology rescues gum-laden sidewalks
The Business Journal of Phoenix - February 2, 2007
by Ty Young
The Business Journal

A year ago, Valley Real Estate professional, Derek Mills found himself in a sticky situation. After stepping in twice in one week a light bulb went off. How could he turn this all too common problem into a booming business?
After talking to a few business owners and commercial property managers, he had his answer.

Mills created GumBlasters of Arizona, a company that uses a special European technology to remove dried gum with 350-degree dry- steam. The innovative approach improves upon the typical style of gum removal, called power washing, Mills said.

"Using steam is environmentally safe and basically works faster," he said. "There is no wasted water, which will just end up spraying all over the windows and buildings when power washing."
The GumBlasters machine directs steam onto the gum, lifting it off the most textured surfaces, Mills said. Instead of power washing, which forces dozens of gallons of water on the gum, or leaving cuts on the surface by scraping the gum off, the steam leaves no evidence it’s been used.
"You're just left with a clean surface," Mills said.

The steam-cleaning machine uses a special, environmentally safe additive to help lift gum off any texture in 10 seconds. Mills would not say what that ingredient is, but said it works.
Others in the Valley agree.

Since starting the company in August, he has held presentations for dozens of companies, landing his first job at the Chandler Center for the Arts in December. Citing competitive reasons, Mills would not disclose the value of the deal.

"I was very intrigued by it. It was a different technology than what we've used in the past," said Katrina Mueller, manager of the Chandler Center of the Arts.
For years, the center used traditional means to remove gum, both power washing and scraping. After witnessing the GumBlasters method, Mueller said the comparison was "night and day."

With this particular technology it basically evaporates the gum," she said. "There was no residue left and no marks left from scraping."
Mills also currently is negotiating deals with Arizona State University, Wells Fargo & Co. and Life Time Fitness in Tempe, but would not say how close he is to signing a contract with them.
"I think it's a very good service," said Tom Sassatelli, associate buyer in the ASU purchasing department. "We think it's very viable."

Tom Stumper, operations manager at Life Time Fitness in Tempe, said he expects to use GumBlasters in the near future.
"The service is awesome," he said. "I was impressed by how fast and clean the process was."
Mills, who lives in Gilbert, expects the business to take off, considering all of the gum-chewers in the Valley. Since starting the business, he has immersed himself in the chemicals and ingredients in gum.

"It's the gum base that is left on the ground after all the flavors wash out," he said. "That's the black mark on the ground, the stuff that sticks to your feet, that follows you home."
Along with his employees, Mills conducts daily demonstrations for companies across the Valley. Charging around .10 to .50 cents per square foot, he hopes to capitalize on the thousands of miles of walkways and storefronts in need of a quick facelift.

"We are really the only environmentally sound and cost-effective solution to this problem," he said. "You wouldn't go to a restaurant if it had dirty windows or food stuck on the menu. It really is pollution in many ways."
Get connected
GumBlasters: http://www.gumblasters-az.com/

Power Washing and Risk Management

2007-09-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Facilities need to be cleaned regularly for cosmetic reasons, as well as for safety and liability concerns. Prior to resealing a surface, areas also need to be prepped, so a new seal will bond correctly, adding years to its useful life. Also, automotive fluids and salts need to be removed from concrete to prevent corrosion and expensive repair costs.

Pressure washers are powerful cleaning machines that utilize hot or cold water under high pressure for cleaning parking structures, sidewalks, stairs, walkways, and entrances. Pressure washers are also the moste effective and cost effective method for removing oil, grease, gum, salts, tire marks, and dirt.

The Problem:

The wastewater pressure washers generate contains everything they are removing from the surface being cleaned. The most common method for disposing of this wastewater is to simply hose it down the nearest storm drain, which leads to our nearest creek or river.

One quart of used motor oil contaminates 250,000 gallons of fresh water! Pressure washers generate approximately 10K-20K gallons of wastewater for every 100,000-150,000 square feet of surface being cleaned. Used motor oil contains lead, copper, cadmium and chromium, all toxic to humans and wildlife. Many operators also incorporate toxic agents with their pressure washing service, such as Muratic Acid and de-greasers.

It's very important for "facility managers" to diligently instruct service providers not to discharge wastewater from their facility into the storm drain. Forty percent of water pollution is from automotive fluids washing off paved surfaces from normal rainfall and from cleaning activities.

Why Should Property Manager be Concerned?

The clean water act "is the principle law governing polluition control and water quality of the U.S. waterways." The objective of the act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation's waters.

The part of the act that "facility managers" and "property managers" should give serious consideration and risk assessment to is the penalty section. In March, 2004, the clean Water Act administration increase penalties to $32,500 for Class 1 penalties and $157,000 for Class 2 penalities. The maximum penalty per violation remains at $11,000 per day (www.epa.cgov/).

Among discharges prohibited to storm drains is "Power (pressure) washer that cleans such things as equipment, a restaurant's solid waste storage areas, or a parking lot and discharges the process water into a storm drain.

If the wastewater generated contains any significant levels of oil, grease and metals, the wastewater must be pretreated prior to discharging to the on site sewer or it must be hauled by a licensed water hauler.

How to Identify a Compliant Pressure Washing Company:

Before hiring, ask for a demonstration, which should include wastewater management. Really LOOK at their equipment and know what to look for...

1. Industrial Vacuum/Not shop Vac's

2. 500-1,000 Gallon holding tanks

3. Wastewater processor

4. Sewer Discharge permit from each city they operate.

5. If hauling off site, be sure to ask for a manifest and proof of legal disposal

Arizona Gum Removal company looking to expand_Start a Gum Removal Business in your city

2007-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

GumBlasters is the premier gum removal company in the western U.S. GumBlasters of Arizona has spent the last year sytematically building its brand in Phoenix, Arizona.

Voted "Best New Service" by Phoenix Magazine and featured in the February edition of the Phoenix Business Journal, GumBlasters has been widely accepted by local business and local government.

Although the industry really has been non-existent in the west until now, there is definitely a need out there for this very cost-effective method of gum removal. The western US is ideal for this type of business since weather rarely prevents us from working.

As GumBlasters continues to move forward here in Arizona, we are now beginning to see opportunities outside of our state in places like Nevada, California, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, and Washinton.

The GumBlasters brand identity is colorful, fun, and can be easily reproduced in other markets. Right now, franchising is not how we are looking to expand our brand identity. Rather, we are beginning to look at licensing the rights to use the logo and all of the other systems we've created and perfected. These systems include back office systems and operational systems.

This is truely a ground floor opportunity for someone who is looking to start a business with minimal start-up costs and leverage the expertise of someone who has been there already.

If you are looking for a new business opportunity in your home city, please feel free to inquire about starting your own "gum removal business" with GumBlasters.

We are looking for professional minded people who present well, and are people of integrity. We would eventually like to see a network of independent operators across the west who work together in maximzing their businesses and providing the best possible solution to companies that desperately need our service.

Derek Mills

President

GumBlasters

dmills@gumblasters-az.com

http://www.gumblasters-az.com/

Voted BEST NEW SERVICE in the valley by Phoenix Magazine

2007-08-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the feature that Phoenix Magazine ran in their "Best of the Valley" issue in August...

Best New Service

GumBlasters

Chew on this: All those black spots you see marring the surfaces of sidewalks, memorials and landmarks? It's all chewing gum, its flavor long gone. Until Gilbert resident Derek Mills sunk his teeth into the problem, the standard treatment for the gooey mess was power washing, which wastes dozens of gallons of water, can damage the surfaces and is innefective at gum removal.

Mills' company GumBlasters, uses a special environment-friendly steam-cleaning procedure to fully, quickly and economically remove gum from Arizona's public spaces. Since opening a year ago, GumbBlasters' client list has grown to include Chandler Center for the Arts, Maricopa County Community Colleges, Valley of the Sun YMCA's ans Wells Fargo Banks.

For more information, call 480-353-1401 or visit gumblasters-az.com

Phoenix Gum Removal_Typical Pressure washing results

2007-08-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a perfect example that you would typically see after a pressure washer has been asked to remove gum from sidewalks or entryways.

The edges remain because they are hard and the middle has been eaten away. Where did it go? It most likely ended up in the parking lot, which means it can still find it's way back onto the sidewalk via a customers shoe.

You will also notice that permanent damage has been done to the concrete by high pressure held inches from the surface.

Tucson Water Restricts Pressure Washing_Is Phoenix Next or possibly the state of AZ?

2007-08-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sec. 27-15. Waste or unreasonable use of water; violation declared a civil infraction.It is declared that, because safe, high quality potable water and reclaimed water are a precious resource, the general welfare requires that the water resources available to the city be put to maximum beneficial use, and that the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use, of water be prevented

3) Washing driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, or other impervious surface areas with an open hose, or with a spray nozzle attached to an open hose, or under regular or system pressure, except when required to eliminate conditions that threaten the public health, safety, or welfare. This restriction does not apply to residential customers.

Any person who violates any portion of this section is guilty of a civil infraction, and shall be fined upon the first offense, a minimum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00); and upon the second offense within a period of three (3) years and upon each subsequent conviction within such period, a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

Ireland may impose a tax on chewing gum to cover the cost of clean up.

2007-08-01T16:14:00.001-07:00

Ireland mulls chewing gum tax
AFP
Published:Jul 23, 2007
DUBLIN - Ireland may impose a clean-up tax on chewing gum if a voluntary agreement with manufacturers fails to show adequate results, the new Green Party environment minister John Gormley warned today.
Gormley, whose party entered government for the first time in Prime Minister Bertie Ahern’s new coalition following the May general election, said he would not hesitate to "implement a levy if necessary."
Last year, then environment minister Dick Roche of Prime Minister Ahern’s Fianna Fail party decided not to impose a clean-up tax on chewing gum, as recommended in a 2002 report on litter.
Instead, gum manufacturers agreed to contribute two million euros a year to help fund a public awareness campaign on the impact of gum litter and research on how to deal with the problem.
A 10 percent mandatory levy on packs of gum - which had been recommended by government-appointed consultants - would have raised over four million euros a year to help meet clean-up bills.
Chewing gum makes up over 25 percent of food-related litter, the single largest food-related item.
Gormley signalled today that he regarded enforcement as the key to tackling litter.
"I have an open mind in relation to the effectiveness of the negotiated agreement, which mainly seeks to reduce chewing gum litter through awareness raising and education which exists between my department and the chewing gum industry.
"But if I feel that the agreement is not having the desired effect then I will have no hesitation in reviewing it and seeking to implement a levy if necessary," he said.
A gum levy would operate in a similar fashion to Ireland’s landmark "Plastax", a successful plastic bag levy which removed an estimated one billion bags from circulation.
Cleaning the blackened remains of chewing gum from expensive cobbles and granite squares laid in showplace plazas and pedestrianised streets throughout Ireland is costing local councils millions of euros a year.
In one month alone the city council removed an estimated 180,000 pieces of embedded gum from Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping thoroughfare.
With about 80 million packets of gum sold in Ireland every year, it is estimated that up to 500 tons ends up dumped on the streets.

2007 Best of the Valley

2007-08-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's now official!!!

Thanks to Phoenix Magazine for their wisdom in selecting GumBlasters of Arizona!

Best Regards,

Derek Mills

Why not just Pressure Wash chewing gum? Arizona Gum Removal

2007-08-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

If you're a manager of a large facility, you probably pressure wash on a regular basis. The logic behing this practice usually goes something like this...

1. Sidewalk is dirty, we have to keep it clean

2. Only option (BG-Before GumBlasters) is to pressure wash or scrape

3. Pressure washing does an "OK" job. It's best at moving dust and debris down the storm drain. Scraping never gets into the grain of the concrete, leaving what looks like pieces of gum everywhere. Both practices can and will cause permanent damage if "Gum Removal" is the desired result.

4. Pieces and parts of gum still cover the sidewalks. The sidewalk never really looks clean. It isn't! The main problem never gets removed. Gum really is the biggest issue for facilities when it comes to keeping entryways looking good.

5. If the sidewalk never really gets cleaned, sub-conciously the practice of pressure washing gets ingrained into the organization. It becomes a crutch. Organizations are sometimes built around the practice.

6. Some large property management companies wouldn't be in business if they couldn't justify the need for pressure washing. It's done so often and requires so many resources that the organization looks "busy" all the time.

In the picture here you can see what looks like streaks in the concrete. This is a perfect example of what happens when a pressure washer is asked to remove gum from a sidewalk. The nozzle is set to Zero Degree and then the stream of water is aimed between the gum and the surface to "pry" it from the ground. Once it's successfully pryed, you may find a pit or an etch taken out of the surface.

Phoenix Magazine "Best of 2007"

2007-07-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

GumBlasters is highlighted in the August edition of Phoenix Magazine as the "Best New Service."

We are really proud of this selection. The feature is on page 138.

GumBlasters Blog_First Post

2007-07-24T16:22:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody. My name is Derek Mills, owner of GumBlasters of Arizona. GumBlasters was an idea born from the TV show Dirty Jobs.

Gum is everywhere. I never noticed it until this idea came up. Once you start looking for the gum, you find it's everywhere. Commercial properties fight this pollution problem but until now, have never been able to conquer it completely.

We found that there really was not a sufficient method for getting rid of the problem, until we found a special machine that is widely used in Europe that works wonders. Using steam in conjunction with an all natural cleaning agent, we re-heat the gum, then dissolve it with a very small amount of cleaning agent. Using brush friction, we then lift any residue and vacuum the debris.

Sounds complicated, but it's really all done in about 5 seconds. We are able to clean up to 6000 square feet in one day, with one machine.

Best part of it is, we actually remove the gum. It's 100% gone after we're done. The process is gentle on the surface, only uses 10-15 gallons of water per day and is completey safe for the environment.

Our customers include Colleges, Banks, Performing Arts Centers, Libraries, Malls, Office Buildings, Football/Baseball Stadiums, Government Buildings. You get the idea.

Feel free to contact me if you manage a property in Arizona or might be looking to start a small business of your own. We're looking for owner/operators in Las Vegas, West Phoenix, San Diego, Southern California.

Pressure washing has been banned in many CA cities and has also been restricted in some Arizona cities. They still need to clean their sidewalks and this is a "Green" alternative!

WEBSITE: http://www.gumblasters-arizona.com/

Phone: 480-353-1401