ForConstructionPros.com

How many sweeping companies got their start by trading a 1995 Porsche 968 as a down payment on a new Tymco 210?

Probably only one. That's just how Thom Dixon started Carolina Sweepers, Cary, NC, late in 2000. And after experiencing 50% growth from 2001 to 2002 and 30% growth on top of that, the Cary, NC, contractor is poised to make another leap this year.

"I never planned on doing anything like this but I'm having the time of my life and really enjoying it," says Dixon, who spent almost a year researching the industry and the market — before he even had a business. He interviewed property managers about what they liked and didn't like about their current sweeping service, at night he watched other sweepers doing their work, and he joined the North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA).

"Joining NAPSA was instrumental," he says. "I was able to talk to a lot of experienced contractors who saved me a lot of time and helped me avoid mistakes."

His research told him property managers needed an ally, someone to help solve a variety of maintenance problems.