All posts by Admin A

Industrial

What Types Of Businesses Use Overhead Cranes?

Integrity Crane and HoistOverhead cranes are a common sight on manufacturing floors across the country. But, many people don’t fully understand this heavy equipment’s full value and utility. We recently sat down with Tennessee-based Integrity Crane and Hoist representatives to learn a little more about overhead crane systems.

Q: What type of applications are an overhead crane and hoist system useful for?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: There are many different reasons that a business might use an overhead crane. They are most often found in industrial settings in an assembly line, transportation department, warehouse, loading and unloading dock, or packaging station. They can be located in a single spot or designed to move about the building. 

Q: Which industries most often use an overhead crane and hoist system?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Manufacturing, construction, steel mills, distribution, mining, food processing, gas and petroleum, beverage plants, and automotive plants are the most common. In a manufacturing environment, a crane moves large and cumbersome pieces from one department or location to another. In construction, you might see an overhead crane lifting beams as a building goes erect. For mining, an overhead crane and hoist would be used to transport gravel, coal, ore, or other material from the mine or mining equipment to another location. Beverage and automotive plants deal with heavy materials and supplies. Instead of utilizing manpower, these types of businesses use cranes.

Q: What is the primary purpose of using a crane?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Safety is the number one reason that businesses use cranes. However, they also create a more efficient work environment, and cranes can free up floor space from large items and materials being transported through a warehouse.

Q: What are some common bits of terminology that someone new to the manufacturing or construction industry might need to know about overhead cranes?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Overhead crane and hoist systems are built of many different components, including the girder, end truck, and trolley. You might also hear terms, such as axial load, drag brake, running speed, and span, thrown around in any of these settings. Our best advice for anyone thinking about a career in an industry that utilizes a crane and hoist system is to ask lots of questions and, if possible, receive professional training on the equipment.

For more information about Integrity Crane and Hoist, visit the company online at Integrity-Crane.com.

Cybersecurity

No Typewriter, No Problem: Mechanical Keyboards Are Back

ImageQuestIf you grew up in the 1990s, you probably remember your first typing class, which either took place on an actual typewriter or an old-fashioned computer complete with a mechanical keyboard. According to cybersecurity service firm ImageQuest, these were replaced in the late 90s and early 2000s by membrane-style keyboards, partly because they are cheaper to manufacture. But, the clicky-clack you remember is back in style, and ImageQuest explains why.

Q: What is the difference between a membrane and mechanical keyboard?

ImageQuest: A mechanical keyboard has a faster response and offers tactile feedback when typing. A membrane keyboard feels a bit like pushing into a deflated balloon filled with sand. Mechanical keyboards are often larger, and they can be fully customized for each user with things like larger letters, lights, and special shortcut keys.

Q: Why would anyone want a louder keyboard?

ImageQuest: It’s easy to wonder why you would not want something completely silent while you work. But, if you’ve ever worked in cybersecurity service, IT, or writing, you know the satisfaction of the feedback from the keys. Gamers, especially, like the quickness and precision of mechanical keyboards. IT professionals across the globe treat them as prized possessions, often showing them off in the office as something to be envied.

Q: What are the drawbacks of a membrane-style keyboard?

ImageQuest: A membrane keyboard has advantages, for sure. However, when you type more than just a few minutes each day, it’s easy to see that your productivity goes down. Membrane keyboards typically offer a less pleasurable tactile experience and, due to the innate design of the equipment, they are actually much less accurate for people who type quickly.

Q: Are there any safety considerations to allowing my employees to bring their own mechanical keyboards to the office?

ImageQuest: There can be, yes. Mechanical keyboards often come pre-equipped with gaming software or additional USB ports. If you are one of our cybersecurity service customers that strictly adhere to our recommended “Zero Trust” security model, you should implement procedures and safeguards that prohibit employees from using these ports or installing software.

Q: Where can I get a mechanical keyboard?

ImageQuest: There are many different ways that you can buy a mechanical keyboard for yourself or for your staff. We recommend Nashville-based Mechanical Keyboards.com, which offers fully assembled keyboards as well as materials that let you build your own.

Curious about the Zero Trust security model? A cybersecurity service expert from ImageQuest can fill you in and help you take control of your company’s digital security. Visit ImageQuest.com for more information.

Security

Don’t DIY Your Business’s Cords And Cables

Clear Link SystemsIf you’ve ever avoided moving your TV, surround sound, game systems, and modems because of the mess of cords behind your entertainment system, you already know how disorganized cables can get. Now, imagine how chaotic your business’s computers, servers, and other equipment might be if you ever have to rewire. Expert cabling solutions can help. 

Today, we speak with Nashville, TN-based Clear Link Systems about how keeping your equipment’s cables organized can benefit your business.

Q: What does “cabling solutions” mean?

Clear Link Systems: This is essentially the process of keeping data cords and cables organized. A professional data cabling service can implement a system to track which wires go to what equipment. There are many benefits to this, including reduced downtime and cost efficiency when it’s time to add or remove equipment from your tech system set up.

Q: How does organizing cables reduce downtime?

Clear Link Systems: First, if you have to reorganize your office, somebody has to disconnect all of your equipment. This is not as simple as simply removing a plug and hoping the power cord matches when it’s time to reconnect. Most of your systems are interlinked not only to power but also to servers, the internet, and often each other. A professional cabling solutions provider will know which cords to uninstall and reinstall and in which order so that only certain your equipment is off-line for as short a time as possible. This allows for some members of your organization to continue working and, perhaps most importantly, reduces the possibility that your customers will miss out on contacting you if needed.

Q: What is a core organizational layout?

Clear Link Systems: A core organizational layout is essentially a diagram of the infrastructure of your cables. Your cabling solutions provider can reconfigure your cables and track where each goes. In some cases, wires may be color-coded so that your IT team can more easily recognize each type of cable.

Q: What type of equipment can benefit from cable organization?

Clear Link Systems: For the most part, anything that deals with communications is a great candidate for professional cabling. Your VoIP phone systems, fiber optics, audio, alarms, security cameras, network, video cabling, and even your wireless network can all benefit from cabling solutions that keep you organized and on top of your game.

If you’re looking for a cabling solutions provider in Nashville, Clear Link Systems has you covered.

Uncategorized

Spring Spruce Up Tips For Your Roof

QE RoofingSpring cleaning season is here, and that means you’re already prepared to get your hands dirty. But, if you’re not also ready to take your efforts outside, you are doing yourself a disservice. Now is the perfect time to show your roof and gutters a little bit of love.

When you live in the South, your roofing system gets to experience all four seasons (sometimes during the same week), so it has to work 100% of the time. Today, QE Roofing of Franklin, TN answers a few questions about spring roof maintenance.

Q: How often should I clean my gutters?

QE Roofing: That depends on where you live and how clogged up they might get. Middle Tennessee is a great example of a location where homeowners may need to clean their roofs and gutters more often than normal. Where we are located (in Franklin, TN), we have lots of trees. Roofing and gutter systems can get overwhelmed with falling leaves. Ideally, you’ll clean your gutters out at least twice each year, at the beginning of spring and once the leaves begin to fall come September/October.

Q: How can I clean my gutters safely?

QE Roofing: Start by assessing your comfort with heights. Then, make sure that you have another person to hold the ladder steadily. Grab a pair of heavy gloves and a gutter scoop or large, rigid cup. Stand where your eyes are approximately three feet above the top of the gutters, which gives you ample arm reach to work in three to four-foot sections. Once each line of gutters is clean, have your helper on the ground hand you the water hose so you can give them a quick flush.

Q: What are some things that I can look for on the roof that might indicate a problem?

QE Roofing: You should examine your roofing system at the beginning of each season and after strong storms, including tornadoes and heavy snowfall. If you are already on the ladder, take a quick look at the shingles. Are there any missing or damaged? Is the flashing around your chimney or air vents still in place? When you are satisfied that things look good from the top, take a walk around the perimeter of your home. If you see any holes or indentations, you might want to call a roofing inspector to see if there is something you’re missing. Similarly, if you notice discolorations on your ceiling, you may have a leak.

Q: I have a metal roof. How can I keep it in top shape?

QE Roofing: Keep debris cleaned off your roof. If any grime is present, use a soft-tip pressure washer and gently wash the roof. It’s best to be on a ladder or rope and harness since once metal becomes wet it is very slippery. Do not pressure wash screws as this can damage the neoprene washers that seal them. If you ever have any doubt, call a professional like QE Roofing.

Your springtime cleaning efforts should not end with the pantry and the floors. Make sure your entire house is ready for the tumultuous spring season by channeling some of your energy onto the roof.

QE Roofing provides professional residential and commercial roofing services in Franklin, TN and the surrounding areas.

Interior Design

What’s Your Style?

The Linen Duck

Moving season is upon us, and that means an opportunity to personalize a new space. But, how do you know what you want? We recently sat down with the experts at The Linen Duck, a full-service interior design firm and furniture store in Franklin, TN, to discover how they get inspired.

Q: What are some different elements that go into a home’s interior design?

The Linen Duck: Everything inside your home contributes to its style. The carpet, wall color, curtains, furniture, and light fixtures all work together to give you a palette upon which to decorate with photos, artwork, and other trinkets that showcase a family’s personality. For those new to design, we suggest visiting local shops, scrolling through Pinterest, and even looking at magazines and real estate websites for inspiration.

Continue reading What’s Your Style? →

Chiropractor

All About Overland Park Family Chiropractic Dr. Justin Grabouski

Grabouski ChiropracticGrabouski Chiropractic has been serving families in the Overland Park area for years. But, how much do you know about Dr. Justin Grabouski? One of his patients recently sat down to ask him several burning questions, and we learned a lot! 

Dr. Grabouski became a chiropractor after his own experiences with sports injuries.

All through high school and into college, Dr. Justin Grabouski had the ambition of becoming a medical doctor. This is because his family relied heavily on traditional medicine – his mother was a nurse. Things changed during the end of a college baseball season when, as a young athlete, he was injured on the field. After working with trainers, physical therapists, and receiving all sorts of injections, he realized nothing was really working. At the advice of his head trainer, the future Overland Park family chiropractor went for his first chiropractic adjustment. Long story short, it aided in his recovery and he finished an important season. Today he works diligently to provide the same type of relief and healing that he received from this first chiropractic experience.

Dr. Grabouski continues to receive chiropractic care.

Dr. Justin Grabouski is more than just a family chiropractor. He is also a chiropractic patient. Dr. Grabouski says that he receives adjustments at least twice each week, and he has two primary goals for his own care. First, he wants to ensure that he does not reinjure any of his existing injuries – he has already had five orthopedic surgeries – and, second, he wants to keep his immune system strong. He says that chiropractic helps do both while keeping his digestive issues and seasonal allergies in check.

Dr. Grabouski knows that many people have misconceptions about chiropractic.

As a family chiropractor, Dr. Grabouski treats patients of all ages. But, he has noticed that many people have common misconceptions about chiropractic care. One of those is that the chiropractic adjustment can hurt. Dr. Grabouski utilizes a gentle technique that works with the body’s natural alignment, rather than popping and twisting. There are hundreds of ways to “adjust” a patient, and the technique he uses effectively promotes healing in a gentle way. Another is that chiropractic care is just for back and neck pain. As a family chiropractor, Dr. Grabouski has helped patients with a wide-range of conditions, including headaches, scoliosis, knee injuries, digestive issues, whiplash, and more! He also says that chiropractic is safe and effective even for newborns, and his youngest patient to date was just 19 hours old!

There is so much that people can find out by simply talking to their healthcare providers. Today, we would like to thank our patient and friend Jesica Williams for her recent post, “Diving Deeper with Chiropractor Dr. Justin Grabouski.” Dr. Grabouski welcomes questions and hopes to have an opportunity to be your family chiropractor.

Visit the FeelMoreGooder.com blog for the full interview.

Grabouski Chiropractic taking appointments! New patients, visit the website to complete your on boarding paperwork or to schedule an appointment.

Cybersecurity

Q+A on Nashville Cybersecurity Measures You Can Take Now

ImageQuestIt’s true; you never know what you have until it’s gone. Cyber security works the same way. There are a lot of unknowns in the world of cybersecurity and cyberattacks, but here at ImageQuest, we are determined to introduce answers about these critical factors. We have a lot of companies from Nashville asking us all about cybersecurity; we figured answering them here will help provide information! 

Q. What is the first step I should take in protecting ourselves from cyberattacks? 

A. Use 2-factor authentication. As simple as this may seem, it does more than many would believe. Having a 2-factor authentication on any website or extension with a password will help further your security. Most apps and websites have this option to use, and there is no reason why you should not use it!

Q. How can I make sure my home network is secure? 

A. There are a lot of steps to take when securing your home network. The first step is making sure you have a secure firewall to protect your data. The second step is to change the password on your WiFi router after installation from the default password initially on the device. be entirely certain that each of your devices has antivirus software installed. Next, make sure you have the latest personal device security. We recommend a Next-Generation Anti-Virus program, which can help block ransomware and other attacks. Finally, make sure you are updating your devices whenever a new software update is released. Many devices offer automatic updating, which is often installed when the device is turned on and charging. 

Q. How do I build a secure network if I can’t remember all of my passwords? 

A. Password managers. These are becoming lifesavers for both families and businesses because installing these apps creates a password for each website and saves them for you. We recommend two password managers. The first one is 1PASSWORD, which has a yearly rate of $36 for an individual subscription. It may seem expensive, but in the grand scheme of things, if a cyber-attack happened in Nashville, you may be protected because you went to extreme lengths to make sure every password is secure. The next one is Dashlane, also costing around $60 per year with a free option for just one device only. Do your research to find which one will be best for you, your family, and your business. While this option is beneficial, it makes the world of remembering your passwords so much easier! 

Q. My IT team has a ton on their plate, and I’m afraid to add this onto them- how do I make sure I have the top cybersecurity without burning out my team? 

A. We love this one because we can help them out directly. We have worked in Nashville for many years, helping each company thrive in their cybersecurity, and we continue to see it pay off. At ImageQuest, we take pride in putting in the work that some businesses don’t have time for regarding their network security. In today’s world of technology, you cannot afford not to have good protection in your devices. Save the hassle and your companies’ privacy by having ImageQuest help you out today!

ImageQuest

Whether you are building your business or just now realizing the importance cybersecurity is for your local Nashville business, we would be delighted to help you out at ImageQuest. Technology is a complicated, evolving world that challenges us as we seek to protect the information we willingly give each platform we are on. 

Contact us HERE today!

Construction

Build A Better Deer Fence – Here Are 5 Ways How

Straight Shooter Game FencingDeer are persistent animals and will doggedly try to make their way into your orchard or garden. A high – and imposing – deer fence can help prevent that. How high and strong should your deer fence be? What factors should you consider in constructing one? Here are 5 tips from high fence contractor Straight Shooter Game Fencing on how you can build a deer-resistant fence.

  1. Height matters

Deer are very agile and are surprisingly capable of jumping impressive heights. Your high fence must be at least 8 feet tall to prevent deer from jumping over it.

  1. If you can’t go high, make it double

Note that while deer can jump high and across a long distance, they can’t do both at the same time. As an alternative to building a high fence, consider constructing two shorter fences, one inside the other and are approximately five or six feet apart. Their poor eyesight makes it challenging for them to jump over a double barrier. Achieve the same effect with a taller fence by slanting it outward so it appears to be a wider and riskier high fence.

A DIY fence could lead to costly mistakes due to trial and error. Make sure to consult with a high fence contractor like Straight Shooter Game Fencing to build a deer fence tailored to your property. 

  1. Secure the bottom of the fence

Being the inquisitive and persistent creatures that they are, deer will try to go under your fence if they can’t jump over it. If you have plastic and welded high fences, ensure that the bottom is secured to the ground in between posts. Otherwise, deer will squirrel their way underneath the fence. Use metal tent stakes to secure your fence at 6 feet intervals.

  1. Don’t spread out fence posts too far apart

Deer can exert a lot of pressure on your high fence. Deer leaning against it or accidentally running into it, for example, will weaken the stability of the fence itself. Having posts far apart increases the chances of the fence material sagging in between posts, which will entice deer to jump over it. Set up high fence posts at 8 to 12-foot intervals.

  1. Increase your high fence’s visibility

Black plastic and welded fences are difficult for deer to see, and the last thing you want is to have them running headlong into a fence and breaking through. Brightly colored ribbons tied between posts can warn deer that there’s a barrier in place. These ribbons should be tied four feet above the ground to get the best results.

Based in Alabama, Straight Shooter Game Fencing works with property owners throughout the US to provide the best deer high fence installation at competitive prices. We guarantee a professional fencing installation on your property no matter the size. We’ve done every high fence job you could imagine; no job is too big or too small and no terrain is too rough. Get in touch with us to know more.

Public Relations

McKeeman Communications (PR Firm located in Raleigh, NC) interviews Social Influencer, Becca Ingle

McKeeman CommunicationsIn a world that is becoming increasingly more involved with social media, it’s important for marketing agencies or businesses alike to understand the value of social media and how having a social media influencer might boost their engagement. To help businesses understand why partnering with someone like a social media influencer can be great for business, we went to the experts with our questions. A few months ago, we interviewed social media influencer Becca Ingle (located in North Carolina) about how you can find an influencer that will be the perfect fit for your business. 

  1. How do I find the right influencer?
  2. At first, it can be a daunting task to find a social media influencer, but there are many resources to help you. For starters, you can join blogger/vlogger/influencer groups on Facebook, and then post about your inquiries, what you’re looking for, and your targeted audience! Most times, bloggers need to know who the brand is they would be partnering with – so make sure your post is detailed but also aligns with the influencer’s brand and passions. 
  1. Who knows how to help me find an influencer? 
  2. The idea of going onto a Facebook page may not settle well with you, which is perfectly fine! I recommend hiring/working with a PR team that has established relationships with influencers. PR Firms in Raleigh, NC, like Mckeeman Communications, have the expertise and relationships you need! 
  1. How do I get started? 
  2. It’s crucial you have an influencer that aligns with your network and audience. Go to their profile and see who they are, what they do, and who their audience is! This will help you narrow down your influencer list. They might already have partnerships that align or even compete with your own business. So, doing advanced research will help you even more. 
  1. How do I know they will reach my ideal amount of people? 
  2. Instagram has an insights page, so ask your influencer to send you that page with all the metrics, insights, and analytics! This will also help you see if they are legit and have an authentic reach and customer engagement. 
  1. How can I trust them with what they’re posting for us? 
  2. This trust comes from a whole lot of communication. Each month, or whenever you talk to your influencer, make sure you have an idea of what you want them to say – but do not give them an exact script. The whole idea of hiring an influencer is to have their experienced voice speak for your company/brand. If they have a good direction for what their content should be focused on, allow them to take the creative next steps. It’s why you decided to partner with them in the first place – their polished content. It’s always good to confirm what they’re posting and when to ensure you’re aligned on a unified plan, so you can engage with their content. 
  1. Is this worth my time and investment? 
  2. Yes. Social media is not going away anytime soon. All of us in Raleigh felt the impact after the world closed down in 2020. People started to rely more on social media and digital marketing for more sales. Use this to your advantage NOW so you can hop on the digital train. Your business will not regret this decision. 

Remember, this will be a learning experience. You and your influencer will have to be patient in communication and understanding each other’s businesses and brands. You want them to know, trust and LOVE what you are offering, which is why it is SO important to find someone who will love your products/services. There are influencers all over the country, and if you are located in Raleigh, NC, you can guarantee there are multiple ones to choose from! We would love to hear from you and help you navigate this new trend that will benefit your brand/business like never before! You don’t need some celebrity endorsement anymore; you just need to find a social influencer, and lucky for you, there are SO many of them! 

A top PR firm in Charlotte NC, McKeeman Communications works with companies that are experiencing rapid growth or change. We help localize and share messaging that builds awareness and trust for their brand. Call (866) 341-2650 or email info@mckeemanpr.com to learn more.

Water Damage Specialist

Protect Yourself From These Post-Flood Wastewater Hazards

Rytech NashvilleWhile post-flood water damage to a home is considered a given, many property owners are still caught off guard by health and safety risks posed by contaminated wastewater. Let’s look at the different kinds of wastewater contamination and what you can do to minimize risks.

Sewage contamination

The water is contaminated by waste coming from non-industrial human activities such as bathing, washing, and cleaning. Assume that the water you come in contact with post-flooding may be tainted with raw sewage.

Here’s how you can stay safe:

  • Wear protective clothing such as boots, gloves, eyewear, and a face mask.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
  • Avoid eating food that has come in contact with contaminated water. Drink bottled water for the time being until the safety of the local drinking water has been verified.
  • Clean and bandage cuts and scrapes, even if these are minor, before doing any cleanup work.

Chemical contamination

Industrial chemicals such as pesticides and gasoline could leach into waterways after a flood and get into your home; these must be handled accordingly.

Protect yourself by:

  • Wearing protective clothing.
  • Being aware of symptoms resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. Seek medical help immediately should these symptoms persist.

Consult with a qualified water damage remediation expert before re-entering a flood-damaged home to make sure other, more lethal threats such as live electricity and potential structural collapse have been mitigated.

Rytech, Nashville’s leading water damage restoration expert, provides a professional assessment of flood contamination risks and reliable water damage restoration services. Middle Tennessee residents trust Rytech’s IICRC-certified technicians for their water damage restoration requirements. 24-hour emergency services are available. Get in touch today for a no-commitment consultation.

Rytech Nashville has become a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. From its humble beginnings in one location, the company has reached exponential growth and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information.