Part 2
Then rotary extraction was born…
In the early 80's, Mike and HydraMaster again revolutionized the carpet cleaning industry through the invention of a new cleaning process called "Rotary Extraction" and the manufacture of a product using the process called the RX-20. This amazing new unit was a combination of the old shampooers and extractors that many carpet cleaners favored. The RX-20 combined the rotary agitation and the extraction of the two methods. This new tool reduced the amount of time and effort required to clean carpets. In fact, scientific studies on the various methods to clean carpets proved that when used with a truck mount, an RX-20 cleaned better than any other method, technique or process. Thus the RX-20 not only made the work easier, but improved the quality of workmanship for the consumer.
Rotary Extraction has now established itself as a recognized method for enhancing an extraction machine, whether truckmounted or portable. The process is in use by approximately 10,000 cleaners the world over.
Expanding into portables with CleanMaster …
In 1985, the company branched out into the manufacturing of portable cleaning machines with the acquisition of CleanMaster Corporation. CleanMaster was an industry leader at the time, having been established 20 years earlier in 1965 - today CleanMaster is an important operating division of HydraMaster serving the Jan-San industry with products such as the Express Multi-Surface Cleaner, TreadMaster Escalator Cleaner, and more.
Changing Of The Guard…
20 years after starting HydraMaster, Mike was ready for a break. He loved the game of golf and wanted more time to hone his skills to pursue his dream of making it on the Seniors Pro Tour when he turned 50. He didn’t make the tour but he’s a scratch golfer to this day. In 1989 Steve Brandt joined HydraMaster to give Mike the freedom he desired. Steve had a 16 year history in the carpet cleaning business. He had started with Ed York right after graduating from college. After 5 years with Ed, Steve bought Steam Services in Fresno, California and created the WorkMaster brand which he built for the next 11 years with the help of such people as Bill Jensen, Tom Hill and Ron Toney. Shortly after joining HM, Steve was made a partner in the company and also it’s President, a position he still holds today.
Expanding again into making chemicals…
In 1990, HydraMaster Corporation provided the industry with another new first, with the introduction of environmentally-safe chemicals under the trademark name SafeClean. These gentle, non-toxic chemicals are safe for the carpet cleaner and the customer. All the detrimental effects of harsh powders and liquids were eliminated in this earth-friendly product line. Over the years the SafeClean line has continued to expand and grow and enjoys a large following among today's cleaners.
Acquiring Western Fabrication…
In Jan of 1998, HydraMaster expanded by acquiring a state-of-the-art precision metalwork company. Western Fab serves many high-tech companies in industries such as professional audio products, testing instruments and more. This acquisition benefits HydraMaster by giving more control over the processes of production and allowed a new and significant focus on the all-important quality of the products.
Adding McDowell Supply To The Family…
In 1999 Louise Gassman passed away after a bout with cancer. Louise was the daughter of O.S. “Mac” McDowell who had founded McDowell Supply Company some 45 years earlier and she had successfully operated the company for many years after his death. At the time of Louise’s passing, McDowell had distributed HM products in the NorthWest for over 20 years and was one of our most trusted and loved Distributors. After Louise’s death, HydraMaster bought McDowell Supply from her son Chris Bradley and her husband Tom Gassman. Operating successfully today, McDowell has 4 locations with stores in Seattle and Mukilteo, Washington as well as a store in Portland and a supply outlet in Medford, Oregon. McDowell is now celebrating almost 50 years supplying professional carpet cleaners and we’re proud to have them as part of the HydraMaster family.
DriMaster Technology is invented…
The world is a very small place sometimes. In 1998 Roy Studebaker and his son Keith paid us a visit to show us a new invention of his. As it turns out, Roy had founded CleanMaster and sold it to the people who eventually sold the company to us. Roy showed us his new DriMaster technology and it produced remarkable results, allowing carpets to dry in less than 1 hour after cleaning with hot water extraction. In early 2000 we released the Upholstery Tool version of the technology and in 2002, after 4 years of development we released the Rotary DriMaster power head known as the RDM. What Roy showed us that day was destined to change the way carpets are cleaned in the future.
For over thirty-five years, HydraMaster has been an innovator and pioneer in the carpet cleaning industry. Mike Palmer is the founder of the company and Chairman of the Board. Steve Brandt is a partner and holds the position of President and CEO of the company, giving direction to the greatest staff ever assembled to serve the carpet cleaning industry. HydraMaster today is positioned as the originators of the all-time best selling truckmounts in the world and we look forward to another 35 years in the carpet cleaning business.