Hi, I'm Beth Borrego, Vice President of See Dirt Run!™ Inc. The decision to go into business for ourselves was not taken lightly. I considered my past business experience as one of the factors that influenced me to help breath life into See Dirt Run!™ Inc. Before joining our company full time, I spent 14 years in the high tech industry (beginning in 1988), specifically in software and hardware. During this time I managed a sales staff and also managed system implementation on various projects that required a high degree of attention to detail. I left a very successful career to begin an entrepreneur's dream.

As I began to explore this industry, I discovered the need for better research resources for other small business owners. I found myself turning to the online communities, and quickly became active on the BBS's that were beginning to pop up online. Before long, I was Moderating on several BBS's, and had been contacted by a newly forming magazine to become a regular feature writer. I wrote for BlastMaster Magazine for half a year, and published numerous articles before the owner decided to discontinue the publication. Writing has been a hobby of mine since I was a child, and this seemed a natural step for me. I have also been published in Cleaner Times magazine as a feature writer for PWNA, and have spoken three times for the PWNA at conventions, twice on Marketing and once on Sales.

Why am I so interested in helping others to succeed, even if they are in our local area? It's simple really. Being a professional is about raising the bar, and the standards for excellence in your industry. It's hard enough for a new start up business to succeed as it is. The odds are stacked against you when you go into business for yourself. Each and every business owner has a dream, and I believe this helps others to realize their fullest potential and to succeed. These businesses employ others, they feed families and provide them with a means to live. That's important to me.

As a result of these efforts I found myself receiving calls and emails from people both near and far away; as far away as Europe and Mexico. After much thought, I decided to marry my skills and PC background with an online community and built The Grime Scene as an online resource for contractors in various areas of the contract cleaning industry. The site hosts chats, has active BBS forums, and much more. The forum called The Library also houses electronic versions of all of the articles I have written for the industry to date, as well as other articles I have found to be helpful.

Along the way I was contacted by the PWNA and asked if I would like to run for a position on the Board of Directors, and also asked if we would like to be considered as instructors for the PWNA's wood certification program. It felt right to me, so I said yes and ran. I was elected to the Board for the PWNA, and have served on several committees. In April of 2004 I was voted onto the Executive Board when the Office of Secretary became vacant. With this responsibility comes the position of Chairperson for the PWNA's Communications Committee. Additionally, I dedicate my time to Mentoring new businesses for PWNA, and also to being the PWNA's BBS Administrator. We were not chosen as wood care instructors, but it was an honor to be asked since only three companies were nominated and we were the only Maryland company asked.

So what do I do for fun? It's not unusual to see me out in the field working along side the guys, especially on wood sealing days and on large projects. I thoroughly enjoy wood restoration, and am well versed on the subject matter. Like Rod, I too have a background with wood, and an appreciation for it. My exposure to the beauty of wood began as a teenager working in my father's antique shop. Dad introduced me to the art of fine craftsmanship, including being able to tell the difference in various species of wood, and understanding the process of refinishing wood as an art form.

We've been a member of the PWNA since, 1999 and have been certified in Wood Restoration and Preservation twice. Our company attended the Advanced Wood Restoration Seminar the first time it was offered (current certification was a prerequisite) in Dallas. No other Maryland company can say they've been certified since 1999 with PWNA, have recertified as required by PWNA during that time, and have also attended the Advanced Wood Restoration Seminar.

Always look for the PWNA logo, and ask to see the Membership Certificate and Certification Certificate. Check the expiration dates. The PWNA requires recertification to ensure that companies are kept abreast of the latest changes in their particular area of focus. New research is constantly being done as new technology develops. Recertification makes a huge difference. Both the PWNA Membership and Certification do expire, unlike the manufacturer based training certificates. Manufacturer based training certificates are designed to train the contractor on the use of a particular line of products so that they may be applied correctly. We've taken others as well, but have found the certification offered by the PWNA on an ongoing basis to be far more in depth and up to date.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our company, the services we provide, and for considering us. I feel confident that should you choose our company, you'll be pleased with the results. Regardless of your decision, we're glad to have had the opportunity to share with you a little bit about our company, our work ethics and our standards for excellence. We hope that the information you learn here will help you to make the best decision possible for you as a consumer.

Respectfully,

Beth Borrego, Vice President