Hose Rescue Company Opens Franchise In Duval Pirtek Operates Three Service Vans For On-site Repair Of Hydraulic Hoses.

(Tuesday, April 22, 2008) - A nationwide franchise specializing in the supply and fittings for hydraulic hoses and parts has opened a new location in Jacksonville.

Steve Goulette says his Pirtek franchise can come to the rescue this summer. When a broken hose shuts down high-value equipment -- including construction, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and engineering among others -- it can lead to thousands in lost profits by the hour. That's when Goulette's technicians step in.

Pirtek USA is the only franchised company in the hydraulic hose replacement industry and was founded in 1996 after the original concept began in Australia before expanding to Europe. In its infancy, the company aligned with Pirelli Technology, the Italian tiremaker. Pirtek's annual worldwide sales were approximately $250 million in 2007.

Goulette, 48, intends to save his customers time, money and worry with his on-site repair service. He has five employees and three service vans that he runs from his Philips Highway location. Each of his vans has hundreds of hoses and fittings, and a crimping press and saw to make custom hoses for customers.

Goulette likens the business philosophy to that of an ambulance coming to the rescue of a victim. The failure of hydraulic lines can create a financial disaster for companies working on deadline.

So far, the new franchise has serviced companies like RSC, United Rentals, Cemex USA, Ortega Industrial and Orion Marine Group. Goulette is also seeking contracts with the Navy.

"Right now we are looking to get clearance to be a qualified vendor for the two Jacksonville Navy bases," Goulette said. "It will take time to get that process completed."

Ray Rettinger, who manages a 3-year-old Pirtek location outside of Orlando, said his operation continues to see growth even in a slowing economy and predicted that Goulette will do well if he capitalizes on opportunities.

"We have shared tips and referrals with each other," Rettinger said. "I have gotten calls from clients asking if we have a location in Jacksonville for a while, and now I can tell them we do."

Goulette, who moved to Jacksonville from Illinois, expects to turn a profit after the first year, after investing more than $350,000 in the franchise. The local center is one of six locations in Florida.

Masthead Industries and Trident Supply are two of Pirtek's largest competitors in the Jacksonville market and the two companies have been operating on-site services here for many years.

"The business on the construction side has slowed considerably, and residential is way off," said Scott Spence, owner of Spence Industrial Supply. "The commercial and industrial side is doing well, though."

Goulette said he is not terribly concerned about the downturn in the housing market because his Pirtek franchise will be primarily focusing on industrial and commercial clients.

"I knew that if I opened this franchise it would be something I would be doing into retirement," Goulette said. "So I thought why not go to Florida and enjoy this comfortable weather."

Besides the weather, he also did a lot of fact checking before picking Jacksonville. "We looked at the overall economy here and thought it was a good fit," Goulette said.

"Our close proximity to headquarters and the types of industries here will benefit us. The Southside location has a lot of business that we service, so we expect to do quite well here," he said.

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