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[Page S1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING HOG TECHNOLOGIES
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the value of hard work and the storied
American entrepreneurial spirit. It is my privilege to honor a Florida
small business that exemplifies what it means to overcome adversity and
to succeed as both a company and as a community leader. Today, I
recognize Hog Technologies, of Stuart, FL, as the Senate Small Business
of the Week.
Previously known as Waterblasting Technologies until a rebranding
effort last year, Hog Technologies has grown significantly since its
founding in 1988. Founder and chief executive officer, James P.
Crocker, bought a single pressure washer from a friend and began
knocking on doors to find work. Since then, Hog Technologies has been a
one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial success story that has revolutionized an
entire industry.
After discovering the niche industry of paint removal, James took a
leap of faith and bought a 10,000-psi water-blasting machine. Soon, Hog
Technologies was being awarded major contracts for their services.
After years of success in this field, Hog Technologies expanded to
create fully functioning models of a makeshift water-blasting vehicle.
In 1997, the Original Stripe Hog was developed, effectively changing
the landscape of the hydroblasting industry.
Today, Hog Technologies holds more than 20 patents, has products
operating in 56 countries worldwide, and is a world leader in marking
removal and pavement maintenance. Through strong investments in
research and development, Hog has a diverse line of products, ranging
from rubber and paint removal, to pavement marking equipment and
machines, to industrial vacuums and hydro-excavators. In 2012, the team
at Hog Technologies calculated that, over a period of 13 years, they
have placed more units worldwide than their five largest competitors
combined. With international success, they continue to expand by
looking to hire 130 new employees over the next 3 years. Hog
Technologies is an incredible American industrial success story. Having
remained local, Hog Technologies constructs their machines in the
United States and continues to support Florida's economy.
In addition to supporting the local Stuart community, Hog
Technologies has financed a large portion of the construction of a home
for underprivileged children in India. In 2017, James was awarded the
Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.
Mr. Crocker has also recently followed his creative passion and began
authoring children's books that aim to teach children leadership
skills. Hog Technologies and their employees are very involved in their
community and pride themselves on charitable endeavors. Annually, they
participate in the Toys for Tots holiday gift drive and in local
parades where they drive their machines through the streets of Stuart.
Hog Technologies is an outstanding example of a Florida manufacturing
success story. In true American fashion, James and the team at Hog saw
a problem and created a solution. They have seen incredible success,
while remaining committed to supporting Stuart and its surrounding
communities. I would like to congratulate Mr. James Crocker and the
entire team at Hog Technologies on being named the Senate Small
Business of the Week. I wish them good luck and look forward to
watching their continued growth and success.
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