IFIND PIPE AND CABLES INTERVIEW
We interviewed Keith Phelps, Chief Executive Officer of iFind Pipe and Cables, to gain insight to the experiences that prompted him on his recent acquisition of five new hydro vacuum excavation trucks from VTI.
Keith began his journey in the industry using Vermeer units, yet persistent quality issues pushed him to seek an upgrade, this led him to discover VTI. Renowned in the industry for their high quality units, superior service support and local operations, Keith eagerly reached out to Ned and Matt to explore how their units could offer a better solution for his operations.
For Keith, delivering exceptional service to clients is paramount, and VTI’s reliable equipment and support services enables iFind Pipe and Cables to uphold this standard. With unwavering confidence in VTI’s support and product quality, Keith is confident to remain a loyal and supportive customer, eager to promote VTI to any operators that might be struggling with frustrations in the industry.
Read below to see Keiths responses to our questionaire.
“It’s a really simple philosophy when you think about it…Always give the client the best value for money by way of reliable, well-presented equipment and staff. You don’t have to be the cheapest, and if you’re not, make sure you back it up to deliver what the client expects.”
– Keith Phelps, Chief Executive Officer
IFIND PIPES ‘N’ CABLES Q&A
Q1. How did you come across the VTI brand and what made you purchase from them?
I originally had one of our Vermeer units on long-term hire to a new start-up client in South Australia. After 3 years of hire, they were eventually in a position to purchase their own. After a few months went by I rang them and asked what type of Vac they purchased and if they were happy with it. He responded by saying “VTI” and informed me of its minimal maintenance and excellent performance, then passed on Matt’s details. Having a vacuum truck without its own power pack sounded like a great idea to me, one less thing to worry about breaking down and maintaining!
Q2. What vacuum truck brands have you used in the past and how do VTI’s differ in terms of power, usability, versatility, speed, etc?
Since launching iFind in 2012, we’ve consistently invested in vac units from a competing brand, accumulating around 40 to 50 units so far. While acknowledging the commendable team at the other company, unfortunately, their product consistently lacked improvement in fundamental areas, particularly in quality. Dealing with recurrent part faults and quality concerns across all models over the past decade became increasingly frustrating. In comparison, VTI’s units demonstrated slightly better power, versatility, and speed than the competing brand’s similar-sized units. Additionally, VTI outshone in functional aspects like remote control usability, safety features, and operator convenience.
Q3. Where do you see value in VTI products and the services they offer?
Without a doubt for me, it was the absolute attention to detail, the build quality of the welding, electrical, paint, design and extra features to make servicing and maintenance as simple as possible. Additionally, the costs of parts compared to Vermeer are much more affordable, no power pack to worry about and they’re made in Australia!!! Parts backup and accessibility to VTI’s tech person for any help is first rate… I can’t comment on the warranty because we haven’t had any issues thus far.
Q4. How have your recent purchases helped in the delivery of services for your business?
It’s a really simple philosophy when you think about it…Always give the client the best value for money by way of reliable, well-presented equipment and staff.
You don’t have to be the cheapest, and if you’re not, make sure you back it up to deliver what the client expects. VTI has backed they’re product which allows me to have confidence in backing ourselves when pricing work.