History

The Origin of Pepper Maintenance

 

Pepper Maintenance Systems, Inc. is a growing business that specializes in the service of infrared thermography.  In May of 1997, Pepper, as it is known, was started by Keith Schmidgall and Randy Springer.  Mr. Schmidgall is an electrician in the agricultural industry and the owner of KDJ Sales and Service.  Mr. Springer was formerly superintendent of a grain elevator in Central Illinois.  The two men came together with an idea that would aide grain elevators in safety and maintenance programs---the use of infrared technology for preventive maintenance.

 

Knowing that the idea of infrared thermography was going to be used as their service, Mr. Schmidgall and Mr. Springer set out to develop a name for the business.  Seeking professional assistance, many names were considered, such as Central Illinois Preventive Maintenance Specialists. This seemed too long---and it just didn't fit.  The two men wanted a name that would stand out to customers and make them remember who the people were and what the company was about.  That is how the name "Pepper" was chosen.  Not only does Pepper stand out---it relates to infrared thermography by relating to the word "hot" which is what Pepper looks for, in hot spots.

 

Typical Procedure

 

Pepper Maintenance specializes in infrared thermography.  What makes the company unique is not only its name, but also its service to industry.  Pepper Maintenance has a very specific procedure when performing surveys for its customers.  Specialists do much more than just look for hot spots.

 

After making an appointment, Pepper technicians go to a facility and meet with the plant manager.  An employee is sent to guide the Pepper specialist around the plant, starting and stopping equipment as needed. Electrical panels are opened and with a high-tech thermographic camera, hot spots are located and data is logged.  All electrical controls are listed,  including starters, disconnects, breaker panels, and utility transformers, making every effort as thorough as possible. After looking at the electrical panels, the next step is to conduct the mechanical part of the survey, looking for hot spots in motors, bearings, drives, and other moving equipment where friction can occur. 

 

The infrared imaging camera contains a computer where the information is stored on a disk.  Once the survey is complete, information is transmitted to Pepper's office where a report is prepared using a program that prints out color images of the data.  The report identifies the problem in text and images and a recommendation is made.  The report also suggests the hazard level of the problem and the urgency of repair.  In some cases, the alert level may simply indicate the need to watch for developments, while in others, the alert may indicate a need for an immediate remedy.

 

The prepared report is then sent to the customer with the alerts and action recommendations, where they have electricians, millwrights, or maintenance staff correct the problem. This has proven to be a very efficient way of doing business.

 

At Pepper Maintenance Systems, we identify problems, but we don't fix them.  The objective is to identify problems while they are small, well before they cause plant shutdown.

 

What Makes Pepper Unique?

 

Not only does the name make Pepper unique, but the business is different than most other businesses.  While there is no concern with stocking supplies and carrying inventory, Pepper's needs are for multiple high-end infrared cameras, vehicles, tools, and computers.

 

 Mr. Schmidgall and Mr. Springer are two well-respected individuals and their services are appreciated and desired.  Being thorough has earned their business a fine reputation and their services are in high demand because the client knows that Pepper is working to make theirs a better facility. 

 

Pepper Maintenance Systems, Inc. continues to grow and provide a unique service to the agriculture industry.  It is a company that is loyal to its customers and wishes to help in any way possible.

 

Craig Springer 7/29/99

 

Addendum

 

In 2008, Randy purchased the portion of the business owned by Keith Schmidgall and became the sole owner and President of Pepper Maintenance Systems, Inc.

 

Craig Springer, son of Randy Springer, was employed with Pepper Maintenance until his untimely death on August 14, 2001.  His vision for the business has remained alive in the daily operations since that time and many of his ideas and dreams for the company have since come to fruition.