
Snow Talk
Business36 episodes
Snow Talk is the podcast of the Snow & Ice Management Association, the trade association for the commercial snow removal industry. Snow Talk features snow and ice pros and snow contractors discussing trends, best practices, stories and more that impact the professional snow and ice community. We talk about deicing, snow plowing, snow removal contracts, snow slip and falls, snow management equipment, and even advocacy efforts in the snow industry.
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How to Fight the Salt Supply Crisis and Save Costs
50 min 29 sec
Most snow professionals aren’t prepared for the next salt shortage - and it could cost your business more than you think. In this eye-opening episode, industry expert Phil Sexton reveals the hidden factors behind the 2025-26 salt crisis and offers actionable strategies to future-proof your operations.
Phil breaks down the domino effect of regulations, environmental impacts, and global dependencies that led to this year’s soaring costs—up to $300 per ton in some areas—and explains what every contractor must do now to avoid being hit again.
Discover how decades of environmental and logistical challenges have created a fragile salt supply chain, and why relying solely on traditional sourcing and pricing models is a recipe for disaster.
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Creating a Win-Win Workplace
48 min 31 sec
Jack of All People Trades' founder Evan Tachoir joins Snow Talk to share his perspectives on employee engagement, delegation and how to thrive when you understand your "why"Play episode
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What's different about snow and ice management in the UK?
35 min 36 sec
Snow Talk host Martin Tirado speaks with England-based Accugrit's Dean Harvey to chat the differences in snow and ice management in North America compared with the United Kingdom. Plus, they talk a little football (not the American kind).Play episode
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2025-26 Winter Season Analysis
50 min 44 sec
We’re diving deep into the highs and lows of a truly unpredictable winter. From the historic mid-March 2026 storms that blanketed the Northeast and upper Midwest to the challenging droughts out West, we’re breaking down the data that defined the last four months.
This episode features insights from two industry powerhouses:
Deb Mattson, CSP (Business Manager at Allied Snow Removal): Deb shares how her team navigated the intense Northeast storm cycle, the lessons learned on the front lines, and how customer expectations are shifting in the wake of "big weather" events.
Jennifer Walth, CSP (Senior Manager at Douglas Dynamics): Jennifer brings a manufacturer's perspective to the table, discussing the latest in equipment performance and industry trends.
Whether you're managing a fleet or a business, tune in to hear how the pros handled one of the most unusual winters on record and what it means for the future of snow and ice management.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
This season of Snow Talk is proudly sponsored by Western Snow Plows and Fisher Engineering. Thank you for your ongoing support!Play episode
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Hurricane Relief: A Call to Action in Snow Management
26 min 23 sec
In this episode of Snow Talk, join me, Martin Tirado, as we delve into the inspiring story of Jacob Schiavo, CSP, from JSP Site Solutions. Based in New England, Jacob shares his journey into the snow and ice management industry, sparked by childhood memories of clearing snow alongside his father. We'll explore Jacob's remarkable response to Hurricane Helene, where he and his team provided essential relief efforts in the Carolinas, showcasing the power of community and compassion in times of crisis. Additionally, we'll discuss the current winter challenges, including the innovative use of snow melters that enhance operational efficiency for various clients. Tune in to hear about the resilience of the snow industry and how collaboration is key to overcoming seasonal obstacles.Play episode
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