Snow Talk
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.
All Episodes
Optimizing your Business - Scaling for the Future
Join Evan Newman on this episode of Snow Talk as we explore the art of scaling your snow business with Jim Plona, the director of snow and ice at McNally Services. Discover how Jim transformed McNally's snow division from $1.5 million to nearly $6 million in revenue in just two years. We'll delve into his strategic playbook, focusing on building capacity through effective systems, technology integration, and maintaining service quality. Learn about the challenges of balancing personal touch with technological advancements and the importance of diversifying business portfolios. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into sustainable growth and operational excellence in snow and ice management. Tune in for an engaging conversation on optimizing your business for the future.Benchmarking your Snow Business
In this episode of Snow Talk, we dive into the financial landscape of the snow and ice management industry with Steve Wolff, founder of WOLFFWORKS Consulting. We explore the findings of SIMA's 2025 Profitability and Benchmarking Study, which surveyed 161 firms across North America. Discover how the average snow business operates, from revenue streams to cost structures, and learn about the economic challenges impacting profitability. We also discuss strategies for growth, including contract types and pricing models, to help your business thrive despite rising labor and equipment costs. Join us for insights that could reshape your approach to snow management.Culture and Accountability
In this episode of Snow Talk, I sit down with Kevin Stanish, owner of Adirondack Customs, to explore the vital topics of culture and accountability in the snow industry. We delve into the importance of building an engaged team and the tough decisions leaders must face, including letting go of team members who do not align with company values. Kevin shares his experiences with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how it has helped his team thrive during challenging winter months. We discuss the significance of transparency, trust, and maintaining a strong culture even during difficult times. Join us for insights that can empower you to enhance your leadership approach and cultivate a more cohesive and effective team in the snow and ice management industry.Have snow? Will travel!
Join me, Amanda Press, on this episode of Snow Talk, titled "Have snow? Will travel!" as we delve into the remarkable story of the 2025 Gulf Coast Blizzard. I'm thrilled to welcome industry leader Levi J, CEO of Jet Facility Consultants, who shares his firsthand experience of tackling this unprecedented snowstorm in the Gulf Coast area. Discover how Levi and his team navigated the challenges of mobilizing snow removal resources to a region unaccustomed to such weather. From the initial forecasts to the logistical hurdles and eventual collaboration with New Orleans' Homeland Security, Levi provides an insightful look into the complexities of snow management in unexpected places. Tune in to hear about the strategies, surprises, and lessons learned from this extraordinary event.