Talkin’ Winter with Swinter

Ken, Brent and Jason welcome Adam Hunter to the podcast and bring you up to speed with what they have been up to in the last year. They tease planned content for upcoming episodes, and they touch on how to price snow hauling and other snow services.

Ken, Brent, and Jason talk about the liability associated with taking and saving photos during or after a snow event.

Ken, Brent and Jason talk a bit about the pros and cons of working with national brokers.

Ken, Brent and Jason talk about why advertisements for liquid equipment are everywhere you look...is the gear worth the hype?

Ken, Brent and Jason bat around pros and cons of when it's best to buy or sell equipment.

Ken, Brent, and Jason talk about wrapping up your contracts once the season is over. Details include why you should tell your customers if there was any damage done to their property, whether by your crews or not.

Ken, Brent, and Jason discuss single stage and two stage snow blowers vs snow shovels. They give pros and cons to each type of snow blower versus traditional snow shovels. Types of snow, types of properties, and amount of snow all factor into it. They even get into details about tracks and wheels.

Ken, Jason, and Brent discuss in storm repairs to plows and spreaders on the suggestion of a listener. They talk about things that regularly break mid-storm, like hydraulic lines, and what kinds of parts, fluids, and tools to keep in the truck in case of emergency. The guys provide some tips on what to do when things break while driving between jobs and share a few stories about their previous mis...

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about how automation is changing the snow removal industry.

Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks for procurement of your packaged deicers.

Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks on storing your deicing materials through the off-season.

Ken and Zack discuss the advantages and disadvantages to buying bulk deicers and storing them versus buying in storm.

Ken and Zack talk about off season storage, like what to do before you put your snow equipment away to keep it from corroding. Hint: It's more than just washing it with soap and water. Finding those hidden places where salt has crept is of utmost importance. The guys offer ideas of where those places may be found. Once all the salt is gone, rust protection must be applied. Ken and Zack talk about...

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about when it's best to sell or upgrade your equipment.

Ken, Zack and Brent discuss some tips on how to realize what your costs really are...and what they aren't.

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the future of the snow removal industry.

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about some things to consider as you decide if making staff or production changes mid-season is a good idea.

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the frustrations associated with forecasts that bust.

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the importance of building and maintaining customer relationships, especially in a world where they may not have time (or be allowed) to be taken to lunch. Ideas include finding reasons to be on property so you can connect for even just a few minutes. .

Ken, Brent, & Zack talk about how to approach a potential customer and walking the fine line between too much and not enough contact. This episode goes over their experiences both selling and being sold to... what worked and what just makes people mad.

Ken, Zack and Brent toss around ideas about how to get past the gatekeeper so that you can provide a bid. They tell stories of things that have and haven't worked for them, such as making cold call phone calls vs showing up in person. Also, who to talk to if you show up on site, and what kinds of relationships to build that are mutually beneficial.

That's right...we're officially on Twitter.

Ken, Zack & Brent toss around some thoughts on how to establish your pricing.

Ken, Zack & Brent discuss how to determine what your snow and ice management services costs really are.

Ken, Zack & Brent discuss the pros and cons of using snow stakes.