Snow Talk with SIMA

Bill Akehurst, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Akehurst Landscape joins Snow Talk to discuss worst-case scenarios that snow & ice management companies could face. Host Cheryl Higley, Director of Education & Content for SIMA, is joined by Amanda Pruss, SIMA's senior membership manager to go over scenarios like cyber attacks, fire, accidents, and more.

Tory Chlanda from Betterview Landscapes in Amherst, MA joins Snow Talk to share the importance of intentionality in business planning and how it leads to greater sales and revenues. Listen for these tips and more:  

• Selling safety can set a company apart from the competition.
• Educating clients on the importance of safety and communicating it through various channels is key to success. 
• Hiring the right people and involving them in the strategy-building process is crucial for success.

It's summer but it's never to early to start reviewing your winter preventive maintenance plans! Stork's Plows' Jeen Stork joins Snow Talk to talk about the perils of ignoring preventive maintenance and how even the littlest missed details can cause big trouble. Listen for these tips and more:  

• Preventive maintenance is crucial for snow equipment to prevent wear and costly breakdowns.
• The role of a dealer is significant in providing support, education, and quick access to parts for snow contractors.
• The snow equipment industry is evolving with the integration of electronics and computer-operated systems, presenting new challenges and opportunities.

We're in the middle of renewal and sales season for winter services. Ramblin Jackson's Jack Jostes joins Snow Talk to discuss how to make it a successful one. Listen for these tips and more:

• Renewals present challenges such as changes in point of contact and changes in snowfall, requiring proactive communication and customer feedback throughout the year.
• Identifying 'hell yes' customers involves understanding demand, profitability, and passion, and tailoring marketing and sales strategies to attract and retain these ideal clients.
• The RFP process benefits from clear definitions and exacting language, fostering trust and understanding between contractors and clients.
• Maintaining relationships with clients throughout the year, not just during the renewal process, is crucial for successful sales and renewals.

East Coast Facilities' Joshua Brecht joins Snow Talk to discuss video content development and marketing in the snow and ice industry. Listen for these tips and more:

• How video content development and marketing can help elevate the snow and ice industry by showcasing the work, people, and company.
  
  
• It doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. Start with basic equipment like smartphones and encourage team members to capture and share photos and videos.
  
  
• Build a culture where everyone is involved in creating and sharing content, which can lead to increased team engagement and motivation.

The Grow Group's Vince Torchia and McFarlin Stanford's Jennifer Murray join Snow Talk to share how they counsel landscaping and snow companies to be financially healthy. Listen for this tips and more:

• Look beyond revenue to include understanding margins and profits.
• Have enough liquidity to manage through rough patches.
• Building a "sell"-worthy company.

Colorado Green Pros' David LaFore joins SIMA’s Senior Manager of Membership Evan Newman on the latest episode of Snow Talk to chat about how snow and ice professionals can use technology as a customer service tool. Listen in for these tips and more:

• Improve customer satisfaction by providing transparency and accountability.
• Communicate with teams and subcontractors.
• Enhance customer experiences and streamline business processes.

Earth Development President and CEO Eddy Zakes, CSP and SIMA’s Senior Manager of Membership Evan Newman packed a lot of great points into this episode of Snow Talk. Listen in to hear Zakes’ approach to:

• Company culture
• Education and personal development
• Recognition and rewards
• A deep bench of emerging leaders
• Leadership authenticity and transparency

Jim Monk of MPS Property Services and Gerald Boot of Boot’s Landscaping in Ontario discuss their advocacy work in establishing a recognized standard for the snow and ice industry, their approach to insurance and more.

Zech Strauser, founder of Strauser Nature's Helpers in Allentown, PA, joins SIMA CEO Martin Tirado to talk about the importance of camaraderie in the snow & ice industry, the challenges of sustainability and innovation, and his work in promoting landscape and snow as a "green collar" career opportunity.