Snow Talk with SIMA

In this episode of Snow Talk, we explore the unique challenges of snow management in the Mid-Atlantic region, from Washington, DC, to Baltimore. Joined by industry experts Steve Mruk of Potomac Lawns and Mike McCarron of ImageWorks Landscaping, we delve into the complexities of operating in an area with inconsistent snowfall. We discuss the impact of heavy traffic, school schedules, and government operations on snow management. Our conversation also highlights the importance of training, technology, and innovative solutions like liquid deicing. Tune in as we uncover how contractors navigate unpredictable weather and client expectations in this demanding market.

In this conversation, SIMA Foundation CEO, Martin Tirado, discusses the role of associations and their sister organizations, 501c3 foundations, can build the industry through research and the importance of understanding the industry's impact for growth. He emphasizes the need for financial support from stakeholders to continue this progress with his guest, SIMA Foundation Board Chair, Jim Hornung, Jr., CSP (Elbers Landscape Services, Inc.)

In this year-in-review podcast, Martin Tirado, CEO of SIMA, discusses the past year's achievements and future plans with board members Chris Hinton, CSP (GRM Inc.) and Jeff Heller, CSP (Innovative Maintenance Solutions). They highlight strategic planning initiatives, the launch of the Accelerate program for emerging leaders, and the upcoming symposium in Cincinnati. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, addressing insurance challenges, and the role of the SIMA Foundation in supporting industry research and education. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and take advantage of the resources available through SIMA.

Jim Plona, Director of Snow & Ice at McNelly Services in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Evan Newman discuss how to scale a snow business – smartly and sustainably.

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.

In this episode of Snow Talk, Evan Newman from SIMA sits down with Kevin Stonitsch, CSP, 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.

Russ Marsan of Carpenter & Costin in Vermont joins Snow Talk to discuss his efforts in elevating the importance of the trades through his work with Bring Back the Trades.

Blizzards in the deep south...say what?! Levi Jett, CSP, ASM, joins Snow Talk to share stories of how he and a team of snow fighters traveled to New Orleans to assist municipalities that were out of their element when a blizzard bore down on a large swath of the south.

JC Grounds Management's Jon Crandall, CSP, discusses the importance of educating property managers on snow removal. He also shares his new book, which he wrote to help the industry with that outreach.

Snow Mikhail Ter-Grigoryan, president of Just for Snow Property Services, covers his insights on the snow removal industry, including preparation, best practices, employee engagement, innovation, competition, attracting and identifying talent, workplace culture, momentum, risk-taking, and perspective.