Talkin’ Winter with Swinter

Ground Builders, Omaha NE Part 2

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:00:17 +0000

Ken and Jason are back with Jason Porto of Ground Builders, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska! They explore how Jason stays organized and finds clarity amidst the chaos of a storm, how to find the right subcontractors, crafting an effective onboarding process...even an ambulance comes into play!

Ground Builders, Omaha NE Part 1

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:00:20 +0000

Get ready to meet our special guest, Jason Porto from Ground Builders, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska! Join Ken and Jason as they dive into the history of Ground Builders and discover how Jason has brought together an incredible team.

SIMA 2024 Recap - Awareness & Efficiency in Technology

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:00:48 +0000

Ken, Nicole, Elizabeth & Jason finish their SIMA 2024 recap with takeaways from the Breakfast Jamboree, including efficiency in technology, software implementation time, importance of contract wording, and using AI generators.

SIMA 2024 Recap - Accountability, The Big Picture, SOPs & More

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:00:14 +0000

Ken, Jason, Elizabeth, & Nicole discuss more takeaways from the first day of the 2024 Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium, like how accountability promotes growth, how to tame the chaos with SOPs, reducing salt without reducing service, and more.

SIMA 2024 Recap Part 1 - Company Culture & Motivation

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:00:10 +0000

Ken, Nicole, Jason, & Elizabeth recap what they saw and learned the first morning at the 2024 Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium, such as the importance of company culture & how to motivate your team.

Advantages of Being a Snow Subcontractor

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:00:06 +0000

On location at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss the benefits of being a snow subcontractor.

Advantages of Using Snow Subcontractors

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:09 +0000

Live from behind the scenes at the Spirit of St. Louis air show practice, Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss the benefits of hiring snow subcontractors.

Slip & Fall Protocol

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:00:18 +0000

With planes roaring above at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Ken, Jason, and Nicole talk about what to do when you're involved in a slip & fall case and what to do during the snow season to have your best foot forward in case of a slip and fall.

What Makes a Good Snow Contract?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:00:23 +0000

Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss what details are important to include in your contracts. (First of all, always have a contract!) This season of Talkin' Winter with Swinter was recorded live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, and this episode was recorded just as the official run through was beginning.

Balancing Snow Removal Contracts

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:00:09 +0000

Live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken & Jason review different contract types, which types to avoid, and how to balance these contract types to guarantee profit.

Buying Risk in Snow Removal

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:00:10 +0000

Live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken & Jason discuss how risk is tied to the service levels you offer your snow customers.

Insurance & Litigation in Snow Removal

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 19:00:17 +0000

Live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during the Blue Angels air show practice, Ken & Jason discuss the importance of insurance and its role in snow and ice-related litigation.

Risk Management in Snow Removal

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:00:14 +0000

Season 8 was recorded live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during the rehearsals for Spirit Of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo.

In this season you'll hear (and see on our YouTube page) snippets from all the different acts that performed while Ken and Jason discuss snow, in between oohing and aahing at the planes, of course! Episode 1 was recorded during air show rehearsal for the Blue Angels. Ken & Jason discuss the types of business risks and how to manage or reduce them.

Check out our special YouTube version of this podcast for videos and photos of their rehearsal. https://youtu.be/Wr79lLraqkI

Working with Nationals

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:12 +0000

Ken, Jason, Adam, and Brent talk about working and competing with national brokers.

Contracts - Slip and Falls

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:00:15 +0000

Ken, Jason, and Adam talk about how important the right contract can be when you are faced with a slip and fall claim or lawsuit.

Closing out the Season - Equipment & Staff

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:00:08 +0000

Ken, Jason, and Adam talk about some things to consider when closing out the season.

How early in the season should you start sales for snow services?

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:08 +0000

Ken, Jason, and Adam talk about when to start talking to customers about next year's snow season. They offer ideas on what to say to get customers to realize they shouldn't wait until September/October to get bids.

Paper vs. Digital Service Logs

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:00:09 +0000

Ken, Jason and Adam talk about the pros and cons of paper and digital service logs.

To Restock or Not to Restock - That is the Question

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:00:13 +0000

Ken, Adam, and Jason toss around some things to consider as the snow season winds down and you're evaluating whether or not to restock your materials.

Post Event Stress

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:00:15 +0000

The guys talk about the frustrations and stress in the days after a snow event.

Bad Forecasts - Oh When the Weatherman Fails

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:00:15 +0000

Ken, Jason, Adam, and Brent talk about the hassles and frustrations when the forecast is less than accurate. They translate weather predictions given by meteorologists into useful information for snow removal companies. Ken also explains how the lack of upper air data can play a huge role in the confidence of a forecast.

Tips for New Drivers / Operators - Part 2

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:00:16 +0000

Ken, Jason, and Adam toss out more things for new plow drivers / operators to consider / know about what will likely be expected of them as they get into the business.

Tips for New Drivers / Operators

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:00:10 +0000

Ken, Jason and Adam toss out some things for new plow drivers / operators to consider / know about what will likely be expected of them as they get into the business.

More Snow Pricing Talk

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:00:12 +0000

Ken, Brent, Jason, and Adam meander through conversations about pricing. They compare and contrast different types of snow pricing contracts, especially per event / inch vs per push. Ken explains the importance of having a base knowledge of your costs before you figure out what to charge. Finally they begin to discuss residential snow plowing.

Factors that affect snow service pricing

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:11 +0000

Ken, Brent, Jason and Adam talk about factors that affect snow service pricing. They discuss what makes some properties easier to price than others, which is more than just size and shape. They also bring up how routes and labor/equipment capacity affect your cost, which affects your profit and therefore your price.

We're BACK, and we start to talk about how to price hauling snow.

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:27:22 +0000

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.

Getting Acclimated to the Snow Business

Tue, 09 May 2023 13:00:10 +0000

Ken, Brent and Jason talk about some of the challenges associated with hiring and training new account managers in the snow business.

Photos - to take or not to take?

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:46:51 +0000

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

Working With Nationals

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:00:12 +0000

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

Why Are Liquids Everywhere?

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:00:10 +0000

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

When to buy equipment?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:00:13 +0000

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

3 - Honest in the Post Season

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:00:13 +0000

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.

2 - Snow Blowers

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:00:14 +0000

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.

1 - In Field Repairs

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:00:13 +0000

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 misfortunes.

Bag Product Procurement

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:00:10 +0000

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

Bulk Deicers Procurement

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 14:00:13 +0000

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

Off Season Material Storage

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:00:15 +0000

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

Off Season Storage

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:11:46 +0000

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 the different kinds of rust protection available and the pros/cons of each. The final touches include battery conditioners, changing out fluids, and cleaning/changing your filters.

Automation in the Snow Industry

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:00:09 +0000

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

When to Sell or Upgrade Your Equipment

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:00:12 +0000

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

Know Your Costs

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:00:15 +0000

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

The Future of Snow Removal

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:00:16 +0000

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

Making Changes Mid Season

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:12 +0000

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.

Busted Forecasts

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:00:10 +0000

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

Building Customer Relationships

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 14:00:15 +0000

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. .

How Much Customer Contact is Too Much Customer Contact?

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:12 +0000

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.

Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:00:12 +0000

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.

We're on Twitter!

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 22:45:45 +0000

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

Establishing Pricing

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:00:10 +0000

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

Determining Your Costs

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:00:07 +0000

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

Snow Stakes - Good or bad??

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:00:18 +0000

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

Super Cold Events - Part 3: Keeping People Warm

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:00:09 +0000

Ken, Zack & Brent discuss tips and tricks for keeping your laborers and operators warm during super cold events.

Super Cold Events - Part 2: Salt and Diesel Treatments

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:46:06 +0000

Ken, Zack & Brent talk about treated salt and diesel treatments to use during super cold events.

Super Cold Events - Part 1: Deicing Chemicals

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:43:38 +0000

Ken, Zack & Brent discuss what you need to consider when using deicing chemicals during snow events with super cold temperatures.

Honesty in Snow Bidding

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:01:54 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent discuss the pitfalls of less than honest snow bids and how to handle them with your customers.

A Little Fun With Snow Plow Mafia

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:00:21 +0000

After about 10 minutes of chit chat, Ken, Brent, and Zack take a look through the Facebook group called Snow Plow Mafia and have some fun talking about the different types of posts they see. Conversations include the benefits of the zig zag track over the bar, how much different people charge per hour and per square foot, and the relationship between the quality of the question in the post and the number and quality of comments on the post. They have some fun discussing the type of answers and questions because it seems not everyone gives honest results, lol!

Sno-Power Introduction

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 18:22:52 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the newest, coolest, most awesome plow to hit the market...the SnowEx-Power F Series plow.

Which Plow is the Best?

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 18:21:18 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent debate which style of plow is the best.

Getting Contracts Signed

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:21:06 +0000

Ken, Zack, and Brent discuss what to do after a customer asks for a bid. They talk about questions to ask, why to ask them, and red flags to look out for. After a getting a bit off topic, they also bring up ideas on how to approach customers after it seems you may have lost a bid.

Sad, but true stories we've witnessed in snow

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:07:24 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent have story time. They share the interesting people and situations they've witnessed in the snow industry. The good, the bad, and the almost unbelievable!

Salt Mine Tour

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:54:27 +0000

Ken and Nicole talk about their VIP tour of a working salt mine. They went 1,000 feet down and 3.5 miles into the mine to see how salt starts as a vein in the ground and ends up in chunks above ground. Part of the experience was watching an underground explosion. Standing 1,000 feet away in pitch blackness, they felt the impact and saw an amazing site. Ken and Nicole describe the entire experience.

Then, back up on top of the earth, they went 4 stories up in another building to see how those salt chunks become much smaller particles and end up in a more than 150' wide by ~800' long by 80' tall building FULL of bulk salt. Take a listen to this amazing process.

Caterpillar Equipment Highlight

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:12:47 +0000

Tim Greenwood, sales guru with Fabick Caterpillar joins Ken, Zack and Brent to talk about Cat iron.

Getting Ready For Winter in August

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:09:21 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent discuss why it's important to start getting ready for snow at least 3-4 months before the first snow might fall. They talk about:

equipment: what to check and how to check it
deicing equipment: get pricing early so you know your costs
customers: why and how to create a rapport with your customers as well as how to set yourself apart from your competitors.
finding sub work: why the early bird gets the worm, or the prime properties.
and more!

2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 2

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:08:27 +0000

This episode is all about the trade show at the 25th anniversary of SIMA's snow and ice symposium. The crew discusses the products and experiences that they found the most interesting, including the Vortex backpack blower, Ironhawk Industrial vibration /sound dampeners for plows, Winter Equipment's Cutting Edges, the Raven bumper plow, Hilltip, spring loaded wear shoes, a dragon wing, and spiral metals.

2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 1

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:03:55 +0000

Day 2 of the 25th anniversary of the SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium included snack and chats on social media, software, and recruitment as well as session about Leading from the Middle and Automation in Snow and Ice Management.

Topics the Ken, Brent, Mollie, and Nicole discuss include:

Ways to use Facebook
Google Ads (formerly Google Adwords)
Incentive ideas for recruiting and keeping employees
The importance of good communication
How to receive feedback
Benefits and challenges to using robots to clear sidewalks, including whether it replaces employees or helps them
Where the green industry is using robots right now

2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 2

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:21:09 +0000

Ken, Nicole, Brent, and Mollie talk about the first day at the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 2 of 2

They discuss a wide range of topics! From their escapes around Milwaukee to a recap of the classes called "Creating Team Efficiency to improve the bottom line", where they discuss leading your leaders and the Kolbe Index and "Planning for Snow 52 weeks a year", where they talked about the importance of securing snow contracts as early as the summer to help all involved.

Here are a few links to things we mention in this podcast:

Kolbe - https://www.kolbe.com/kolbe-a-index

Vanilla Cranberry Lemonade - https://www.monin.com/us/vanilla-spice-cranberry-lemonade

Fancy chocolate - https://www.indulgencechocolatiers.com/shop/bars/seasonal-bark-tropical/

Soylent Green - https://youtu.be/N_jGOKYHxaQ

2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 1

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:18:46 +0000

Ken, Brent, Nicole, and Mollie attended the 25th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium in Milwaukee. They each visited different educational sessions and discuss what they learned in the next few podcasts. Of course the trades how and exciting new products (robots?!) is a topic as well.

Show #9 - Installs & Sima Recap

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:54:39 +0000

Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the SIMA symposium, robots in the snow industry and the challenges associated with installing snow plows and salt spreaders.

Show #8 - Staying Warm & Online Presence

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:06:50 +0000

Ken and the guys embark on our first nearly completely unscripted show. The only things on the discussion table are tips and tricks for keeping warm and what to do and what not to do online.

Show #7 - Daniels Plow Facility Tour

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:59:31 +0000

Ken & Brent travel to Holland, Michigan to meet with Wade Madsen for a site visit, tour and interview. Wade then joined the team for recording the following day.

Show #6 - Employee Recruiting & Training

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:15:10 +0000

The fellers discuss tips & tricks on recruiting employees for winter operations and some thoughts on how to train them.

Show #5 - 1/2 Ton Pickup Capabilities

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:12:48 +0000

The Swinter team talks about the pros and cons of snow removal with a 1/2 ton pickup truck.

Show #4 - Snow Removal in the News

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:17:59 +0000

The guys discuss some questionable snow removal related social media posts as well as some bizarre stories from the news.

Show #3 - Subcontracting

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:02:34 +0000

Discussions about the very general topic of subcontracting. Not the funniest episode, but packed with information and hopefully a little perspective!

Show #2 - Rising Costs

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:38:50 +0000

Today we talk about how rising costs impact your snow customers and what we can do to offset those costs.

Show #1 - Winter Cleanup

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:31:36 +0000

Tips, tricks and suggestions on wrapping up a winter season.

We talk about how to maintain and improve your equipment, materials, customers and staffing in the off season.