Learning to Love Snow

People tend to either love or hate snow. Rarely are people indifferent. Which are you? If you’re like me, you absolutely love snow. Growing up in Michigan, my buddies and I were outside all the time, year-round. In the winter we were sledding, ice skating, playing hockey, making snow forts, and engaging in massive snow fights. The only time we were inside was to grab some food and some dry clothes.

I understand why people don’t like snow, especially older people. Snow comes with cold temperatures and it’s a hassle to deal with snow on top of all of the normal hassles of life. Snowy and icy conditions may be extremely dangerous if not taken care of properly. People who dislike snow would do well to hire a snow pro and leave it to someone else. However, some of the people who dislike snow the most are the snow pros! In this article, I would like to challenge these snow pros to reconsider.

As a snow pro myself, working in the industry for many years running a large snow and ice management operation, snow took on a new meaning for me. A snowfall no longer was just for fun; a snow event represented a challenge. It represented an opportunity. And it brought great satisfaction. Let me explain.

I’ve met hundreds, if not thousands, of snow pros throughout my career of over 35 years. Most of them love snow with a passion that nobody from outside the industry would expect. One of the reasons is because of the challenge it presents.

Every snow event is a unique logistical challenge due to the many variables involved – time of day, day of the week, temperature, type of precipitation, prior conditions, etc. – all while being on the clock with a non-negotiable deadline to meet client expectations. This is where all of the investments in technology, systems, and training come into play. Top snow pros are equipped with the resources and knowledge by By Phil Harwood, GrowtheBench.com

to handle these challenges.

Another reason why snow pros love snow is because it brings a unique opportunity to make a significant difference for many others. While the rest of society is fast asleep, snow pros are busy opening up office complexes, shopping centers, hospitals, roads, driveways and sidewalks.

According to the CDC, one of every three people over 65 will experience a fall. Slip and falls account for 87% of all fractures among seniors and 40% of all nursing home admissions. For society in general, slip and fall injuries account for 12% of all emergency room visits and are the leading cause of worker’s comp claims (source: National Floor Safety Institute). Snow pros provide safe access and reduce the likelihood of an unnecessary fall that could be life-threatening.

A final reason why snow pros love snow is because of the sense of satisfaction it brings. At the end of a snow event, it’s common to see snow pros gathered together at the shop or for breakfast. It reminds me of how nobody wants to leave the locker room after a victorious hockey game. There’s a deep sense of personal pride and satisfaction from completing a job well done, especially when knowing that something important was accomplished.

For those who love snow, keep up the fight. For those who hate snow, I respectfully challenge you to reconsider as you reflect on the deeper meaning of providing snow and ice management services.

Now go forth.

Phil Harwood is a Managing Partner of GrowTheBench.com. GrowTheBench.com provides online education, professional development, and peer groups for the professional landscape and snow industries. Comments are welcome at Phil@GrowTheBench.com.