Advertise on podcast: Snow Talk with SIMA

In this episode, George Urvari from Knowledge Tree Consulting shares his entrepreneurial journey, leadership insights, and strategies for business growth and efficiency in the outdoor services industry.

In this episode, Jeff Papenburg from 1st Phorm shares insights on health and wellness strategies for snow and ice management crews working in winter storms. We discuss hydration, nutrition, energy drinks, and company culture initiatives to promote long-term health and safety

Host Martin Tirado sits down with industry experts Anthony Brown (Dig It Rentals) and JP Sanieski (Perrone Landscaping) to break down essential strategies for winter equipment prep. From post-season maintenance and smart staging to build-versus-lease decisions, learn how standardization, backup plans, and proactive fleet management can save your business when big storms hit

When Paul Vanderzon received SIMA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, it wasn’t just about a career; it was a testament to decades of giving back, mentoring, and leading in the snow and ice industry. From a young boy on a Montreal snowplow to one of the most influential figures in North America, Paul shares the raw and inspiring story of building a legacy rooted in service, innovation, and community. His journey shows that success isn’t just measured in driveways cleared but in lives touched and industry standards elevated.

Most snow professionals aren’t prepared for the next salt shortage - and it could cost your business more than you think. In this eye-opening episode, industry expert Phil Sexton reveals the hidden factors behind the 2025-26 salt crisis and offers actionable strategies to future-proof your operations. Phil breaks down the domino effect of regulations, environmental impacts, and global dependencies that led to this year’s soaring costs—up to $300 per ton in some areas—and explains what every contractor must do now to avoid being hit again. Discover how decades of environmental and logistical challenges have created a fragile salt supply chain, and why relying solely on traditional sourcing and pricing models is a recipe for disaster.

Jack of All People Trades' founder Evan Tachoir joins Snow Talk to share his perspectives on employee engagement, delegation and how to thrive when you understand your "why".

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the highs and lows of a truly unpredictable winter. From the historic mid-March 2026 storms that blanketed the Northeast and upper Midwest to the challenging droughts out West, we’re breaking down the data that defined the last four months. This episode features insights from two industry powerhouses: Deb Mattson, CSP (Business Manager at Allied Snow Removal): Deb shares how her team navigated the intense Northeast storm cycle, the lessons learned on the front lines, and how customer expectations are shifting in the wake of "big weather" events. Jennifer Walth, CSP (Senior Manager at Douglas Dynamics): Jennifer brings a manufacturer's perspective to the table, discussing the latest in equipment performance and industry trends. Whether you're managing a fleet or a business, tune in to hear how the pros handled one of the most unusual winters on record and what it means for the future of snow and ice management. Special thanks to our sponsors:This season of Snow Talk is proudly sponsored by Western Snow Plows and Fisher Engineering.

Snow Talk host Martin Tirado speaks with England-based Accugrit's Dean Harvey to chat the differences in snow and ice management in North America compared with the United Kingdom. Plus, they talk a little football (not the American kind).

In this episode of Snow Talk, host Martin Tirado speaks with Jacob Shivo, a leader in the snow and ice management industry. Jacob shares his journey into the field, his company's response to Hurricane Pauline, and the importance of community and networking in the industry. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during recovery efforts, innovations in snow management, and the significance of building relationships within the industry.

Join me on this episode of Snow Talk as we explore the vital connection between sales and operations at EMI, a leading snow management company. We'll discuss how EMI effectively aligns these departments to streamline processes, enhance communication, and ensure operational efficiency, especially during winter storms. I’m joined by Scott Shelton, the Business Development Manager, and Zach Kolasa, Operations Manager, who share insights on their comprehensive sales strategies, robust training programs, and the importance of educating clients on service expectations. As the conversation unfolds, we’ll also examine tools and technologies that support seamless operations and improve customer experiences. Tune in for valuable lessons that can elevate your snow management business.

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.