Landscape Management, December 2015

by Phil harwood Learning to love snow photo istock com lissart T heres one thing i know for sure about snow people either love it or consider it a four letter word never to be spoken aloud a friendly server mentioned to me in passing that there was precipitation not in the form of a liquid falling on her way to work that morning she was talking about snow and couldnt bring herself to use the word Even people in the snow business often detest the white stuf Just thinking about it makes their blood pressure rise i completely understand where theyre coming from there are unique pressures with snow that not everyone is cut out for But the same could be said about being a dentist or a pilot there are challenges but also many rewards my goal is to help snow professionals fully embrace the snow season even if they would prefer to have nothing to do with it Why We do it id like to start with the why the snow business comes with a built in mission statement to provide a safe environment for society during winter For those with a servants heart this mission is a powerful driver of personal satisfaction every night No amount of cold air wet toes or sleep deprivation will detract from the mission some snow professionals are less motivated by serving others they love the sense of accomplishment seeing a freshly plowed lot and cleared sidewalks Before leaving the property to go to the next site they slowly drive the property and admire their work they often wonder how it can be possible that theyre getting paid to do something so rewarding still others love the still of the night as they drive down quiet lonely roads theyre amazed by the natural beauty of a fresh snowfall the crunching sound of their tires or boots on the snow brings back childhood memories Being able to drive without trafc in normally congested areas is an unusual thrill soon the roads will be jammed and the thrill will be gone But for now theres something magical in the air my point is many people fnd meaning purpose and enjoyment in the snow business perhaps you could join those of us who are in this camp by taking a new perspective there are more practical ways to learn to love snow snow events are much more enjoyable when things run smoothly some of you have never witnessed a smooth snow event so this is a foreign concept a smooth snow event is possible only with the development of a systematic snow system where every aspect is well designed and fawlessly executed many of the people who love snow tell me their companys snow division is the most process driven and reliable aspect of their overall business its those who havent made sufcient investments in their snow businesses who dont love snow Frankly i wouldnt either if i were in their shoes Finally when youre learning to love snow its important to be rested hydrated well nourished and dry Good snow professionals dont mess around theyre diligent about getting sleep when they can drinking lots of water during snow events fueling their bodies with the right stuf and being properly dressed with layers waterproof clothing and a second set of clothes just in case theres nothing more miserable than being wet cold hungry and tired a bit of planning will save the day so what about you Do you know someone who doesnt yet love snow i have a feeling that with the right perspective a good system and proper personal care he or she could learn to love snow Do you agree Snow Strategy SNOW ICE GUIDE the author is president and cEo of pro motion consulting reach him at phil@ mypmcteam com LanDSCaPeManageMent net December 2015 62