When you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Each year, the snow season comes and goes. We push through it, ensuring public safety by keeping roads clear of hazardous driving conditions, sidewalks free from slips, and parking lots accessible so businesses can operate as usual. However, what often gets overlooked is the extensive planning that goes into running a successful snow removal company.

Planning doesn’t start when winter arrives—it begins much earlier. While some areas may still be at risk for snowfall, most companies have already cleaned up their equipment for the season, either storing it away or repurposing it for other business needs.

So, what should a snow removal company plan for?

• Contracts for the upcoming season – Do we have the right agreements in place?

• Equipment readiness – Do we have the necessary machinery for the sites we service? Do we need additional equipment or attachments?

• Staffing – Do we have enough personnel? If not, do we have the capacity to train new staff?

• Parts and supplies – Do we have the necessary replacement parts on hand for quick repairs? Snow removal is tough on equipment, and breakdowns are inevitable. In the middle of the night, being prepared with extra hoses, couplers, shoes, and edges can make all the difference. Should these items be budgeted for now, or should they be part of pre-season planning?

When people say a snow business only operates for a few months, the reality is quite different. Snow businesses work year-round to ensure people can commute safely and businesses can function without disruption.

The planning is the silent, unseen work that most people forget about.

So—what are you planning to do?