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Attorneys Josh Ferguson and Alec Tyra discuss winter salt use and the implications its alleged environmental impact could have for commercial snow and ice management and how contractors can mitigate potential legal exposure. A frequent contributor to Snow Magazine, Josh Ferguson is a Partner and Co-chair of the Philadelphia office of Freeman, Mathis & Gary LLP. He is a highly experienced attorney with an array of experience in high exposure tort, employment and professional liability cases. Josh’s tort and catastrophic loss practice includes defense of premises liability, transportation, product liability, toxic and mass tort claims. He serves as general counsel for a wide variety of businesses, including those in the construction, snow and ice management, power sweeping, landscaping, and property management industries. Josh regularly advises clients on pending legislation at the federal and state levels. He has drafted legislation on behalf of various industries, and has been asked to speak in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pa., before house committees. Josh also has experience defending employment discrimination and harassment claims, ADA claims, and disputes surrounding employment agreements. He also has defended claims against homeowners associations and community associations. Alec D. Tyra is an Associate in Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP’s Sacramento office. He attended Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law where he graduated cum laude and was an O’Connor Honors Fellow. He was an Articles Editor for Jurimetrics, the ABA’s official journal for the section on law, science, and technology. While at ASU, Alec earned Certificates of specialization in three areas ­– Trial Advocacy; Law, Science, and Technology; and Law and Sustainability. Alec has published on topics ranging from persistent environmental pollutants, natural resource management, and data privacy in genetic research.  Prior to law school, he earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis. As an undergraduate, he graduated with Highest Honors and earned the Scholarship for Outstanding Performance in the Major for 2016. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

OPEI's Kris Kiser rejoins the podcast to review the state of the power equipment industry. We discuss the impact the supply chain, fuel prices, parts availability and other issues will have as you prepare for Winter 2022-23. Kris Kiser is the President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of Equip Exposition, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Had it with negativity in the workplace, among your employees, and in life in general? Contributor and coach Alan Zimmerman discusses the power in being a positive influence and how things like “mind binders” and “killer statements” hold back your team’s momentum. As a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and authority on the topics of Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, and Attitude, Dr. Zimmerman has spoken to more than one million people in 49 states and 22 countries.  His articles and interviews have appeared in hundreds of publications, and on networks all over the world. Dr. Zimmerman’s Tuesday Tip is published each week and is available for reprinting and sharing with the appropriate credit. Each week his Tuesday Tip reaches an immeasurable number of people through social networks and emails that are forwarded and broadcasted through local, national, and multinational organizations. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Industry coach and Snow Magazine contributor Joe Kujawa returns to the podcast to discuss his outlook for 2022, including managing through labor and supply chain shortfalls, reexamining pricing, and coming to terms with COVID. Joe Kujawa serves as senior facilitator and dedicated practice leader at Bruce Wilson & Co. He was most recently an owner and executive vice president of Kujawa Enterprises, Inc. (KEI), a legacy landscaping and winter services firm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He is a 2016 Leadership Award recipient. Joe provides executive leadership in implementing a vision for peer group education events and industry relations. In particular, he consults with snow market leaders on winter services strategies, as well as companies facing the unique challenges of a family-owned business.  The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Industry coach and Snow Magazine contributor Fred Haskett returns to the podcast to discuss 2022 business issues, including getting ahead of the labor crisis, managing supply chain hiccups, and re-evaluating your pricing strategy.  Fred Haskett is a 45+ -year Green Industry veteran who has professional leadership experience as an owner in small and mid-sized operations and as a senior executive with some of the most outstanding organizations in the Green Industry. He has served as President, Vice President, Regional Manager and Division Manager and has had P&L responsibility for Multi State / Multi Branch operations with revenues exceeding $45 Million annually. During his career Fred has directly managed the sales and production of over $207 million landscape services, $80 million in lawn care and tree care services, $24 million in vegetation management services, and $12 million in pest control services.  In addition to being a regular Snow Magazine contributor, Fred is Principle Partner with TrueWinds Consulting where he brings tremendous experience in operations, finances, sales, marketing and franchising. Fred is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager (NALP), Certified Arborist (ISA), Certified Turfgrass Professional (PLCAA), and in 2006 was named an NALP Trailblazer by his peers. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Jason Ostrander, dir of snow at Philly-based Sauers Snow and Ice, rejoins the podcast to discuss a recent realignment to its hiring strategy that allowed the snow ops to not only reduce in-event errors, but also better serve its clients. Founded in 1997, Joe and Mike Sauers started Sauers, Inc. as a neighborhood lawn cutting business and by 1999 they had introduced snow removal services for all of their clients. In 2003, they were joined by their sister, Stephanie Sauers-Boyd who came on as the company’s President. Together, the three siblings have worked to transition their full-service tree and landscape company into an award-winning snow and ice management service provider for the Philadelphia Region. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

TDS Meteorologist Joseph Cooper offers his Winter 2021-22 forecast and weighs in on La Nina's influence, seasonal extremes and what snow contractors might expect when it comes to snow and ice events this season. Thermodynamic Solutions LLC was founded in 2016 by Joseph (JT) Cooper and Beth Carpenter. Both JT and Beth were born and raised in central Indiana, and were fascinated by weather from a very young age. Their fascination and passion for weather drove them to study meteorology in college and to pursue Private Meteorological Consulting as a career. Combined, they have over 15 years of forecasting experience in the Ohio Valley.  The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Members of the Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center at the University of Connecticut join the podcast to discuss how they’re helping snow management pros in New England use less salt, recent research, and the potential to assist commercial contractors better manage their salt use on clients’ properties. The CT Training and Technical Assistance Center (T2 Center) at the University of Connecticut is Connecticut’s Local Technical Assistance Program, one of 51 centers in the United States funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the State Department of Transportation. CLICK HERE for more information. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

ASCA Executive Director Kevin Gilbride rejoins the podcast to discuss a wealth of topics, including  active legislation in Pa. and Mass., striking balance in snow and ice, overcoming labor and supply chain issues, and new challenges to be aware of heading into Winter 2021-22. The Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) was formed in 2012 with two primary objectives:  to provide the professional snow contractor with formalized education to ensure continued risk reduction in the industry, and to change the laws that drive insurance rates up and create imbalance, unfair competitive practices, and safety issues for our industry. These goals were established in recognition that the outside world (property managers, insurance companies, and legislative bodies) did not look favorably upon the snow and ice management industry. The association's efforts directly result in lower insurance costs and a reduction of the number of slip-and-fall lawsuits you are unfairly exposed to. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

SnowCare for Troops has been supporting the families of active military personnel for more than a decade. Now the national labor crisis has trickled down and threatens the program for this winter. Project Evergreen's Ki Matsko returns to the podcast to explains how and where you can help the most this winter. For families of deployed military personnel, clearing driveways and sidewalks can be a real challenge. To meet that challenge, BOSS Snowplow and Project EverGreen established the SnowCare for Troops program to provide complimentary snow and ice removal services to these deserving individuals. Now in its eighth year, SnowCare for Troops has partnered with more than 1,500 snow removal volunteers to offer more than 5,000 military families  with complimentary snow and ice removal services.  SnowCare for Troops is more than clearing driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice- it is a means to ease the burden of deployments on military families. Interested military families and veterans can also register for participation in the SnowCare for Troops program by calling Project EverGreen at 888-611-2955 or registering online at projectevergreen.org/greencare-and-snowcare-for-troops/. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Industry coach Neal Glatt returns to the podcast to discuss how leadership and culture can improve your odds to successfully attract and retain the necessary workforce you need for this winter. As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Speaker, and Trainer, Neal offers workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching to aid personal and professional growth through study and practical application of proven leadership methods. Working together, Neal moves clients and their teams' organizations in the desired direction to reach their goals.  The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Economist Taylor St. Germain says economic growth will remain strong into 2022, but so will the ongoing labor crisis. St. Germain shares the important economic facts you need to know to run your snow ops. As an economic analyst, Taylor St. Germain provides consulting services for small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries. His dynamic personality and extensive knowledge of economic trends and their business relevance are highly valued by clients and colleagues alike. Taylor is a member of ITR’s Dallas team and specializes in forecasting at both the market and company levels. With his depth of experience, Taylor is a key contributor to ITR Economics’ forecast accuracy rating of 94.7%. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Biz consultant Gene Marks joins the podcast to discuss why and when to develop a transition strategy, establishing goals, and why it’s maybe the most important plan you ever make in business. Gene Marks is the founder of Marks Group PC and a featured educator at the 2021 Executive Summit and will speak about estate planning and developing an exit or succession strategy for you and your business. A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer The Guardian, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Gene has written five books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His latest best selling books are In God We Trust, Everyone Else Pays Cash and The 2020 Small Business Book Of Lists — Volume 1 and Volume 2. Nationally, Gene appears regularly on MSNBC and Fox News as well as The John Batchelor Show and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and—most importantly—the actions they can take to continue to grow and profit. Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses. Prior to starting the Marks Group PC Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

KC snowfighter Kyle Rose returns to the podcast with a progress report on his new headquarters, including managing vandalism, theft, construction overruns, and how he retains his sanity. CLICK HERE to catch Episode 1 of this series. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

University of Toronto researchers Don Jackson and Lauren Lawson discuss their recent research on winter rock salt use in urban environments and what commercial contractors must know about the long-term impact current deicing practices may have on urban environments and infrastructure. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Attorney Josh Ferguson explains the recent rise in employment-related lawsuits and how to best protect yourself and your business from these costly claims. A frequent contributor to Snow Magazine, Josh is a Partner and Co-chair of the Philadelphia office of Freeman, Mathis & Gary LLP. He is a highly experienced attorney with an array of experience in high exposure tort, employment and professional liability cases. Josh’s tort and catastrophic loss practice includes defense of premises liability, transportation, product liability, toxic and mass tort claims. He serves as general counsel for a wide variety of businesses, including those in the construction, snow and ice management, power sweeping, landscaping, and property management industries. Josh regularly advises clients on pending legislation at the federal and state levels. He has drafted legislation on behalf of various industries, and has been asked to speak in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pa., before house committees. Josh also has experience defending employment discrimination and harassment claims, ADA claims, and disputes surrounding employment agreements. He also has defended claims against homeowners associations and community associations. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Snow industry sales consultant Marvin Montgomery shares the right way to end the snow season and begin working on next winter -- focus on your existing clients. For more than 30 years, Marvin Montgomery has earned widespread national recognition and praise for his informative, practical and stimulating programs that reflect his basic philosophy: “Preparation and practice are the keys to sales success.” Marvin’s captivating presentations have assisted hundreds of organizations to meet or exceed their sales goals using his training programs. Many of Marvin’s clients have said that getting “Marvinized” has truly made a difference in their company and Marvin has become a mandatory part of company training. In addition to his training programs, Marvin has given keynote addresses, public workshops and presentations for all industries, professional services, chambers, associations and organizations of all sizes.  The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Snow Magazine contributor and Brilar COO Mike Voories returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Complain Or Compete: Creating an unfair advantage in a tough labor market. Plus, he shares a few tips on how to tweak your hiring practices. As Brilar's Chief Operating Officer, Mike is responsible for guiding the company’s growth, profitability, and strategic initiatives. Along with a BBA from Cleary University, Mike has been in the landscape maintenance & snow management industry for over 24 years. Mike lives in Brighton, MI and enjoys spending time with his wife, Alisa, and their Border Collie, Winston. Outside of Brilar, Mike is an author, business consultant, and bourbon and fine cigar connoisseur. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

Cleveland snowfighter Jerry Schill talks about his company’s recent partnership with private equity firm Argonne Capital, shares tips for a successful M&A deal, and explains how people factor into long-term success. Since founding the company in 1993, Jerry Schill has led Schill Grounds Management through periods of expansion. The company added multiple locations in Northeast Ohio to serve the year-round landscaping and snow and ice removal needs of over 700 multi-family, commercial, office, health care and industrial properties. A frequent contributor and columnist for Snow Magazine, Jerry is also a 2011 Leadership Award recipient in recognition for his  accomplishments in the professional snow and ice management industry, for his work with his company, and for the contributions he's made in the community he works in and calls home. CLICK HERE to reader Jerry's leadership profile.  The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.

First in an ongoing series, Kansas City snow pro Kyle Rose shares the trials and tribulations of constructing a new company headquarters. The Snow Magazine Podcast is hosted by Snow Magazine Editor Mike Zawacki and is supported by the Accredited Snow Contractor's Association (ASCA). With education certification that gives you a measurable competitive advantage, a discounted insurance program, networking events, and opportunities to be a part of a legislative effort that is forever changing the professional snow contractor industry, your ASCA membership never stops working for you. For more business management content focused on the professional snow and ice management industry, check out Snow Magazine Online.