Next – Snow or Ice falling off cars……

Posted on April 6, 2012 by John Allin

Now (or rather, next winter) is the time for New Jersey motorists to make sure they have scrapers and brushes in their vehicles.  An amended law went into effect March 27, 2012 that requires motorists to remove all ice and snow from their vehicles before traveling on the roads. Violators face tickets and fines.

Motorists previously faced tickets if property damage or injuries occurred as a result of failing to remove ice and snow.

Fines for violating the new law range from $25 to $75. The fines increase to $200 to $1,000 when injuries or property damage occur.

Commercial motor vehicle drivers face fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 for each offense

 NJ.com

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Ice coming off a truck…..

Posted on April 2, 2012 by John Allin

Ice or snow blowing off a truck?  How many times have we seen that and thought “isn’t that dangerous!!”

Based on what she saw at the time, a Sussex County NJ woman who was injured when ice flew off a truck through her windshield was accurate when she told police the passing truck was white in color, a judge said. 

Cheryl Desiderio-Huberdeau had no way of knowing the box truck, owned by John H. Heine Plumbing & Heating of Newton, NJ, was actually a deep purple color because it was covered in salt and road grit, said Sparta Municipal Court Judge John Mulhern.  The true distinctive purple color only became visible after the truck was washed, said Mulhern, who found Kristopher Heine, 29, of Fredon, NJ guilty of failing to remove ice from the vehicle and fined him $750 for the motor vehicle offense following a three-day trial. 

“The pictures I received from the defendant showed a clean vehicle, pictures that were taken three days after” the accident, said Mulhern.   “I do not find some of the testimony given by the defendant to be credible. There were too many contradictions,” he said. 

Desiderio-Huberdeau, 53, of Sparta, also misidentified the truck to police as being owned by “Heino” plumbing and heating, instead of “Heine,” but the judge said that error could have been easily made.  “Heino” is a pretty close approximation. It’s just missing one letter at the end,” he said, in response to defense attorney Gary Kraemer’s challenge to Desiderio-Huberdeau’s testimony.  Desiderio-Huberdeau called 911 from the scene of the accident on Glen Road in Sparta at 12:41 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2011 – several days after nearly 2 feet of snow had fallen in northern New Jersey — after the windshield on her 1998 Jeep Wrangle imploded on impact with the ice. She was treated at a hospital for cuts to her face following the accident. 

Heine was stopped shortly after the accident by Jefferson police on Berkshire Valley Road about eight miles from the scene. He told police he was unaware that any ice had fallen off his 2009 Dodge Ram truck.  Heine, a technician for John H. Heine Plumbing and Heating, is the son of the owner of the business.  Mulhern stayed the imposition of the fine, pending appeal. The offense carries a maximum fine of $1,500.

Heine was one of 3,645 motorists in New Jersey charged with failing to remove ice or snow from their motor vehicles since an amended motor vehicle statute took effect on Oct. 20, 2010.

 By Joe Moszczynski/The Star-Ledger/NJ.com

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Snow Plow Boogaloo…..

Posted on March 30, 2012 by John Allin

A little comic relief…..

Check it out….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yy8o1BeFaA

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Where did it snow? Alaska, of course.

Posted on March 30, 2012 by John Allin

A near-record snowfall this winter has buried Anchorage neighborhoods, turning streets into snow-walled canyons and even collapsing some roofs.  But some residents are hoping for more, at least another 3.3 inches. Then they could say they made it through the winter when the nearly 60-year record of 132.6 inches was broken. 

“I want it destroyed,” resident Melissa Blair said. “I want to see another foot and knock that record out of the park.”  Even by Alaska standards, this winter is unusual for the hardy residents of the state’s largest city. But extreme weather isn’t just affecting Alaska, it has also hit the Lower 48.  The first three months of 2012 have seen twice the normal number of tornadoes. And 36 states set daily high temperature records Thursday. The Lower 48 had its fourth warmest winter on record, while Alaska had its coldest January on record. 

Two different weather phenomenon – La Nina and its northern cousin the Arctic Oscillation – are mostly to blame, meteorologists say. Global warming could also be a factor because it is supposed to increase weather extremes, climate scientists say.  “When you start to see the extreme events become more common, that’s when you can say that it is a consequence of global warming,” University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver said.  Nearly 11 feet of snow has fallen on Anchorage this winter, forcing the city to haul away at least 250,000 tons of snow – or around 500 million pounds – to its six snow disposal sites. 

The sites are close to overflowing. State and city crews are working around the clock to clear almost 2,500 miles of roads.

City street maintenance superintendent Dan Southard said the 125,000 truckloads of snow hauled by city crews would stack up to almost 1,200 feet if they were dumped onto a football field surrounded by walls.  That’s not even counting the loads disposed of by state crews.

“It’s an enormous task,” Southard said of this winter’s challenges. 

This winter is just fine with Kenny Withrow, owner of Popeye’s Services, a snow-clearing outfit. He has been working well into the night, clearing driveways and parking lots and charging $350 to $1,200 for each roof clearing job.  Last year, he cleared maybe five roofs. This year, he’s done as many as 50, and the phone calls from worried residents keep coming. Withrow enjoys the snow because of its beauty and the snowmobiling adventures it makes possible.  He does wonder if it’s ever going to end, though. Still, he’s rooting for more of the white stuff. There’s that record to break.  “We’re so close,” he said. “We might as well just get it done.” 

To date, the city has received 129.4 inches of snow this winter, compared with the historical average of 69.5 inches. No more is expected in the coming days, but snow can typically fall well into April, which averages four inches.  National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Strickland said it’s hard to predict whether the city will win the big-snow crown.  “Bring it on,” said Strickland, an enthusiastic outdoorsman. “We could break the record every year and I’d be happy. But there probably would be a lot of unhappy people.” 

Count Nick Wiederholt among them. He’s sick of snow and cold and can’t wait for the long, warm days of summer. But first, he’s bracing for the mess ahead when the snow melts.  “I always say I’ll survive winter if I can get a good summer,” he said. 

From AP reports…….although it reminds me of Erie winters – 129.4” is “average” when you get 3 miles inland from Lake Erie.

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Judy Guido to lead “Forum For Sales” event at Snowfighters Institute

Posted on March 27, 2012 by John Allin

Judy Guido will be joining me in facilitating the Snowfighters Institute “Forum for Sales” event May 21, 22, 23, 24.  Judy is a nationally recognized authority on sales, strategic planning and managing a sales force. 

Judith Guido is Chairwoman and founder of Guido & Associates, a business management company specializing in the areas of Strategy, Branding, Sales, Research, Product Development, Sustainablity and Women’s markets, while focusing on helping organizations grow their people and profits.  Judy has been recognized as one of the highest ranking women in the Green Industry. Prior to founding her own business management practice, Guido was the Executive Vice President of Valley Crest, the nation’s largest [$950 million with 10,000+ employees] privately-held integrated landscape firm. Some of Valley Crest’s brands include Valley Crest Landscape Architecture, Valley Crest Landscape Development, Valley Crest Golf, Valley Crest Tree and Nursery and the 135+ U.S. Lawn franchises. 

Guido was Chief Marketing officer and Executive Vice President of business development and strategic alliances for Cirqit, a New Jersey based technology and consulting company.  She also served as the senior marketing and strategy executive with ServiceMaster, a $3.5+ billion Fortune 500 company, and a global service provider.

 Judy is an advisor and board of director for the Yellowstone Landscape Group, which was founded in 2008 and is now the tenth largest commercial landscape management firm in the country. Guido also sits on the executive board of a non-profit organization called Generation Water, which is a sustainable organization dedicated to water conservation and management, and training young adults for careers in the Green Industry. 

Guido was one of four executives who took LandCare USA public [IPO] on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in June of 1998.  She was the Executive Vice President and national director of sales at LandCare USA, which was purchased by ServiceMaster in 1999, and integrated into their TruGreen group. 

A consulting professional, specializing in service industries’ including the Green, Snow and Real Estate market, Guido has been involved in over ninety mergers and acquisitions. She is a member of PLANET, an international Green association, and sits on their public relations and marketing committee. She was a lead player in PLANET’s rebranding initiative. Guido was also instrumental in the national rebranding for Valley Crest, Aquascape and Snow and Ice Management Association. She is a member of several green international, national and regional associations including IECA, SIMA and CLCA. 

She is a contributing author to the globally successful book “Branding Across Borders”.  She is currently working on a book, “Titans of Our Industry-Lessons Learned from the Greatest in the Green Industry”.  She is a nationally recognized public speaker and researcher in the Green industry.  Guido is a contributing editor and columnist for association publications including Planet News, Irrigation and Green, IECA Connection, and SIMA News.  She has educated thousands of Green and Snow industry professionals over her career through her keynote talks, symposiums, webinars, mentoring and columns.   Judy has worked with Fortune 500 companies, Contractors, Professional Associations, Manufacturers, Distributors, Private Equity Groups, Growers, Engineers, Architects, Government Leaders, Non-Profits, and one-man companies to help them grow their organizations. 

Judy Guido has raised over $250 million in public and private funding.  She has served as an advisor to many green and snow associations. She is also a former television producer and director for business cable programming.  Judy Guido has amassed significant research in both the Green and snow industries which provides companies with a competitive advantage, and has developed a world-class business and sales training program for both industries. Judy helps companies build sustainable business strategies and workforces, providing them with on-going revenue streams while creating differentiation.

 Judy Guido received a Masters Degree in Business from the University of Connecticut, held a Series Six securities license, and a Certificate in Television Director & Production.  Guido is currently enrolled in a Peter F. Drucker & Masatoshi Ito School of Management in a post graduate program on strategy and sustainability. 

Judy is a welcome addition to the Snowfighters Institute stable of facilitators and researchers, dedicated to raising the level of professionalism in the snow industry in North America.    

For more details on the “Forum for Sales” event at Snowfighters Institute in Erie, PA – go to www.snowfightersinstitute.com

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Salesmen are MADE, not born.

Posted on March 23, 2012 by John Allin

Price is NOT the overriding factor in any decision made about snow and ice management.  Your sales force should be discussing pricing as the last part of the sales process – not the first.

At the Forum For Sales – to be held at Snowfighters Institute May 21 – 24, 2012, we will discuss:

  • Prospecting for Qualified Clients;
  • Reading the Market;
  • Preparation for the Sales Call;
  • Managing a Sales Funnel;
  • Increasing customer retention;
  • Developing on-going referrals;
  • Aligning Marketing and Sales;
  • Utilizing technology to reduce costs and increase Sales;
  • Relationship Building;
  • Goal Setting;
  • Ascertaining what the customer really wants and thinks important;
  • Effective probing techniques;
  • Proper technique for presentations not based upon “low bid”;
  • Negotiating the final deal, and;
  • Closing the sale.  

All of these points are often lost on those who are not qualified to be sales people.  And, remember – sales people are not born, they are MADE. 

Role playing for sales presentations is paramount in the success or failure of the sales staff.  Significant role playing will occur in this course.  Your returning sales person will lose their fear of how to “ask for the order” and get “yes” for an answer.  Most sales people are fearful of hearing the word “no”.  We will force them to lose that fear and convert a “no” to a “yes” through group interactive classroom discussion, individualized instruction and role playing.  They will experience critique from peers and feedback on what works, and what doesn’t. 

For more details and registration information – go to www.snowfightersinstitute.com

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Snowfighters Institute “Forum For Sales” event announced

Posted on March 21, 2012 by John Allin

Today – Snowfighters Institute announce the “Forum For Sales” event to be held May 21, 22, 23, 24, 2012.

For your sales force, have them learn how to WIN and PROFIT at snow. The smartest and safest investment you can make in your sales staff this year is having them attend THE most intensive sales training the snow contracting industry has ever seen. Snowfighters Institute newly constructed state of the art training facility in Erie, PA. will be the location for this dynamic sales training and interactive event.

Those who sell snow services often find they are dragged into “bidding” snow and ice management services. “Bidding” is synonymous with “low price”. A company doesn’t need “salespeople” to “bid” work – just a pencil sharpener. It takes no talent to see if you can be the low bidder on any snow project. If you subscribe to [or compete against] the “low-ball price” school of business, you’re only damaging your brand. How many companies actually advertise “We have the lowest prices, and then we strive to shave quality in order to achieve profit”?

Sales people are not born. They are made – from hard work, practice and pursuit of a skill set that needs to be developed and instituted into their personality. Learn the science behind selling, and how to retain and attract profitable customers while identifying new markets.

Experience and learn how to grow organically and through smart partnerships.
Work towards growing your business organically through aggressive sales activity.
Are your salespeople not as effective as they should be?
Want to know how to build and manage a sales funnel?
Do you find your staff to be the best sales staff in your market?
Are you sick of losing work to the lowest “bidder”?
Learn how to identify and monopolize new markets
We will get your staff to understand the key metrics that all sales people should be measured by.

The only thing you should look for from your sales team is – RESULTS !! Invest in your people and send them to the Snowfighters Institute ‘Forum for Sales’ event. They’ll come back with a profit-focused sales strategy.

The Forum for Sales will immerse them in innovative and best-in-class “sales and win” strategies for developing and closing sales.

For more details and registration information – go to www.snowfightersinstitute.com

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Why we need winter – continued…..

Posted on March 18, 2012 by John Allin

Aside from its role in stifling the growth of deadly pathogens and their insect carriers, winter has been vital for human development in many other ways. First off, wheat grows only where there are cool or cold winters. “That’s a vital invention that helps feed the world,” says Don Attwood, an ecological anthropologist at McGill University in Montreal. Other essential food crops, including corn (maize), potatoes, oats and barley, also grow better where there are cool or cold winters.

Not just crops but also the Industrial Revolution, and all the technologies that sprung from it, have their roots in the existence of winter. Though it usually isn’t explained this way, Attwood said, modern technology can be thought of as a by-product of the development of new ways to keep warm.

“People in Britain and Western Europe need heat during the winter,” he explained. “With a growing population in the 18th century, Britain was running low on forest lands for wood fires. Coal helped to heat people’s homes and happened to be abundant in England. The inventors of steam engines soon discovered that coal could be used to power industrial machinery.” Furthermore, many other crucial advances in science, technology and medicine have occurred in places with cold winters, he said — though the correlation between these developments and climate is not well understood.

But we’ve already invented steam engines and modern medicine, and these technologies aren’t going anywhere. What would be the biggest change that would occur if Earth suddenly lost its seasonal variation today?

The moon ensures that Earth’s tilt remains stable, so seasons won’t ever vanish completely. However, global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions could make winters milder.

“People now living in the temperate zones would be much worse off if climate change reduces or eliminates winter,” Attwood said. “Winter protects much of the world’s population from … a long, nasty list of tropical diseases. Want to share your living space with malarial mosquitoes and tsetse flies?”

So – the next time a customer tells you they are “happy winter is going away” tell them about this blog article.

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Why we need “winter”……

Posted on March 15, 2012 by John Allin

From an article by Natalie Wolchover | LiveScience.com

When a Mars-size object collided with Earth 4.5 billion years ago, it knocked off a chunk that would become the moon. It also tilted Earth sideways a bit, so that our planet now orbits the sun on a slant. Those were two huge changes. Now, over the course of the year, the amount of sunlight striking the Northern and Southern hemispheres varies as they wobble back and forth — first the Southern Hemisphere leaning sunward, then the Northern. This cycle drives Earth’s seasonal variation.

It’s a lucky thing, too. Without Earth’s tilt, humanity would be in a sorry state.

Forget modern technology, the steam engine, or sliced bread. In a world without seasons, there wouldn’t even be wheat. According to Don Attwood, an ecological anthropologist at McGill University in Montreal, humans would probably never have advanced past a state of living in small, scattered settlements, scrounging for survival and often dying of horrific insect-borne diseases.

Scientists think an Earth without a tilt would be stratified into climate bands that would get progressively colder as you moved away from the equator. Humans would never survive the continuous winter of the high latitudes, and so we would likely congregate in the planet’s tropical midsection. Fortunately, as things are, Earth’s tropical zones tend to have minimal temperature and day-length variability over the course of the year, and so these regions can serve as archetypes for what a seasonless Earth might be like.

What’s the forecast?

If the habitable world were a humid tropical zone like the rain forests of the Congo, unrelenting rainfall would quickly erode soil in any areas cleared for farming, and would leach nutrients down below root level, swiftly rendering tilled land infertile for crops.

“The result is that humans (so far) can only live with low population densities supported by shifting agriculture, or something like it, in most of the humid lowland tropics,” Attwood told Life’s Little Mysteries. “Low population density and low agricultural productivity result in small, scattered settlements. The amenities of modern civilization cannot be built on such a foundation.”

On top of our problems with agriculture, humans would also be plagued by disease pathogens, which thrive in warm, humid environments. “Winter protects much of the world’s population from tropical insects (which carry deadly diseases) and a long, nasty list of tropical diseases of humans, crops and livestock. HIV is one virus that has escaped its tropical forest home. Many others, like the Ebola virus, are waiting for their chance,” Attwood said. “Human mortality and morbidity rates (due directly to disease and indirectly to hunger) would go through the roof.”

If, on the other hand, Earth were unwaveringly warm and dry like the Arabian Peninsula, our species would be even worse off, or extinct. “As should be evident, the arid tropics have even less potential for supporting large, complex societies,” Attwood said, “except in Dubai, etc., where people live entirely on fossil energy from their oil wells.”

Continued in the next blog entry……..

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Inner Circle update

Posted on March 9, 2012 by John Allin

The Inner Circle event for April 23, 2012 has filled up. We have scheduled a 2nd Inner Circle for April 30th thru May 3rd. That too is beginning to fill up. This yearly event has become a staple for snow contractors wishing to “rub elbows” with other successful contractors from around the country. We will cover many topics in this intense 4 days, starting early afternoon on Monday and going through noon on Thursday.

The Agenda will cover Marketing and Branding; financials and how to review and analyze; growth strategies (both organic and by acquisition); protecting the customer; contract language; insurance and futures; exit strategies. We’ll also provide personalized consultations to attendees by financial and sale professionals after the event closes on Thursday.

Construction on the Snowfighters Institute facility (where Inner Circle is being held) is almost complete. Finishing touches are happening now. Some of the flooring is being installed, the Audio-Visual equipment is ordered, glass has been ordered, carpets are scheduled for installation before the end of March.

For more information – go to   http://www.snowfightersinstitute.com/4-2012-IC_AGENDA.pdf

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