Shows
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterDon't Get Dropped: How to Save Your Snow InsuranceSnow insurance is broken — but we’re working to fix it. In this episode of Talkin’ Winter with Swinter, the crew takes on one of the snow industry’s biggest challenges: insurance. From skyrocketing premiums to national carriers refusing to write policies for snow contractors, Ken and the team break down why this problem exists — and what’s being done to solve it.
Learn about an exciting new audit program built in collaboration with Ansay & Associates, designed to help snow pros get better insurance rates by proving their professionalism. Plus, hear how this initiative i...2025-07-2426 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterThe Comeback Episode: Talkin' Treated Salt, Tough Storms & Team GrowthWe're back behind the mic! In this episode, Ken, Jason, Nicole, and Elizabeth catch up on everything Swinter's been up to — from pushing snow to launching new facilities, scaling SG Advantage software, building a snow event management team, and diving headfirst into the bulk salt game. They also dig into how Swinter is building stronger culture with new core values, and yes — there's the usual dose of movie tangents and satire. This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a level-up.2025-07-1126 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGround Builders, Omaha NE Part 2Ken and Jason are back with Jason Porto of Ground Builders, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska! They explore how Jason stays organized and finds clarity amidst the chaos of a storm, how to find the right subcontractors, crafting an effective onboarding process...even an ambulance comes into play!2024-08-281h 07
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGround Builders, Omaha NE Part 1Get ready to meet our special guest, Jason Porto from Ground Builders, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska! Join Ken and Jason as they dive into the history of Ground Builders and discover how Jason has brought together an incredible team.2024-08-2653 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSIMA 2024 Recap - Accountability, The Big Picture, SOPs & MoreKen, Jason, Elizabeth, & Nicole discuss more takeaways from the first day of the 2024 Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium, like how accountability promotes growth, how to tame the chaos with SOPs, reducing salt without reducing service, and more.2024-07-301h 26
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSIMA 2024 Recap Part 1 - Company Culture & MotivationKen, Nicole, Jason, & Elizabeth recap what they saw and learned the first morning at the 2024 Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium, such as the importance of company culture & how to motivate your team.2024-07-231h 16
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterAdvantages of Being a Snow SubcontractorOn location at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss the benefits of being a snow subcontractor.2024-07-1651 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSlip & Fall ProtocolWith planes roaring above at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Ken, Jason, and Nicole talk about what to do when you're involved in a slip & fall case and what to do during the snow season to have your best foot forward in case of a slip and fall.2024-07-0952 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhat Makes a Good Snow Contract?Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss what details are important to include in your contracts. (First of all, always have a contract!) This season of Talkin' Winter with Swinter was recorded live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, and this episode was recorded just as the official run through was beginning.2024-07-021h 04
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBalancing Snow Removal ContractsLive from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken & Jason review different contract types, which types to avoid, and how to balance these contract types to guarantee profit.2024-06-2749 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBuying Risk in Snow RemovalLive from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken & Jason discuss how risk is tied to the service levels you offer your snow customers.2024-06-201h 05
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterInsurance & Litigation in Snow RemovalLive from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during the Blue Angels air show practice, Ken & Jason discuss the importance of insurance and its role in snow and ice-related litigation.2024-06-1851 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterRisk Management in Snow RemovalSeason 8 was recorded live from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during the rehearsals for Spirit Of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo.
In this season you'll hear (and see on our YouTube page) snippets from all the different acts that performed while Ken and Jason discuss snow, in between oohing and aahing at the planes, of course! Episode 1 was recorded during air show rehearsal for the Blue Angels. Ken & Jason discuss the types of business risks and how to manage or reduce them.
Check out our special YouTube version of this podcast for videos...2024-06-1155 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWorking with NationalsKen, Jason, Adam, and Brent talk about working and competing with national brokers.2024-04-021h 02
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterClosing out the Season - Equipment & StaffKen, Jason, and Adam talk about some things to consider when closing out the season. 2024-03-141h 05
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterHow early in the season should you start sales for snow services?Ken, Jason, and Adam talk about when to start talking to customers about next year's snow season. They offer ideas on what to say to get customers to realize they shouldn't wait until September/October to get bids.2024-03-121h 01
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterPaper vs. Digital Service LogsKen, Jason and Adam talk about the pros and cons of paper and digital service logs. 2024-03-071h 11
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterTo Restock or Not to Restock - That is the QuestionKen, Adam, and Jason toss around some things to consider as the snow season winds down and you're evaluating whether or not to restock your materials.2024-03-051h 07
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBad Forecasts - Oh When the Weatherman FailsKen, Jason, Adam, and Brent talk about the hassles and frustrations when the forecast is less than accurate. They translate weather predictions given by meteorologists into useful information for snow removal companies. Ken also explains how the lack of upper air data can play a huge role in the confidence of a forecast.2024-02-271h 09
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterTips for New Drivers / Operators - Part 2Ken, Jason, and Adam toss out more things for new plow drivers / operators to consider / know about what will likely be expected of them as they get into the business.2024-02-221h 02
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterTips for New Drivers / OperatorsKen, Jason and Adam toss out some things for new plow drivers / operators to consider / know about what will likely be expected of them as they get into the business.2024-02-201h 21
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterMore Snow Pricing TalkKen, Brent, Jason, and Adam meander through conversations about pricing. They compare and contrast different types of snow pricing contracts, especially per event / inch vs per push. Ken explains the importance of having a base knowledge of your costs before you figure out what to charge. Finally they begin to discuss residential snow plowing.2024-02-151h 26
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterFactors that affect snow service pricingKen, Brent, Jason and Adam talk about factors that affect snow service pricing. They discuss what makes some properties easier to price than others, which is more than just size and shape. They also bring up how routes and labor/equipment capacity affect your cost, which affects your profit and therefore your price.2024-02-131h 07
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWe're BACK, and we start to talk about how to price hauling snow.Ken, Brent and Jason welcome Adam Hunter to the podcast and bring you up to speed with what they have been up to in the last year. They tease planned content for upcoming episodes, and they touch on how to price snow hauling and other snow services.2024-02-0859 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Acclimated to the Snow BusinessKen, Brent and Jason talk about some of the challenges associated with hiring and training new account managers in the snow business.2023-05-0937 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterPhotos - to take or not to take?Ken, Brent, and Jason talk about the liability associated with taking and saving photos during or after a snow event.2023-05-0334 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterPhotos - to take or not to take?Ken, Brent and Jason talk about the liability associated with taking and saving photos during or after a snow event. 2023-05-0317 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterWorking With NationalsKen, Brent and Jason talk a bit about the pros and cons of working with national brokers. 2023-04-1126 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWorking With NationalsKen, Brent and Jason talk a bit about the pros and cons of working with national brokers. 2023-04-1153 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhy Are Liquids Everywhere?Ken, Brent and Jason talk about why advertisements for liquid equipment are everywhere you look...is the gear worth the hype?2023-04-1052 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterWhy Are Liquids Everywhere?Ken, Brent and Jason talk about why advertisements for liquid equipment are everywhere you look...is the gear worth the hype?2023-04-1026 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhen to buy equipment?Ken, Brent and Jason bat around pros and cons of when it's best to buy or sell equipment. 2023-04-0641 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterWhen to buy equipment?Ken, Brent and Jason bat around pros and cons of when it's best to buy or sell equipment. 2023-04-0620 minTalkin’ Winter with Swinter3 - Honest in the Post SeasonKen, Brent and Jason talk about how important it is to be honest when dealing with property damage in the post season. 2023-03-2427 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter3 - Honest in the Post SeasonKen, Brent, and Jason talk about wrapping up your contracts once the season is over. Details include why you should tell your customers if there was any damage done to their property, whether by your crews or not.2023-03-2455 minTalkin’ Winter with Swinter2 - Snow BlowersKen, Brent and Jason talk about snow blowers - are the good, bad or why? 2023-03-2125 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter2 - Snow BlowersKen, Brent, and Jason discuss single stage and two stage snow blowers vs snow shovels. They give pros and cons to each type of snow blower versus traditional snow shovels. Types of snow, types of properties, and amount of snow all factor into it. They even get into details about tracks and wheels.2023-03-2150 minTalkin’ Winter with Swinter1 - In Field RepairsKen, Brent and Jason say goodbye to Zack and talk about repairs in the field. 2023-03-1731 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter1 - In Field RepairsKen, Jason, and Brent discuss in storm repairs to plows and spreaders on the suggestion of a listener. They talk about things that regularly break mid-storm, like hydraulic lines, and what kinds of parts, fluids, and tools to keep in the truck in case of emergency. The guys provide some tips on what to do when things break while driving between jobs and share a few stories about their previous misfortunes.2023-03-171h 02Talkin’ Winter with SwinterAutomation in the Snow IndustryKen, Zack and Brent talk about how automation is changing the snow removal industry. 2023-03-1425 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterAutomation in the Snow IndustryKen, Zack and Brent talk about how automation is changing the snow removal industry. 2023-03-1450 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterBag Product ProcurementKen & Zack discuss tips and tricks for procurement of your packaged deicers.2023-03-1335 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBag Product ProcurementKen & Zack discuss tips and tricks for procurement of your packaged deicers.2023-03-131h 10
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterOff Season Material StorageKen & Zack discuss tips and tricks on storing your deicing materials through the off-season. 2023-03-101h 12Talkin’ Winter with SwinterOff Season Material StorageKen & Zack discuss tips and tricks on storing your deicing materials through the off-season. 2023-03-1036 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterBulk Deicers ProcurementKen & Zack discuss the bulk deicer procurement process.2023-03-0934 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBulk Deicers ProcurementKen and Zack discuss the advantages and disadvantages to buying bulk deicers and storing them versus buying in storm.2023-03-091h 09Talkin’ Winter with SwinterOff Season StorageKen and Zack talk discuss tips and tricks for off-season storage of your equipment. 2023-03-0836 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterOff Season StorageKen and Zack talk about off season storage, like what to do before you put your snow equipment away to keep it from corroding. Hint: It's more than just washing it with soap and water. Finding those hidden places where salt has crept is of utmost importance. The guys offer ideas of where those places may be found. Once all the salt is gone, rust protection must be applied. Ken and Zack talk about the different kinds of rust protection available and the pros/cons of each. The final touches include battery conditioners, changing out fluids, and cleaning/changing...2023-03-081h 12Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhen to Sell or Upgrade Your EquipmentKen, Zack and Brent talk about when it's best to sell or upgrade your equipment. 2023-03-0616 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhen to Sell or Upgrade Your EquipmentKen, Zack and Brent talk about when it's best to sell or upgrade your equipment. 2023-03-0632 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterKnow Your CostsKen, Zack and Brent discuss some tips on how to realize what your costs really are...and what they aren't. 2023-03-0335 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterKnow Your CostsKen, Zack and Brent discuss some tips on how to realize what your costs really are...and what they aren't. 2023-03-0317 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterThe Future of Snow RemovalKen, Zack and Brent talk about the future of the snow removal industry. 2023-03-0217 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterThe Future of Snow RemovalKen, Zack and Brent talk about the future of the snow removal industry. 2023-03-0235 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterMaking Changes Mid SeasonKen, Zack and Brent talk about some things to consider as you decide if making staff or production changes mid-season is a good idea. 2023-02-2129 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterMaking Changes Mid SeasonKen, Zack and Brent talk about some things to consider as you decide if making staff or production changes mid-season is a good idea. 2023-02-2114 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBusted ForecastsKen, Zack and Brent talk about the frustrations associated with forecasts that bust. 2023-02-2029 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterBusted ForecastsKen, Zack and Brent talk about the frustrations associated with forecasts that bust. 2023-02-2014 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterBuilding Customer RelationshipsKen, Zack and Brent talk about the importance of building and maintaining customer relationships. 2023-02-1715 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterBuilding Customer RelationshipsKen, Zack and Brent talk about the importance of building and maintaining customer relationships, especially in a world where they may not have time (or be allowed) to be taken to lunch. Ideas include finding reasons to be on property so you can connect for even just a few minutes. .2023-02-1731 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterHow Much Customer Contact is Too Much Customer Contact?Ken, Zack and Brent talk about that fine line between staying in touch and becoming a stalker. 2023-02-1615 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterHow Much Customer Contact is Too Much Customer Contact?Ken, Brent, & Zack talk about how to approach a potential customer and walking the fine line between too much and not enough contact. This episode goes over their experiences both selling and being sold to... what worked and what just makes people mad.2023-02-1630 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Past the GatekeeperKen, Zack and Brent toss around ideas on how to get past gatekeepers and get to the decision makers. 2023-02-1515 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Past the GatekeeperKen, Zack and Brent toss around ideas about how to get past the gatekeeper so that you can provide a bid. They tell stories of things that have and haven't worked for them, such as making cold call phone calls vs showing up in person. Also, who to talk to if you show up on site, and what kinds of relationships to build that are mutually beneficial.2023-02-1531 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterEstablishing PricingKen, Zack & Brent toss around some thoughts on how to establish your pricing. 2023-01-1714 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterEstablishing PricingKen, Zack & Brent toss around some thoughts on how to establish your pricing. 2023-01-1729 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterDetermining Your CostsKen, Zack & Brent discuss how to determine what your snow and ice management services costs really are. 2023-01-1615 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterDetermining Your CostsKen, Zack & Brent discuss how to determine what your snow and ice management services costs really are. 2023-01-1630 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterSnow Stakes - Good or bad??Ken, Zack & Brent discuss the pros and cons of using snow stakes.2023-01-1314 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSnow Stakes - Good or bad??Ken, Zack & Brent discuss the pros and cons of using snow stakes.2023-01-1329 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 3: Keeping People WarmKen, Zack & Brent discuss tips and tricks for keeping your laborers and operators warm during super cold events. 2023-01-1215 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 3: Keeping People WarmKen, Zack & Brent discuss tips and tricks for keeping your laborers and operators warm during super cold events. 2023-01-1230 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 2: Salt and Diesel TreatmentsKen, Zack & Brent talk about treated salt and diesel treatments to use during super cold events. 2023-01-1114 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 2: Salt and Diesel TreatmentsKen, Zack & Brent talk about treated salt and diesel treatments to use during super cold events. 2023-01-1129 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 1: Deicing ChemicalsKen, Zack & Brent discuss what you need to consider when using deicing chemicals during snow events with super cold temperatures. 2023-01-1115 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSuper Cold Events - Part 1: Deicing ChemicalsKen, Zack & Brent discuss what you need to consider when using deicing chemicals during snow events with super cold temperatures. 2023-01-1130 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterHonesty in Snow BiddingKen, Zack and Brent discuss the pitfalls of less than honest snow bids and how to handle them with your customers. 2022-10-1259 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterHonesty in Snow BiddingKen, Zack and Brent discuss the pitfalls of less than honest snow bids and how to handle them with your customers. 2022-10-1229 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterA Little Fun With Snow Plow MafiaAfter about 10 minutes of chit chat, Ken, Brent, and Zack take a look through the Facebook group called Snow Plow Mafia and have some fun talking about the different types of posts they see. Conversations include the benefits of the zig zag track over the bar, how much different people charge per hour and per square foot, and the relationship between the quality of the question in the post and the number and quality of comments on the post. They have some fun discussing the type of answers and questions because it seems not everyone gives honest results, lol!2022-10-121h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterA Little Fun With Snow Plow MafiaKen, Zack and Brent toss around some fun content from the Facebook Group Snow Plow Mafia. 2022-10-1230 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSno-Power IntroductionKen, Zack and Brent talk about the newest, coolest, most awesome plow to hit the market...the SnowEx-Power F Series plow. 2022-10-0759 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterSno-Power IntroductionKen, Zack and Brent talk about the newest, coolest, most awesome plow to hit the market...the SnowEx-Power F Series plow. 2022-10-0729 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhich Plow is the Best?Ken, Zack and Brent debate which style of plow is the best. 2022-10-071h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterWhich Plow is the Best?Ken, Zack and Brent debate which style of plow is the best. 2022-10-0730 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Contracts SignedKen, Zack, and Brent discuss what to do after a customer asks for a bid. They talk about questions to ask, why to ask them, and red flags to look out for. After a getting a bit off topic, they also bring up ideas on how to approach customers after it seems you may have lost a bid.2022-08-301h 57Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Contracts SignedKen, Zack and Brent talk about tips and tricks for getting contracts signed as early as possible in the season.2022-08-3058 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSad, but true stories we've witnessed in snowKen, Zack and Brent have story time. They share the interesting people and situations they've witnessed in the snow industry. The good, the bad, and the almost unbelievable!2022-08-302h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterRecruiting and HiringKen, Zack and Brent talk about the hassles and challenges in recruiting and hiring employees.2022-08-301h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSalt Mine TourKen & Nicole talk with Brent and Zack about their tour of a Kansas salt mine. 2022-08-2359 min
Talkin’ Winter with SwinterSalt Mine TourKen and Nicole talk about their VIP tour of a working salt mine. They went 1,000 feet down and 3.5 miles into the mine to see how salt starts as a vein in the ground and ends up in chunks above ground. Part of the experience was watching an underground explosion. Standing 1,000 feet away in pitch blackness, they felt the impact and saw an amazing site. Ken and Nicole describe the entire experience.
Then, back up on top of the earth, they went 4 stories up in another building to see how those salt chunks become much smaller particles and...2022-08-231h 59Talkin’ Winter with SwinterCaterpillar Equipment HighlightTim Greenwood, sales guru with Fabick Caterpillar joins Ken, Zack and Brent to talk about Cat iron. 2022-07-251h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterGetting Ready For Winter in AugustKen, Zack and Brent talk about why it's important and what to focus on to be getting ready for winter in August. 2022-07-2559 minTalkin’ Winter with SwinterShow #9 - Installs & Sima RecapKen, Zack and Brent talk about the SIMA symposium, robots in the snow industry and the challenges associated with installing snow plows and salt spreaders. 2022-06-2959 minTalkin’ Winter with Swinter2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 2Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the second day of the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 2 of 2.2022-06-2459 minTalkin’ Winter with Swinter2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 1Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the second day of the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 1 of 2.2022-06-241h 00Talkin’ Winter with Swinter2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 2Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the first day at the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 2 of 22022-06-231h 00Talkin’ Winter with Swinter2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 1Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the first day at the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 1 of 22022-06-231h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterShow #8 - Staying Warm & Online PresenceKen and the guys embark on our first nearly completely unscripted show. The only things on the discussion table are tips and tricks for keeping warm and what to do and what not to do online. 2022-06-171h 00Talkin’ Winter with SwinterShow #7 - Daniels Plow Facility TourKen & Brent travel to Holland, Michigan to meet with Wade Madsen for a site visit, tour and interview. Wade then joined the team for recording the following day. 2022-06-171h 00