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Showing episodes and shows of
Ken Boegeman
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Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Don't Get Dropped: How to Save Your Snow Insurance
Snow 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...
2025-07-24
26 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
The Comeback Episode: Talkin' Treated Salt, Tough Storms & Team Growth
We'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.
2025-07-11
26 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Ground Builders, Omaha NE Part 2
Ken 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!
2024-08-28
1h 07
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Ground Builders, Omaha NE Part 1
Get 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.
2024-08-26
53 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
SIMA 2024 Recap - Accountability, The Big Picture, SOPs & More
Ken, 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.
2024-07-30
1h 26
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
SIMA 2024 Recap Part 1 - Company Culture & Motivation
Ken, 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.
2024-07-23
1h 16
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Advantages of Being a Snow Subcontractor
On location at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport during air show practice, Ken, Jason, and Nicole discuss the benefits of being a snow subcontractor.
2024-07-16
51 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Slip & Fall Protocol
With 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.
2024-07-09
52 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
What 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.
2024-07-02
1h 04
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Balancing Snow Removal Contracts
Live 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.
2024-06-27
49 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Buying Risk in Snow Removal
Live 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.
2024-06-20
1h 05
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Insurance & Litigation in Snow Removal
Live 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.
2024-06-18
51 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Risk Management in Snow Removal
Season 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...
2024-06-11
55 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Working with Nationals
Ken, Jason, Adam, and Brent talk about working and competing with national brokers.
2024-04-02
1h 02
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Closing out the Season - Equipment & Staff
Ken, Jason, and Adam talk about some things to consider when closing out the season.
2024-03-14
1h 05
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
How 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.
2024-03-12
1h 01
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Paper vs. Digital Service Logs
Ken, Jason and Adam talk about the pros and cons of paper and digital service logs.
2024-03-07
1h 11
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
To Restock or Not to Restock - That is the Question
Ken, 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.
2024-03-05
1h 07
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Bad Forecasts - Oh When the Weatherman Fails
Ken, 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.
2024-02-27
1h 09
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Tips for New Drivers / Operators - Part 2
Ken, 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.
2024-02-22
1h 02
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Tips for New Drivers / Operators
Ken, 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.
2024-02-20
1h 21
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
More Snow Pricing Talk
Ken, 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.
2024-02-15
1h 26
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Factors that affect snow service pricing
Ken, 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.
2024-02-13
1h 07
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
We'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.
2024-02-08
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Acclimated to the Snow Business
Ken, Brent and Jason talk about some of the challenges associated with hiring and training new account managers in the snow business.
2023-05-09
37 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Photos - 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.
2023-05-03
34 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Photos - 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.
2023-05-03
17 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Working With Nationals
Ken, Brent and Jason talk a bit about the pros and cons of working with national brokers.
2023-04-11
26 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Working With Nationals
Ken, Brent and Jason talk a bit about the pros and cons of working with national brokers.
2023-04-11
53 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Why Are Liquids Everywhere?
Ken, Brent and Jason talk about why advertisements for liquid equipment are everywhere you look...is the gear worth the hype?
2023-04-10
52 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Why Are Liquids Everywhere?
Ken, Brent and Jason talk about why advertisements for liquid equipment are everywhere you look...is the gear worth the hype?
2023-04-10
26 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
When to buy equipment?
Ken, Brent and Jason bat around pros and cons of when it's best to buy or sell equipment.
2023-04-06
41 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
When to buy equipment?
Ken, Brent and Jason bat around pros and cons of when it's best to buy or sell equipment.
2023-04-06
20 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
3 - Honest in the Post Season
Ken, Brent and Jason talk about how important it is to be honest when dealing with property damage in the post season.
2023-03-24
27 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
3 - Honest in the Post Season
Ken, 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.
2023-03-24
55 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2 - Snow Blowers
Ken, Brent and Jason talk about snow blowers - are the good, bad or why?
2023-03-21
25 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2 - Snow Blowers
Ken, 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.
2023-03-21
50 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
1 - In Field Repairs
Ken, Brent and Jason say goodbye to Zack and talk about repairs in the field.
2023-03-17
31 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
1 - In Field Repairs
Ken, 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.
2023-03-17
1h 02
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Automation in the Snow Industry
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about how automation is changing the snow removal industry.
2023-03-14
25 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Automation in the Snow Industry
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about how automation is changing the snow removal industry.
2023-03-14
50 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Bag Product Procurement
Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks for procurement of your packaged deicers.
2023-03-13
35 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Bag Product Procurement
Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks for procurement of your packaged deicers.
2023-03-13
1h 10
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Off Season Material Storage
Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks on storing your deicing materials through the off-season.
2023-03-10
1h 12
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Off Season Material Storage
Ken & Zack discuss tips and tricks on storing your deicing materials through the off-season.
2023-03-10
36 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Bulk Deicers Procurement
Ken & Zack discuss the bulk deicer procurement process.
2023-03-09
34 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Bulk Deicers Procurement
Ken and Zack discuss the advantages and disadvantages to buying bulk deicers and storing them versus buying in storm.
2023-03-09
1h 09
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Off Season Storage
Ken and Zack talk discuss tips and tricks for off-season storage of your equipment.
2023-03-08
36 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Off Season Storage
Ken 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...
2023-03-08
1h 12
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
When to Sell or Upgrade Your Equipment
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about when it's best to sell or upgrade your equipment.
2023-03-06
16 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
When to Sell or Upgrade Your Equipment
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about when it's best to sell or upgrade your equipment.
2023-03-06
32 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Know Your Costs
Ken, Zack and Brent discuss some tips on how to realize what your costs really are...and what they aren't.
2023-03-03
35 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Know Your Costs
Ken, Zack and Brent discuss some tips on how to realize what your costs really are...and what they aren't.
2023-03-03
17 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
The Future of Snow Removal
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the future of the snow removal industry.
2023-03-02
17 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
The Future of Snow Removal
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the future of the snow removal industry.
2023-03-02
35 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Making Changes Mid Season
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about some things to consider as you decide if making staff or production changes mid-season is a good idea.
2023-02-21
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Making Changes Mid Season
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about some things to consider as you decide if making staff or production changes mid-season is a good idea.
2023-02-21
14 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Busted Forecasts
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the frustrations associated with forecasts that bust.
2023-02-20
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Busted Forecasts
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the frustrations associated with forecasts that bust.
2023-02-20
14 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Building Customer Relationships
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the importance of building and maintaining customer relationships.
2023-02-17
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Building Customer Relationships
Ken, 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. .
2023-02-17
31 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
How 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.
2023-02-16
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
How 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.
2023-02-16
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Past the Gatekeeper
Ken, Zack and Brent toss around ideas on how to get past gatekeepers and get to the decision makers.
2023-02-15
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Past the Gatekeeper
Ken, 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.
2023-02-15
31 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Establishing Pricing
Ken, Zack & Brent toss around some thoughts on how to establish your pricing.
2023-01-17
14 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Establishing Pricing
Ken, Zack & Brent toss around some thoughts on how to establish your pricing.
2023-01-17
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Determining Your Costs
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss how to determine what your snow and ice management services costs really are.
2023-01-16
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Determining Your Costs
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss how to determine what your snow and ice management services costs really are.
2023-01-16
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Snow Stakes - Good or bad??
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss the pros and cons of using snow stakes.
2023-01-13
14 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Snow Stakes - Good or bad??
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss the pros and cons of using snow stakes.
2023-01-13
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 3: Keeping People Warm
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss tips and tricks for keeping your laborers and operators warm during super cold events.
2023-01-12
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 3: Keeping People Warm
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss tips and tricks for keeping your laborers and operators warm during super cold events.
2023-01-12
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 2: Salt and Diesel Treatments
Ken, Zack & Brent talk about treated salt and diesel treatments to use during super cold events.
2023-01-11
14 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 2: Salt and Diesel Treatments
Ken, Zack & Brent talk about treated salt and diesel treatments to use during super cold events.
2023-01-11
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 1: Deicing Chemicals
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss what you need to consider when using deicing chemicals during snow events with super cold temperatures.
2023-01-11
15 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Super Cold Events - Part 1: Deicing Chemicals
Ken, Zack & Brent discuss what you need to consider when using deicing chemicals during snow events with super cold temperatures.
2023-01-11
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Honesty in Snow Bidding
Ken, Zack and Brent discuss the pitfalls of less than honest snow bids and how to handle them with your customers.
2022-10-12
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Honesty in Snow Bidding
Ken, Zack and Brent discuss the pitfalls of less than honest snow bids and how to handle them with your customers.
2022-10-12
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
A Little Fun With Snow Plow Mafia
After 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!
2022-10-12
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
A Little Fun With Snow Plow Mafia
Ken, Zack and Brent toss around some fun content from the Facebook Group Snow Plow Mafia.
2022-10-12
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Sno-Power Introduction
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the newest, coolest, most awesome plow to hit the market...the SnowEx-Power F Series plow.
2022-10-07
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Sno-Power Introduction
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the newest, coolest, most awesome plow to hit the market...the SnowEx-Power F Series plow.
2022-10-07
29 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Which Plow is the Best?
Ken, Zack and Brent debate which style of plow is the best.
2022-10-07
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Which Plow is the Best?
Ken, Zack and Brent debate which style of plow is the best.
2022-10-07
30 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Contracts Signed
Ken, 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.
2022-08-30
1h 57
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Contracts Signed
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about tips and tricks for getting contracts signed as early as possible in the season.
2022-08-30
58 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Sad, but true stories we've witnessed in snow
Ken, 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!
2022-08-30
2h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Recruiting and Hiring
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the hassles and challenges in recruiting and hiring employees.
2022-08-30
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Salt Mine Tour
Ken & Nicole talk with Brent and Zack about their tour of a Kansas salt mine.
2022-08-23
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Salt Mine Tour
Ken 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...
2022-08-23
1h 59
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Caterpillar Equipment Highlight
Tim Greenwood, sales guru with Fabick Caterpillar joins Ken, Zack and Brent to talk about Cat iron.
2022-07-25
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Getting Ready For Winter in August
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about why it's important and what to focus on to be getting ready for winter in August.
2022-07-25
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Show #9 - Installs & Sima Recap
Ken, Zack and Brent talk about the SIMA symposium, robots in the snow industry and the challenges associated with installing snow plows and salt spreaders.
2022-06-29
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 2
Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the second day of the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 2 of 2.
2022-06-24
59 min
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 2, Part 1
Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the second day of the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 1 of 2.
2022-06-24
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 2
Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the first day at the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 2 of 2
2022-06-23
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
2022 Sima Symposium Show Day 1, Part 1
Ken, Brent, Nicole and Mollie talk about the first day at the 25th Annual SIMA Snow & Ice Symposium - Part 1 of 2
2022-06-23
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Show #8 - Staying Warm & Online Presence
Ken 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.
2022-06-17
1h 00
Talkin’ Winter with Swinter
Show #7 - Daniels Plow Facility Tour
Ken & 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.
2022-06-17
1h 00