Big show primes Xtreme Snow Pros for winter’s big storms

 There are two ways you can approach snow, on the ground and--in the air?

Xtreme Snow Pros has decided to take flight with the implementation of drones this year. Owner Chris Marino traveled from New Jersey with his son to one of the snowiest provinces in eastern Canada for the Montreal Expo Grands Travaux in April.

This heavy machine exhibition showcased some of the most cutting-edge snow removal technology in the world, including truck- and loader-mounted plows and snow blowers, salters, sanders, de-icers, spreaders and anything else repellent to snow.

So many toys, yet too little time at this two-day show.

The expo also included educational seminars presented by the Snow and Ice Management Association.These provided industry insights such as managing snow in the tight confines of cities.

Going abroad seeking better solutions for the Metropolitan Area

If anyone in North America understands snow, it’s the Canadians. The average snowfall in across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Downstate New York adds up to 24 inches each year. That’s about knee high for the average adult male. The entire province of Quebec registers around four times that amount, about 106 inches. That’s the equivalent of a 10-story building. With this disparity in snow fall, it’s natural that manufacturers in Canada may put more of an emphasis on bigger is better when it comes to their snow equipment.

So, commuters in the Metropolitan Area aren’t exactly tunneling their way to work under a mountain of snow, but even an inch is enough to wreak havoc from Philadelphia to Brooklyn. The equipment available stateside grossly underestimates the desire for efficient commercial snow removal.

The disadvantage for the competitors who don’t attend this international shows is that they aren’t typically exposed to these manufacturers in the United States. Chris and Xtreme Snow Pros don’t believe in half measures when it comes to clearing tons of powder. Xtreme Snow Pros routinely seeks innovative solutions that effectively push aside the inconveniences of winter so you can get on with your day.

Clearing the ground by taking to the air

In addition to kicking around specs with plow manufacturers, the drones Chris and his son scouted are one way Xtreme Snow Pros plans to get ahead of next winter.

The drones give our crews a new perspective on documenting sites previously unavailable. This allows them to anticipate challenges for our clients and collect information on existing damage to sites.

It wasn’t all about the snow tech in Montreal for Chris. Having his son by his side perpetuated a family tradition spanning three decades. Chris used it as a learning experience for his son, whom he hopes will one day take over the family business.

“I am trying to pass on not only spending quality time but introduce him at a young age to all the different parts of the business,” Chris said. “I’m trying to express to him that when you’re in business, don’t just look locally at your competition. Look globally.”

Snowfighters Institute 'Through the Looking Glass' Event

Earlier this year, Chris Marino of Xtreme Snow Pros attended a unique 3-day event with other snow and ice professionals to discuss the current state of the industry and what is needed for future growth.

Presented by the Snowfighters Institute, the inaugural “Through the Looking Glass” event gave participants a forum to meet with other industry leaders and brainstorm current challenges and how those issues impact the future of snow removal. Discussions ranged from the unfortunate increase of litigation to the importance of proper education to the role technology plays in every aspect of the industry. Also discussed during the sessions was the value of conveying risk management to clients. 

Chris Marino attends prestigious gathering of snow and ice management CEOs

Earlier this year, Chris Marino, owner of Xtreme Snow Pros, was honored to be an Inner Circle attendee at the Snow Fighters Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania. Led by Executive Director, Tammy Johnson and Institute Founder, John Allin, Inner Circle gives snow and ice management CEOs from the U.S. and Canada a chance to come together and learn how to be even more successful and efficient in the industry.

A truly collaborative setting, the group of industry leaders met for discussions on a variety of topics including pricing, trends, certifications and how to be more efficient with their operations. The event also highlighted the importance of positioning snow and ice management companies as risk managers and stressed the need for companies to have a sustainable snow program.

“The need for professional snow and ice management companies has grown significantly over the last two decades,” explained Johnson. “Customers have become more educated and have increased their demands for transparency.  As a result, the industry has become more sophisticated.  Those companies that can demonstrate their expertise and abilities in this growing market segment are increasing their revenues, profits and market share while differentiating themselves from their competition.”

The 3 ½ day event gave the attendees a chance to interact with peers and learn valuable insights regarding the snow and ice management industry.

Xtreme Snow Pros Attends Legislative Day In DC

Chris Marino, president of Xtreme Snow Pros, had the privilege of attending Legislative Day in Washington DC. Members of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) were invited to meet with representatives of the US Congress and Senate.

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Xtreme Snow Pros President Chris Marino Attends Legislative Day In DC

Chris’ family took the road trip with him to enjoy the nation’s capital. Chris vaguely remembers his last trip to DC as a child. He recalls all the buildings - the might and status they portrayed seeming larger than life to him. Today, as a successful business owner, while his reverence and appreciation for the city has remain unchanged, he finds that his perspective is different. Arriving in DC with willful purpose and determination to make a difference cannot be compared to the simplicity of touring the city as a child. This time, the buildings seemed small in comparison to what they stood for and what occurred within their walls. 

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New Jersey Representative Donald Payne Jr and Xtreme Snow Pros President Chris Marino

Members of ASCA and PLANET discussed two main topics: frivolous litigation and immigration reform. Snow management professionals and landscape company owners from all over the US expressed their perspectives, discussed specific issues, and proposed solutions. Many left with high hopes that a journey to the nation's capital had a positive impact on their industry as a whole. Chris had the honor of meeting New Jersey representatives and their staff members. He was pleased to find that so many local government officials cared deeply about snow industry related issues that mattered to him and his colleagues.

Chris' family had a great time visiting The Air and Space Museum and The Smithsonian. His children especially enjoyed touring the city and indulging in the abundance of restaurants. The family favorite is “the soul of Washington DC,” Georgia Brown’s.

As The Xtreme Snow Pros grows, so do the responsibilities to contribute to the future of the Snow Management Industry. Chris, along with his colleagues who attended Legislative Day, hope to continue to pave the way for success, fair practices, and overall excellence for all aspects of Snow Management.

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Members Of ASCA and PLANET Attend Legislative Day In DC