Plowing Through Tough Times

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Created on Friday, 30 November 2012 16:39
Written by Brian Stone

WinterPlowingAROUND THE NEK - With the first inch of snow coming a week after Thanksgiving, some people began to worry that this winter was going to be a repeat of last season, including those who rely on snowfall to make a living.

Without snow, plow operators and others in the snow removal industry are not as needed and business is affected accordingly. Plows, spreaders, and other equipment have not been in demand in recent months, which leaves dealers, like South Main Auto in St. Johnsbury, in a difficult spot. Those businesses are still reeling from last year's slow season. South Main Auto typically sells snow removal equipment in the fall. They see a second bump in revenue in the middle of the winter, when repairs need to be made and plows need to be sharpened. With last year's relative lack of snow, there was no need for repairs, causing South Main Auto to lose half of its winter revenue streams.

 

"Two bad snow years in a row affects everyone in this area so hugely," said John Vinton, the general manager at South Main Auto. "The effect is felt everywhere." Dick Tomasko, owner of Dick's Snow Plowing, agreed. He said that if he had to rely solely on plowing, he would go bankrupt.

It's not just businesses affected by the lack of snow. State employees, like Gary McGinnis of the St. Johnsbury VTRAN Garage, have seen cuts in both overtime and regular hours. But even without snow there is still work to be done on the roads.

"If it's not snowing we still have pot holes," McGinnis said. "We still have guard rail repair. We still have other stuff to take care of."

With the inconsistency of snowfall, businesses are now looking to sell products that are in higher demand, such as ATVs. The goal is to sell less snow removal equipment. But the ATV market hasn't exactly been a booming one.

"Its so up in the air right now," Vinton said. "There's not a lot of disposable income. So selling something that is a toy, really, I don't think is the way to go right now."

Plow operators and others are hoping that the snow will begin to fall and business will begin to pick up.