Winter Downtime

By William Moore,CSP, ASM, LIC, ASCA-C, President, Executive Property Maintenance

Winter is right around the corner and as we prepare to change from a green to a white season, we are jamming out the last of the projects; busy here, race there. When we are actually able to collect our thoughts, something happens during the winter months. DOWNTIME!

As employers, what do we do with the team when it’s not snowing? Well, there is no perfect answer and every company is different and has different ideas. This question came up to the panel at the Snow Expo this year. I think we can all agree that our teams need to earn an income for themselves and their families, and we also want them to always be available for any inclement weather.

Each year I start to ponder ideas and try to be creative to keep busy. I know some companies have a firewood department; chop firewood and sell it for additional revenue. That’s a great idea!

Here are some of the things we have done. Besides the obvious, washing and stocking trucks for the next event, PM (Preventive Maintenance) on equipment, refueling/inspection is also done. Something we have incorporated is a sweeping division (weather permitting, of course). Send crews out to sweep parking lots and porter lots for trash debris, blowing salt away from doors (to keep corrosion down from jambs). The clients love it, because during those off times it keeps the sites neat and tidy while giving team members hours.

Another thing we do is, TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING! We do all sorts of paid training, whether it be sidewalk equipment, plow, salters, training employees to be versatile on other pieces of equipment that during busy times may not get the opportunity i.e., skid steers, loaders, pushers, etc. As a refresher, we also do site visits. The training becomes very useful just like any training should, making it fun, having game plans, and giving the team hours.

Something we also do is trim and obstacle clearing. Sometimes trees are overhanging a parking lot or sidewalk interfering with a crew during an event or even when mowing grass. It’s a great time to get it done and see what’s in the way without leaves. It makes the next visit to the site, whether mowing or plowing, a lot easier.

Other ideas we have thought of is repainting older equipment and spraying rust inhibiter on them. This keeps the equipment looking fresh and keeps the team working. Preparing for spring is another good one. It can never can be too early to start inspecting the summer equipment, while keeping an updated inventory list. Sharpening blades, grease, maintenance, etc.

EDUCATION! We look for education anywhere we can find it whether it’s course offerings from the Michigan Green Industry Association, training sessions on equipment, management education, seminars, speakers, safety classes, state or department of agriculture training, and online resources for CEUs or credentials. This is extremely valuable during the downtime when we are not rushed and we can get ahead on credits or add certifications. This adds value to your team. There is always something to be learned.

Upsell work during the downtime is always great because it brings in revenue. For example, we offer and promote holiday and seasonal décor including winter interest pot changes, holiday tree lights, wreaths, or seasonal containers with cool materials. It adds a little something to the portfolio of what one’s company offers. It keeps teams moving and generates revenue. WIN, WIN, WIN!

Not all of these ideas work for everyone but be creative – talk, brainstorm with other peers and contractors, see what they do. Talk to your team, bounce ideas on constructive things to do. Share these ideas. It’s no trade secret, we all have to make a living and the team has to make a living. And we want to keep the team committed and loyal to each and all of us. These ideas have benefits on both sides of the coin – they bring in revenue and allows team members to get hours. They make clients happy and sites look nice. They protect equipment and prepare us for the following season. Can’t really lose.

Reprinted with permission from The Landsculptor , a publication of the Michigan Green Industry Association.

Manor View Farm

Walnut Springs Nursery, Inc.

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