The Snow Removal Success Formula in Rochester, NY

PART ONE: The Right People + The Right Equipment

When the winter winds howl over Rochester, and snow blankets our streets, there's a battalion of men, women, machines, equipment, and infrastructure, all standing at the ready for PropertyCare’s snow operations team. Sometimes it is all that stands between the paralyzing clutches of snow and the city's pulse. 

This short series isn't just about the roar of engines or the gleam of plows cutting through the ice; it's about the heartbeat of a company that’s committed to dependability, capability, and excellence in snow removal. And while that heartbeat behind the scenes isn’t always visible, it is always felt and always obvious. This is their story.

Why should anyone care? First off, if you’ve lived in Rochester for more than a year and have endured one of those seasons of 10-plus-foot totals, you already have an awareness—a respect—for big snow! Thankfully there are people whose passion is snow removal. These brave men and women go out in the worst of conditions to keep our businesses, neighborhoods, and roads safe. 

You want and need somebody super-dependable, especially if you have a 24/7 business, such as a plaza, manufacturing plant, medical facility, or hospital. Got an airport? Well…have to keep that open, don’t you? 

And don’t forget about residential settings too. People need to get in and get out. Folks have medical and family emergencies. They need access. Whatever the need, wherever it is in the Greater Rochester Area, whenever it happens, you want a service you can count on. And this is where our people come in.

That “battalion” of people actually means ‘full-time’ dedicated staff. We don’t do snow removal as an odd job. This is serious business that operates year-round, even in the summer months. Our competition is not the neighbor with a pickup truck and a snow blower. Our biggest competitor? Ourselves! Our goal this year is to outperform last year’s effort. We’ve upgraded machines, processes, tech, and systems to level up our game. In other words, we set the bar very high. 

When it comes to snow removal, our people treat the mission as emergency services. It is said that a snow removal company is “…the first responder for the First Responders.” This means that equipment has to be top-notch, well-maintained, and properly operated. It’s a tightly run, highly orchestrated effort, important to the safety, livelihood, health, education, and economics of an entire region. You can’t mess around with something this important.

We have our own meteorological people, highly trained individuals who can read and interpret the data that comes from our own weather gathering devices, weather stations, and network, dispersed across the entire city on sites. Our staff analyzes existing and incoming data, in real-time, creates an action plan, and mobilizes the field operation. We even built a new office fully dedicated to supporting our snow team. 

In anticipation of a storm, they will either pre-position equipment so it’s already at the anticipated area of need, or dispatch our fleet of equipment haulers to get the tractors and plows and loaders where they all need to go. 

As you can imagine, choosing a snow removal service isn't merely a decision—it's a pledge of trust. In the flurry of options, PropertyCare emerges not just for its formidable fleet that braves the storm, but for the unwavering spirit and skilled hands that guide each machine. This is the story of a company where rigorous training, an ingrained culture of safety, and an ethos of punctuality are not just jargon but a lived experience. Not only does PropertyCare have the right equipment to handle the snow, but it has backup equipment in the event of an equipment issue, and contingency plans beyond that. 

This series will navigate you through the whiteout to see what makes PropertyCare the wise choice. From the intensive preparation, before the first snowflake falls to the meticulous operations that ensure your property remains pristine and accessible, we delve into the full package that PC offers. It's a tale of more than just snow removal—it's about a company that cultivates a culture where every snowflake counts and every client's peace of mind is paramount.

Join us as we shovel through the ordinary and uncover the extraordinary dedication that makes PropertyCare not only a service but a standard. Because when winter rages, you need more than just a solution; you need a snow removal company that embodies reliability and excellence—each and every time.

Training the ‘Battalion’

Every employee receives training upon hire, and regularly throughout the year. Field crews normally have daily “toolbox talks” where safety issues and the objectives of the day are discussed. This includes OSHA-mandated training, first aid, and CPR, health safety and consciousness, accident prevention, and so on. And the company is properly insured and licensed for all its activities. That’s good to know!

Office crews have their own training, much of it specialized, especially when it comes to equipment and instrument care and understanding, off-site and in-office instruction, and implementation of new programs and software.

Additionally, there are all of the applicable, State-mandated courses and certifications. You likely realize this fact, but it bears saying: big companies provide this kind of training. Unfortunately, smaller companies are often less likely to comply.

We should point out that the people employed by Property Care are long-term employees, as they like their jobs, are treated well, provided with the kinds of benefits we’d all wish for our friends and families. 

Community Relations

Many of the employees of PropertyCare are involved in the community. What kind of involvement? Sponsoring youth sports, coaching and supporting teams of various activities, mentors, and tutors. They are active in A.A., their churches and synagogues, fraternal organizations, and service clubs. 

While this ‘pedigree’ looks good on paper, it has earned it in the field, and for more than two decades since the original company was founded. 

We say all of this to let you know what’s the actual “Power Behind the Plow”. And you can see, clearly now, that it’s the people. And in Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at this power.