Interview Series: Jordan Smith from VSI by Boss on Health and Snow

What are the challenges and opportunities facing the snow and ice control industry, and how are companies like VSI and Storm Equipment leading the way in setting new standards and educating contractors on best practices?Marty Grunder is joined by Jordan Smith on this episode of The Grow Show powered by STIHL to discuss his journey in the landscaping and snow removal industry. They talk about the challenges Jordan has faced in his career and how he's overcome them, the changes the snow industry has faced, and what he believes is coming next for pros who offer snow and ice services. In the evolving landscape of the snow industry, standardized practices are necessary. In their conversation, Marty and Jordan discuss how companies like VSI and Storm Equipment are pioneering efforts to educate contractors about proper pricing and asset recovery. You’ll hear about cutting-edge advancements in snow removal technology, from versatile Boss products to heavy equipment innovations that enhance productivity and employee morale. Find out how the value of a passionate team and treating snow as a critical service can transform challenges into opportunities. Voigt Smith Innovation (VSI) was founded from a landscaping and snow removal company that began with a one-man crew and grew rapidly over the years. To differentiate from competitors, VSI started offering specialized services like hydroseeding and liquid de-icing, eventually designing and building their own equipment after being dissatisfied with the market options. After years of refinement, VSI realized their expertise could help other contractors, leading to the company's formation. With over 10 years of experience, VSI focuses on customer satisfaction, using high-quality components like Honda engines and Banjo pumps, and offering warranties for reliability and peace of mind.In This Episode: (00:00) Weight loss and eating habits (02:15) Intro and background - Jordan Smith's journey from college landscaping to liquid de-icing under the VSI brand (05:52) Jordan’s health over the years, progress losing weight - 400 lbs down to 230 (11:20) Setting standards in snow industry, consistency and dedication are key, snow and landscape industries need standardization and education (17:00) Proper pricing and asset recovery, how VSI and Storm Equipment are pioneering efforts to elevate industry standards, with a focus on innovations like liquid de-icing (21:41) Best practices and innovations in snow removal equipment, including Boss products and heavy equipment attachments, increase efficiency and employee morale (28:19) The snow removal and construction industries have shifted to larger sites, advanced techniques, and private equity involvement (39:39) Snow industry and management mindset shift, passionate team building, and strategic approach can turn deficits into profits (43:00) Final thoughts