More than 300 snow and ice professionals from 19 states and two countries gathered in Mankato, Minnesota, for the 2026 Storm Field Day, a two-day event focused on education, equipment demonstrations, networking and the future of professional snow and ice management.
EMI was proud to sponsor this year’s event and contribute to the conversation, with Bob Marks joining Storm Equipment CEO Jordan Smith for a discussion on the realities of running successful commercial snow operations.
A Practical Look at Commercial Snow Operations
Snow and ice management requires much more than having the right equipment ready when a storm arrives. Behind every successful operation are decisions about staffing, pricing, routing, resource allocation, and how to consistently deliver for customers when conditions can change by the hour.
During their session, Bob and Jordan compared and contrasted their companies’ approaches to commercial snow operations and discussed several factors that directly influence performance and profitability, including margins, staffing, proposals, routing, equipment strategy and overall operations.
The comparison underscored an important point: there is no single formula for running a successful snow operation. The right approach depends on the market, the property and the level of service the customer requires. For EMI, that often means building an operation around certainty, with equipment and resources assigned based on what each site requires rather than how many properties a machine can service during a storm.
“There isn’t one right way to run a snow operation,” says Bob. The right model starts with understanding what the customer and the property actually require. For many of the mission-critical facilities we serve, they aren’t simply buying plowing hours. They’re investing in a prepared operation designed to support zero downtime and keep their facilities running without interruption, even when conditions deteriorate.”
These are challenges snow professionals across the industry continue to face. Making sure teams are staffed, trained and ready begins well before the first storm. Routes must balance efficiency with service expectations. Snow removal proposals need to account for the full scope and resources required to service each property effectively. And every part of the operation needs to be prepared to respond when weather conditions do not follow the forecast.
For EMI, that level of preparation is fundamental to successful snow and ice management.
Building Operations That Are Ready Before the Storm
One recurring theme throughout Storm Field Day was the importance of building stronger, more scalable snow operations.
For commercial property managers, that preparation directly affects the level of service they receive throughout the winter. A snow and ice management partner needs the people, equipment, processes, and operational capacity to respond reliably across multiple properties and changing weather conditions.
At EMI, winter preparation begins long before snow is in the forecast. Planning ahead helps our teams understand each property, establish service priorities, prepare equipment, organize crews, and develop the operational plans needed to respond efficiently when a storm arrives.
That preparation is especially important for commercial properties, where snow and ice can disrupt operations, create safety concerns, and affect employees, customers, and visitors.
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Preparing for What Winter Brings
Storm Field Day offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from other snow and ice professionals and have important conversations about how we can continue raising the standard across the industry. For EMI, that means not only strengthening our own operations, but also sharing knowledge with our peers and helping clients better understand the planning, expertise and commitment that professional snow and ice management requires.
Successful snow and ice management starts well before the first storm. With the right planning, resources and team in place, property managers can head into winter knowing they have an experienced partner prepared for whatever the season brings.
Looking for a reliable snow and ice management partner? Contact EMI to learn how we can support your properties this winter.