Strategic Partnerships and Industry Insights: A Conversation with Snow Specialist Phil Harwood

📅 June 11, 2025 ⏱️ 30:29 🎤 Marty Grunder, Phil Harwood

Chapters

Click to jump to section

0:33

Strategic Partnership & Snow Fighters

Marty introduces Phil Harwood and the new strategic partnership between The Grow Group and Snow Fighters, highlighting the goal of supporting snow fighting companies.
4:39

Phil's Personal Background

Phil shares details about his family, including his nearly 40-year marriage, two children, and four grandchildren, emphasizing the meaning they bring to his life.
7:02

The Importance of 'Why'

Marty and Phil discuss the critical role of having a clear 'why' or motivation in business, especially in demanding fields like snow removal.
11:02

Career Journey & Insights

Phil recounts his diverse career path, from a family business and retail landscape management to contracting, consulting, and pursuing a law degree.
16:21

Humorous Industry Anecdote

Phil shares a funny, self-deprecating story about a costly mistake made by applying an outdoor-labeled chemical indoors, highlighting the learning opportunities in errors.
22:01

From Business Owner to Consultant

Phil explains his transition to consulting, inspired by the objective value an outsider brought to his own business and the impact of Gino Wickman's EOS principles.
26:56

Core Leadership Lessons

Phil emphasizes fundamental leadership principles like 'doing the right thing,' being an example, showing up prepared, and continuously learning.
37:05

Industry Trends & Technology

Phil discusses major trends in snow removal, including technological innovations in equipment and software, remote operation possibilities, and the growing focus on data.
42:06

Passion for Snow Removal

Phil reiterates his passion for snow removal, viewing snow fighters as heroes providing essential services and highlighting the sector's high profitability when managed well.
43:50

Business Transition & Profitability

The conversation shifts to the significant trend of business transitions due to an aging population and the importance of structuring a business for sale or succession, especially in the highly profitable snow removal sector.

Speakers

Marty Grunder

Host — Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group

Phil Harwood

Snow Fighters

Key Takeaways

✦

Cultivate a strong 'why' for your business; it's essential for navigating challenging periods like snow season and motivating your team.

✦

Embrace the 'emergency service' mindset for snow removal; it helps reframe it as a valuable, rewarding, and potentially highly profitable part of your business.

✦

Prioritize continuous learning and lead by example; actively seeking knowledge and demonstrating preparedness inspires your team and sets a positive tone.

✦

Be cautious of unintended consequences of slogans or core values; regularly review how company mottos impact operational efficiency and decision-making.

✦

Understand the value of objective outside perspective; consultants or coaches can identify issues and offer solutions that internal teams might overlook or be resistant to.

✦

Structure your business for sale, even if you don't plan to sell; implementing strong systems and processes makes your company more valuable and sustainable.

✦

Leverage technology and data; modern software and equipment can provide crucial insights into efficiency and profitability, especially for snow and ice management.

Want the full experience?

Join the Inner Circle for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Inner Circle →

← Marketing: Let's Talk Emails - with Emily Lindley (The Grow Group)

Interview Series: Jason Cromley on a 90-Day Follow Up from GROW 2025 →