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Find all of your exclusive content here at Boot Camp Headquarters!
Sponsored by BOSS Snowplow
October 29 - November 1
Check back daily for updated content, links, and more...
GAMIFICATION ALERT! Join in on our LIVE events each day to grab an event code for the session; enter those codes at sima.org/game for the chance to win some great prizes.
Livestream
- Site Hazard Anyalysis
Noon EST / 11:00 am CST
On Demand Video
- It's a Stake Out
- Using Drones for Site Assessments
Additional Resources
- Preseason Risk Assessment Checklist
- Staking Best Practices Checklist
- Site Awareness Checklist
- Job Safety Analysis for Snow Operations Course
Livestream
- Using Tech to head off Issues
10am EST / 9am CST - Prep your Equipment for Winter
Noon EST / 11am CST
On Demand Video
- Put your Equipment to the Test early
Additional Resources
- Snow Start Up - Get Ready for Winter
- Equipment Pre-storm Checklist
- Preventive Maintenance Tear & Teach
- 360° Approach to Equipment Care course
- Preventive Maintenance is Your Friend podcast
Livestream
- Protect your Team from External Threats
Noon EST / 11:00 am CST
On Demand Video
- Let's go to the Rodeo
- Training New Hires for Success
Additional Resources
- Tear & Teach - Stretch & Flex
- Creating a “Go” Bag video
- Hosting a Training Rodeo
- Snow Start Up - Building a Great Team
- Snow Start Up - Safety Starts at the Top
- On-demand courses
Livestream
- Educating Customers on Liquid Deicers
Noon EST / 11:00 am CST
On Demand Video
- Success is in the Details
+ Additional Resources
Livestream
- What if...your team gets stranded?
10am EST / 9am CST - What if...your tech fails?
Noon EST / 11am CST
On Demand Video
- What if...your equipment breaks down?
+ Additional Resources
Site hazard analysis
JC Grounds’ Jeremy Darling, CSP, ASM, shares the importance of walking the site with your client and identifying hazards that could compromise safe winter operations.
It’s a stake out!
Staking properties in the preseason makes it easier and safer for operations teams once winter hits. Blue Moose Snow’s Doug Freer, CSP, shows how a system of marking stakes serves like a legend on a road map communicating important details on how to read the site so you can avoid making costly mistakes.
Using drones for site assessments
Your team will get a totally different perspective of the site when using drone footage. Imageworks Landscaping’s Mike McCarron will share tips and video examples of how you can proactively identify any issues that can’t be seen from the ground that could impact your service.
Downloads
Prep Your Equipment for Winter
Preparing equipment for the winter season is crucial to ensure reliable and efficient snow and ice management. Hear from BOSS Snowplow's Adam Hansen and Rob Edwards on the steps you should be taking to be ready for the first winter event.
Put Your Equipment to the Test Early
Mock winter events put your equipment and team in action to iron out details and to identify changes that should be made to site plans and training.
Use Technology to Head off Issues
Technology can keep your fleet and team running full speed ahead. The Toro Company’s Katie Roell will showcase how Horizon 360, combined with telematics devices, provide crucial insights into vehicle performance, location, and usage, allowing for proactive maintenance and timely repairs, route optimization, reduced fuel consumption and improved response times.
If you're interested in a demo of Horizon 360, you can book here.
Downloads
Protect Your Team from External Threats
In the snow removal industry, we preach the importance of safety. Unfortunately, working a winter storm may not be the most hazardous situation your team finds itself in. Designscapes Colorado's Michael Wagner, CSP, ASM will share other threats that your company should be prepared for—from guns, drugs, criminal activity and more.
Let’s Go to the Rodeo!
Classroom training is a great first step for winter prep, but take it to the next level with a snow rodeo. Your teams will become more comfortable and your managers can identify any areas of concern and additional training needs.
Training new hires for success
It's a team member's first winter. Trying to give them all the information they need to know is like drinking from a firehose. Check out the video for 10 key tips that can help ease the process.
Downloads
Educating Customers on Liquid Deicers
Preparing customers for the use of liquid deicers on their property involves educating them on the numerous benefits and proper application techniques. BOSS Snowplow's Jordan Smith and Seth Ferkenstad will share how properly informing customers about the advantages and demonstrating the effectiveness of liquid deicing can help build trust and satisfaction with your snow and ice management services.
Success is in the details
Part of your readiness preparations should be to ensure your clients are ready for winter. Check out the 10 areas to make sure you cover with your customers.
Selling the Benefits of Liquids
As more contractors begin to turn to liquids for ice management, it’s important to gain traction with clients and property managers by effectively communicating the cost and service benefits in terms that matter to them. This session will feature a conversation on how Rick, Eric and their respective teams have worked together to implement change.
Downloads
What if … your team gets stranded?
Your team’s safety is paramount. But what happens when all of your pre-planning takes a hit if your team gets stuck in the middle of a huge storm? Matt Gerich will be here to share how to prepare and protect your team.
What if … your tech fails?
Technology is a timesaver and vital to assisting in the service verification department. But what if your tech fails? Hear from The Integra Group’s Jenny Girard, ASM, on how to build in documentation redundancies and backup plans to ensure you still capture this key information.
What if … your equipment breaks down?
In the middle of a snowstorm, you can’t afford downtime or taking a machine out of operation while waiting for a mechanic. Teach your team simple repairs that can keep operations moving.
Downloads
Event FAQs
Why can't I access any of the week's content?
SIMA will update the Boot Camp Headquarters webpage daily. Be sure to REFRESH the page each time you return.
Where are the LIVE Events located?
All Live-streamed events will be located on the Boot Camp Headquarters webpage (sima.org/bootcamplive). Find the event in the daily schedule and press PLAY!
Can I win prizes during the Winter Boot Camp?
Yes! After each live event, visit www.sima.org/GAME and enter the GAME CODE announced/shown onscreen.
Enter as many codes as you can for the chance to win:
- $100 Dunkin gift card
- $250 Pizza Party for your team
- SIMA's Sidewalk training module ($250 value)
- Swag
What if I have trouble accessing the event/s?
For immediate issues, chat with SIMA via the HELP box in the lower, right-hand corner of your screen.
Still need halp? Email registration@sima.org for assistance.