Running a service-based business in landscaping, snow removal, or excavation comes with one major challenge: seasonality. But Marlena Spiegeler, Founder and Office Operations Director of G&M Outdoor Services, has built a business that not only survives but thrives—regardless of the season.
In this post, we’ll break down how Marlena strategically manages operations, keeps her team motivated, and uses Jobber software to streamline her systems and stay profitable year-round.
Tackling the Seasonal Business Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles seasonal businesses face is unpredictable workloads—especially in winter—and the resulting employee turnover. Marlena’s answer? Offer year-round employment with consistent pay, even when business slows down.
By creating financial stability for her employees, she’s able to retain skilled team members, reduce hiring headaches, and build long-term loyalty—all critical for growth.
Why Snow Removal Contracts Change the Game
In snow removal, working on a per-plow basis leads to last-minute scrambles and uneven cash flow. That’s why Marlena shifted to snow removal contracts.
These contracts lock in predictable income and make staffing much easier. Her team knows when and where they’ll be working, and Marlena can plan resources well in advance. The result? Smoother operations and happier clients.
Streamlining with Jobber Software
A major key to Marlena’s operational efficiency is her use of Jobber. The platform allows her to:
- Automate time tracking, invoicing, and scheduling
- Simplify customer communication and payments
- Manage everything from job details to payroll in one place
This all-in-one solution has saved Marlena hours each week—time she now spends focusing on growth.
Managing Equipment Costs the Smart Way
Owning seasonal equipment like excavators and snowplows can put a strain on cash flow during off-months. Marlena’s solution? She allocates equipment costs across the busier summer months, making it easier to stay profitable in winter.
This proactive approach ensures payments are covered and overhead remains under control, no matter how unpredictable the weather gets.
Making Big Jobs More Accessible with Financing
For higher-ticket jobs like excavation or land clearing, Marlena uses WiseTech financing through Jobber to offer payment plans. Clients can finance up to 75% of the project cost, removing a major barrier for those who might otherwise hold off.
This not only boosts sales but also builds trust by making services more affordable and flexible.
Final Thoughts
Marlena Spiegeler’s approach to running a seasonal business is a masterclass in strategic thinking. By combining year-round employee benefits, contract-based services, intelligent cost management, and the power of Jobber, she’s turned seasonal volatility into sustainable success.
If you’re in a seasonal industry, her playbook offers a blueprint worth following.
Key Takeaways
✅ Use snow removal contracts to create predictable revenue
✅ Offer year-round pay to retain top talent
✅ Automate operations with Jobber to save time
✅ Spread equipment costs over peak months
✅ Provide financing options to close more big-ticket jobs
🎧 Want the full story?
Check out our full interview with Marlena Spiegeler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
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