Snow removal businesses staying busy

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Now that the year's first snow storm is over some local snow removal businesses said they're taking a break, at least until next snowfall.  

Wednesday's blizzard that dumped about 4 inches of snow in the Lafayette area was exactly what owner of Curbmasters Hardscaping John Gertzen was waiting for.

"We look forward to it and it definitely affects your bottom line," owner John Gertzen said.

Gertzen and his crew typically spend the majority of the year working on hardscaping projects from the beginning of spring until the first freeze of the year.

"We do hardscaping in the summer months and lay pavers and build retaining walls and outdoor kitchens," Gertzen said.

During the winter months he and his crew depend on Mother Nature to keep them busy plowing snow. However, Gertzen said while part of their revenue comes from snow plowing he doesn't structure his business around snow because of the chance there could mild winters like last year.

"You hope it's there and you know in the back of your mind that you'll have some work but like last year," Gertzen said. "That's why you don't plan like that."

To say Wednesday's blizzard kept Gertzen and his crew busy would be an understatement.

"We went out to plow at just before noon and worked all day except for a dinner break but we worked until about 5 a.m. this morning, so it's really long days," Gertzen said. 

And it could be a few days before they head out to plow again. So for now Gertzen said he'll make some repairs and wait for the next snowfall.