Skip to content
POWER100
Join Free
Content

How Bob Marks Built a $13M Snow Operation in the Lehigh Valley | The Grow Show

📅 March 18, 2026 ⏱️ 55:11 🎤 Marty Grunder, Bob Marks

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    The Why Behind Growth
    Bob Marks explains that growth, though challenging, is essential for creating opportunities and retaining good people.
  • 0:26
    Bob Marks' Journey
    Bob recounts his journey from an Audi mechanic to buying his stepdad's landscaping business and growing it to $13 million in revenue.
  • 1:14
    Snow Fleet & Equipment
    Bob details EMI Landscape's extensive snow removal fleet, including their partnership with Case Construction and their strategic use of specialized plows.
  • 3:16
    Client Selection & No
    Bob emphasizes the importance of selecting clients who align with EMI's service offerings, even if it means saying no to others, to ensure high-quality service.
  • 5:02
    Subcontractor Relationships
    Bob discusses EMI's approach to working with subcontractors, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and strong relationships.
  • 6:01
    Year-Round Snow Planning
    Bob outlines EMI's comprehensive, year-round planning process for snow removal, emphasizing that it's a continuous operation, not seasonal.
  • 7:24
    Motivating Snow Teams
    Bob shares his strategies for motivating teams during stressful snow events, including a 48-24-12 hour communication rule, go-bags, and connecting work to core values.
  • 8:21
    The Value of People
    Bob expresses his pride in creating opportunities for his employees, enabling them to build careers and improve their lives through EMI Landscape.

Speakers

M
Marty Grunder
Host — Grunderlandscaping Company and The Grow Group
B
Bob Marks
EMI Landscape

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize growth to create opportunities for your team and retain talent, even if it introduces new complexities.

✦

Invest strategically in specialized equipment; consider long-term efficiency gains (e.g., hydraulic wing plows) over upfront cost, as they can significantly reduce fleet size and operational hours.

✦

Be selective with clients: focus on 'zero-downtime facilities' that truly need and value your specialized services, ensuring a better fit and reducing operational headaches.

✦

Build strong, mutually respectful relationships with subcontractors by treating them as partners, paying promptly, and involving them in all aspects of designated sites.

✦

Implement a structured communication plan (e.g., 48-24-12 hour rule) for snow events to give employees ample notice, manage expectations, and allow for proactive staffing and referral collection.

✦

Focus on year-round planning for snow operations, including equipment maintenance, procurement (ordering specialized machines well in advance), and continuous training for all team members.

✦

Clearly communicate the 'why' behind your services to your team, emphasizing the critical nature of their work to foster motivation, ownership, and a self-regulating culture, especially during demanding events.

Want the full experience?

Join Power100 for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Power100 →