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Snow Removal Companies Celebrate Winter's Arrival

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- While the first taste of winter weather has left most Minnesotans grumbling, snow removal companies are celebrating.

A storm expected to dump three to six inches in the Twin Cities metro and heavier snow in northern suburbs is good news for a business that is almost entirely dependent on weather.

"We're up at 3 a.m., checking forecasts and charting the best route to get to our clients quickly," said Parker Pemberton, co-owner of Go2Guys, based in Lakeville. "It's the first chance to test the plan we've been working on all summer and fall."

After last year's late spring featured snowstorms that stretched into early May, Pemberton said he sees more people opting to leave the plowing to the professionals.

"We get calls all the time from people who are ready to hang up the shovel for good," Pemberton said. "I think now that snow is actually here, the size of this storm will convince them that getting bundled up just isn't worth it."

Go2Guys also handles lawn maintenance and yard clean-ups during Minnesota's three other seasons, but winter is their most profitable time of year.

"It's a cornerstone of our business," Pemberton said. "There's nothing better than helping somebody out when the snow just gets to be too much for them -- that's what we're here for."

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