Snow Scholars is revolutionizing the way homeowners handle winter’s most frustrating chores, snow removal. It was founded by University of Wisconsin students Jake Piekarski and Philip Loveland.
This innovative service not only provides affordable snow clearing but also creates high-paying, flexible jobs for students.
“Our goal was to help homeowners avoid shoveling snow while providing students with a reliable source of income,” the founders said.
By combining a streamlined pricing model with proprietary software to assign jobs efficiently, Snow Scholars has grown rapidly.
“We’ve completed more than 3,000 snow removal jobs for about 1,000 customers in the lifetime of the business.”
Jake Piekarski
This growth reflects the company’s commitment to community-driven operations. Their Shark Tank pitch brought national recognition and a transformative deal with Mark Cuban. The partnership is now paving the way for future growth.
Snow Scholars’ Journey Before Shark Tank
Snow Scholars began in late 2022 when Jake and Philip identified two significant problems. Many homeowners struggled with snow removal, and college students needed flexible, well-paying jobs.
They launched a service that connects the two groups, using custom-built software to assign tasks and manage operations.
In their first season, they operated on two campuses. They completed 3,000 jobs for 1,000 customers and earned $18,000 in revenue.
By their second season, revenue surged to $116,800, driven by a tenfold increase in their customer base. They also paid students more than $100,000 in wages at an hourly rate of $25.
This made it one of the highest-paying campus jobs. “It really makes an impact on the homeowners, especially because they are able to connect with students,” Jake noted.
Early growth was fueled by strategic partnerships with campus job boards. Social media campaigns also played a key role in attracting customers.
Their pricing stood out, with homeowners paying an average of $74.56 per snowfall. Each job yielded a profit of $54.69, while competitors charged as much as $300 per driveway.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Jake and Philip entered the Shark Tank with confidence, seeking $75,000 for 10% equity in their business. They emphasized the simplicity of their model: college students clear snow for homeowners at affordable rates.
Proprietary software ensured smooth operations and high efficiency. The pair highlighted their 73.3% profit margin, which impressed the Sharks.
“Students can select as many jobs as they like and receive good pay,” they explained. Their software assigns jobs based on snowfall data, ensuring quick responses and organized operations.
Some Sharks expressed concerns about the business’s scalability and its seasonal nature. Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec declined to invest. “I think the business will struggle to scale due to the unpredictability of snowfall,” Herjavec stated.
Meanwhile, Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John appreciated the founders’ efforts and the business’s potential. Each offered $75,000 for 20% equity. However, Mark Cuban made a stronger offer: $150,000 for 20% equity.
Recognizing Cuban’s strategic advantage, Jake and Philip accepted his offer. This secured both the capital and mentorship needed to scale.
Snow Scholars Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank effect brought immediate growth for Snow Scholars. Their website traffic and social media engagement skyrocketed. This led to a surge in new customers and increased revenue.
With Mark Cuban’s backing, they expanded operations to six campuses. They also introduced services for commercial properties alongside residential ones.
“With the help of Mark Cuban, we’ve been able to grow faster and reach more customers,” Jake shared.
They also refined their software, further enhancing job assignments and operational efficiency. By the end of 2024, Snow Scholars had firmly established itself as a trusted provider of snow removal services.
“We’re building a community that not only serves homeowners but also empowers students to succeed,” Jake remarked.
Future Plans
Snow Scholars is planning significant expansion in the coming years. They aim to grow across the U.S. and Canada, targeting over 140 campuses. The company is also exploring additional services, such as lawn care and leaf removal, to maintain operations beyond winter.
Enhanced software features, including AI-powered optimization, are also in development. These will further improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“Our goal is to make Snow Scholars synonymous with reliable snow removal and community impact.”
Philip
Their vision is to create a trusted brand that homeowners and students can rely on year-round.
Closing Remarks
Snow Scholars has come a long way from its college campus origins. It proves that a simple idea, when executed well, can lead to extraordinary results. By solving a common problem, they’ve made life easier for homeowners while creating valuable opportunities for students.
With Mark Cuban’s guidance and ambitious plans for the future, the company is poised for continued success. “We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us,” Jake said.
As they expand to new campuses and markets, Snow Scholars is set to become a household name in snow removal. They’ve turned winter’s toughest challenge into a rewarding opportunity.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Snow Scholars!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard