TRAVERSE CITY -- Sales are exploding for an eco-friendly snow plow, invented by a Traverse City man.
The green machine was first showcased last spring in a Made with Michigan Hands report and now in the heart of winter its demand is peaking.
7&4's Kate Fox caught up with the masterminds of the Snow bully to find out how business is going.
Snow Plow Plus Managing Member Paul Starner says, "The weather outside is frightful, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"
Starner says the Snow Bully has taken off and they can't seem to fill orders fast enough.
He says, "We have had orders from Pennsylvania, New York State, Minneapolis, and St. Paul Minnesota. Sales reps in Portland Oregon--have sold the exclusive rights to Grand Rapids."
Snow Bully Inventor Jerry Schichtel says, "It is exciting to use, it's kind of fun, a lot of people think of removing snow as being a lot of work and it is if your shoveling, this is kind of fun."
The eco-friendly snow plow or Snow Bully uses a curved blade that pushes snow out of walk ways, side walks and even steep driveways.
Starner explains, "It burns calories not gasoline, it's a green machine. We burn no fossil fuel, no air pollution, no noise pollution, your neighbors won't be angry at five in the morning."
Starner and Schichtel are proud to manufacture these plows in Michigan--boosting the economy from the bottom up.
Starner says, "Our margin is not as high as it would be had we gone overseas...we could have landed the product in a box, east or west coast for about 60% less but were committed to jobs in Michigan, were committed to putting money into the economy."
Schichtel adds, "We would like to create as many jobs as we can, if it keeps going like it is why it’s going to make a dent in the economy."
The men have high expectations for the growth of the Snow Bully--they've set their sights on targeting the school systems and most recently the u-s government.
Starner says, "I had a phone call Tuesday from a gentleman in up state New York on a military base that is responsible for removing snow, very excited about the possibility and were shipping one as soon as we can get it in a box."
The Snow Bully isn't just for snow; it's a year round machine. This spring a wire basket accessory will be out that can be used in the summertime for gardening or even hauling fire wood.
To purchase a Snow Bully CLICK HERE.
