Snow spells boon, bust for local businesses - FOX 35 News Orlando

Winter weather enthusiasts aren't the only ones welcoming the fresh fallen snow. Many metro businesses say they've been slammed since the flakes started flying.

Some call it a hassle, but to some, snow is white gold. Kyle Rafshol practically grew up in the front seat of his father's snow play truck, but the past few years have been a roller coaster.

"Obviously, two years ago, we had a huge winter," he recalled. "That was good for business. Quite a bit of plowing was done. Last year, I think we went out four times."

Winter's arrival this weekend kept Rafshol busy. He's been clearing driveways and parking lots non-stop for 48 hours.

"I just try and rest as much as I can before, then I'm good to go until the job is done," he explained.

For retailers like Jerry's Hardware in Edina, the storm brought a business boom as well as a change in scenery.

"Went to pull the snow blower last night and pilled it about 40 times before I figured, 'I got to get a new snow blower," Tyler Simmons told FOX 9 News.

Though ordering seasonal stock can be a bit of a gamble, Matt Bastian said weekends like this one pay off.

"This is the weekend we've been waiting for, where you just get a huge snowfall," he said. "Especially after last year where we had almost nothing."

It can be a tough balancing act to make sure the books stay in the green while betting on Mother Nature's whims.

"Some years it's a lot of money," Rafshol said. "Some years, it's broke."

Yet, there are other businesses who slow down when the snow comes. Though it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the tree lots can actually be hurt by the very thing that puts many others in the holiday mood.

"No one likes to be out shopping for a Christmas tree in the snow," said Pat Peschel. "It definitely does slow things down."

The number of calls made to Triple A has more than doubled in the past two days -- mostly for trucks to tow stranded cars. No doubt, insurance agents and auto body shops are also doing a brisk bit of business thanks to the winter weather.