Sarah Hauer

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A new app-based, on-demand snow removal service is coming to Milwaukee.

SnoHub Inc. will start accepting requests through its app in November for snow removal in the metro area.

SnoHub's platform works in a similar way as ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, but instead of hailing a car, customers request snow plowing, shoveling and blowing.

Pricing for snow removal is calculated bySnoHub's algorithm that takes into account location, driveway length, snow depth and other factors. Albis said services typically cost between $49 and $99. Quoted prices are shown to the customers before booking through the app. Payments are made securely in the app.

"Our message is simple — It’s about convenience for homeowners," said SnoHub CEO James Albis. The idea is to provide a service to homeowners who don't sign contracts with snow removal services for an entire season but would like someone else to clear their driveway every so often.

SnoHub has partnered with Milwaukee-based snowplow manufacturer Douglas Dynamics Inc. for its equipment by encouraging its contractors to use the company's SnowEx line of products.

The app, free to download in the Apple and Google Play stores, has been downloaded more than 27,000 times since it launched in 2016. The company said it anticipates topping 1 million downloads this winter.

The company will grow from serving 10 markets to 43 markets in 20 states in the U.S. this season. The app is also launching in Madison and Green Bay this season.

With that expansion, SnoHub said it needs around 100,000 independent contractors to perform snow removal services across the country. SnoHub estimates needing around 1,000 contractors in the Milwaukee area.

The company is recruiting contractors who will use their own equipment to fulfill SnoHub service requests, taking home 70 percent of the fee. SnoHub contractors made between $500 and $1,000 per storm last year, Albis said, with the average contractor earning $5,500 during the season.

Sarah Hauer can be reached at shauer@journalsentinel.com or on Instagram @HauerSarah and Twitter @SarahHauer.