SOUTH BEND — Flying flakes and growing piles of snow have become a familiar sight this winter, and for some, it's brought nothing but headaches. But for a handful of local businesses, it's all a big relief, because it means big business.

For some, the feelings are clear:

"I hate the snow," said one man getting a hot cup of coffee before the snow began flying Thursday night.

"It's coming again," said another.

And for some, it isn't a welcome forecast. But for Fred Young, every flake sounds like redemption! His Blade Enterprises landscaping service counts on snow plowing to make up more than a quarter of their yearly income.

And last year, the numbers didn't start picking up until the end of the season.

"Last year started off really slow," said Young. "It came late, but then it came every other day," he said.

But it wasn't enough to make up for the lack of snow before the first of the year.

This year though, it's all changed.

"It's been non-stop," said Young. "Every other week we're out 2-3 days. This year's great. It'll be another record year for plowing and salting."

And for towing too.

"With the heavier snow, we have been busier," said Herb's Towing driver Patrick Kreie. "Lots of slide-offs and minor fender benders.
[Thursday] when it started falling we got so busy we didn't have enough drivers to respond to the police department."

And for Kreie, that means one thing.

"That means me and this truck are good friends over the next 3-4 days!" he said with a smile.

Still, he doesn't mind, because, in most cases, no one is seriously hurt. But he knows that can change very quickly when heavy snow hits. That's why he's content to see business stay just a little slower.

And he's not alone.

"I'd be happy with 6-7 inches instead of a foot any day," said Young with a smile.

After all, snow means money, but a good night's sleep is priceless.