What makes Monster Plowing Company unique in the GTA market?
Monster Plowing Company is a Toronto-based snow removal business founded in 2008 by Mikhail Evgrafov at the age of 19. What began as a small local operation has grown over nearly two decades into one of the most recognized and reputable snow maintenance providers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The company identified a need for reliable, prompt, and consistent snow and ice services in the city, focusing 100% on winter maintenance – snow and ice removal is the only service they provide. By dedicating itself year-round to winter preparedness, Monster Plowing Company has become an industry leader, trusted by numerous commercial and residential clients across Toronto. Over the years, it has expanded its in-house fleet to 85 plow trucks and grown a team of 180+ trained “snowfighters,” enabling it to tackle even the harshest winter storms with professional expertise.
Services Offered
Monster Plowing Company provides comprehensive winter maintenance solutions for both commercial and residential properties. Key services include snow plowing of driveways, parking lots, private roads, and other surfaces; manual snow shoveling of walkways, sidewalks, and stairs; snow blowing and full snow removal (clearing and hauling snow off-site when necessary); and ice control through salting/deicing applications on all serviced areas. In practice, this means Monster handles every aspect of winter ground maintenance – from clearing accumulated snow to applying eco-friendly deicers that prevent ice buildup. The company’s offerings are delivered on a “zero-tolerance” basis, meaning crews are dispatched automatically whenever thresholds are met (often at as little as 1 cm of snowfall) to keep properties consistently clear and safe. All services are provided under seasonal contracts, ensuring clients receive unlimited snow clearing visits and ice treatments throughout the winter for a flat rate (see Pricing Structure below).
Geographic Coverage Area
Monster Plowing Company’s operations cover the majority of the Greater Toronto Area. The firm services neighborhoods from downtown Toronto and Midtown, outwards to areas in all directions of the city. Its primary coverage includes:
City of Toronto – Downtown core and central districts (including areas like Forest Hill, Rosedale, Yorkville, The Annex, etc.)
North York and East York – Uptown and east-end city boroughs
Etobicoke – Western Toronto suburbs
Scarborough – Eastern Toronto suburbs
Mississauga – Western GTA (Peel Region)
Markham and Thornhill – Northern GTA (York Region)
In essence, Monster Plowing Co. spans from “Downtown Toronto to North York, Etobicoke to East York, Thornhill, Markham, Mississauga, and Scarborough”, effectively covering all key areas in and around the city. Thanks to multiple local divisions and a centrally located equipment yard, the company maintains short, efficient service routes across these regions. This geographic reach ensures that Monster’s plow teams are always within close range of their clients, enabling rapid response whenever snow strikes “anywhere in between” the farthest corners of the GTA.
Pricing Structure and Packages
Monster Plowing Company uses a seasonal contract pricing model with a guaranteed flat rate, offering clients predictability and all-inclusive service. For the 2025–2026 winter season, the company advertises two main service packages, both billed as monthly installments for the winter term:
Package A: “Complete” – Starting from approximately $499 per month (with early booking discounts). This popular plan provides automatic, unlimited snow and ice maintenance all winter for one flat fee. It covers all snowfalls above a minimal trigger (about 1 cm), including clearing snow and treating ice from the season’s first flurry to the last. The Complete package guarantees an early morning plowing after each snowfall (first pass by ~9:00 AM) and includes all required deicing applications at no extra charge. Clients on this plan receive multiple visits during heavy storms and 24/7 on-demand service for any significant weather events, with typical snow clearance within 2–6 hours of accumulation. The pricing is flat-rate with no hidden fees, meaning services like salting are already built into the monthly cost.
Package B: “Priority” – Starting from approximately $949 per month (early booking rate). A premium offering, the Priority package is a zero-tolerance service geared towards clients who require the fastest possible snow clearing. It includes everything in Package A plus enhanced guarantees on response times. Priority customers receive snow clearing much earlier (plows arrive by ~5:59 AM for overnight snow) and even faster turnaround during storms – for example, plow deployment within 0–3 hours of snowfall start, and deicing for any ice events within 0–2 hours. This package ensures the property is kept clear “on-time, every time” with top priority in Monster’s routing. Like the Complete plan, it is an all-inclusive flat-rate contract (unlimited visits, all salt/deicer included) with no additional per-visit or per-application charges.
Both packages are offered as season-long subscriptions – typically spanning the winter months – and can be paid in monthly installments for budgeting convenience. Monster Plowing emphasizes that “BOTH packages include unlimited visits & all deicing applications” under the fixed seasonal price. The company encourages prospective clients to request a free customized quote, as actual pricing depends on the property size and specifics. Overall, Monster’s pricing structure is designed to provide peace of mind: one set price for complete winter coverage, avoiding surprise costs from big storms or frequent freeze-thaw events.
Clientele and Target Market
Monster Plowing Company serves a broad client base but primarily targets commercial, institutional, and large residential property sectors that demand reliable winter maintenance. The company’s clients include office complexes, retail plazas, industrial facilities, and institutional campuses, as well as multi-unit residential developments like condominium corporations, apartment buildings, townhouse complexes and housing co-operatives. Property management firms and real estate developers are a key audience – Monster markets itself as a solution for property managers who require consistent, automatic snow service across their portfolios. In addition, high-end residential properties (such as luxury homes or estates, referenced as “Boutique Homes” in Monster’s materials) are also among their clientele, especially owners who prefer a worry-free seasonal contract for their driveways and walkways.
Notably, Monster Plowing has earned the trust of many of Toronto’s “leading property owners, entrepreneurs, and proprietors,” who repeatedly renew its services each year. The company states it is “trusted by thousands of Toronto’s premiere commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential property owners and managers”, reflecting a diverse client mix across sectors. Some high-profile clients include well-known organizations – for example, Monster has long-term snow removal contracts with multiple McDonald’s restaurant locations in Toronto (over a decade of service) and with York Heritage Properties, a major real estate developer, to maintain their historic buildings. Other notable clients mentioned in company literature are the Salvation Army, Ontario Power Generation, and the Globe and Mail headquarters, among others. This range of clientele indicates that Monster’s target market is those who “demand safety, consistency, and peace of mind all winter long” for their properties – from large corporations and institutions to property managers and homeowners requiring premium service.
In summary, the company’s market positioning is geared toward clients who value premium, all-inclusive winter maintenance. These tend to be businesses and property owners willing to invest in top-tier service to avoid any disruption from snow or ice. With over 900 properties under contract across the GTA, Monster Plowing Company’s customer base is a testament to its strong appeal in these segments of the market.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Monster Plowing Company has a presence on several review platforms, where feedback is generally positive overall, though it varies by platform:
Google Reviews: On Google, Monster Plowing Co. enjoys a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 126 reviews). Customers on Google frequently praise the company’s high reliability and professionalism in handling snow removal. Many long-term clients comment on the peace of mind provided by Monster’s automatic and thorough service, noting that communication is clear and service quality is consistent. For instance, summaries of Google feedback highlight the “highly reliable and professional service” and commend the company’s responsiveness during major snow events. These positive reviews suggest that a majority of clients feel Monster Plowing delivers on its promises of timely and effective snow clearing.
HomeStars: Monster Plowing Company is also reviewed on HomeStars (a Canadian home services review site), where it has received strong recommendations from customers. Reviews on HomeStars describe Monster as “easily the best managed snow plow company in Toronto” with crews that are “always punctual, which is rare nowadays.” Clients have praised the company’s reliability during each snowfall and the thoroughness of their work. One HomeStars reviewer noted that Monster was “absolutely amazing… extremely reliable,” ensuring all designated areas were cleared every time it snowed. Although HomeStars does not publicly show an aggregate star rating without logging in, the tone of the posted feedback is very favorable, emphasizing punctual service and effective winter maintenance.
TrustedPros: On TrustedPros (another contractor review platform), Monster Plowing Company has an average rating of about 4.1 out of 5 across 4 customer reviews. This indicates generally positive feedback from the small number of users on that site. The quality of work, timeliness, and communication have all been rated around 4/5 by reviewers, according to the detailed breakdown on TrustedPros. Notably, three of the four reviewers rated Monster “Excellent,” with one negative outlier review present. The TrustScore for the company is lower (1.7/5) on TrustedPros, but this metric includes factors beyond just customer reviews. Overall, the few reviews on this platform still skew positive in terms of direct customer satisfaction (with compliments to the company’s organized contracts and updates), aside from the single dissatisfied comment.
Yelp: On Yelp, feedback is mixed, and the overall rating is more modest at around 2.5 out of 5 stars (across ~10–11 reviews). Some Yelp users echo the positive sentiments found elsewhere – one reviewer noted Monster was “very capable… [and] did a great job… Always on time, on task and very pleasant to deal with.” . However, other Yelp reviews describe less satisfactory experiences, especially during difficult winter conditions. For example, a Yelp review from a townhouse complex president complained that “We hired this company to do our 128 condo townhouse area… They have let us down so badly. They did not come and we could not get in or out of our homes.” . Such negative reviews cite instances of missed service or slower-than-expected response during heavy snowstorms. The disparity between Yelp and Google/HomeStars ratings could be due to the higher expectations and critical feedback from some customers in large residential complexes or simply the smaller sample size on Yelp. It’s worth noting that Monster Plowing has replied to some online critiques explaining extreme weather challenges and emphasizing their commitment to improvement (according to review responses), but prospective clients reading Yelp will see a mix of experiences.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): As of this report, Monster Plowing Company is not accredited by the BBB, and no rating or profile was found on the BBB website under the company name. This is not uncommon in the snow removal industry, as many local service businesses choose not to pursue BBB accreditation. The absence of a BBB entry means there’s no official BBB score or summary of complaints for Monster. Clients instead rely on the aforementioned public review platforms for evaluating the company’s reputation.
In summary, customer reviews present a largely positive picture of Monster Plowing Company’s services, especially regarding reliability, the convenience of automatic service, and the professionalism of the team. The company’s Google rating of 4.5★ is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction for a service in this industry. That said, some outlier negative experiences (notably on Yelp) highlight that during particularly severe winters or in complex multi-residential jobs, there have been instances where expectations weren’t fully met. Overall, the industry reputation among customers leans in Monster’s favor, supported by many loyal clients and high retention rates (the company boasts an ~85% annual client renewal rate).
Awards, Certifications, and Notable Recognitions
Monster Plowing Company has accumulated numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring its reputation as a top performer in the snow removal industry:
Consumer Choice Award – GTA’s Best Snow Removal Service: Perhaps the most prominent honor, Monster has been voted the Best Snow & Ice Removal Service in Toronto for 11 consecutive years by the Consumer Choice Awards. This streak (winning annually from around 2014 up to 2024/2025) reflects consistent excellence in customer satisfaction and service quality. The Consumer Choice Award is based on surveys of consumers and businesses; Monster’s unmatched run of victories indicates it has maintained a leading position in the market for over a decade. The company prominently advertises this achievement, with its website branding calling them “Voted GTA’s Best Snow Removal Company, 11 Years in a Row!”.
SIMA “Best Places to Work in Snow & Ice” Award: Monster Plowing Co. has earned recognition not only for its service to customers but also for its internal operations and team management. It won the “Best Places to Work in Snow & Ice” award from the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) for three consecutive years. This international award (presented at SIMA’s annual Snow & Ice Symposium) honors companies that foster excellent work environments in the winter services industry. Monster’s three-peat (e.g., in 2021, 2022, 2023) highlights the company’s commitment to its staff through training, safety, and career development. SIMA’s CEO noted that these awards recognize companies dedicated to professionalism and successful business practices in the snow industry For Monster, it underscores that their focus on team “snowfighter” morale and training translates into better service for clients as well. Earning this award multiple times positions Monster as a leader among peers nationally, not just locally.
Winner Magazine’s “Trust Award” (2022): In 2022, Monster Plowing Company was honored with Winner Magazine’s Choice “Trust Award” for Snow Plowing Services in the GTA. This award was part of a feature by BNS News/Winner Magazine focusing on businesses with outstanding customer care and trust. The recognition was given for Monster’s history of consumer satisfaction, innovative strategies, and reputed staff care. It was a testament to the company’s “top customer care” approach – the magazine conducted an interview with CEO Mikhail Evgrafov that year, highlighting Monster’s entrepreneurial story and the values of “grit” and innovation behind its success. The Trust Award adds a further independent accolade demonstrating Monster’s positive reputation in the eyes of both customers and business analysts.
Other Recognitions: Monster Plowing Company often appears in local “best of” lists and media mentions. For example, it has been featured as a top pick in roundups of snow removal services in Toronto. Industry and trade publications have profiled Monster’s growth — a REMI Network article noted that since 2008 Monster has become “one of the premier sources of seasonal snow and ice removal for over 500 properties” in Toronto. The company’s website also highlights that it is “Toronto’s only award-winning snow and ice maintenance service”. referencing the unique combination of consumer awards and industry awards it has garnered. While specific certifications (such as ISO standards or similar) are not publicized, Monster emphasizes being the “most accredited and recognized” brand in its space. It is a member of SIMA (as indicated by its participation in SIMA events and awards) and likely adheres to industry best practices and training certifications promoted by such associations.
Overall, Monster Plowing Company’s trophy case – 11 Consumer Choice Awards, multiple SIMA workplace excellence awards, and other honors – speaks to its industry-leading reputation. These recognitions reassure clients that Monster has a proven track record and is committed to maintaining high standards in service quality, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence.
Competitive Advantages and Unique Features
Several key factors differentiate Monster Plowing Company from its competitors in the snow removal industry. These competitive advantages include:
All-Inclusive, Flat-Rate Seasonal Contracts: Monster offers a unique flat-rate pricing model for seasonal service, which includes unlimited visits for snow clearing and unlimited deicing applications without extra fees. This all-inclusive approach means clients are never charged more for heavy snowfall winters or surprise ice storms – everything is covered under one seasonal fee. The predictability and completeness of this model (often termed “worry-free” or “zero-tolerance” service) attract clients who want full winter coverage with no surprises. It contrasts with pay-per-plow or capped-visit contracts that some competitors use. Monster even includes eco-friendly deicing as part of the package, rather than as an optional add-on, which is a selling point for environmentally conscious clients.
Fast and Guaranteed Response Times: Speed of service is a major promise of Monster Plowing Co. The company operates much like an emergency service for snow – it monitors weather 24/7 and dispatches crews the moment snow accumulation or ice events occur. Monster guarantees prompt clearing: for example, standard contracts promise an early morning clearance (often before 9 AM) after overnight snowfall, and the premium contracts guarantee even faster arrivals (pre-dawn, within hours of snow start). The company likens itself to “a fire station for snow, [where] every weather event is an emergency”. This mentality, coupled with extensive route planning, allows Monster to consistently achieve some of the fastest arrival times in the industry. Clients who cannot afford delays (such as businesses that must open on time, or residential sites that need early clearance) benefit from these guaranteed response windows. Monster’s performance metrics are aided by short, localized service routes across the city and a high staff-to-client ratio, ensuring rapid deployment to each site when snow hits.
Large Scale Capacity and Reliability: Monster Plowing has built a sizable operation specifically for winter demands. With over 85 plow trucks and specialized equipment (including salter trucks, loaders, snow blowers, etc.) and a team of around 180 trained “snowfighters” on staff, the company can handle severe and simultaneous snow events across a wide area. This capacity is a competitive edge – smaller contractors may be overwhelmed by large storms or spread thin across clients, whereas Monster’s fleet size and crew depth provide resilience. The company can deploy multiple crews to large properties or cover many sites at once during citywide snowstorms. Moreover, Monster’s equipment is modern and well-maintained; they highlight having a state-of-the-art fleet and even take delivery of new plows and spreaders regularly to expand capabilities. The result is a high reliability factor: Monster reports an 85% client retention rate annually, indicating that customers trust the company to renew service year after year, likely due to consistent performance.
Advanced Technology and Proprietary Systems: Innovation in operations is a hallmark of Monster Plowing Company. The management team invests in technology for logistics, tracking, and communication. For example, Monster uses GPS-tracked trucks and an automated dispatch system that monitors crew progress and weather in real time. Clients receive real-time service notifications and routine email reports, keeping them informed of when their property was cleared and the conditions observed. Internally, Monster has developed proprietary software over many years to optimize route planning and quality control. This ensures no property is missed and that service times are as efficient as possible. The company also leverages detailed weather forecasting data and sensors to trigger service at the right times (e.g., just as snow reaches 1 cm accumulation or when black ice is likely to form). These tech-driven practices give Monster a modern edge in an industry that traditionally can be low-tech. The use of technology leads to better accountability (e.g., time-stamped service logs), faster response, and higher client confidence that the job will be done correctly even if the owner is not on site. Monster’s embrace of innovation and efficiency is frequently cited in reviews and awards as setting them apart.
Quality Control and Customer Service Excellence: Monster Plowing emphasizes a customer-centric approach, with dedicated support staff and multiple layers of quality control. Supervisors perform spot checks on cleared sites, and there are procedures for clients to report any issues and get quick follow-up. The management’s expertise in “training and teamwork” is evident – crews are professionally trained to handle different site needs (from delicate interlocking stone walkways to large asphalt lots) without causing damage. Communication is also a strong point: clients have lauded the company’s proactive communication during storms and the ease of reaching support when needed . Monster also provides educational content (via its blog and emails) to help clients understand the process and know what to expect The consistency in service (same routes, same crew leads assigned to a property) further improves quality. Overall, Monster’s operational discipline – symbolized by it being “the most accredited and recognized” snow company locally – gives it a reputation for dependability that many competitors struggle to match. This is reinforced by the numerous awards for customer satisfaction it has won (as detailed above), validating its claim of having “industry-leading service” standards.
Focused Expertise in Winter Maintenance: Unlike landscaping firms that do lawn care in summer and only plow in winter as a sideline, Monster Plowing Company’s sole focus is snow and ice management. This specialization means all its off-season preparation, staff training, and investments are centered on improving winter service. The team is experienced with Toronto’s specific winter challenges and has refined best practices for the local climate over 16+ years. Being “100% dedicated to snow and ice removal” has allowed Monster to develop deep expertise – for example, knowing how to handle rapid freeze-thaw cycles, heavy lake-effect snow, or navigating city traffic during storms. This focus is a competitive advantage because clients get a true winter specialist, rather than a general contractor. Monster’s commitment to being “Uniquely Canadian, locally owned and operated by Torontonians” with extensive winter experience resonates with customers who prefer a homegrown expert for critical safety services.
In summary, Monster Plowing Company’s unique features – all-inclusive contracts, guaranteed fast response, large-scale resources, tech-forward operations, and singular focus on winter – collectively give it a leading edge in delivering reliable snow removal. These advantages explain why Monster can confidently advertise itself as “Toronto’s premier snow and ice management solution”, and why it has sustained a top-tier reputation in a competitive industry.
Industry Reputation and Partnerships
Within the snow removal and property maintenance industry, Monster Plowing Company is held in high regard, often seen as a benchmark for quality and professionalism in the Toronto region. The company’s long list of awards and its longevity in business (since 2008) have cemented its reputation. Industry observers and local media have recognized Monster as a pioneer in modern snow management practices. For instance, facility management publications have profiled Monster’s growth, noting it as one of the “premier” winter service providers in the GTA, serving hundreds of properties and introducing innovations in the field. The firm’s brand name is widely recognized among property managers in Toronto – as Monster itself mentions, it has become the city’s “most accredited and recognized brand-name snow plowing company” over the years. This is evidenced by the fact that Toronto has repeatedly “voted” Monster as the top service, and by its strong word-of-mouth presence. In industry circles (such as at SIMA conferences or local business bureaus), Monster Plowing’s model is often referenced as a gold standard for combining scale with service excellence.
A significant aspect of Monster’s industry reputation is its track record of building lasting partnerships with clients and organizations. Many of Monster’s contracts turn into multi-year relationships, demonstrating trust and mutual reliance. Some noteworthy partnerships include:
York Heritage Properties: Monster Plowing Co. has had a decade-long partnership with York Heritage, a prominent Toronto real estate development firm. For over ten winters, Monster has been the trusted winter maintenance provider for York Heritage’s portfolio of historic buildings, ensuring these properties remain accessible and safe despite their unique challenges (e.g., older infrastructure, heritage considerations). The length and continuity of this relationship indicate Monster’s ability to meet high standards consistently and adapt to the needs of important clients.
McDonald’s Restaurants (Toronto): Monster is the snow removal partner for multiple McDonald’s locations across Toronto, a relationship also spanning more than ten years. Managing fast-food restaurant sites requires keeping drive-throughs, parking lots, and walkways clear at all hours so the business can operate uninterrupted. McDonald’s long-term trust in Monster – a globally recognized brand relying on a local company for critical maintenance – speaks volumes about Monster’s reliability and performance. According to a Monster case study, this partnership has thrived on “trust and professionalism” built over years of successful service.
Canadian Tire: Monster Plowing has partnered with Canadian Tire retail stores in Toronto, as highlighted in the company’s portfolio. It has been responsible for keeping Canadian Tire store parking lots and entrances clear during winter storms. Canadian Tire, being a major Canadian retail chain, likely has rigorous requirements and corporate safety standards; Monster’s role in servicing these large retail sites demonstrates its capacity for handling high-traffic commercial environments. By ensuring stores remain open and safe in snowstorms, Monster supports its clients’ business continuity – a valuable reputation to have in the B2B space.
Institutional & Other Commercial Clients: The company’s client list (as mentioned earlier) includes institutions like the Salvation Army and Ontario Power Generation, which often require reliable service for critical facilities, and media companies like The Globe and Mail, which have headquarters that must remain accessible. Additionally, Monster has worked with recreational clubs (e.g., Mayfair Clubs fitness centers) and community organizations (e.g., the Ukrainian Canadian Congress facilities) for winter maintenance. These partnerships across different industries showcase Monster’s adaptability and strong reputation in various sectors – whether it’s public-facing businesses, residential communities, or sensitive institutional sites, Monster Plowing is trusted to deliver.
Moreover, Monster Plowing Company’s involvement in industry associations and events bolsters its standing. The company’s leadership is active in the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) and similar organizations, not only winning awards but also contributing to industry knowledge. Monster’s CEO has been featured in interviews and articles where he shares best practices on customer service and operations, further establishing the company as a thought leader in the snow removal field. Such visibility and thought leadership indicate that Monster’s peers and competitors also recognize its success.
In the Toronto business community, Monster maintains a positive reputation as well, having been a Better Business Bureau Torch Awards finalist in some years (as anecdotally mentioned in company blog posts), and maintaining professional conduct with transparent communications. While not BBB-accredited, it has no significant public complaints record and engages proactively with any customer concerns on public forums.
In summary, Monster Plowing Company’s industry reputation is one of excellence and leadership, reinforced by long-term partnerships with high-profile clients and active participation in the professional community. It stands out as a reliable partner for winter services, to the extent that major corporations and institutions have effectively made Monster an extension of their own operations each winter. These partnerships and its decorated record underscore Monster’s status as a trusted authority in snow and ice management – not just a vendor, but a key ally in winter safety for many Toronto businesses and properties. With its combination of customer acclaim and industry acknowledgments, Monster Plowing Company has set a benchmark for quality in its sector, and its ongoing collaborations with prominent clients suggest this reputation will continue to hold strong in the foreseeable future.