Sproles Elite Lawn Care, run by 2019 Madison Consolidated graduate Gage Sproles, has expanded its services from mowing lawns to ensuring snow is cleared from streets, making travel in Jefferson County safe and accessible. Madison experienced 8-10 inches of snow on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, prompting Sproles and his team into action. Some workers clocked 16-hour shifts to clear parking lots and roads. Sproles prepared for the storm by enlisting employees to equip trucks with salt spreaders and snowplows and ensure all vehicles were storm-ready.
On Jan. 5, Jefferson County and much of the Midwest were hit by a massive snowstorm. For Sproles, this was a call to action to ensure the county’s safety and readiness. One of Sproles’ employees, MCHS junior Sawyer Felts, shared his perspective on the challenging conditions. “We focused on commercial and residential areas,” Felts said. “But we faced harsh conditions, sleepless days and nights, and even a few days without food. It was mentally exhausting being out in the snow for hours.”
Felts also described the intricacies of his role. “I was operating the skid steer. Plowing snow isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s more than just pushing snow out of the way; it requires precision to angle the snow properly and place it where you want it,” he explained. The mental and physical demands on Sproles’ team were significant, but they persevered to complete the job.
From a leadership perspective, Gage Sproles, a former Madison student, started Sproles Elite Lawn Care and has since grown the business. Ahead of the cold surge, Sproles ensured his team and equipment were prepared for the storm. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “It felt stressful, but once you complete the job, you feel great, tired, and joyful.” Sproles emphasized the importance of safety, adding, “You have to be super cautious. Every move could be your last when operating the machinery we were using.”
Thanks to the combined efforts of Sproles and his crew, along with many other dedicated members of the community, Jefferson County is grateful for their dedication to clearing snow and restoring safe travel conditions. Sproles is looking forward to helping Madison and its residents with snow removal and lawn work in the future.
