A diesel mechanic by day, Mike Landry made his first snowplowing run of the season Monday. The South Portland resident is the owner of Arctic Snowplowing, serving businesses and residences in Portland, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. As he cleared parking lots and driveways Monday, Landry talked with The Current about why he loves plowing snow, how he keeps himself awake during big storms and what he is expecting for weather this winter.

Q: How long have you been plowing snow?

A: I started working with someone and then went out on my own about eight years ago. There are about 12 different places I go around until all the cars are gone and the businesses are closed. Then, I clean them up.

Q: How long do you stay out plowing during a storm?

A: I’ll be up for three days a lot of times. It’s whatever you’ve got to do. If it starts in the afternoon, I’ll start in the afternoon. If it starts at 2 in the morning, you’re out here at 2 in the morning.

Q: Do you enjoy plowing snow?

A: I love it. It’s awesome. You get to drive around and drink coffee and see people you know. I love driving around in the snow. It’s like playing. It’s more fun than anything.

Q: How do you stay awake during those long shifts?

A: A lot of coffee. Every once in a while you start to realize how tired you are. You start to lose sense of direction, then you snap out of it. You get used to it. You figure it probably snows anywhere from 12 to 18 times throughout the year. It’s more preparation than anything – getting all your equipment ready, keeping up with everything. A lot of times, in July, I’m not going to the beach, I’m getting my stuff ready.

Q: Do you ever see people having car trouble as you’re driving around?

A: A lot of them. There are people on the side of the road, people whose cars won’t start. Usually, I pull over and help them out.

Q: What was the worst storm you’ve had to work during?

A: Back in ’93. We had a pretty big one then. It was three days straight of doing snow removal. Between plowing and, once you get done with your businesses, for two days after a storm you’re constantly getting calls from people wanting their driveways plowed.

Q: Do you always wear T-shirts when you plow?

A: I get pretty hot, actually. You have to keep your defrosters on high, then the inside of the cab gets really, really hot.

Q: What do you think this winter will be like, weather-wise?

A: I’m predicting it’s going to be a stormy year, only because the last time it was was three years ago. Usually, it’ll go a couple of years kind of light, then we’ll get a heavy one.

Q: Do you listen to music as you drive?

A: I blast it. Either rock or rap, depending on what kind of mood I’m in.

Mike Landry, of South Portland, manuevers his truck Monday, plowing driveways and parking lots in South Portland. Landry is the owner of Arctic Snowplowing, which serves businesses and residences in South Portland, Portland and Cape Elizabeth.Landry plows into a snow bank, clearing a South Portland parking lot Monday after the season’s first snowfall. “It’s more fun than anything,” he says about his winter side job.