ConSalt Inc. is revolutionizing the snow removal industry and helping the environment with co-op talent
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
From snow removal consulting to tech innovation, ConSalt Inc. leverages co-op talent to lead projects and advance innovation.
Daniel Schissler (he/him) (BSc ’16) started ConSalt Inc. in 2022 as a snow-removal consulting company. His goal was to support winter maintenance contractors in reducing salt usage, implementing new technologies and improving data management. After a few months of operation, Schissler needed to increase capacity. He sought skilled talent that would fit within his budget and help support client projects.
Schissler turned to Waterloo's Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) program and in the fall of 2023, he hired his first co-op student, Mihajlo Micic (he/him) (BSc ’24). Since then, Schissler has hired more students from Waterloo’s computer science, computer engineering and nanotechnology engineering programs.
“ConSalt Inc. is a company built by me and my co-op students. I wanted students who knew how to work in a team and were looking for an opportunity to take on leadership. So far, I’ve found all these in the co-op students,” says Schissler.
Daniel Schissler, founder of ConSalt Inc.
Students build software solutions, end-to-end
Mihajlo Micic, Geomatics graduate
As the first co-op student and team member of ConSalt Inc., Micic had the opportunity to lead projects, set structures and collaborate with Daniel on business operations. At the end of his work term, Micic continued to work part-time for the company. He’s now a full-time software developer and continuing the work he began during his co-op work term.
“My work has primarily focused on developing applications to streamline and automate processes for businesses in the snow removal industry. These apps increase efficiency and help to support ConSalt Inc's mission to reduce unnecessary salt usage and promote sustainable solutions,” says Micic.
Jason Birdi (he/him), a fourth-year co-op student in Nanotechnology Engineering, has completed two work terms at ConSalt Inc. He was instrumental in helping the company transition smoothly from snow-removal consulting to a software-driven company.
Birdi started as one of the company’s first software developers where he worked on client projects and research and development (R&D). In his role, he also handled the technical aspects of establishing workflows to streamline software development, communication and collaboration.
“The client projects allowed me to gain a strong understanding of contract work, and the R&D let me tap into a creative mindset,” says Birdi. “I took on a broad role at ConSalt Inc. to push us towards software development and offering new products for a larger market. Now, I’ll be doing more R&D while helping new developers find their place at the company.”
Jason Birdi, Nanotechnology Engineering student
Mario Su, Computer Science student
Mario Su (he/him), a fourth-year Computer Science student, developed end-to-end features for clients during a co-op work term at ConSalt Inc.
“With support from our founder, Daniel, it was a smooth process to work on features and build software that exceeded the expectations of our clients,” says Su.
Farrah Glabb (she/her), co-op account manager for ConSalt Inc., has experienced how co-op students can contribute significantly to a growing startup.
ConSalt Inc. is highly committed to fostering an environment where co-op students can take ownership and contribute meaningfully. Students are influenced by this experience and return for future work terms.
Growth opportunities for students leads to growing business
As a startup, ConSalt Inc. gives students the freedom to experiment and learn. From the first co-op student he hired, Micic, to today, Schissler spends time mentoring students. “Daniel has been an incredibly supportive mentor throughout my time at ConSalt Inc. Despite being his first co-op student, he excelled at managing projects and helping me learn new skills and technologies,” says Micic.
Schissler also connects students with professionals from his network in a variety of industries who can share industry knowledge. “If we run into engineering and software development problems, we bring in a consultant to support the students and offer specific mentorship. This has created a culture that facilitates growth without placing pressure on the students,” says Schissler.
Schissler's commitment to hiring Waterloo co-op students has helped ConSalt Inc. scale its operations. He hopes to continue to support more co-op students as they build meaningful experiences.
I have been blown away by the competency of these students and placed enormous trust and responsibilities in their hands. I believe by trusting and empowering my students, it will lead to the growth of my business.