How do you turn a snowbird winter into a year-round business relationship?

Scott Cundill · 2026-10-29 · Phoenix

Treat the winter as the first meeting, not the whole relationship. When the snowbirds arrive in the Valley, plenty of them are business owners and executives with time to talk, golf to play and curiosity to spare. The trick is to keep the conversation going once they fly home to Toronto, and that takes a little intention.

Winter is when the doors open

From November to March, Phoenix fills with Canadians, many from Ontario, enjoying the sunshine, the desert sunsets and a much slower diary than they have at home. Conversations that would take weeks to book in Toronto happen easily on a patio in Scottsdale.

Be curious, not salesy

A snowbird on holiday does not want a pitch. They want good company. Ask about their business, listen properly, and share what you do only when it fits. The relationship will be warmer for it.

Swap something useful

Recommend a great local accountant, golf course or restaurant. Little favours build trust quickly, and trust is what turns a winter acquaintance into a spring client.

Follow up before they leave

Before April, suggest a simple next step: a video call in May, an introduction to someone in Toronto, or a visit when you are next in Canada. Put a date on it.

Keep it alive in the summer

When Phoenix bakes at over a hundred degrees, Toronto is at its loveliest. Summer is a perfect time to visit, and a visit in their home city tells them you are serious.

Use the three hour gap

Toronto is three hours ahead of Phoenix in summer and two in winter. A Phoenix morning call lands in the Toronto lunch hour, so regular check-ins are easy.

Can someone refer me to Toronto businesses directly?

Yes, that is what the Bridge does. Tell the host what kind of Toronto client, partner or supplier you would like to meet. If they genuinely know someone suitable, they introduce you both with a short note explaining why. No cold calls, no lists, and no introductions that would not help both of you.

The Phoenix-Toronto Business Bridge

John Kloian holds the Phoenix end. He is a partner at The Gap View, and describes his approach as servant leadership and partnerships over transactions. The Toronto host seat is open.

This winter, when the snowbirds arrive, aim for one real conversation a week. By spring, you will have a Toronto network you never had to fly north to build.

When spring comes and the snowbirds fly north, it is the referrals they carry home that keep the relationship warm all year.