| As we enter the dawn of a new year, may the fresh start bring us boundless energy and an unwavering determination to conquer new heights of success. Here’s to a prosperous year ahead, where we rise above challenges, seize opportunities, and make a bigger mark in the industry. |
| A MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM: In 2023, Kurtz Bros., Inc. celebrated its 75th anniversary with remarkable achievements. The collective efforts of all dedicated teams contributed to positive year-over-year improvements for the stores, production, and transportation teams. Proactive selling strategies played a pivotal role in the overall revenue growth for the stores, showcasing resilience despite the closure of the Norton location for the entire year. The establishment of a Customer Advisory Board underlines the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. We made significant progress on continued challenges, including progress at Valley Belt, with the completion of the donation to West Creek. With the denial of a landfill expansion on the Valley Belt property, we were able to donate the property instead, creating a win/win/win for KB, West Creek and the Village of Brooklyn Hts. In 2024 we should see our expense related to the closure of the site be much less as we seek to close the RKDF portion of the site. Kurtz Bros., Inc. achieved a significant milestone in its 75th year, marking a legacy of resilience and success. Despite a Net Profit Margin of 3.9%, impacted by reduced project work, the core business improvements undertaken in 2023 have laid the foundation for a successful and sustainable future. The company remains steadfast in its goal of achieving Net Profit Margins above 10%, exemplifying a dedication to long-term financial health and prosperity. |
| KURTZ BROS 2023 OPERATIONS UPDATE: TRANSPORTATION, PRODUCTION, AND REPAIR & MAINTENANCE |
| Transportation: In 2023, Kurtz Bros witnessed a remarkable transformation in its transportation department, achieving significant financial success compared to the previous year. The department has put together the foundation of a great team that has set the company up for success in the future. The team of Dave, Chris, Paul, and Louie – has proven to be a success, with the team demonstrating strong cohesion. Denise, the dispatcher, has been instrumental in enhancing operations, and the return of Aleeya this Spring is anticipated to further strengthen the team, especially in Saturday coverage.Strategic moves were made in eliminating three leased trucks, replaced with heavy haul-capable vehicles. Additionally, the fleet welcomed two split board single axle trucks, set to be tested in select markets during early spring. Thanks to the successes of 2023, the transportation department is proud to announce the avoidance of a price increase in 2024. |
| Production: The production team achieved significant milestones in 2023, finalizing the decision to switch colorant vendors from Ameri-Mulch to Color Biotics. Extensive testing at the Bridgeview facility showcased superior coloration, deeper hues, and increased durability, even in adverse weather conditions. |
| Repair & Maintenance: The repair and maintenance team played a crucial role in Kurtz Bros’ success by reducing overall equipment expenses by 4.5% compared to 2022. Their expertise and continued support guided the acquisition of various pieces of equipment in 2023, including a new coloring machine at Bridgeview and a soil trommel in Avon. Notably, the installation of a used coloring machine in Hudson is expected to enhance colored mulch performance in that market.The Repair & Maintenance team remains an integral part of the company’s operations, contributing to its overall efficiency and success. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the strategic equipment investments made in 2023, ensuring the company’s continued growth and innovation in the coming years. |
| THE STORES Avon, Hudson, and Valley View have reset their showroom to increase miscellaneous item sales. Strongsville is growing at a rapid pace; we removed the Gazebo and Pond to allow for more inventory.Bulk bins have also been reinforced and made bigger! The new building in North Canton is progressing nicely, we hope to be moved in by March 1st. Willowick received much needed bin floor repair! Akron was Facebook famous with their signage. Willowick received much needed bin floor repair! All managers and assistants were given the New Hire loader training course to ensure standardized procedures are being followed. 2023 the stores implemented systems that vastly improved the way we execute flatbed deliveries and store transfers. Rehire boot camp was created to get everyone up to speed quickly.We look forward to a record number of returning employees in 2024!TV`s will replace price boards at each store this season, this will save money reprinting when prices change.We are excited to add the much-requested boulders to our inventory.With streamlining our processes in 2023, our pricing is on pace to get done 2-3 weeks earlier than ever before! From November 2022 to February 2023 compared to November 2023 to February 2024, our Winter Blend Soil sales are up 128%. |
| DID YOU KNOW?IT’S AVAILABLE IN APS! Your 2023 W-2 was mailed out in January. If you have not received it, or want another copy – it is available in APS!You can access all your personal documents and company documents. This includes your pay stubs, W-2s, 1095 Forms, Benefit summaries, company holidays, handbook, and more!Please keep your personal information up to date including your e-mail and mailing address. This is where important information is sent!Any changes need to be made by YOU directly using the app or on eselfserve.com – this includes changing or updating your taxes, direct deposit, and other personal information. This is to protect your personal information due to the amount of spam and scam e-mails that are received! |
| 2024 BENEFIT REMINDERS ALL SUPLEMENTAL INSURANCE HAS CHANGED TO UNITED HEALTHCARE!Kurtz Bros has partnered with RxNGo to provide maintenance medications at NO CHARGE to employees!If you take any sort of maintenance medication (diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, etc.) – please reach out to RxNGo to sign up!Kurtz Bros has partnered with KisX to provide surgery & imaging services FREE to employees!The KISx Card is a surgery & imaging program that Kurtz Bros has made available to you for the most common surgical & imaging procedures.Some of the most typical procedures through The KISx Card include: Orthopedic, General Surgery, Colonoscopies, MRl, CT and PET Scans.If you utilize the program, you will receive your procedure at *NO COST.*HSA Plans require first dollar coverage from patient before procedure up to IRS Minimum, before program incentives are received. (Contact HR to discuss how you can still take advantage of this program on the HSA plans!) |
| FFEBRUARY MARKS AMERICAN HEART MONTH IN THE UNITED STATES Major Risk Factors for Heart DiseaseMany different risk factors affect your chances of developing heart disease. Understanding what aspects of your life play a role can help you make changes to improve your health. Of course, there are some risk factors that you cannot change, but you should still be aware of them. Here are the risk factors that the American Heart Association identifies for this condition: Advanced Age: Your risk of developing and dying from a heart-related illness increases as you age, with most deaths occurring in the over 65 age group, so staying as healthy as possible through exercise and diet is the best way forward. Gender: Men are more at risk of having a heart attack than women, and having one earlier, too. So, men should be particularly cautious when it comes to heart health. Heredity Risk: You have a higher chance of developing heart disease if other family members have it. You may want to get your DNA tested for any hereditary risk, then (of course) discuss the results with your doctor. Smoking: As well as negatively impacting your everyday health, the American Heart Association notes that smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop heart disease. If you smoke, now’s the time to kick the habit! Low Physical Activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for developing coronary heart disease, but you don’t have to be an elite athlete to increase your activity levels as extra protection. Being Overweight: Overweight people are more likely to develop heart disease. Excess body fat around the stomach and abdomen areas is particularly dangerous, and can also lead to high blood pressure. Stress: Your physiological response to stress could be a leading risk factor for having a heart attack. Look for healthy ways to deal with the stress of your everyday commitments, such as mindfulness and meditation. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol excessively can raise your blood pressure, which is a real risk for heart-related illnesses. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, get help from a medical professional. Poor Diet: What you eat affects your health. Eating nutrient-rich foods (such as fruits and vegetables) and limiting your red meat and sugar consumption is a good place to start.Here are a few ways to take action: Work on stress management. Stress causes poor heart health, and reducing stress in the workplace can go a long way towards improving your overall health. Stress can be hard to avoid, especially in the busy season to come. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, ask for help from your peers or manager. There is no shame in feeling anxious, and asking for help is important. Quit Smoking. It has long been proven that smoking has an extremely negative effect on your heart. Just one day after quitting, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease, blood pressure begins to normalize and blood oxygen levels will rise. After one year of not smoking, your risk of heart attack will be around half that of a person who smokes. Check out this timeline to see how quickly quitting makes a positive impact on your health. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317956 Know your own heart health and consider that when taking actions at work. Get an annual physical and follow up on any considerations raised by your doctor. If you are prescribed medication, take it according to your doctor’s directions. Get enough exercise and sleep. Eat a balanced diet.Be aware of potential respiratory hazards in your workplace and how to eliminate or minimize them. If you are not sure what these could be, ask. We are all busy getting ready for the upcoming season but take some time to check out some of the safety related courses available through APS learn. If you need help accessing APS learn, or finding new courses, please reach out to HR. Check out these four courses related to this month’s safety message!Adult & Child CPRBasic First AidEmergency First AidManaging Stress |
| CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AT KURTZ BROS:A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Kurtz Bros 75th anniversary celebration, held at the iconic Cleveland Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Nearly 250 employees and their guests joined us for an unforgettable evening, uniting team members from all corners of the Kurtz family of Companies, spanning from Missouri to Pennsylvania. The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of Kurtz Bros and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its success over the decades. We had the pleasure of honoring employees who have been with us for over 30 years, recognizing their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to our company’s journey. Congratulations to:Jeff Stemler (31 years)Craig Hoitink (31 years)Bill Catalano (32 years)Karen Lekan (34 years)Sue Harris (34 years)Tim Lee (36 years)Annette Berger (37 years)Jimmy Vargo (44 years) Furthermore, we had the privilege of acknowledging the exemplary leadership of the three brothers, John, Greg, and Tom, who have steered the course of our business with commitment and vision since taking over from their father, Mel Sr. Their leadership was honored with a proclamation from State Representative Tom Patton and a heartfelt video showcasing the achievements and vibrant culture they have cultivated across all Kurtz Companies. We invite you to relive the magic of the evening by exploring the captivating pictures and video. Here’s to 75 years of excellence, and to many more years of success ahead! |
| WELCOME TO THE FAMILY: |
| Clint Smith, Assistant Manager VALLEY VIEW Clint has been in the Landscaping Industry for over 20 years, joining us from Rock Bottom where he was responsible for landscape maintenance of all top company corporate accounts. Prior to that he held various landscape management roles. In his spare time, Clint is a full-time single dad of an 8 year old daughter. He is looking forward to his first spring at KB, interacting with more customers, and growing their sales for the year ahead. |
| Mike Fhaner, Manager GARFIELD HEIGHTS Mike has over 30 years of retail operations and sales management experience, joining us from MS International where he was a Sales Manager. There, he developed a hardscape program to take to the Landscape Supply Market in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Previously, he held multiple managerial roles, and was even a Category Buyer for a Retail Nursery. In his spare time, Mike loves to garden and get his hands dirty working outside. Mike also adds, he is incredibly handsome. |
| Nelson Knudsen, Assistant ManagerAVONNelson has been in the landscaping / snow / construction industry for 30 years, including management, sales, and operations roles. He comes to us from Zone Safety, where he was an Operations Manager. Nelson has been married for 24 years to his beautiful wife, and they have four children! In his spare time, Nelson enjoys watching Cleveland sports, traveling, and spending time with family. Nelson stated, “I have used Kurtz Bros. for many years and finally am proud of being part of the home team!” |
| ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES! |
| We are delighted to announce that Matt BRENNAN, Logistics Manager, has taken on additional responsibilities and has been appointed as our new Logistics & Safety Manager. Since joining Kurtz Bros in October 2022, Matt has exhibited exceptional leadership and dedication in his role, spearheading transformative changes within our transportation department. |
| Under his guidance, the department has undergone a remarkable turnaround, achieving significant financial success compared to the previous year. Through his strategic implementation of internal cost improvements, Matt has successfully steered the department towards a substantial reduction in expenses, reversing previous losses and setting a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness. In addition to his outstanding achievements in logistics management, Matt brings a profound commitment to safety. His passion for ensuring the well-being of our employees and maintaining the highest safety standards aligns perfectly with our company values. With his expertise and enthusiasm, we are confident that Matt will lead our safety program with excellence, further enhancing our culture of safety and fostering a secure work environment for all. Discover this captivating article from Heavy Duty Trucking that recognizes Matt as one of the HDT 2023 Emerging Leaders! Wearing All the Hats: HDT Emerging Leader Matt Brennan – Fleet Management – Trucking Info |
| Congratulations, Matt! You’re truly making waves! |
| We are excited to announce that Sarah MATTHEWSON has been selected as the Avon – Market Manager. Sarah joined Kurtz Bros in March 2017 as a CSR at the Avon location. She continued to advance as the Store Lead in November 2019 and was named the Assistant Manager in July 2021. She has done an amazing job supporting and championing the Avon store and we look forward to her continued success! |
