| LET’S CONTINUE TO EMBARK ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR AHEAD, WHERE WE CONQUER OBSTACLES, EMBRACE OPPORTUNITIES, AND LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT IN THE INDUSTRY! |
| DIVING-IN TO FIRST QUARTER FINANCES The beginning of 2024 shows promise, yet we’re not without hurdles. Winter’s grip means anticipated losses for the first quarter, as we’ve budgeted. Nonetheless, we persist in seeking avenues to boost revenue, enhance efficiencies, and bolster the bottom line. Efforts to clear the CDF 12 chutes earlier than previous years have yielded a 30% revenue increase through January compared to last year and our budget. Regrettably, these gains were offset by challenges at the Valley Belt Sites, which remain a significant financial drain as we approach their closure. We must carefully strategize our actions at Valley Belt to manage expenses effectively. While it’s early to discern trends, our core business has shown a 5% uptick over last year. |
| COMMERCIAL SALES CORNER As we embark on the 2024 landscape and construction season, our schedule is filled with several soil and mulch projects slated to kick off in early April. Among the soil endeavors are assignments at notable locations like The Cleveland Museum of Art, Oberlin College, John Carroll University, as well as projects with the Cuyahoga Falls and Canton ODOT, and Copley Schools. Mulch projects at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, featuring our mulch blowers, are set to commence shortly. Our expertise in Bio Retention remains integral to our soil backlog, and contractors in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Stark Counties consistently prefer and recommend our offerings due to their outstanding performance. Furthermore, our Distributors are gearing up to replenish their stocks. Serving as our link to landscapers and the retail market, particularly in areas without a physical store presence, they play a crucial role in expanding our reach. In 2024, we welcome two new distributors, enhancing our market penetration as Ohio’s leading supplier of soil and mulch. Our commitment to quality and service remains unwavering, serving as our strongest asset in catering to all our customers. Our larger Commercial Landscaper clientele reports a backlog larger than it has been in the past four years, signaling a positive industry trend. Notably, entities such as ODOT, the turnpike, NEORSD, and surrounding municipalities are embarking on more projects this year than ever before. The private sector is also exhibiting increased construction activity compared to the previous year, with requests for infield mixes and sports turf pricing presenting significant opportunities for growth. We’re always on the lookout for new products and services to better serve our customers. With a mild winter setting the stage for an early start, we’re fully prepared to meet the demands of the upcoming season! “SEE SOMETHING..SAY SOMETHING”… If you happen to see new construction projects starting please notify Peter Zappola, Commercial Sales Manager (peterz@kurtz-bros.com) for a follow up visit and explore our potential opportunities. |
| PRODUCTION Throughout February, our production team diligently prepared for the upcoming season. Crews in Bridgeview, North Canton, and Avon proactively engaged in screening and coloring mulch, ensuring they have ample supplies to kick off the season smoothly. Meanwhile, the team ground mulch in Painesville, screened and colored mulch in Willowick, and successfully colored mulch for the first time using the color system that was installed in Hudson. In Cleveland, the CDF team completed de-watering tasks and is now focusing on clearing chutes in preparation for the April dredge. Despite operating with a lean workforce, our production crew has demonstrated remarkable strength and adaptability with the significant increase in mobile operations this year |
| TRANSPORTATION Transportation closed out a slow February with 772 total loads, 669 commercial loads and 103 residential (single axle) loads. During this period, our focus in Transportation was primarily on gearing up for the upcoming busy season. We dedicated efforts to planning and securing capacity while ensuring our internal equipment through R&M underwent thorough maintenance and repairs for optimal performance. Notably, we procured a rental semi-tractor to pull a flatbed, thereby freeing up a tractor to haul another dump trailer. Additionally, with a keen eye on recruitment, we successfully hired a full staff of semi-drivers and are set to commence training for new drivers in mid-March. Collaborating with Karen Lekan and the Descartes team, our dispatch team conducted tests on the OnDemand Optimizer function. Leveraging advanced AI technology, this Optimizer will streamline the process of building efficient delivery routes, empowering dispatchers to prioritize efficiency and customer service over manual route planning. We are thrilled about the prospects of integrating this cutting-edge technology into our operations! |
| THE STORES THE STORES ARE IMPLEMENTING SOME INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATIONS IN PREPARATION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON |
| Managers and Assistants have all completed Unilock hardscape training and have received their certifications.Flatbed Transfer training completed for moving product safely and efficiently.We have added a couple more customers to our Advisory Board.System improvements underway to simplify processes.Our fundraiser campaign is growing, we are up to 6 participants! SPRING HOURS HAVE BEGUN, AND THE AKRON STORE HAS REOPENED! |
| North Canton Building update: The roadway around the structure has been raised to grade! |
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| Returning staff has started rolling in! Training is occurring for new hires. |
| TV price boards are up and running! |
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| MARCH IS NATIONAL EYE SAFETY MONTH Your eyesight is precious, so it is vital that you take steps to protect your eyes while at work. Eye hazards can take many forms with such a wide array of workplace environments.Sharp objects or metal striking, scraping, or penetrating the eyeChemical splashesThermal burns to the eye and surrounding areaStrain fromThe best way to protect your eyes from hazards is to wear personal protective eyewear that best suits your work conditions at all times. Be sure to use eye protection that is not cracked or scratched in a way that impairs vision, and that fits your head and face correctly. Eye protection options include:gogglesface shieldssafety glassesfull-face respiratorsBrush away or vacuum any dust and/or objects from hair, facial area or hats before you remove your protective eyewear. Clean your eyewear after use. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly washed.It’s also important to have regular eye exams — recommended every two years — to ensure your vision is in good condition to safely perform your job.What should I do if my eyes have been harmed in the workplace?In the event of a cut or injury:Do not attempt to remove any objects lodged in the eye.Do not attempt to touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye.Place a patch or shield over the area around your eye to protect it.Go to the nearest eye trauma center or emergency department.In the event of chemical or dust/debris exposure to the eye:Find the nearest eyewash station at your workplace and flush out your eye immediately before seeking medical attention. In the event an eyewash station is not near or accessible, any source of clean water may be used.In the event that you are hit in the eye area:Do not attempt to apply pressure to the eye.Use ice or a cold compress to reduce any swelling.Contact your eye doctor to discuss the injury and if additional treatment is needed |
| Growing the Future: A heartfelt thank you to the 30 educational champions from thee Independence Local Schools and the City of Independence who made a stop at our Main Office for their Road to Readiness day. We dove deep into history and our community roots and discussed empowering the next generation with vital life and career skills. Your commitment is the seed that grows tomorrow’s leaders. |
| The HR team, accompanied by the Garfield Heights store manager Mike Fhaner, dedicated their afternoon to attending the CVCC career fair. |
| Our team showed up in full force at the Ultimate Networking Event hosted by the Ohio Landscape Association. It was a night filled with valuable connections and insightful discussions with both customers and industry experts. A big thank you to everyone who represented our company with such excellence! |
| The Kurtz Family of Companies has gained recognition for their remarkable generosity in supporting the brothers’ alma mater, Padua Franciscan High School. |
