May 2024

Hello MAY! Let’s work together to make MAY a month of ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

A MESSAGE FROM OUR V.P. OF OPERATIONS,

MATT MALONE

As we head into our busiest time of the year, I am filled with immense gratitude for each and every one of you.  Your dedication, hard work, and tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation.  During these days and weeks ahead be mindful of the power of teamwork. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and capable of achieving greatness beyond measure. Let’s support and uplift one another, sharing our knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm as we navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

Let’s stay focused, determined, and united. Our success depends on our ability to work as one cohesive unit, facing every obstacle with courage, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do. Your dedication and unwavering commitment are the driving force behind our achievements, and I am grateful to work with such an exceptional team!

Together we will make this our best year yet!

FINANCES

We had a strong finish to April, but it wasn’t enough to match last year.  Even though April’s performance was not as strong as last year we were able to chip away about 20% of our Q1 losses and still have a $1.5MM loss to overcome. 

Production, Projects, Transportation, R&M and Direct Ship are outperforming budget, while Stores are slightly behind.  Valley Belt’s losses continue to outpace our budgeted losses by 4 times.  We had budgeted for crushing and related sales that have been put on pause until we have enough material to make it economical.

COMMERCIAL SALES CORNER April concluded with robust sales to our Commercial Contractor Customers, Commercial Landscapers, and Distributors, setting a promising tone for May, historically one of our strongest sales months. Our two new distributors are experiencing firsthand the benefits of offering our top-quality soils and mulches, receiving positive feedback from their customers.   Specialty soils remain in high demand for prestigious projects in Cleveland, Akron, and Canton, with Bio Retention leading the charge closely followed by Structural Soil. Our reputation for delivering consistently high-performing products has solidified our position as the preferred vendor in our markets.   Excitingly, we’ve secured a one-year purchase order for soil, seed, and fertilizer from the City of Cleveland for tree lawns and waterline maintenance repairs, further expanding our presence in municipal projects.   The ball fields market continues to show growth, with infield mixes now reaching customers as far west as Huron and as far east as Youngstown. ODOT projects are in full swing, with our soils being selected for finished landscaping work, and the private sector is witnessing an uptick in new construction projects, keeping us busy with daily quotations.   As Memorial Day approaches, construction customers are placing orders, perhaps finally convinced that snow won’t make a comeback… or so we hope! PRODUCTION All production yards are operating at full throttle, transporting sediment from CDF to BV, producing soil at CDF and across all sites, and manufacturing various mulches at every location. Additionally, a new hoop house is underway in Grand River to produce on-site soil. TRANSPORTATION Despite April’s soggy conditions, the Transportation Department successfully managed a total of 4,084 loads. This figure included 1,793 residential loads and 2,291 commercial loads.   One notable change was the conclusion of Scott’s hauling services, replaced by the initiation of commercial mulch loads. This strategic shift aims to optimize our operations and meet evolving market demands.   Although residential volume showed signs of improvement, it lagged behind last year’s figures due to the persistent wet weather. However, with the dedication of our team and the addition of new members—Mike McCabe, Cody Behrens, Brent Harris, and Jim Pope—the internal fleet is now operating at full capacity. Their expertise and commitment ensure that we are well-prepared to navigate the upcoming busy season efficiently.

THE STORES WE ARE NOW OPEN SATURDAYS, AND 4 STORES ARE ALSO OPEN SUNDAY!  TOP 3 INVOICERS TO DATE: Kelly: North Canton Sarah: Avon Christina: Hudson *Highest invoice count to date is in North Canton with 294!  April Contest has ended with 5 stores surpassing goal: Hudson – 195%    Akron – 118% Strongsville – 118% North Canton – 103% Willowick – 103% This earns a spin on the prize wheel!! Always a FAVORITE!!                                   MAY CONTEST HAS BEGUN: Prize will be awarded to the 2 CSRs who sell the most Full Load deliveries!(Debbie C from Avon has won this the last 2 years!)  HIGHLIGHTED WINS LAST WEEK FROM MANAGERS:-Completing to do list and delegating better.-Sold our first hardscape job.-Customer who put bins in his yard, took large loads to fill them.

Avon pick row is now set! Straight out of the gate, they sold 2 pallets of boulders!!

Strongsville no sooner received their railroad ties and they sold 9!s. HUMAN RESOURCES / MARKETING  APS LEARN: Have you received an e-mail that says “Brandy Murphy sent you a message”?  It is REAL!  Brandy has been hard at work assigning various learning courses and toolbox talks in APS.  The safety toolbox talks are assigned each month.  When a course is assigned, you’ll receive an e-mail that looks something like this: PERSONAL FINANCE TIP$! Are you struggling with creating or managing your budget and your expenses?  Budgeting helps make thoughtful financial decisions – even if it means you decide to spend less on take-out so you can spend more on travel!  Looking at your spending helps you make adjustments to fit your personal needs and goals. Here are some quick tips! Write out your fixed expenses which are recurring, consistent, and generally more predictable (such as rent, utilities, phone, insurance premiums, property taxes) Track your variable expenses which are often discretionary, less predictable, and can leave you wondering where your money went (such as groceries, eating out, gas, hobbies) Everyone’s personal priorities and situations are different, but using a rule of thumb can help you start.The 50/30/20 Rule:  Budget 50% for essential expenses, 30% for discretionary spending, 20% for savings The Envelope System:  Good for visual learners or impulse spenders! Decide how much you will spend in each category for the month and write the amounts on various envelopes.  Withdraw the cash needed to fill each envelope based on the budget.  Throughout the month, spending can only be done from the appropriate envelope.  When an envelope is empty, you cannot spend any more in that category.  *This is general information and is not to be considered legal or financial advice MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH   What is Mental Health Awareness Month? Mental Health Awareness Month, established in 1949 by Mental Health America, is observed annually in May to emphasize the significance of mental wellbeing. It serves as a nationwide platform for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about mental health challenges and advocate for improved access to care. Discover more about this observance and discover how you can contribute to advancing mental health for yourself and others not just this month, but throughout the year.   Why is Mental Health Awareness Important? Despite advancements in societal attitudes towards mental health, a significant portion of Americans still lack access to comprehensive treatment and support. Consider these sobering statistics concerning mental health in the United States: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually. In 2021, only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness annually. In 2021, only 65.4% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment. 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, yet only half receive treatment. Half of all lifetime mental illness manifests by age 14, and 75% by age 24. For additional information and resources on Mental Health, please visit: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/ Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone for one of our outstanding team members. Join us in congratulating Steve Safreed on his 10th anniversary with us! Steve has been a pivotal force behind the success of our North Canton location. His dedication and hard work were instrumental in the building of our new store, showcasing his commitment to excellence and his positive attitude. Even in the face of adversity—whether it be staffing challenges or distractions during the build—Steve has consistently maintained stellar relationships with our customers, always making them a priority. His unwavering focus and positivity have made a lasting impact on both our team and our community. Thank you, Steve, for your incredible dedication and contributions over the past decade. Here’s to many more years of success together! CONGRATULATIONS TO JON AND HIS WIFE SYDNEY ON  THEIR RECENT NUPTIALS– WE WISH YOU NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY TOGETHER! \ 04.20.2024 We are thrilled to share exciting news from The Kurtz Family of Companies! They have been awarded the prestigious FRANCISCAN MEDAL AWARD for their steadfast dedication to advancing education, particularly for young people at Padua and in the Parma area. This recognition was bestowed upon John Kurtz ’68, Greg Kurtz ’71, Mel Kurtz ’72 and Tom Kurtz ‘76 into the Padua Franciscan High School Hall of Fame during the 2024 Hall of Fame induction at the Bruin Benefit on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The Padua Franciscan High School Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Padua’s success through athletics, service, volunteerism, professional achievement, and community leadership. The Kurtz brothers have been loyal supporters of Padua for decades, exemplifying generosity through their leadership, sponsorship, and philanthropy. John Kurtz ’68 paved the way for his brothers Greg ’71, Mel ’72, and Tom ’76 to become dedicated Padua Bruins. Together, they have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to their alma mater, with Tom as a member of the Forever Franciscan Society, Greg was a member of the Board of Trustees for eight years as well as the co-chair for the Padua Plus+ Capital Campaign steering committee and several family members involved in the Friar Club and the family legacy remains strong as the third generation of Kurtz will be attending Padua.  The Kurtz Family of Companies’ impact extends beyond financial support. Their contributions have enriched Padua’s campus through landscaping projects, renovations, and the Welcome Home Project, demonstrating their alignment with Padua’s Franciscan values and commitment to environmental stewardship. President Dave Stec ’86 expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the Kurtz brothers’ enduring loyalty and transformative contributions to Padua. Their partnership continues to elevate the school and positively impact students’ lives.  Congratulations to the brothers and the Kurtz Family of Companies! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BRUINS FLIP BOOK PROGRAM  WHO WORE IT BETTER? 🤔When coworkers unintentionally match outfits and create unexpected twinning moments at the office! 😄 #WorkplaceFashion #Twinning”  We were heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Jacob Derbin, a cherished member of the Euclid Police Department and a former colleague here at Kurtz Bros. At just 23 years old, Jacob’s kindness, selflessness, and dedication to helping others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. During his time with us, Jacob was more than just a driver; he was a beloved friend and an integral part of our team. His willingness to lend a helping hand and his warm, uplifting spirit enriched our lives in countless ways. To Jacob’s family, friends, and colleagues at the Euclid Police Department, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. The loss of such a remarkable individual is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jacob’s memory and the impact he made will forever be cherished and remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.