A MESSAGE FROM OUR V.P. OF OPERATIONS, MATT MALONE
As we welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, we also welcome the fall planting season. Fall is a fantastic time for planting and thus an opportunity for increased soil sales. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for establishing new plants. Whether we are working with a landscaper or retail customer, this season provides opportunity to enhance outdoor spaces with grass, perennials, shrubs, and trees that will flourish come spring.
It is also a great time to focus on our individual wellness, as you will read below October is Wellness month and our HR team has done a great job preparing for it! Details will be out soon, make sure to spend time participating in the many events and activities planned.
Although not quite to our budget we continue to have a strong season. Our production team has taken on new projects and performed mobile production at various sites, with little to no additional expense. Our stores are about to exceed our new customer goal and continue to do a great job nurturing our customer focused sales approach. Our transportation team continues to perform more efficiently than in any year in the past. And the significant reduction system related challenges are a testament to our support team both in accounting and marketing! Perhaps the most impactful has been the performance of our dredging contracts and activities–Jason Ziss and everyone involved in these sites have done an amazing job this year!
Thank you to everyone’s continued performance and effort!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR, RYAN CARUSO
Even though, for the Core Business, August’s Revenue was behind last year, our Net Income for the month was 50% better but we are about 18% behind last year.
However, with the reduced losses at Valley Belt and recognizing revenue on 50k yards of sediment at the Grand River our Net Income is up 50% over last year. Plus, we received the cash for the 78k yards of sediment from the Conneaut Dredge and will recognize this revenue over the remainder of the year, as we remove the sediment. As we head into the Fall / Winter we are projected to see losses that will eat into about half of our profit for the year.
With these wins we are expecting to finish 25% better than budget and significantly better than last year.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, JASON ZISS
No Submission
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER, PETER ZAPPOLA
Construction projects remain the primary driver of soil sales, with a shift in focus from distributors to site work, utility, and road building contractors. We continue quoting ODOT and local municipal improvement projects, particularly as cities invest in sewer upgrades due to recent heavy rains. Bio Retention and Structural Soil projects are also active and will likely continue through the winter. Salt pricing has been distributed to our winter customer base in anticipation of a busy snow season. The outside sales team is collaborating with marketing to develop a 2025 Sales Plan aimed at expanding our business, introducing new products, and attracting new customers. “Lunch and Learns” are planned with engineering firms in Cleveland, Akron, and Canton, as they are key product specifiers in our market and need to be informed about the full range of KB/ENW products and services. Fall is shaping up to be busy, and we are optimistic for a strong year-end finish. A special thanks to our Transportation and Production teams for their support in handling complex customer requests, because ultimately, the CUSTOMER is key to our success.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, AARON BROCKWAY
No Submission
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LOGISTICS AND SAFETY MANANGER, MATT BRENNAN
As we conclude the summer months, I’m proud to report strong performance from our Transportation Department. In July, we moved 4,284 loads (1,417 residential and 2,867 commercial), while August saw 2,714 loads (1,052 residential and 1,662 commercial). Noteworthy projects included wrapping up CDF hauling with 77,000 yards of material—31,000 yards in July alone—as well as hauling 5,000 yards for Quasar in Avon and 3,659 yards to On The Other Side. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment; your efforts are vital to our success!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL STORE OPERATIONS MANAGER, TAMMIE HATTERY
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and achievements from across our network. Let’s dive in!
SALES HIGHLIGHTS
Techo Block Triumph
Since integrating Techo Block into our hardscape lineup last month, we’ve already secured three jobs totaling an impressive $35K in sales. Kudos to the team for this fantastic start!
Hardscape and Soil Sales Goals
Hudson: Although only at 24% of their aggressive hardscape target, Hudson has achieved over 600% of last year’s sales—a remarkable improvement!
North Canton: Currently at 92% of their soil goal with 14,000 yards sold.
Valley View: At 75% of their soil sales goal of 8,000 yards.
Strongsville: An impressive $80K in hardscape sales.
New Customer Acquisition
We’re just shy of our store-wide goal of $920K, already reaching 93%. Keep pushing forward!
COMMUNITY & TEAM UPDATES
Manager Swap Day Success
A big thank you to everyone involved in our Manager Swap Day. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting a repeat next year. This swap fostered the exchange of innovative ideas and strengthened our team spirit.
Customer Appreciation
Stores are currently writing Thank You cards to over 2,100 customers. This gesture highlights our commitment to building lasting relationships.
Movers and Shakers
Don C. from Garfield has joined the Willowick Team.
Andres T. has transitioned to the Grand River site, quickly making a significant impact on growth. Welcome and congratulations to both!
OPERATIONAL NOTES
PTO Reminder
With the season winding down, managers are encouraged to take their well-earned PTO days as part of their compensation. While this poses some staffing challenges, it’s important to prioritize well-being and work-life balance.
Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. Together, we’re achieving extraordinary things. Let’s keep the momentum going as we move toward our goals.
HERE’S TO MORE SUCCESS AND COLLABORATION!
HUMAN RESOURCES / MARKETING
Reminder – Trainings Assigned in APS Learn! Annual safety trainings should have been completed already!
October is Wellness Month Stay tuned for this year’s wellness month details – including the
“fan favorite” Walking Challenge, resources, activities, and more!
CHECK OUT THE QR CODE FOR WELLNESS OCTOBER!
SLAM E-Mail Phishing
Remember to stay vigilant to avoid falling for phishing
scams! Use the SLAM Method:
S – Sender.
Slightly misspelled names or domains are red flags!
L – Links.
Hover the mouse over any link without clicking to show its
true path.
A – Attachments.
Any file can carry malware. Use caution when deciding to open them.
M – Message.
Look for “urgent” requests to act and offers that seem too good
to be true.
Other helpful tips: Does the e-mail look like it is from your supervisor but seems
off? Contact them another way first to confirm it was truly sent by them! Did someone call and say your utilities will be shut off if you
don’t pay? Hang up, call the utility company directly (get the phone
number from their website or your utility bill) and confirm the request is
real.
SAFETY TRAINING: ELECTRICITY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify the hazards associated with electricity: shock and fire
- Explain how electricity works regarding hazards on the job
- Describe basic safety controls and practices at work
- Identify and explain how to respond to electrical emergencies
COURSE OVERVIEW
Electrical accidents can cause burns, shocks, and even fatal electrocution without proper safety measures. Each year, around 230 electrical-related fatalities occur. A study by NIOSH found that 61% of electrocutions happen among craftsmen (46%) and laborers (15%), with these groups facing the highest death rates.
Electricity is so common and reliable that it’s often taken for granted, making safety training essential!
THREE PRIMARY ELECTRIC HAZARDS:
- The first hazard is electric shock, where contact with electricity sends a current through the body, making you part of a circuit. Effects can range from mild to severe, with electrocution or death as the worst outcome.
- The second risk is electricity’s potential to ignite fires or explosions. While static discharge is usually not dangerous in homes or offices, it can cause significant harm in industrial settings.
- The final hazard is electrical burns, often internal, caused by electricity passing through tissue or bone, generating heat and causing serious damage. These burns occur from the inside out.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS:
- Before plugging in a device, inspect it and the cord for damage. Look for corroded, loose, or bent plugs and frayed insulation. If a tool or cord is hot, sparks, or shocks, replace it. Don’t attempt repairs yourself; call an electrician.
- Never carry a tool by the cord, and keep cords away from heat and water. Always pull plugs by the plug, not the cord. Avoid tampering with plugs or removing the ground prong.
- Don’t overload circuits, use extension cords only temporarily, and stay at least 10 feet from power lines.
- Electric shocks, burns, and fire hazards are real dangers. Low voltage can still paralyze muscles, and faulty wiring can be deadly. Use an electrical tester and seek professional help if needed.
- If a breaker needs tripping, stand aside and look away for safety. Replace outlets that can’t hold plugs fully, and never daisy-chain power strips or run cords under doors or rugs. Avoid using tape for damaged cords.
- Always turn off power at the source and verify with an electrical tester to ensure safety.
Electrical safety training is essential and often required for workplace safety, helping you understand your limitations and recognize unsafe conditions to avoid accidents.
Source: https://hsi.com/courses/electrical-safety-training
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
AUGUST
1 – Crystal POOLE
5 – Aaron BROCKWAY (5 YEARS)
6- Tammie HATTERY, Amy NEWRONES
7- Patrick REESE
9- Mike MCCABE
14- Tiffany BEAN (24 YEARS)
25 – Rick COSTELLO
29- Juan TORRES
SEPTEMBER
1 – Makayla GOE, Christopher HORN, Richard GOERNDT
2 – Matt MALONE (15 YEARS)
4 – Leslie SAFRANEK
5 – Paul SCHAB
9 – Tim ZACHARIAS
11 – Gregory SANDERS
16 – Jack AYERS
19 – Holly ZELENSKAS
20 – Angel BAUZO (14 YEARS)
23 – Greg SANDERS (4 YEARS)
29 – Tim ZACHARIAS (1 YEAR)
OCTOBER
2 – Nelson Knudsen
4 – Jill Schuelein
6 – Christopher Shipley
7 – Matt Barnhart
12 – Tim Barrett
13 – Joe Peters
14 – Debbie Maher
15 – Jon Kuss
16 – Michael Fhaner (1 YEAR)
17 – Wes Snee
21 – Dakota Burkett
24 – Steve Safreed, Kimberly Ritchey
25 – Louis Alexander (1 YEAR)
26 – Kelly Hattery
29 – Charlie Snee
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CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT: AVON PRODUCTION SITE
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
FEEDBACK? CUDOS? CONCERNS?
Let us know what you are up to! We want to highlight our employees both at KB and outside of work! Send them to feedback@kurtz-bros.com
