A MESSAGE FROM OUR V.P. OF OPERATIONS, MATT MALONE
As we approach the end of October and enter the season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of you for your hard work, resilience, and commitment. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that we have achieved as a team. I am genuinely grateful for every one of you and the dedication you bring each day to make our organization stronger and more resilient.
As the Holiday approaches, it’s a great time to celebrate our achievements and refocus on the opportunities ahead. Over the next few months, we have a unique chance not only to deepen our relationships with our customers but also to set the stage for an exciting spring. Let’s leverage this time to ensure our products, sites and teams are ready to meet the demands and opportunities of the upcoming season, positioning us for a strong start to the new year.
Thank you all again for your dedication and passion. Here’s to an impactful and successful season of preparation and growth!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR, RYAN CARUSO
Through the start of fall, we continue to see the same trend of trailing in Sales and Net Income, as compared to last year. Sales for the month were down 15% and our first loss at the end of the season came a month earlier than previous years.
However, year-to-date our Revenue is slightly ahead last year (less than 1%) and our Net Income is still ahead by 30%. Also, we are expecting to have the chutes form the Conneaut Dredge cleared out before year end which will help reduce our Q4 losses by approximately 60%. Limiting these losses are why we are trending to finish the year ahead of budget by 10% 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
Even though summer keeps us busy, winter is just as hectic. One key task is visiting distributors to review our 2024 performance. Their feedback helps shape our sales strategies for 2025, highlighting what worked and where we can improve. We’ll also expand our footprint by finding new distributor partners in areas where we aren’t yet represented, like Cleveland, Akron, and Canton.
Equally important are our meetings with commercial landscapers and construction companies to review their projects and start building next year’s backlog. Winter construction continues, and our “Winter Blend” Top Soil ensures customers get what they need, when they need it.
As always, we’ll explore new products and vendors to grow our offerings. After all, our customers are the key to our success.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, AARON BROCKWAY
The production team has been busy preparing for the colder months ahead! Soil production remains active at CDF, and over 17,000 yards of winter blend is ready at Big4. Bridgeview’s Hoop House is fully stocked with all-purpose soil, while North Canton has completed yard waste processing. We have also sent a grinder to assist in productions in Columbus. Avon has screened its compost, ensuring resources are well-prepped across sites.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LOGISTICS AND SAFETY MANANGER, MATT BRENNAN
In September, we experienced a slight decrease in load count, totaling 2,394 truckloads, largely due to rainy weather. While there were no major projects, we maintained a steady flow of commercial orders.
October has shown a positive trend, with load counts surpassing September’s figures by the 21st. Favorable dry weather contributed to several busy days across both our single axle and commercial operations. Additionally, we’ve launched another round of CDF hauling, positioning us ahead of last year’s total outflow with three months of hauling still remaining.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL STORE OPERATIONS MANAGER, TAMMIE HATTERY
As we transition into the slower season, I’m excited to share some key updates and achievements that will set us up for continued success.
STREAMLINED PROCESSES
We’re implementing important changes designed to streamline our current operations. These enhancements in inventory management and accountability will make our processes smoother, allowing us to focus on what we do best—serving our customers and achieving our sales goals.
OUR STRONG TEAM
Despite the seasonal slowdown, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication each of you has shown. Our remaining staff is stronger than ever, and it’s your commitment that drives our success. You are the backbone of our operations, and I truly appreciate your efforts.
Thank you for your continued dedication and teamwork. Together, we’re not just maintaining momentum; we’re building a stronger foundation for the future.
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION GOODY BAG GIVE-AWAY!
North Canton made a Jeopardy game for their customers. If they got it right, they also received a KB shirt along with their goody bag. There was A LOT of laughter!!
STORE APPEARANCE AWARD
Avon enjoyed a night at Top Golf as their reward! Great time had by all!!
GOALS
North Canton and Avon joined Akron, Strongsville, and Willowick in hitting their New Customer goal 2024. The other stores are close behind.
With that, we are exceeding our company goal of $920,000.
SALES STATS YOY
Lighting sales are up 90%
RR Ties up 98% since adding to the Northern stores
Premium Mulches up 18%
Yard waste dumps at the stores are up 6%
The dry hot Summer put a damper on our seed sales, they are down 7%
CLEARANCE STONE
To reduce our inventory on clearance and discontinued items, we will be featuring “lots” at each store weekly. These will be displayed at the front of the store for maximized visibility.
TIME TO THINK WINTER!! We have our EARLY ORDER SALT SALE happening now!
HUMAN RESOURCES / MARKETING
WELLNESS OCTOBER IS IN FULL FORCE, THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED THUS FAR!
CHECK OUT THE QR CODE FOR WELLNESS OCTOBER– IT’S NOT TOO LATE–YOU CAN STILL TURN IN EVERYTHING THRU THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER!
As you know, we are moving to ADP Payroll for 2025. This change will enhance the experience for all users.
You should have received an e-mail from ADP for your account registration . THIS IS NOT SPAM! Please follow the instructions in the e-mail to create your account.
- This can be done on a computer or phone
- You will be able to create your desired user ID (as long as someone else isn’t using it already!) and password – we suggest you write down what you created!
- You will be able to save your user ID after logging in
- Download the ADP Mobile app to access your account from your phone or tablet
- YOU WILL NOT SEE ANY TIME OFF BALANCES, CLOCK IN OPTIONS, OR OTHER FUNCTIONS AT THIS TIME— THIS WILL COME SOON!
Be sure to register for your account by November 4th!
- Open enrollment will take place in ADP from November 4th – November 11th
- You will be able to do open enrollment in the app!
- We will send reminders and instructions for completing your elections when Open Enrollment begins.
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to the HR team!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. Here’s a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. These tips, not tricks, can help make a safe and happy holiday for everyone!
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
FALL BACK AN HOUR!
TIPS AND TRICK ON ADJUSTING TO THE TIME CHANGE:
- Maintain your schedule
- Get ready for the change early
- Get enough daylight
- Avoid eating late
- Set the right environment
Check out the article on Daylight Savings Time and how to cope better with the time change!
SAFETY TRAINING:
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PROTECT YOUR HEARING MONTH
Exposure to loud noise or certain chemicals while at work can damage your hearing. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses and is permanent.
Hearing loss is associated with:
- Communication difficulties, making it challenging to maintain relationships with others.
- Other health problems, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), heart problems, cognitive decline, and poor mental health.
- Concerns for personal safety and the safety of others.
Fortunately, occupational hearing loss can nearly always be prevented. Health and safety professionals, employers, and workers can all help prevent occupational hearing loss.
PLEASE VISIT THE CDC WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/prevent/index.html
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
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
NOVEMBER
1 – Mike Lenahan (6 YEARS)
2 -Daniel Jagger
4 –Faith Calabrese (22 YEARS)
6 -Michael Cooper, Daron Rowley, Dan Weir, Aleeya Pavlick (3 YEARS)
11 – Dan Barton
12 -Cody Behrens
14 -Maria Heinz
17 –Carlos Nunez (10 YEARS)
18 – Louis Santiago, Tim Mayle, Angel Rivera (18 YEARS)
20 – Kathy Hatfield (21 YEARS)
21 – Nelson Knudsen (1 YEAR)
24 – Matt Malone, Thomas Redella
28 – Cindy Sapp (19 YEARS)
KB proudly supported the 2024 Ohio High School Landscape Olympics as a member of the Ohio Landscape Association. In late September, Dave Nagle volunteered his time to coach West Lake High School participants in the Truck and Trailer event, focusing on proper pre- and post-trip inspections. KB also provided team shirts for the students, reinforcing our commitment to empowering future landscape professionals!
THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT: THE STRONGSVILLE STORE
CHECK OUT THE NEW PHOTO GALLERIES ADDED:
Fright Night – https://thedirtatkurtz.com/gallery/?type_0=gallery&album_gallery_id_0=5
Wear It Pink – https://thedirtatkurtz.com/gallery/?type_0=gallery&album_gallery_id_0=6
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
