December 2024
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MATT MALONE
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR, RYAN CARUSO
As we enter the final month of the year we are primed to end the year on a positive note. Year-to-date sales are up 4.4% and net income is up over 70% over last year. We cleared out about 50% of the Conneaut dredge through November and the remaining half will have to wait for next year. We were planning on clearing all the material out in 2024, but the significant snowfall in early December had us change our plans until next year.
With the deferral of the remaining Conneaut dredge revenue we are on track to come close to budget. If we executed December as planned, with the exception of Conneaut, we can beat budget by 5%. This puts us in a position to end the year positively and a great foundation for the year ahead.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, JASON ZISS
No Submission
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER, PETER ZAPPOLA
Winter construction projects often depend heavily on the weather, which can make it challenging to maintain consistent opportunities. This year, the Commercial Sales Team rose to the challenge by thinking outside the box. We expanded our scope by providing mobile grinding services to two cities overwhelmed with debris from the August 8 storm that swept through Northeast Ohio. Alongside grinding, we also supplied trucking services to ensure the job was completed efficiently.
This achievement highlights the incredible teamwork between operations, transportation, and sales. When we collaborate as a unified team, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. We have the resources, expertise, and adaptability to tackle diverse challenges and meet our customers’ needs.
To all CSR’s: keep an eye out for potential opportunities! If you come across something that might benefit from Commercial Sales involvement, don’t hesitate to pass it along. This recent project is a perfect example of how creative problem-solving and teamwork can lead to successful outcomes for our customers and our company.
Additionally, Winter Blend soil sales are thriving. Remember, we have soil available throughout the winter at Big 4. It’s dry, covered, and formulated specifically to perform in cold weather conditions.
Lastly, don’t forget to express gratitude to our customers. Their continued business is the reason we do what we do. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing our appreciation for their support. Let’s keep this momentum going strong!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, AARON BROCKWAY
We’ve been hard at work across multiple sites:
- Grinding yard waste and shearing logs at North Canton.
- Producing Classic Mulch at Bridgeview.
- Screening mulch in Avon.
- Screening black sand at Cloverleaf for sales.
- The dredges arrived last week at CDF with sediment, and are expected to finish by next week.
- Grinding yard waste in Hudson.
- R&M is currently rebuilding star decks on a star screener.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LOGISTICS AND SAFETY MANANGER, MATT BRENNAN
No Submission
A MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL STORE OPERATIONS MANAGER, TAMMIE HATTERY
As 2024 winds down, we’re filled with gratitude for all the hard work and commitment each of you has shown. This year brought us growth, challenges, and exciting opportunities, all thanks to your efforts. Here’s a look at what’s been happening and what’s ahead as we prepare for an incredible 2025:
Customer Growth Opportunities
A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) list has been sent to stores to help identify promising leads for new customers. By targeting industry-relevant prospects, we’re paving the way for another year of success. Special Thanks to Traci in marketing for putting this together!
Tool Sales Surge
Thanks to innovative merchandising efforts, our tool sales have surged 27%! This is a fantastic achievement that speaks to the power of collaboration and looking out for our customers’ needs.
Exciting Hoop House Opportunity
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with one of our customers! They’ve selected three stores to install hoop houses, which will be used in the winter for salt storage. During the rest of the year, we’ll use these houses to store our top-of-the-line compost products. This will keep our compost dry and significantly reduce product loss—a win-win for everyone!
Updates to Store Hours
To streamline our operations during the colder months, store hours are now 8 AM – 2 PM, with the following adjustments:
- North Canton: Extended hours to 3 PM
- Akron: Closed for the season
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we adapt to the season’s needs.
Impressive Winter Product Growth
Winter products are up 11% as of October 27th! This incredible growth is a direct result of our collective focus on stocking the right products and helping customers prepare for the season.
Ongoing Team Development
We’re continuing to invest in our team with sales training for newer managers, supporting them in hitting their full potential. Special thanks to the staff attending a hardscape training day hosted by our vendor, Oberfield. These opportunities lay the foundation for strong performance in 2025.
Seasonal Product Adjustments
To meet winter demands, we have transitioned from All-Purpose Soil to our Winter Blend Soil, ensuring customers have access to dry soil all season long.
Special Store Operations To ensure we continue to serve our customers during winter’s toughest days, select stores will now open at 2 AM for snow events. A huge shout-out to Willowick and Garfield stores for expertly handling the higher demands caused by rough winter conditions—we see you and appreciate your dedication!!
Looking Ahead to 2025
With new opportunities, continuous training, and strategic partnerships, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Thank you for the passion and hard work you bring to our team—it makes all the difference.
Here’s to staying safe, staying warm, and building on the incredible momentum we’ve created together!
Supporting a Colleague in Need
One of our wonderful colleagues, Hudson Store Manager Chrsitina McIntire is currently facing challenges due to her recent diagnosis of Cervical Cancer that prohibits her from working at this time.
To offer support during this difficult period, a GoFundMe has been set up in her name. If you are able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden and show our care for her. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
HUMAN RESOURCES / MARKETING
ADP Rollout Starts December 23rd!
Mark your calendars! Starting December 23rd, we’re officially switching to ADP for punching in and out. This new system will streamline our processes and make tracking time even easier.
Before we make the switch, here’s what you need to do to ensure a smooth transition:
- Check Your Information in ADP: Take a moment to log in and verify that all your details are accurate before Monday, 12/23. Correcting any errors now will save time later!
- Double-Check Your Address in Eselfserve: Remember, W-2s for 2025 will still be sent out from Eselfserve, so it’s important that your address is up to date.
This is an exciting milestone for our team, and your attention to these details will help ensure everything runs seamlessly. Let’s finish the year strong with this new update!
WE WISH YOU A WARM HOLIDAY WITH THOSE YOU LOVE MOST!
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to the HR team!
SAFETY TRAINING:
HOLIDAY SAFETY
From late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes, safety should be top of mind. Following is tried-and-true advice to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.
Check out this website for more information!
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER & JANUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
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 – Jackson Jabbour, 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
28 – Cindy Sapp (19 YEARS)
DECEMBER
1 – Clint Smith
6- Jeff Mundson
7- Andy Kochera, Karen Lekan
10- John Kurtz
19 – Michael Battaglia
21 – Fred Voros (14 YEARS)
25 – Victor Martinez
27 – Paula Cramer
29 – Tyler Horn, JJ McCoy
30 – Grandma Kurtz
JANUARY
10 – Traci Ward
11 – Matthew Binder
12 – Diamond Savage
18 – Andy Kochera (9 YEARS)
24 – Katrina Taylor
24 – Michael Fhaner
25 – Brandy Murphy (3 YEARS)
27 – Don Cammon, Ryan Caruso (5 YEARS)
28 – Jon Kuss (3 YEARS)
29 – Addie Meager
30 – Paula Welch, Dave Nagle (2 YEARS), Tim Mayle (2 YEARS)
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 !
