A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MATT MALONE
Team,
As we move through February, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible effort everyone is putting in—whether it’s selling salt, preparing products for the season, or keeping our operations running smoothly. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate everything you do to keep us moving forward.
I’m also excited to share that we’ve expanded our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with some familiar faces stepping into new opportunities. Please join me in congratulating Tiffany Bean (Human Resource Manager), Matt Brennan (Transportation Manager), Traci Ward (Marketing Director), and Tammie Hattery (Regional Market Operations Manager) on their leadership roles. They join our existing SLT members—Aaron Brockway, Jason Ziss, Tim Lee, John Kurtz, Ryan Caruso, and myself—strengthening our leadership as we continue to grow.
This month, our newly structured SLT held its first meeting, where we finalized our 2025 budget and outlined short-term strategic goals. A major focus is improving communication across the company, ensuring that everyone stays informed and connected as we work together to achieve our goals.
I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and remain grateful for each of you and the work you do every day. Let’s keep the momentum going!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR, RYAN CARUSO
2025 if off to a strong start! Thanks to the cold, snowy weather our product sales have double compared to last year. Unfortunately, the sewer district did not clear out their ash pond this winter as they have done in past years. As a result, any gains we made were offset by that missed opportunity, leaving our bottom line only slightly improved over last year. That said, outside of this, our bottom line is up 15%, which is a huge boost, especially when you are starting the year with a loss.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, JASON ZISS
Our solution for nutrient loading into Lake Erie continues to make positive strides as the Nutrient Regeneration project had a successful on farm demonstration showing that plots of corn planted with compost and nitrogen outperformed synthetic fertilizer alone. Due to soil deficiencies with low organic matter the compost helps improve these soil conditions providing a stronger healthier growing media for farmers. The overall concept of creating more organics management facilities in Ohio’s farmland continues to make positive traction with the Ohio EPA, Ohio Farmers, and Watershed agencies concerned with nutrient loading and improvements to Ohio’s agriculture sector. The Regen TAP project, a grant sponsored through the Federal and State EPA to demonstrate technologies that can help reduce nutrient loading in Lake Erie, is scheduled to receive back results from our water filtration media designed to remove Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus from water. These results along with the positive crop yield data will help Kurtz develop a clear path forward for tacking the greatest environmental threat in Ohio, the health and well being of Lake Erie. We will be sure to keep everyone posted as we wrap up the grant in 2025. For further information please contact Jason Ziss.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER, PETER ZAPPOLA
The 2025 construction season is off to a strong start, marking one of the busiest beginnings we’ve seen in years. Long-dormant projects are finally moving forward, and Commercial Landscapers and Utility Contractors have already placed spring orders with us. Major projects on the horizon include Irish Town Bend, Akron North Main Street, ODOT Rt 20, Cleveland Waterline Replacements, NEORSD Parma Sewers, Summit County Parks, the new Cavs Practice Facility, Steel Yard Commons, Huntington Bank Field, Strongsville Mall, and the Oberlin Ball Fields Renovation.
Our distributors are also preparing for the season, and our sales team is actively working with them to review pricing and product availability. We’re encouraging them to leverage our bulk purchasing power for better deals. One key sales strategy remains: “New Customers are important BUT you should always be trying to sell existing customers more”.”
This year, relationship-building is once again a top priority—our customers drive our success. The scoreboard is on, and we’re off to a great start, thanks to a strong kickoff from salt sales.
In 2025, we won’t let any opportunity slip by—and we won’t settle for anything less than success!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, AARON BROCKWAY
Our team has been hard at work across multiple locations:
- Grinding operations are in full swing at WW and Hudson.
- Compost hauling from NC to Scott’s is keeping things moving efficiently.
- Sand transport from CDF to Hudson is ongoing.
- Mulch coloring is underway at BV.
- Supporting WW with bin block relocation for their new setup.
Great job to everyone keeping production running smoothly! Let’s keep up the momentum.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LOGISTICS AND SAFETY MANANGER, MATT BRENNAN
This month, the transportation department successfully moved a total of 943 truckloads, with 334 of those hauled by our internal truck fleet. Key shipments included hauling compost to Scott’s Miracle Grow, moving 255 truckloads of road salt, and delivering approximately 1,800 tons of black sand to a company in Akron. Our team continues to ensure timely and efficient service, handling a variety of essential materials to support ongoing projects and business operations. Keep up the great work, everyone!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL STORE OPERATIONS MANAGER, TAMMIE HATTERY
Welcome to the Team!
We’re thrilled to announce that Kiel Seevers has joined the Hudson team as our new manager! With extensive experience and a passion for leadership, Kiel is ready to help us grow and achieve new milestones. Welcome aboard, Kiel!
Winter Projects
We’ve been busy tackling projects to enhance our stores and operations this winter. Here’s an update on what’s been happening:
- Yard Improvements: Repairs are underway, including upgraded drainage systems to keep operations running smoothly.
- Showroom Redesign: We’re reimagining our showroom layout to better showcase miscellaneous sales items and enhance the shopping experience.
- Inventory Organization: To boost efficiency, we’re consolidating and organizing inventory for more streamlined control.
These upgrades are setting the stage for an even better 2025!
Incredible Sales Performance
The last two weeks of January were nothing short of incredible! Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished:
- Firewood → 16 cords sold
- Rock Salt → 10,000 bags sold plus 1672 yards distributed
- Eco Guard → 2002 bags sold
Despite a brief supply interruption, we managed to keep things moving seamlessly, ensuring that no one ran out during this busy period. Hats off to the team for their dedication and quick problem-solving!
Customer Connections
Our face-to-face meetings with customers continue to be a top priority. Core product pricing is already being provided, and early feedback has been incredibly positive. Building and maintaining these connections remain essential to our success, and we’re proud of the strong relationships we’ve cultivated.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year ahead! Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Training Opportunities → We’re offering more training to ensure our team is prepared for success.
- Open Houses → Stay tuned for upcoming events designed to connect and engage with our customers and partners.
- Hiring Initiatives → We’re ready to expand our amazing team as we continue to grow.
- Goal Setting → We’re focused on achievable, impactful goals to make 2025 our best year yet.
We’re ready to hit the ground running—are you? Thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication. Together, we’re building a stronger, more innovative team. Here’s to continued success and growth
HUMAN RESOURCES / MARKETING
Congratulations to Cindy Sapp, the Kurtz Bros 2024 Employee of the Year!
Cindy’s Nomination: Cindy has shown unwavering dedication to KB for over 19 years, consistently going above and beyond to meet any need, no matter the task. From assisting drivers and mechanics to ensuring every responsibility is completed, she approaches each request with a positive attitude and delivers results without fail. No excuses, just a dependable commitment to getting the job done—always with a smile.
The January Employee of the Month will be announced soon… along with exciting updates on the Employee of the Year program. Stay tuned!
ADP: Transferring Jobs
View the guide on how to transfer jobs using the clock in ADP. This will show you:
- How to transfer jobs before you begin work (when you need to clock into a different job or location than your default)
- How to add a new job code. Once you add them, they will appear in your list moving forward!
- How to add a note to your time card.
ADP: My Learning
Remember to complete your learning assignments in ADP:
- On the computer, log into workforcenow.adp.com – Navigate to Myself > My Learning to see your assigned courses.
- On the mobile app, go to All Features > Learning
Kudos to the employees who have completed their January Toolbox Talk!
KB’s Open Enrollment Website is available all year!
Questions about our current benefits? Looking for benefit education and resources? The KB Open Enrollment website is available to you all year, also now linked on your ADP homepage!
Recruitment
As we gear up for the season, we are getting ready to post various seasonal open positions. Our employee referral program pays YOU to help us find great team members! Check out the positions and refer people by going to the ADP Career Page:
Be sure to share the link with your friends, and they will be able to add your name if they were referred by you!
You can fill out the form in ADP by clicking MYSELF-TALENT-CAREER CENTER-MY REFERRALS-REFER A FRIEND.
See more information below:
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to the HR team!
SAFETY TRAINING:
February is Heart Health Month
February is American Heart Health Month–an important time to review workplace safety practices that support heart health!
Heart Health at Work
Minimize Respiratory Hazards – Be aware of potential risks and take steps to protect yourself. If unsure, ask.
Lift Smart – Reduce strain on your heart by lifting with your legs, using dollies or hand trucks, and asking for help with heavy items.
Manage Stress – Workplace stress impacts heart health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for support from a manager or colleague.
Quit Smoking – The benefits start immediately. Just one day after quitting, your heart attack risk begins to drop. See the full health timeline here.
Know Your Heart Health – Get regular checkups, follow medical advice, stay active, eat well, and get enough rest.
https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers
Be sure to complete this month’s Safety Toolbox Talk by logging into ADP, clicking MYSELF-TALENT-MY LEARNING
JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
JANUARY
10 – Traci Ward
11 – Matthew Binder
12 – Diamond Savage
18 – Andy Kochera (9 YEARS)
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)
FEBRUARY
1 – Jackson Jabbour (1 YEAR)
4 – Tiffany Bean
6 – Wendy Valencic, Christopher Horn (2 YEARS)
8 – Samantha Spivey
9 – Mitch Cooper
11 – Paula Welch (6 YEARS)
12 – Leslie Safranek (7 YEARS)
14 – Tim Barrett (5 YEARS), Jeff Mundson (5 YEARS), Dan Weir (5 YEARS)
16 – Greg Kurtz
19 – Debbie Toth, Alan Hall
20 – Efrain Gonzalez (17 YEARS)
21 – Cory Strempek (3 YEARS), Donviere Cammon (3 YEARS)
25 – Greg Mullins
26 – James Frantz
MARCH
1 – Ryan Caruso
2 – Frank Falkman, Nicholas White
3 – Ivan Rodriguez Vargas, Debbie Toth (21 YEARS)
4 – Tyler Horn (4 YEARS)
5 – Holly Zelenskas (24 YEARS)
6 – Ryan Vargo
10 – Traci Ward (17 YEARS)
11 – Luis Santiago (12 YEARS), James Frantz (6 YEARS)
13 – Sarah Mathewson (8 YEARS), Brandon Wood (1 YEAR)
15 – Makayla Goe (4 YEARS)
16 – Cynthia Sapp, Tammie Hattery (18 YEARS), Kelly Hattery (18 YEARS), JJ McCoy (3 YEARS)
17 – Jason Ziss (28 YEARS)
19 – Mario Martin
20 – Angel Bauzo, Susan Harris (36 YEARS)
24 – Denise Balog, Debbie Mahar (22 YEARS)
28 – Angel Rivera, Jack Eyers (3 YEARS), Thomas Redella (3 YEARS)
29 – Sue Harris, Samantha Spivey (4 YEARS) Christina McIntire (4 YEARS)
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT: R&M
https://thedirtatkurtz.com/2025/02/25/the-spotlight-repair-maintenance-rm/
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 !
