NOVEMBER 2025

Team,

As we close November, I want to take a moment to reflect and express my gratitude for all that we’ve accomplished together this year. 2025 has been a year of tremendous progress, teamwork, and dedication across every corner of the company. We have faced challenges head-on, delivered record-setting results, and continued to strengthen the foundation that makes Kurtz Bros. such a special place to work.

Your commitment this year has been remarkable. You have shown what it means to pull together as one team, serving customers, supporting one another, and living out our mission of turning waste into resources every single day.

While we’re now in our slower months, we remain on pace for one of the strongest years in company history. That success doesn’t just come from numbers, it comes from people. It comes from the early mornings, the extra effort, the collaboration, and the pride you each bring to your work. For that, I am truly thankful.

As we head into the holiday season, please take time to enjoy it with your families and loved ones. You’ve earned it. Let’s finish the year strong and carry this momentum into 2026.

Thank you again for everything you do. I’m grateful to be part of this team and proud of what we continue to accomplish together.

We are having a record year and still on pace to finish very strong!

As expected, Fall and Winter are the slowest season, and we historically see our largest losses during this period.  While October finished lower than last year, there are two key reasons behind the decline:

• Sharholder Rents:  We reinstated full shareholder rents retroactively to January 1.  We originally planned a four-year ramp-up, but because of our strong 2025 performance, we were able to accelerate and return to full rents this year.
• Conneaut Project Timing:  Last year, dredge material removal in Conneaut started in September, but this year will not begin until December. The total revenue from the Project will be the same year-over-year; the timing is simply different.

Year-to-Date Highlights

• YTD Sales are up 27%
• Gross Profit is up 49%
• Gross Margins increased 4.5 points
• Bottom Lins has more than doubled

October Overview:

October was down across most areas.  Stores saw an increase in Revenue and the Landfill losses were reduced, but other departments finished below last year.

Even with seasonal declines, our projections still show we will outperform 2024.  And even Q4 matched last year’s results, we are on track to finish two to three times better overall.

We also have strong momentum and several projects scheduled for the remainder of the year that will help offset November and December’s seasonl impact.  

Let’s stay focused and finish Q4 strong as we set to close out this record-setting year!

No Submission.

Commercial Sales Update: Finishing Strong and Building Ahead

As we transition from fall into winter, this time of year marks one of the most important phases of the construction season. There are two key focuses — wrapping up current projects before year-end and preparing a strong book of business for the year ahead.

2025 is shaping up no differently. Our commercial customers remain active, with a steady demand for soils. While many soil producers have closed operations for the season, Kurtz Bros. and Earth ‘N Wood are still going strong! We’re fully stocked and ready to supply our Winter Blend soil, which will carry us through until spring 2026. Remember — we provide soil all year round!

As projects wind down, customer relationships become the top priority for our sales team. Maintaining and strengthening those connections through the winter months ensures long-term success. We’ll be reaching out to current customers, as well as reconnecting with those who didn’t purchase this year, to learn more, explore opportunities, and keep the pipeline full. Every conversation is a chance to learn and grow — and every relationship fuels our success.

And of course, salt season is upon us! It will keep us busy through the end of the year as we work toward a strong close to 2025.

As the saying goes: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.” Let’s keep that confidence and momentum rolling into 2026!

• Bridgeview is currently receiving ash.

• Yard waste grinding is underway in Willowick.

• Grinding and screening operations are active in Hudson.

• Broadview will begin grinding leaves and yard waste soon.

Transportation remained active through November, supporting multiple key customers and projects. We’ve hauled 186 loads to Scotts across October and November, with Orrville now wrapped up for the month — including 1,200 yards of leaves moved from KB Bio Energy as part of that effort. Progress continues on the Cuyahoga Landbank project, with 369 of 834 loads completed, and we kicked off the Cliffs C&D project, moving 39 loads on day one; while site conditions have slowed turn times, we’re planning to increase truck count to improve production. Major hauling remains strong, with 872 loads of re-run (19,200 yards) moved from Bridgeview to Valley Belt YTD, and 440 loads (22,000 yards) of yard waste and first grind delivered into Bridgeview in October and November alone. We’ve completed hauling from Broadview Heights and expect to begin on Willowick next.

A Season of Growth, Performance, and Momentum

As we move toward the close of the year, our teams across all locations have demonstrated incredible drive, creativity, and results. From new buildings to major sales achievements, repurposing initiatives to operational wins—2025 has been a milestone year. Here’s a consolidated look at everything our teams have accomplished.

Location Upgrades & Yard Redesigns

Willowick & Broadview – New Buildings, New Possibilities

Both locations now have brand‑new buildings (to us), providing more space and flexibility. This additional room allowed for full yard redesigns, enhancing layout flow, safety, and customer experience.

These improvements were driven by the dedication and hands‑on effort of the teams at each store. Their commitment has already set the tone for a strong 2026 season.

Sustainability in Action – Waste to Resource

True to our mission as a waste‑to‑resource company, the demolition of the North Canton house created an exciting opportunity. We are repurposing cabinets, countertops, and other materials for use at Willowick and Broadview, reducing waste and maximizing resource value.

Outstanding Store Performance

Broadview: Early Success & Surging Volume

Broadview has exceeded expectations in a major way:

• 9,000+ yards of leaves and yard waste received since October 1st, generating $30,000 in revenue.
• 300+ yards of soil sold.
• 250+ yards of mulch sold.

All accomplished with one person and a tablet—a remarkable achievement.

Goals, Growth & Wins Across the Company

Our teams continue to raise the bar with exceptional performance:

Customer Growth

• Combined, teams achieved 128% of their new customer goal.
• Avon led the pack with a phenomenal 166% of goal.

Natural Stone & Pick Row

• Sales surged with a 74% increase over last year.
• Clear proof that “If they see it, they will buy it!”

Hardscape Success

• Willowick delivered an incredible $600K+ in hardscape sales, blasting past their goal.

Mulch Sales

• Though a soggy April slowed momentum, two stores still managed to hit their mulch objectives.

Across all categories, the results reflect hard work, focus, and a culture of winning. Goals. Goals. Goals!

Winter Hours – Effective December 1st

As we transition into winter operations:

• Akron – Closed for the season
• North Canton – 8 AM to 3 PM
• All other locations – 8 AM to 2 PM

Please share updated hours with customers as needed.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With expanded facilities, strong sales performance, sustainability initiatives, and energized teams, we are entering the next season with tremendous momentum. Our foundation is strong—and the future looks even stronger.

Things are ramping up as we move closer to the launch of our new website, with a tentative go-live date of January 16th. Our team is also wrapping up year-end reviews with our agencies and vendors, ensuring we head into 2026 with clear priorities and strong partnerships. Much of our focus right now is on building a comprehensive and strategic 2026 marketing plan, with several exciting initiatives underway. More updates to come as we finalize details for the new year!

📢Congratulations to JJ McCoy for being our Wellness October GRAND PRIZE winner.  He won a $500 Visa Gift Card!  

⭐Annual Review Cycle Update

• We are updating the timing of our annual performance review process. Reviews will now take place in January, with annual pay increases effective the first pay in March.

• This change will allow us to better align our process to a schedule where managers have more time to focus on meaningful feedback and thoughtful input. We know that the end of the year is an extremely busy time, and this shift will help ensure the process receives the attention and quality it deserves.
• This also helps with improved planning.  The timing allows leadership to finalize compensation decisions after annual business results and budgets are reviewed. 
• Our goal is to create a more meaningful, consistent, and impactful performance review experience for everyone.

❄️Holiday Schedule

The holiday season is quickly approaching!  A reminder about our Company Holiday calendar: 

• Closed for Thanksgiving Day (11/27) and the Day After Thanksgiving (11/28). 
• Closed for Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25) 
• All stores will be closed Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, January 2.**  We will return on Monday January 5, 2026!! 

**Note – salt loading will still take place. 

💊New Pharmacy Benefits for 2026 

Our pharmacy coverage is moving to TrueRx!  

• A family-owned patient-first pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) focused on keeping medications affordable and effective
• View ID cards & plan details, compare medication prices at local pharmacies, set refill reminders, chat live with a TrueRx Health Strategist and so much more in the mobile app.

Specialty Meds Coverage with SHARx! 

•  Pharmacy advocacy program that works to get high-cost medications of $350 or more per month FREE or at a highly reduced cost for members
• Included when you elect medical coverage through Kurtz Bros

These programs will replace our current SmithRx coverage. 

🎉 2025 Employee Awards – Nominate Now!

The Employee Awards nomination survey is now live in ADP! Help us celebrate outstanding team members by submitting your picks for this year’s awards. You can nominate as many or as few as you’d like—or skip it entirely. All submissions are due by December 5.