A Message from our President, Matt Malone
The ongoing salt shortage created a situation largely outside of our control. Despite ideal winter weather that would normally drive strong demand, supply constraints left us without inventory mid-month and unable to replenish. That reality impacted sales and put us behind where we would typically expect to be this time of year.
But here is what I am encouraged by.
First, our projects continue to perform. Strong execution and timing shifts from Conneaut and NEORSD have helped offset some of the shortfall, and that speaks to the strength and diversity of our business model. When one area faces pressure, another steps up.
Second, and just as important, we have not wasted this winter.
Instead of reacting to the slowdown, our teams leaned into preparation. Operations have been grinding, screening, and building inventory across multiple sites. Stores have upgraded facilities, rebuilt bins, reorganized displays, and strengthened processes. Training sessions in HR, NetSuite, sales, and vendor product knowledge have sharpened our people. Marketing launched our new website platform, including wholesale online ordering functionality that will position us for long-term growth. Sales is actively engaged in pricing conversations and lining up spring work.
In short, while we could not control salt supply, we absolutely controlled our preparation.
Spring will come quickly. When it does, we will need to execute at a high level and make up ground from missed salt sales. The encouraging part is this: we are better prepared than we have ever been. Inventory is building. Facilities are improved. Systems are stronger. Teams are trained.
Challenges do not define a year. How we respond to them does.
I am confident in this team. The groundwork has been laid. Now we turn preparation into performance.
Let’s finish winter strong and be ready to hit the ground running.
Finance, Ryan Caruso
2026 is off to a slower start.
Despite idea weather conditions that would normally drive strong salt demand, frequent storms combined with ongoing supply constraints left us out of inventory mid-month with no ability to replenish. As a result, product sales were half of last year.
On the positive side, projects kept us withing reach of last year. Timing delays in clearing out Conneaut and finishing up at NEORSD shifted revenue into this year. Project revenue up 80% year over year, contribution to the bottom line up 110%.
Overall, sales are down 3% and our loss 7.5% more than last year.
We’ll continue focusing on strong execution and controlling what we can control.
Business Development, Jason Ziss
No submission.
Commercial Sales, Peter Zappola
February: Laying the Groundwork for a Strong 2026 Season
February is a pivotal month across the landscape and construction industry. Landscapers, distributors, commercial contractors, sitework teams, and utility contractors are all busy planning, budgeting, and quoting new projects as they prepare for the weather to break and the season to begin.
As pricing discussions ramp up, this is a critical time to stay connected with both our key customers and new targets for 2026. These conversations are full of valuable insight and feedback — and that information helps us stay competitive and proactive. Be sure to keep thorough records of competitor pricing on soils and mulches, and use every opportunity to reinforce what sets us apart: exceptional service, consistent quality, and real value.
The outlook for 2026 is promising. New construction is leading the charge, with ODOT and surrounding municipalities rolling out a strong lineup of projects. Private sector work is also robust. Our Sales Team continues to actively track and pursue every lead and opportunity to ensure we’re positioned for growth.
Distributor pricing will be released before the end of the month. Our distributors remain strong partners in moving our core products, and maintaining those relationships is key to our success.
With several projects scheduled to begin in March and April — weather permitting — we are ready to hit the ground running.
Most importantly, now is the time to stay focused, prepared, and aligned. The groundwork we lay today will position us to make 2026 our biggest and best year yet.
Operations, Aaron Brockway
Our teams have been hard at work across multiple locations preparing inventory for the upcoming season. Mulch screening and coloring operations are underway at Bridgeview, while grinding has been completed in Painesville and Hudson. Crews are currently grinding and screening in North Canton, with grinding also in progress in Willowick. Next up, the team will begin grinding operations in Avon.
Stores, Tammie Hattery
Winter Progress & Pre-Season Momentum
While winter sales presented several challenges beyond our control, the slower season created valuable opportunities for progress, improvement, and preparation across our locations. Thanks to the hard work of our teams, we are entering the new season stronger and more organized than ever.
Willowick Improvements
The old trailer at Willowick has been successfully removed, making way for a new and improved pick row display area. This upgrade will enhance the new building and provide maximum exposure for the full range of products we carry.
Inside the facility, the space has been meticulously reorganized to maximize product display and improve the overall customer experience. We also incorporated Pave Tool products into the Willowick location, expanding our offerings and strengthening our presence in the market.
These enhancements position Willowick for a successful season, and we are excited about the impact these improvements will have.
Broadview Progress
Broadview is coming along very nicely. The bin installations are nearly complete, and the interior buildout is finished and ready to roll. The updates create a clean, efficient setup that will support strong operations heading into the busy months ahead.
Valley View Upgrades
Valley View undertook a major project this winter by rebuilding their bin structures. The previous dividers, which had deteriorated over time, have been replaced with solid, durable materials that are both functional and visually appealing.
An added benefit of the redesign is increased capacity, allowing the location to better serve customers while improving overall organization and presentation.
Investing in Our People
The slower winter months also allowed us to focus on manager development and team training across multiple disciplines:
- Human Resources Training – Tiffany led a valuable session covering key HR practices and compliance topics.
- NetSuite & Reporting – Kip and Karen spent the day reviewing reporting tools, diving deeper into system functionality, and sharing exciting upcoming additions to TCS.
- Sales Training – Peter conducted a focused session on sales techniques, providing practical tips and strategies for the team to strengthen their approach.
- Vendor Training – We also scheduled vendor-led training sessions to expand product knowledge and expertise. The more we know, the better we serve our customers.
2026 Sales Goals
Sales goals have been assigned to each store and include focus areas in:
- New Customer Growth
- Mulch and Soil Yardage
- Miscellaneous Products
- Hardscape
- Natural Stone
These goals are slightly more aggressive than 2025, reflecting our confidence in the improvements we’ve made and the strength of our team. With upgraded facilities, enhanced training, and strong leadership in place — we’ve got this.
Looking Ahead
With the season quickly approaching, we are actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team. This year, Kelly (NC) and Jon (WW) will serve as our new hire trainers, helping ensure every new team member is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed for success from day one.
Every challenge this winter gave us an opportunity to improve — and we took full advantage of it. From facility upgrades to expanded training and stronger sales goals, we have laid the groundwork for a successful year.
As we head into the busy season, let’s stay focused, support one another, and continue delivering the quality, service, and professionalism that define Kurtz Bros. Success isn’t accidental — it’s built through preparation, teamwork, and commitment.
The season is ours to make. Let’s make it a great one.
Marketing, Traci Ward
Big news from the Marketing Department — our new website platform is officially LIVE! 🎉
This isn’t just a refresh. This platform is unlike anything else in our market. It has been thoughtfully built with our customers in mind — from homeowners to contractors to large B2B accounts. The foundation is strong, the functionality is powerful, and it will be the most advanced website we’ve ever launched.
Here’s what makes it different:
- 💻 B2B customers can now ORDER ONLINE under their specific pricing
- 🚛 Orders can be placed by specific truck type, giving customers more control and clarity
- 📊 We now have more robust and accurate capacity tracking to support delivery scheduling
- ⚙️ A stronger backend foundation that positions us for long-term growth and scalability
We still have a few more weeks of “decorating” to do — refining product pages, polishing content, and tightening up the finishing touches before peak season — but the core functionality is solid and ready to perform.
Meanwhile, spring ramp-up is in full swing:
- 📄 Price sheets are being built and finalized
- 📚 Sales literature is being updated and refreshed
- 📣 Seasonal campaigns are gearing up to launch
- 🎉 Customer Appreciation Events are being finalized — we’ll share the full lineup in the next newsletter
The energy is high, the momentum is building, and the Marketing team is working hard to support every department as we head into our busiest time of year.
Spring is coming — and we’re more ready than ever. 🌷🚛
Human Resources, Tiffany Bean
2025 W2
As a reminder, W2’s are available in the ADP mobile app or login to workforcenow.adp.com
Should you need a W2 from a prior year – you still have access to those tax forms in our old payroll system: https://eselfserve.com/login_ess.php
If you forgot your login information, you can reset it. The HR team no longer has access to that system.
2025 Form 1095
Your 1095 tax forms are also available in ADP! These are not required to file your taxes, however often times they are requested. This form is related to employer sponsored health plans (for full time employees).
Recruitment – Seasonal Roles
Recruiting has begun for our seasonal roles at the stores! You can refer someone to an open position and receive a $500 referral bonus. The referral can be done right in the ADP Career Center by clicking the link to “Refer a Friend” – no forms required.
Open roles can be seen on our ADP Career Center: Kurtz Careers
Around KB!
Don’t forget to check out the “Around KB” section for updates from our team members.
Submit a photo or update to be included by e-mailing it to hr@kurtz-bros.com
