A Message from our President, Matt Malone
March is here, and while the weather is still trying to make up its mind, one thing is clear across our business. We are ready.
The start of the year has not gone the way we would have drawn it up, largely due to the salt shortage. But what matters most is how we responded. Instead of waiting for conditions to change, our teams leaned in and used this time to prepare. Because of that, we are as prepared for the season as we have ever been.
Inventory is built and positioned. Yards are organized and improved. Facilities are upgraded. Systems are stronger. Training has taken place across the organization. Our new website is live and opening new doors. Sales activity is strong, and projects are lined up. Across every part of the business, the foundation is in place.
When the weather breaks, we will be ready to go and fully capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.
I also want to recognize the incredible performance from last year. Our 2025 results created the opportunity to share in that success, and it is important to acknowledge the effort, commitment, and execution that made it possible. Thank you for the role each of you played in delivering such a strong year.
To all of our new and returning employees, welcome. You are joining at a critical and exciting time, and the impact you make over the next several months will matter. This is when our business comes to life.
We are heading into the season with momentum, preparation, and a team that is ready to perform. There is a lot to be excited about. The work we have put in is going to show, and I truly believe we are positioned for a strong and successful season ahead.
Let’s get after it!
Finance, Ryan Caruso
We continue to struggle in 2026.
It’s largely the same story as last month. We ran out of salt during a period when weather conditions were ideal for salt sales. As a results, product sales are down more than half compared to last year.
The timing of removing dredge material at Conneaut has projects up 60%, but not enough to offset the drop in revenue from other areas.
To summarize:
- Product Sales: down 53%
- Salt Sales: down 60%
- Tipping Revenue: down 44%
- Delivery Revenue: down 37%
- Contract Revenue: increase 170%
As the season begins, we need to be ready to sell and deliver at full capacity. There will be opportunities ahead, and execution will be key to making up ground from the first-quarter deficit.
Business Development, Jason Ziss
No submission.
Commercial Sales, Peter Zappola
March Momentum: Kicking Off the Season
March marks the transition into a new season as our distributors—like our stores—begin filling their bins. With salt moving out, space is quickly being made for soils and mulches, signaling that spring is right around the corner.
This year, specialty soils like CU Structural Soil and Bio Retention are giving us an early jump on the construction season. Infield mixes and playground mulch are close behind, with orders already starting to roll in and building momentum.
Projects Underway or Starting Soon:
- ODOT – Ridge Rd & Rt 480
- Lakewood – Bunts Rd
- Fairport Harbor – 4th St
- Cleveland Metroparks – N. Marginal Rd
- Newburgh Heights – Gamma Ave
- Cleveland – W. 140th St
- Garfield Heights – E. 126th St
- Berea – Bagley Rd
- Cleveland Metroparks – Euclid Beach
- Willoughby – Osborne Park
With additional opportunities ahead, the Sales Team is ready to continue building on this strong start. As the weather begins to shift, we’re all looking forward to the busiest and most exciting part of the year—when the phones are ringing and our trucks are delivering materials across Northeast Ohio.
Negotiation remains an important part of what we do, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to quality and service. That’s what builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps close the deal.
As always, a simple reminder: when we take care of our customers, everything else follows. Here’s to a strong start and a successful season ahead!
Operations, Aaron Brockway
Production teams continue to stay busy across all sites, with grinding, screening, and coloring of mulch in full swing at each yard. These efforts are helping us build and maintain strong inventory levels while ensuring consistent quality as demand begins to increase. Great coordination across our production teams is keeping operations running efficiently and preparing us for the busy season ahead.
Stores, Tammie Hattery
Mother Nature’s sense of humor is… questionable at best. One day it’s spring, the next day we’re back in February. While she’s clearly enjoying herself, she’s also putting us a tad behind in sales.
That said—once she makes up her mind, we are locked, loaded, and ready to roll.
We’ve officially transitioned from Winter Blend back to All-Purpose soil, signaling that spring is right around the corner (even if it doesn’t feel like it some days). To help kick off the season, we’re running a Big Sale on Bagged Mulch and Topsoil — Buy 2, Get 1 Free!
📊 Sales & Store Highlights
- Hudson is leading the way as our early front-runner for new customer growth, already exceeding $20,000. Great job setting the pace!
📞 Call Performance Update
As of March 1st, we discontinued rollover calls with a goal of maintaining a 95% answer rate.
Last week:
- North Canton (with very limited staff) handled 291 calls
- Only 12 calls went unanswered
- That’s an impressive 96% answer rate
Excellent work by the team—this level of responsiveness makes a real difference.
🤝 Team Efforts
Managers have been actively engaging with customers through face-to-face meetings and quoting opportunities.
The moment the weather cooperates (we’re looking at you, Mother Nature), we are ready to GOOO!!!
🆕 What’s New This Season
- #57 Slag is now stocked at all 9 locations
- We’ve partnered with High Format, a new hardscape vendor, and are already seeing positive results
So yes, despite the weather, we are making progress… even if we’re doing it in jackets.
🎯 Fundraising Program
We are currently seeking organizations to participate in our Fundraising Program.
This is a great opportunity for both sides—it helps grow our sales while supporting local organizations in funding their programs. If you know of any groups that may be interested, please encourage them to connect with us.
🔄 Manager Swap Days
Manager swap days are underway! These visits allow managers to:
- Spend time at another location
- Share feedback and best practices
- Bring back ideas that can benefit their home stores
A great way to strengthen collaboration and consistency across all locations- and confirm that yes, every store has its own unique brand of chaos.
We’re looking forward to more consistent spring weather—and hopefully getting on Mother Nature’s good side soon. 🌱💪
Marketing, Traci Ward
Spring is here, and the Marketing Team is actively preparing for a strong season launch across all areas of the business.
We will be bringing back our Customer Appreciation Event series this year, with dates to be announced soon. Planning is also underway for a Grand Opening/Open House event at our Broadview Heights location.
On April 9th, we will host an Ohio Landscape Association event at our main office, featuring a Techo-Bloc hands-on training with Paver Pete. We expect approximately 50 attendees.
Our new website is live, and we will continue making enhancements over the coming months as we refine functionality, improve user experience, and build out content.
We are looking forward to a busy and successful season ahead.
Human Resources, Tiffany Bean
Total Rewards Statements available in ADP!
Your Total Rewards statement shows the full value of your compensation and benefits, not just your paycheck. In addition to wages, it includes the company’s investment in things like health benefits, retirement contributions, paid time off, insurance programs, and more.
We’re committed to providing a competitive and meaningful benefits package that supports your well-being, growth, and future. Thank you for everything you do and for being an important part of our team.
To view your statement: Go to Myself > Pay > Total Rewards
Seasonal Hiring
Our seasonal hiring is in full swing! Welcome to all of our new employees, and welcome back to all of our returning employees! Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself if you see an unfamiliar face.
We are looking for additional CSRs, Store Loaders, Single Axle Drivers, as well as full-time CDL drivers!
Know someone who would be a great addition to our team? Refer them and earn $500!
Engagement Survey
Thank you all for participating in our Engagement survey! We have received the results and are currently reviewing them in detail. We appreciate your feedback on what is working well, and opportunities for improvement. We will be communicating the results in more detail to you, along with our initial action plans in the next month.
As a reminder, employee feedback is always welcome, even outside of our surveys.
Season Kick Off / Town Hall
Our season kick off meeting will be scheduled soon…watch for the invitation in your e-mail!
Around KB
We are looking for more submissions for the Around KB! We want to highlight our employees outside of work. Send your pictures or updates to hr@kurtz-bros.com.
The next 3 submissions will receive a surprise number of points in People are Everything!
Spring Cleaning Safety
It’s that time of year when we tackle spring cleaning projects both at work and around our homes. Remember to do it the safe way!
Never mix household cleaning products.
Keep 3 points of contact on ladders.
Lift with your legs keeping your back straight.
Be careful walking on wet surfaces.
Keep walkways clear of clutter.
Check out this month’s Helping You, a guide from UMR:
