OLS INSIDER - Q2 2025 Newsletter
ACQUISITIONS & GREEN/BROWNFIELDS
ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS & PROMOTIONS
Hello Team OLS,

Congratulations on your induction into the Fortitude Hall of Fame for the months of April, May & June! If you haven't received your Fortitude pin, look for it in the mail soon.
- Will Burdette | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Duluth, GA
- Debra Roberts | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Cumming, GA
- Tracy Gumaer | Corporate - Product
- Steven Sequira | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Durham, NC
- Brandon Salinas | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Durham, NC
- Dave Miller | Parker Hardscapes, Reno, NV
- Bob Mellor | Geobunga, Aiea, HI
- Tyler Broiles | The Rock Place, Smyrna, TN
- Gary Horne | Corporate - Dispatch
- Rose Wolfe | Geobunga, Aiea, HI
- Tracy Wilson | Mid-Atlantic Concrete Products, Winston-Salem, NC
- Julian Valverde-Diaz | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Kennesaw, GA
- Nicholl Perez | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Roswell, GA
- Christy Kimbrell | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Cumming, GA
- Russell Fillerup | Stoneworld Supply, Rexburg, ID
Nominate a coworker you believe embodies and / or lives out our core values of FORTITUDE (Fun, Optimism, Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Trust, Unity, Drive, and Empowerment). Nominated team members will be recognized in our OLS Insider newsletter and be entered into a raffle for a chance to win super cool swag.*
*Drawing to take place 12/2025.
Now Open: Nova Stone | Landscape & Masonry – Catharpin, VA
Nova Stone in Catharpin, Virginia, is now officially open as the third Nova Stone location. Join us for our Grand Opening celebration on July 14th! This location brings added strength to our presence in the Mid-Atlantic region and allows us to better serve contractors and homeowners alike with premium products and exceptional service.
Our NSS | Natural Stone Solutions A-frame display racks have been shipped to locations to showcase our imported natural stone collection. These professional displays were designed to maximize product visibility and drive sales in high-traffic areas.
The displays feature our imported natural stone collection and include detailed installation instructions to ensure proper setup. Each location received product tags shipped separately based on quantities requested by store management.
Proper presentation is crucial for sales success, so these displays should have been positioned in prominent, high-visibility locations within your showroom or yard. The A-frame design allows customers to easily view and appreciate the natural stone samples while maintaining an organized, professional appearance.
Dalani™ Bulk Decorative Stone Display
Our Dalani™ display racks have been distributed to all locations and allow the flexibility to showcase Dalani Pebbles only or Dalani with a regional bulk offering. These mobile displays included 21 small bins and 2 large bins with magnetic labels for easy product identification.
Remember - customers make split-second decisions based on what they see. Well-organized, attractive displays that are in high traffic areas help them visualize how products will look in their projects and DRIVE SALES.
Support Team: For questions about imported products, contact Andrew Dedrick. For display and marketing support, reach out to Stephany Bringgold, Kathy Granger, or Barb French.

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) represents US and Canadian producers and suppliers in the concrete masonry, MSV, and hardscapes industry, as well as contractors specializing in interlocking concrete pavement and segmental retaining walls.
While their name may be new, their contributions to the masonry and hardscape industry are not. CMHA serves as a comprehensive industry resource, offering technical information, design software, education and certification programs, market research, workforce development opportunities, and industry insights.
OLS Committee Involvement: OLS is actively involved in shaping the industry's future through CMHA leadership. Kathy Granger serves on the CMHA Board of Directors, Workforce Development, Hardscape Marketing, HNA Steering Committee, HNA Advisory Board, and Meetings & Membership committees. Dave Morris contributes to the Hardscape Construction and Certification Committees, while Jimmie Hester serves on the Education and Certification Committees. Learn more about what's happening in our industry by visiting their website to explore CMHA's resources and insights.
Whether professionals are seeking technical specifications, design tools, training opportunities, or market trends, CMHA provides expertise and resources to help the industry succeed. Their offerings include FAQ's, tech notes, manuals, detail drawings, technical papers, and access to industry experts.
Learn more about what's happening in our industry by visiting their website to explore CMHA's resources and insights.
Bring Your Brand to Life on Screen
We have the capability to create compelling video content that drives results. From concept development to final edit, we handle every aspect of commercial creation—whether you need product showcases, brand storytelling, or promotional campaigns for broadcast, digital, or in-store use.
Ready to explore how commercials could elevate your marketing? Contact Kate Craig or Colin Volkers to discuss your vision and learn more about our production capabilities. We'll schedule a detailed meeting to understand your goals and create a custom proposal for your store.
Fresh Content Added to Canto: New Project Photos & Resources
We've been busy updating our Canto library with exciting new visual content and resources to help you better serve our customers and showcase our capabilities. Canto mobile app is available to download to access Canto on the go.
Recent additions include:
- New Beauty Shots: Browse stunning new photos of imported Adnok™ Granite installations and other import products, that demonstrate the premium quality and craftsmanship our customers can expect. We've also added impressive digital assets of projects that include products from our vendor partners and more! Beauty shots bring product to life - they help us SELL THE PROJECT.
- Store Visit Photos: Updated store-specific folders now contain photos from recent store visits, giving you a current view of retail locations and display setups.
- 2025 Product Catalogs: Our vendor partners have provided their latest 2025 product catalogs, ensuring you have access to the most current specifications, pricing, and product information. We also created a catalog specific to Stone Center in the Atlanta market which you can access below.
To get access to Canto, reach out to Joel Vacek and Barb French.
These new resources are ready to help you create compelling presentations, answer customer questions, and stay current with our latest projects and offerings.
Have marketing questions or ideas you want to discuss? Please visit the Marketing Intranet page or click here.
Regional Operations Training Survey
Managers: Please complete the Regional Operations training survey at your earliest convenience. Your insights are essential as the Operations Team actively develops a structured training program to support ongoing growth and excellence across all teams.
Team Members: If you have specific training needs or are interested in pursuing a role as a Regional Trainer, please communicate directly with your manager. This ensures all development interests are accurately captured and considered.
Thank you for your attention and partnership in strengthening our training efforts.
CRM Customer Outreach Program: Re-Engaging Inactive Customers
Sales and Operations are working together on a game-changing initiative to reconnect with customers who haven't purchased from us recently. The results so far? Incredible.
The Numbers Tell the Story: Our coordinated outreach campaign is delivering real results:
757 customers contacted – Nearly 10% of our target list, showing strong momentum across teams.
330+ customers identified as misclassified – Valuable database cleanup that will enhance future campaign accuracy.
260 customers re-engaged and ready to do business – This is where it gets exciting. If each of these customers purchases just $5,000 between now and year-end, that's $1.3 million in potential revenue. We've already made $85k in sales.
The Bigger Picture: The trend is powerful: 34% of inactive customers are re-engaging. If this holds across our full target list, we're looking at over $12 million in potential revenue. Even capturing half of that represents a massive opportunity for growth.
How It Works: This isn't just about making calls – it's about systematic relationship building:
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Track every conversation in the CRM system
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Schedule strategic follow-ups to maintain momentum
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Leverage Outside Sales and Executive support for key opportunities
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Document engagement for ongoing relationship management
The Power of Partnership: This program showcases what happens when Sales and Operations align around a common goal. By working together to identify, contact, and re-engage inactive customers, we're not just cleaning up data – we're rebuilding valuable business relationships.
This is NOT a temporary calling campaign - contacting disengaged customers and updating our customer data must be part of our daily routine.
Need the detailed scripts and best practices? Access the PowerPoint presentation with proven outreach strategies that teams across the company are using to drive results.
Store Spotlight - Landscapers Depot
Kingston, NH
Since joining OLS in October 2021, the team at Landscapers Depot has grown into one of our largest yards to date, turning innovative ideas into serious results.
Fun Facts:
- Sits on over 22 acres
- One of two OLS stores that includes a nursery
- Still has a red caboose and two railcars on its eastern property line
- Well-balanced product mix that has the most 2025 sales coming from:
- 37.4% Pavers and Walls
- 24.7% Bulk Product
- 13.8% Natural Stone,
- 11.4% Nursery Product.
- They also maintain strong seasonal sales with significant wood and ice melt volume during fall and winter months – proving the value of diversification in meeting customer needs year-round.
Displays That Sell Themselves: Instead of just stocking pavers, they tore up their own parking lot and installed Belgard® and Cambridge® pavers at the entrance. Now customers see exactly how products look when professionally installed. Combined with 5+ Techo-Bloc® racks, multiple Unilock® and Cambridge® displays, and a new Rockwood® Retaining Wall showcase, they've created an outdoor showroom that does the selling for them.
They even transformed an empty room into a Berlin Gardens® and Trex® furniture display – proof that every space is a sales opportunity.
Know Your Customer: Their bestsellers reflect smart market understanding: affordable Adnok™ Granite steps in Glacier White, versatile Unilock® Treo Premier pavers with competitive pricing, and four varieties of Bluestone to fit every budget and taste.
Most importantly, they recognize that customers "feel overwhelmed" and need help. Their solution? Education over sales pressure. "When customers feel they've had all their questions answered, the process goes smooth."
Results That Matter: Landscapers Depot is currently ahead of budget! Aaron McGurty's proudest moment? "Watching the team I put together grow."
This focus on team development creates a winning cycle: invested employees provide better service, which drives sales, which creates more growth opportunities.
The Formula: Landscapers Depot proves that success comes from a commitment to putting customer needs first, innovative product displays, customer education, and investing in your team's growth.
Need key documents for operations? Please visit the Operations Intranet page or click here.
Financial Education
Did you know our ADP Retirement Plan provides financial tools to all OLS employees?
On your ADP app, select the Retirement icon and scroll down to:
- Take Control of Your Financial Wellness. This is a library of financial wellness education information through Enrich, starting with a personalized assessment.
- Manage Your Account > Boost your financial education. This brings you to The ADP Achieve Engagement Hub. Major categories like Financial Foundations offer videos and articles on topics like budgeting, beneficiaries, and investing.
PROXIMAL rewards you for using a top-rated doctor for your specialty medical care:
Hinge Health
Get relief from aches and pains. Hinge Health is a digital exercise therapy program you can do anywhere, anytime through a convenient app. This is a part of your health plan (for participants in Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance), so there is no additional cost to you; no appointments, no copays. You will be matched with a personal physical therapist and get everything you need to get started including:
- Unlimited virtual exercise therapy sessions
- Personalized sessions that address your specific pain, which take as little as 15 minutes
- Wearable sensors that track your movements for instant feedback on your form
- One-on-one health coaching via text, email or telephone
To learn more, visit hingehealth.com/bcbsmnfinder or call 1-855-902-277.
Safety – Heat Illness Prevention
As temperatures rise, it's important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat collapse, heat cramps, heat rash, and heat fatigue—all of which can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Early symptoms include dizziness, confusion, fainting, excessive sweating or lack of sweating, and hot or pale skin.
Staying safe means drinking water every 15–30 minutes, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, eating water-rich foods, and using electrolyte drinks when needed. Regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas are essential to cooling down. Check with your store management for specific rest and hydration resources. Remember, Safety Is No Accident!
Have employment, benefits or payroll questions? Please visit the Human Resources Intranet page or click here.
Welcome Aline Alzime to Our Product & Sales Team! .jpg?width=374&height=374&name=Aline%20picture%20(1).jpg)
We're excited to introduce Aline, who made the move from Nova Stone in Ashburn, VA, to become the newest member of our Product & Sales team. As we focus on optimizing our pricing strategies and plans, Aline will be taking the lead on this important initiative.
Over the coming weeks, Aline will be reaching out directly to stores to discuss pricing options and gather feedback on our current plans. Her goal is to ensure our pricing structure aligns with your needs and delivers maximum value for your business.
If Aline contacts your store, we encourage you to share your insights and experiences with our pricing. Your feedback will be invaluable as we work to enhance our offerings and better serve our retail partners.
Welcome to the team, Aline! We're looking forward to the positive impact you'll make on our pricing strategy and store relationships.
Have product questions? Please visit the Product & Sales Intranet page or click here.
New Process for Submitting Store Hours Changes
To streamline how we manage store hours updates across our locations, OLS has introduced a simplified digital submission process for seasonal, holiday, and emergency hours changes. Here's what you need to know:
- Visit the OLS IT SharePoint site and click the “Store Hours Change Form”.
- You must submit requests at least 7 business days in advance.
- Late submissions are automatically blocked.
- Options include:
- Seasonal Changes: Modify daily operating hours or schedule seasonal reopening.
- Holiday Hours: Choose from a list of company-recognized holidays or add your own via the "Other" option.
- Include optional Auto Attendant messages for customers.
- Use the Emergency (BCDR) Hours form for unplanned closures.
- No minimum lead time required, but a detailed description of the emergency is mandatory.
- To reopen after an emergency, you must submit a Store Reopen (Emergency) form—this ensures accurate public-facing info (like phone systems) is restored.
- You’ll receive an acknowledgment email.
- Requests are routed to your Regional Director for approval.
- If approved, internal stakeholders are notified, and Helpdesk / FlexIP begin implementation.
- If denied, you’ll be notified with feedback.
- No need to notify anyone manually—the system does it for you!
- ❌ Using AI tools to process, analyze, or summarize any OLS data
- ❌ Entering company credentials or internal documents into AI systems
- ❌ Accessing personal AI accounts on devices connected to OLS systems (including BYOD)
- Familiarize yourself with the full AI Usage Policy
- Avoid inputting any business, customer, or sensitive information into AI platforms
- Immediately report any suspected policy violations to the IT Security team
- Personal devices (phones, tablets, laptops) may be used for work, but only:
- With formal approval from both your supervisor and the IT department
- After undergoing a security review and registration process
- Have up-to-date antivirus/malware protection and firewall controls
- Enable device encryption (e.g., BitLocker)
- Lock after inactivity and require authentication (PIN, password, fingerprint, etc.)
- Avoid storing confidential or sensitive company data locally
- Use only pre-approved storage platforms (e.g., no USB drives or external storage)
- Remotely wipe any device if there’s risk of data exposure
- Revoke BYOD privileges for non-compliance or suspected breaches
- Connecting unapproved personal devices to internal or employee-only networks
- Storing sensitive company info on personal devices
- Using mobile hotspots while connected to company networks
- Sharing BYOD access or credentials with others
- Submit your BYOD request via email, with manager approval and IT copied
- Read and understand the full BYOD policy
- Report upgrades or changes to your personal device to IT for re-evaluation
Have IT questions? Contact the Outdoor Living Supply IT Helpdesk, Resultant, for troubleshooting. Please visit the IT Intranet page or click here.
Introducing the OLS Amazon Business Prime Account
We’re excited to announce a new initiative that will improve purchasing efficiency and save money—introducing the Outdoor Living Supply Amazon Business Prime Account. This consolidated approach replaces multiple individual Prime memberships across our locations and brings all OLS Amazon purchasing under one powerful umbrella.
💰 Why It Matters
By unifying our Amazon purchasing:
- We save up to $38,000 annually through business-only pricing and reduced Prime fees.
- One membership covers up to 100 users, streamlining access and eliminating duplicate charges.
- Purchases remain fast and convenient—now with enhanced spend visibility and compliance.
🛒 What Changes?
- You’ll receive an invite to join the Amazon Business Account via Single Sign-On (SSO).
- Orders will require you to select a Store Location Code and an Expense Type, but no PO is needed.
- Invoices will feed directly into Concur to support easier expense processing.
✅ Who Gets Access?
We’re prioritizing access for those who:
- Currently pay for Amazon using an OLS credit card.
- Regularly request Amazon reimbursements totaling $250+ per year.
To request access, email Vendor Management with the subject line:
Amazon Business Account Request
Once approved you will see the Amazon Business logo in My Apps
🔍 Reminder: Please do not cancel your personal Amazon account until your OLS Business account is fully active and tested.
We’ll be sharing training and tips soon to ensure everyone transitions smoothly and confidently.
Happy work anniversary! We are so lucky to have you!
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July: 33 Years | Gregory Peterson, 13 Years | Terry Merlo, 12 Years | Ted Deller, 8 Years | Kolby Sawyer, Blake Dalton, 5 Years | Jessica Gum, Alan Collens, Danny Henson, 4 Years | Barbara French, Kathleen Granger, Robert Bonds, Ernesto Barahona Barraza, Jonathan McIntyre, Matthew Yancey, 3 Years | Michael Hicks, David LaCroix, Alvin Jones, Logan Camden, 2 Years | Alicia Cruz Piedra, Fredy Pereira Argueta, William Wildman, Marie Brooks, Manuel Diaz, Jasson Hobbs, Alexis Solis, Serenity Crawford, Charles Milhollen, Joseph Benson, 1 Year | Isaac Garza, William Jack & Santiago Torres Fernandez.
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August: 31 Years | Jeffrey Stong, 25 Years | Marco Medrano Reyes, Amadeo Lopez-Gonzalez, 10 Years | William Burdette, 9 Years | Jose Gomez Hernandez, 8 Years | Devin Allen, 7 Years | Andrew Hargrove, 6 Years | Jesus Romero Montiel, Tony Bautista, 5 Years | Paul Price, Jesus Hernandez, 4 Years | Thomas Chesebro IV, Elizabeth Coleman, David Miller, 3 Years | Dustin Brendle, Michael Wisminiti, Joshua Sinclair, Patrick Spain, Christen Jarnagin, Harley Bonnell, Mitzie Cuevas, 2 Years | Tayson Egbert, Daniel Bishop, 1 Year | Jesse Fauth, Angela Rice, Alma Bustos & Ronald Hanze.
- September: 43 Years | Glenn Woons, 35 Years | Roberto Lopez-Gonzales, 28 Years | Brian Williams, 25 Years | Matthew Gibbs, 24 Years | Brian Price, 17 Years | Lee Marbet, 14 Years | Bette Wetherington, 9 Years | Justin Hail, William Arriaza Argueta, 8 Years | Rafael Jimenez Estepan, 7 Years | Charlee Fotheringham, Mark Wilson, 6 Years | Chester Wright, 5 Years | Michael Bloemsma, Jeremy McCoy, 4 Years | Rhode Rachel, Brandon Salinas Castellano, Robert Delgado, 3 Years | Kyle Capaldo, Brittany Grant, 2 Years | Fredy Camarena Padilla, Gustavo Valladares-Pioguinto, 1 Year | Dustin Greenhagen, Michael Nugent, Heather Sherman & Kapono Balonzo.
Wishing you a great birthday!
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July: James Vaughan, Jack Bell, Barry Riddle, Marco Medrano Reyes, Michael Rick, David Morris, Daniel Authier, Daniel Gordon, Tim Smith, Debra Roberts, Kathleen Granger, Jose Solis Rodriguez, Pablo Salvatierra, Aaron McGurty, Guillermo Avila Indio, Jesse Fauth, Juan Mora, Craig Barker, Christopher Teachout, Kenneth Mathieu, Deborah Siderchuk, Andrew Hargrove, Jesus Estrada Gomez, Rhode Rachel, Lee Wilson, Rafael Jimenez Estepan, Mitzie Cuevas, Brittany Pivero, Joseph Peals, Devin Allen, William DuBoise, Cameron Sousa, Alicia Cruz Piedra, Ryan Jones, Joseph Benson, Michael Hicks, Jesua Mumm, William Holliday, Manuel Diaz, Heissel Gil Boteo, Parker Humpherys, Dominick Moore, Josie Moppin, Jaiden Dicarlo & Rubiela Orellana.
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August: Rebecca Heins, David LaCroix, David Sullivan, Howard Lasker, Martha Cerda, Todd Bliss, Samuel Chong, Francisco Guzman, Richard Kearney, Deborah Fout, David Schmid, Bette Wetherington, Richard Ashbord, Jr., Michael Wisminiti, William Owens, Ted Deller, Scott Allen, Mark Wilson, Terry Merlo, Neil Donlevy, David Talkington, Dwaina Cesa, Dennis Berger, Jimmie Hester, Emily Damasco, Mary Neville, William Rogers, Jr., Robert Dolezal, Armando Marquez, Preston Shaw, Brooks Yadon, William Wildman, Nathan Augestad, James Harris, Stephany Bringgold, Hugo Sequeira, Amanda Deas, Eric Ochoa, Alexi Garcia Zelaya, Matthew Steban, Tayson Egbert, Mason Bingham, Israel Elias Aguirre, Cole Allen, Jessica Gum, Abelardo Bautista Ventura, Jacob Pendleton, Joshua Krause, Drew Botts, Rylee Diamond & Gavin Donlevy.
- September: Charles Long, Ken Armistead, Gregory Peterson, Martin Ferro, Alejandro Galeno, Barbara French, Patricia Sylvester, John Wranitz, Mark Smith, Paula Teiken, Gary Cook, Victor Quiros, Damon Henderson, Janis Trimbur, Rhett Robison, Robert Delgado, Juan Calderon Lopez, Lane Reeves, Dale Mintz, Jr., Brian Anderson, Tomas Aquino Vasquez, Matthew Hupman, Corbin Salazar, Felipe Moncada Flores, Alexander Porras, Luis Nunez Nazario, Luis Velasquez Barerra, Daniel Rhault, Rose Wolfe, Michael Flowers, Jessica Adams, Adam Dierken, Alvin Jones, Caleb Stevens, Blake Dalton, Viridian Sanchez-Cisneros, Tobias Harden, Jason Deveau, Jake Wilson, Russell Fillerup, Santiago Torres Fernandez, Jonathan Lara Ramos, Evan Schwartz & Ethan Loveless.
Congratulations on your new role!
- Alicia Cruz Piedra | Sales Specialist I | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Mebane, NC
- Tyler Harrison | Store Manager | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Greenville, SC
- Alvin Edilloran | Sales Specialist II | Apache Stone, Las Vegas, NV
- Rebecca Heins | Accounting Manager | Corporate - Finance
- Juan Mora | Yard Supervisor | Apache Stone, Apache Junction, AZ