ACQUISITIONS & GREEN/BROWNFIELDS
ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS & PROMOTIONS
As I shared in our September Town Hall, we have important work ahead of us. Our focus is clear: put customers first, strengthen our financial foundation and vendor relationships, improve execution, and support our people with greater clarity, consistency, and accountability.
Achieving these goals will require change. Change is not always easy, and it can create uncertainty or disrupt familiar ways of working. But change is necessary if we are going to turn the tide, strengthen OLS, and build the company we know we can become. We should embrace the opportunity to improve how we work, challenge assumptions, and find better ways to serve our customers, support one another, and deliver results.
Between now and the end of the year, we will establish and publish clear KPIs and milestones so every employee can better understand how we are performing and how their role contributes to our progress. These measures will include:
These metrics are not simply numbers for leadership to review; they will help us identify what is working, where we need to improve, and how we can make better decisions together. It will also allow each of you to see how you compare to the other locations across OLS.
I want every member of Team OLS to feel empowered to suggest changes. If you see a better way to serve a customer, improve a process, reduce waste, strengthen a vendor relationship, or help your team succeed, speak up. You all are on the front lines at our stores every day and the best source of ways we can get better. Progress depends on all of us.
Moving OLS forward will also involve leadership changes. Please join me in welcoming our new CFO, Vin DeMichele, and our new CIO, Dan DiGerolamo. I worked closely with both of them in my time at USLBM and I am very excited about what they will bring to OLS. We will also say goodbye to Bill Newell, our VP of Operations, who will retire at the end of October after 16 years with OLS. We are grateful for Bill’s many contributions and wish him all the best in retirement.
As we navigate these changes, our immediate responsibility is to finish 2026 strong. That means continuing to pursue every sale, increase our margins, reduce inventory toward appropriate winter levels, and deliver a consistent experience for every customer. It means staying focused on the work in front of us while building the foundation for a stronger future.
Winning will not happen in one defining moment; it will be built through thousands of moments over time - every customer interaction, every project we help advance, every load delivered, every process improved, and every decision we make each day. Together, these actions create the momentum that moves OLS forward.
And remember - FORTITUDE is more than an acronym for the values that define our culture; it also means having the mental and emotional strength needed to keep moving forward when facing challenges. We have a clear opportunity in front of us. If we stay focused, work together, and remain committed to getting better every day, we will turn the tide and achieve our goals.
As One OLS, we will Win as One.
Our acquisition activity will be gearing up again soon. If you have ideas for potential acquisition opportunities, please reach out to Pedro Losa, VP-Business Development & Strategy. For suggestions on potential greenfield locations, contact DR Mintz, Senior Area Development Manager.
We’re excited to introduce Evercrest™, our new thin stone veneer line and an Outdoor Living Supply® brand. Evercrest is designed to bring timeless beauty and authentic natural texture to residential and commercial projects.
The Evercrest brand will encompass a new national collection of imported veneer (brand introduction at select locations in Q3) and a regionally sourced, domestic line of veneer. Click on the link below to learn more about our NSS brand strategy.
Current National Offering: Stackstone
Evercrest regional offerings are locally sourced and vary by market. Customers can complete the contact form on the Evercrest page to learn about availability in their area.
Because local options vary, check with your regional team about what’s available in your market before quoting customers.
We’re proud to announce the launch of two new websites: Outdoor Living Supply and Natural Stone Solutions.
Take a few minutes to explore both sites so you can point customers in the right direction. If you notice anything that needs updating, please reach out to Marketing.
Krista Dixon, Regional Director - SE (GA) & NE, and Brooks Yadon (Territory Sales Specialist) recently had lunch with a former 6-figure GA customer who had moved his business elsewhere last year. They are working to win that business back and, during the conversation, learned that he had just welcomed a new baby.
Krista reached out to Marketing to see if we had access to any branded baby gifts . Marketing was able to order a Stone Center branded onesie and blanket for Brooks to hand-deliver to the customer.
Sales is all about relationships. Like any relationship, customers want to work with people they like - people who care about their success, deliver on their promises, and make them feel valued. In a competitive marketplace, we need to be creative and look for meaningful ways to stand out. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen a relationship, rebuild trust, and remind customers why they should choose us.
OLS is proud to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program. R.I.S.E. provides specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes and mobility solutions for severely wounded veterans, service members, first responders, and their families.
Through this partnership, OLS helps create customized outdoor living spaces that promote greater independence, dignity, and joy. Guided by our FORTITUDE values, we are honored to make a lasting difference in the lives of our nation’s defenders and their families.
Mortgage-Free Smart Homes: Custom-designed, specifically adapted homes built at no cost to qualifying recipients.
Kathy Granger, Co-Chair
Joey LaBuda, Co-Chair
Mark Smith
Beth Kivinen
Shawn Lemke
Local OLS store team members also support project execution, depending on the location and scope of each project.
PO1 Travis Wyatt suffered a severe head injury after a fire aboard the ship where he was stationed led to three explosions. The injury accelerated the progression of ALS, which has caused significant physical limitations.
Travis and his family are committed to enjoying their time together, including their shared love of the outdoors. The project will include a turf area to make it easier for Travis to move around in his wheelchair, practice archery, and play with his children. The family also hopes to create a garden area for the children and their mother.
OLS Store Leads: Jared Waite and Shawn Lemke
After joining the Air Force, Kaleb served in Iraq, where he suffered a debilitating stroke. His new home will be customized to help him live more independently while reducing the caregiving responsibilities placed on his mother, who lives with and cares for him.
OLS is supporting the project with natural stone veneer to enhance the home’s appearance and meet HOA requirements, along with paver walkways.
OLS Store Lead: Dennis Berger
Cpl Tyler Vargas-Andrews was injured during the attack on Abbey Gate during the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of 13 service members.
Tyler is creating a memorial area in his yard to honor the fallen service members and provide a place where he and his former teammates can gather and pay their respects. The space will include a fountain and seating area.
OLS Store Leads: Lee Marbet, Emily Damasco, and Ted Deller
If you or someone you know would like to support the Gary Sinise Foundation’s important work, donations can be made through the OLS Cares page:
The page also includes an address for anyone who prefers to mail a check.
Have marketing questions or ideas you want to discuss? Please visit the Marketing Intranet page or click here.
We are pleased to announce that our company will be transitioning our corporate credit card program from JPMorgan Chase to Wells Fargo Bank. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our corporate card services and improve the overall cardholder experience.
Over the coming weeks, we will provide additional information regarding key transition dates, card distribution, activation instructions, and any actions required from cardholders.
To help ensure a smooth transition, please continue to:
Please review and confirm that your home mailing address and cell phone number in ADP are accurate and up to date no later than Friday, October 16.
Credit cards will be mailed from the Corporate Office in the next few weeks using the address currently listed in ADP. Ensuring your information is accurate will help prevent delays in receiving your new card.
Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible while minimizing disruption to your daily business activities. We appreciate your cooperation and attention to upcoming communications.
If you have any questions regarding the transition, please contact Nicole Ballou or Trisha Smith in the Accounting Department.
Thank you for your support as we implement our new corporate card program.
A quick reminder about the OLS corporate agreement with UPS for small parcel shipments:
The reference information format has been updated. Every shipment now requires one reference: Department (2 digits) / Location (4 digits). Optional fields are available for a second and third reference if you’d like to include additional details.
After a shipment is created, a copy of the receipt must be emailed to ap@outdoorlivingsupply.net. Be sure to include what was shipped and confirmation of approval in your message.
Thank you for helping us keep shipping consistent and well-documented!
Each store has its own login credentials for UPS CampusShip. If you have any questions about your store’s login, please contact Stephany Bringgold.
A few helpful tips:
UPS Preferred Customer Support: 1-800-377-4877
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–12:00 AM EST | Saturday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM EST
Need key documents for operations? Please visit the Operations Intranet page or click here.
After 16 years with Geo Schofield and Outdoor Living Supply, Bill Newell, Vice President of Operations, will retire at the end of October.
Looking back on his career, Bill is especially proud of helping lead Schofield through the difficult economic conditions following the Great Recession. In 2010, he became CEO following the unexpected departure of the company’s previous CEO.
“The building products sector of the economy was suffering from a deep slowdown. Schofield was leveraged and in danger of failing. The management team was scared,” Bill recalled. “We came together as a group and agreed that failure was not an option. With great resolve, we began to move forward, one day at a time, in very difficult circumstances.”
Over the months and years that followed, the team resolved the company’s financial challenges, rebuilt customer and supplier relationships, and ultimately doubled the size of the business while achieving solid profitability.
In April 2021, Schofield was acquired by Outdoor Living Supply, becoming OLS’s first acquisition and the foundation upon which the company would grow to include more than 20 companies and 300 employees.
“I’m incredibly proud of the people and teamwork that rebuilt Schofield and subsequently created and grew OLS,” Bill said.
As OLS continues to evolve, Bill recognizes that the company is navigating challenging market conditions and significant change, including the addition of new leaders with fresh perspectives and specialized expertise.
Based on his own experience, Bill believes teamwork will remain one of the most important ingredients for OLS’s success.
“It sounds cliché, but there truly is no substitute for having the right people and motivating them properly to work together,” he said. “It is vital for everyone at OLS to understand that we hold the company’s future in our hands, and together we will move forward and usher OLS into its next phase of growth and success.”
“For me personally, these last 16 years have been a fascinating ride,” Bill added. “Looking ahead, I will be watching from the sidelines and cheering for Team OLS!”
We are grateful for Bill’s leadership, commitment, and many contributions to Schofield and OLS. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to celebrating his accomplishments with him.
Dan DiGerolamo joined OLS as Chief Information Officer on October 6.
Dan brings 25 years of experience supporting multi-location businesses, most recently serving as Vice President of Technology Business Engagement at US LBM. In that role, he supported technology operations across more than 550 locations and 15,000 employees.
His experience includes enterprise systems integration, ERP and business applications, infrastructure, Microsoft 365, data and reporting, cybersecurity coordination, service delivery, and technology support. He also helped integrate more than 100 acquisitions and built technology teams and processes to support growth and operational accountability.
Dan brings a practical perspective on using AI and automation to improve technology service delivery. His experience will be valuable as OLS evaluates opportunities to improve how we work, strengthen our technology platform, and advance our strategic plan.
Dan is based in New Jersey and works remotely. He will assume responsibility for the functions currently led by Chris Shelton, Head of Information Technology & Security. Chris has been an important member of the OLS team for more than three and a half years, and we are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and contributions during an important period of growth and change.
Vin DeMichele joined OLS as Chief Financial Officer on October 1.
Vin brings extensive experience in distribution and building products, including leading financial operations for a $2.5 billion region spanning 12 companies and 130 locations.
“What attracted me most was the opportunity ahead for OLS and the quality of the people I met throughout the process,” Vin said. “Having known John and worked with him previously, I also had a great deal of confidence in his leadership and the direction of the business. I saw a company with a strong foundation, meaningful growth potential, and a team committed to building for the future.”
After several years leading finance for a large region within a much larger organization, Vin said the timing felt right to step into a CFO role where he could contribute more directly to the strategy and performance of the overall business.
As he begins his role, Vin’s immediate priorities are to listen, learn, and develop a strong understanding of the business while partnering closely with the team to build on the progress already underway.
“The team has made significant improvements to its processes and systems, and my focus will be on continuing that work, strengthening visibility into business performance, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability and cash flow,” he said. “At the same time, I want to help establish clear priorities and ensure we are well positioned to support the company’s continued growth in 2027 and beyond.”
Vin is a remote employee and lives near our Stone Center location in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where he may occasionally work.
John Parker, who has been serving as interim CFO, will remain with OLS for the next few months to support a smooth transition. John has made important contributions during his time in this role, and we thank him for his leadership, commitment, and support of the organization.
In early August, Jimmie Hester accepted a new leadership opportunity with OLS as Regional Director–West.
Many of you know Jimmie from his work as a Regional Sales Director and, most recently, as our Business Development Director. Throughout his time with OLS, he has demonstrated strong leadership, a passion for supporting our teams, and a commitment to driving growth across the business.
In his new role, Jimmie oversees store operations in Arizona, Nevada—including Las Vegas—Utah, Idaho, and Hawaii.
Jimmie partners closely with Joey LaBuda, Senior Regional Director–West, to strengthen our presence across the western region. Together, they are focused on supporting store teams, driving operational excellence, identifying opportunities to grow the business, and delivering the best possible customer experience.
Effective October 8, Brian Williams accepted a new leadership opportunity with OLS as Regional Director.
Many of you know Brian from his work as an Area Manager supporting our North and South Carolina stores. Before stepping into that role, he served as Store Manager of our Stone Center location in Pineville, North Carolina.
Brian has spent his entire career in the landscape and hardscape industry, working his way up from a lead fabricator. His experience at nearly every level of the business, combined with his deep product knowledge and understanding of our customers and store teams, makes him well suited for this expanded leadership role.
Brian will oversee our Mid-Atlantic stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as our North and South Carolina stores in the Southeast region.
Krista Dixon, Regional Director, will continue to lead our Southeast stores in Georgia and will also assume leadership responsibility for our Northeast stores in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Together, Brian and Krista will focus on supporting our East Coast store teams, strengthening operational execution, identifying opportunities to grow the business, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
We would like to remind everyone of the upcoming PAID holidays. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26th
Day-After Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27th
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25th (Payroll will be paid on Thursday, December 24th, 2026)
New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31st
New Years Day: Friday, January 1st (Payroll will be paid on Thursday, December 31st, 2026)
These are opportunities to relax, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. We hope everyone enjoys their well-deserved time off and comes back refreshed for the new year!
If you have any questions, please reach out to HR. Happy holidays!
DATA: With year end fast approaching, please review your personal information in ADP by December 17th to ensure we have the most current and accurate data for you.
Everyone is encouraged to review their Federal and State tax withholding election and make appropriate changes as early in the new year as possible. This will avoid too little or too much tax being withheld in the upcoming year.
TAXES: The 2026 W-2 forms will be mailed to home addresses (as listed in ADP) and will be available online at ADP by January 31st, 2027.
If you were claiming exempt from Federal withholding on your Form W-4 for 2026, this form expires on January 1st, 2027. You must submit a new form in ADP by February 15th, 2027. If the new form is not received by that date, the IRS regulations require payroll to change your allowances to "zero" and your filing status to "single" until a new form is received.
PAID TIME OFF: As a reminder, any PTO balance remaining at the end of the calendar year WILL roll over into the new year. You will not lose those hours.
OLS takes FORTITUDE to heart. We have a tool called the OLS IntegrityLine that supports this foundational concept, focusing especially on Integrity, Trust and Respect.
If you have concerns that unethical or illegal behavior has occurred, we want you to report it so we can address it! You are always welcome to share concerns with your manager, HR, or any member of management, of course. Employees can also choose to file a report through the OLS IntegrityLine online portal, through an app or by phone. Employees can remain completely anonymous if they choose.
If you see something, please say something.
Outdoor Living Supply wants to make sure that we are helping you focus on your health and wellbeing. One of the ways that can help catch health issues before they become serious is by getting your annual preventive checkup. Complete your annual physical by December 31, 2026, and receive a $75 gift card. See HR for more information and the simple required form for your primary care physician to complete.
This benefit is available to all employees, regardless of whether you are enrolled in an Outdoor Living Supply medical plan or another plan. Get rewarded for healthy behavior!
We want to remind our employees about an important benefit available to all employees: Will Preparation Services. This valuable resource is designed to assist you in planning for the future and ensuring your wishes are clearly documented legally. While creating a Will, also consider creating a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive.
For those enrolled in LegalShield, this benefit includes a full-service creation of these customized documents. Our benefit provider, Mutual of Omaha, offers a free DIY online document preparation service provided by Epoq, Inc. Log on to www.willprepservices.com and use the code MUTUALWILLS to register.
Why Is a Will Important?
A will is a crucial document that provides instructions on how your estate should be managed and distributed. It offers several benefits, including:
Clarity and Control: Specify how you want your money and assets to be distributed and who will manage your estate.
Protection for Loved Ones: Appoint guardians for your children and ensure that your family is cared for according to your wishes.
Have employment, benefits or payroll questions? Please visit the Human Resources Intranet page or click here.
Back Yard Living was created as a destination for homeowners dreaming up their ideal outdoor living spaces. Inside, the showroom features multiple outdoor kitchen designs with premium grills, wood-fired ovens and accessories that customers can see and touch. Outside, a 25,000-square-foot display shows patios, walls, fire features and more in a real-life setting. Paired with a knowledgeable sales team that helps with both design and product selection, it’s a store built to help customers picture what’s possible and leave confident in their choices.
At Back Yard Living, the displays do much of the selling. Customers walk through outdoor kitchens, patios and walkways set up the way they’d look at home, complete with the lighting, water features and fire features that bring a space together. Some customers travel long distances just to explore it. Seeing everything in a real-life setting helps customers visualize their own project and gives the team a natural starting point for guiding them to the right products.
Back Yard Living serves many contractors, but it’s a retail-focused store at heart. A typical customer is a homeowner with a vision for their outdoor space who wants guidance to make it happen. The team takes the time to walk them through the outdoor design center, share ideas and find solutions that fit their project. Their bestsellers reflect that focus:
Customers appreciate that the Back Yard Living team takes the time to listen. Staff walk customers through the process, answer their questions and help them understand their options so they feel confident in every product they choose. The team also helps with estimates and material calculations, so customers leave with a plan as well as a purchase.
One of the team’s biggest wins this year has been the growth of the Adnok™ Granite Collection. Its competitive pricing has brought in new customers who used to buy granite from competitors, and contractors have been vocal about the quality and value. With that momentum, the team is looking ahead to 2027 and the new and innovative products Back Yard Living will be able to offer its customers.
Each issue of the OLS Insider, we shine a spotlight on a different location across our brands — celebrating teams, stories, and communities that make us who we are.
Have IT questions or experiencing technical issues? The OLS IT Helpdesk is available to assist with troubleshooting, requests, and technology support. Please visit the IT Intranet or submit a request through the Support Portal.
Questions – ASK OLSA - https://olsa.outdoorlivingsupply.net
Ask OLSA is Outdoor Living Supply's AI-driven sales assistant, built to simplify selling, improve order efficiency, and help employees serve customers more effectively. Access it at olsa.outdoorlivingsupply.net.
Visit the NetSuite Intranet page for documentation, training, and support resources.
NetSuite Intranet Page: NetSuite Virtual Guide
Main Intranet Page: https://outdoorlivingsupply.sharepoint.com/sites/OutdoorLivingSupplyIntranet
Have IT questions? Contact the Outdoor Living Supply IT Helpdesk for troubleshooting. Please visit the IT Intranet page or click here.
October: 21 Years | Marvin Hernandez Aceituno, 16 Years | William Newell, 11 Years | Geoffrey Steer, 7 Years | Manual Cortez, Jacob Pendleton and Robert Blackwell, 5 Years | Robert Mellor, 4 Years | Jimmie Hester, 3 Years | Christian Fillerup, Evelyn Molina, Michael Stapley, Aaron McGurty, Jake Wilson and Michael Conroy, 2 Years | Tim Smith and Jessica Adams, 1 Year | Kimberly Burdette, Hector Mariscal, Pedro Quiroz, John Nehlig and James Kooiman.
November: 33 Years | Santiago Izais Chevez, 28 Years | Agustin Guardado, 23 Years | Juan Mora, 16 Years | Candice Sanchez, 11 Years | Lane Reeves, 10 Years | Thomas Batchelder, 8 Years | Daniel Garcia and Cody Petersen, 7 Years | Corbin Salazar, 5 Years | Alvin Edilloran, James Aki and Heissel Gil Boteo, 4 Years | Stephanie Marconi and Kayandra Grant, 1 Year | Scott Irwin, Ray Pratt and Jonathan Robinson.
December: 27 Years | Juan Calderon Lopez, 19 Years | Steven Boone and Joshua Hall, 13 Years | Tracy Byrnes-Wilson, 10 Years | Gabriel Lopez-Aeschlimann, 7 Years | Mikayla Smith, 3 Years | Renee Remily and Arturo Banegas Fuentes, 2 Years | Jorge Sanchez, Marvila Grant, Gabriel Cornejo, Tyler Broiles, Victoria Russell and Mark Smith, 1 Year | Nicholas Murphy, Norman Gonzalez, Richard Krumm and Nicole Ballou.
October: Richard Bratton, Bailey Goodrich, William Timms, Robert Blackwell, Charlee Fotheringham, Ricky Mathis, Ian Covell, William Burdette, Caleb Diggs, Joshua Hall, Steven Nava, Carlos Aceituno Izaguirre, Joshua Gilman, Gordon Chafe, Marvin Hernandez Aceituno, Daniel Jones, Ilana Dunford, David Roscoe, Brooks Little, Joshua Wallace, William Demko, Cody Petersen, Matthew Baskin, Ernesto Canela Sandoval, Thomas Chesebro IV, Brenton Kranich, Jayden Santana, Mark Dalton, Tye Young, Stefan Howell, Jordan Johnson-Mathis and Jose Martinez Gutierrez.
November: Victor Garcia, Rick Krumm, Adria Cheney, Kate Craig, David Muckle, Jawwad Ahmed, Brittany Grant, Jeny Izaguirre De Palacios, Scotty Turner, Modesto Hernandez, Erik Gomez-Ambriz, William Jack, Pedro Losa, Eric Thompson, Luis Zavala, Nicole Ballou, Fernando Davila, Aaron Hutchinson, Kendall Griffith, Travon Jones, Audrie Arseneault, Krista Dixon, Ercilia Epstein, Nolan Bliss, Melinda Farley, Damian Swain, Tony Bautista, Jeffrey Friars, Manuel Flores, Yanira Hernandez, Kathleen Peteron, Ramon Delgado, Alex Griffith, Carter Lowe, James Kooiman, Alfredo Martinez Escamilla, Dustin Brendle, Armani Hall and Nicole Rooney.
December: Tracy Byrnes-Wilson, Amy Corsi, Derek Pukash, Donovan Amato, Juan Garza, Clay Parsons, Aline Alzime, Danny Henson, Jr., Tommy George Don Spendlove, Tara Smith, Benjamin Barrera Izaquirre, Manual Manilla, Caleb Driver, Michael Conroy, Pablo Gomez, Douglas Sodetani, David Miller, Dariusz May, James Older, Brian Williams, Matthew Yancey, Sandra Gullo, Courtney Silva, Jesus Romero Montiel, Tyson Pollock, Peter Sherbrick, Paul Price, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Natasha Dobbs, Walter Martinez, Thomas Morrow, Kayandra Grant, Jesus Hernandez, Matthew Kardos and Omar Ayala.