OLS INSIDER - Q2 2024 Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN PRICE

FORTITUDE HALL OF FAME

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

OPERATIONS

HUMAN RESOURCES

PRODUCT & TRAINING

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

FINANCE

MARKETING

EVENTS

ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS & PROMOTIONS

Hello everyone,

 

Wow. We are already at the halfway point of 2024. 

 

This second quarter saw us welcome Willow Creek (Rome, GA) to OLS and, after lower first quarter results, really pick up our sales momentum. Great work team!

 

When it comes to winning in 2024, no one is going to tell you it will be easy. We are going to have to continue to fight for customers and sales. Our selling season goes by quick – we must work together to win. We need to keep driving hard. Don’t let off the gas.  If you see opportunities to bring more business our way – raise your hand. Be unstoppable!  And I want you to know, your efforts are recognized and appreciated. 

 

And let’s not lose sight of our 2024 focus – these are the items that will help us run better and faster as an organization.

 

Do you have a question you would like to ask Brian Price? Click below, fill out the form and it could be highlighted in the next newsletter.

Congratulations on your induction into the Fortitude Hall of Fame for the months of April, May and June! If you haven't received your Fortitude pin, look for it in the mail soon.

• Charles Ballard | Corporate - Patriot Carriers
• Dallas Leyba | Stoneworld Supply, Rexburg, ID
• Dylan Walker | Stoneworld Supply, Rexburg, ID
• Chris Miles | Bulks Landscape Supply, Marietta, GA
• Kathleen Dobbs | Apache Stone, Apache Junction, AZ
• Dan Melvin | Apache Stone, Apache Junction, AZ
• Zak Corsi | Corporate - Outside Sales
• Mario Vega | Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Duluth, GA
• Loa'a Pine | Geobunga, Honolulu, HI
• Natasha Dobbs | Apache Stone, Apache Junction, AZ
• Matthew Yancey | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Durham, NC
• Christian Gonzales | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Durham, NC
• Daniel Speight | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Mebane, NC
• Sandy Williams | Stoneworld Supply, Ogden, UT
• Sierra Phillips | Stoneworld Supply, Mapleton, UT
• Kate Craig | Corporate - Marketing
• Gabrielle Thall | Woodward Landscape Supply, Phoenixville, PA
• Asah Cummings | Geobunga, Honolulu, HI

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 12/2024.

An Exciting Addition to the OLS Family of Companies: On April 2, 2024, we announced outdoor Living Supply acquired Willow Creek Landscape Supply, a full-service distributor of natural and manufactured stone, hardscapes, nursery and other landscape products. This acquisition further expands OLS' footprint in the Georgia Market. 

In light of recent concerns regarding credit card fraud, we want to ensure that all employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and procedures to safeguard our customers and our company. Credit card fraud remains a significant issue, amounting to $32 billion annually in the US alone. It's crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and preventing potentially fraudulent activities.

Here are some key practices to follow:

• Phone Orders:
  • Avoid taking credit card information over the phone unless:
    
    • You are familiar with the customer.
    • The credit card is securely tokenized and on file.

Training on how to tokenize a credit card can be accessed here. Remember, never write down or store customers' credit card numbers or CVV codes.

• In-Person Orders/Payments:
  • Verify that the customer's driver's license matches the name on the card.
  • Use credit card machines for transactions whenever possible to reduce fraud and liability.
  • If the machine is not working, manually enter the card details only as a last resort and ensure to capture the CVV from the card.
  • Information on how to troubleshoot common PAX device errors can be found here.
• General Best Practices:
  • Regularly check your credit card machine to ensure it is functioning properly and has not been tampered with.
  • Always have customers sign credit card receipts and verify the signature against the one on the back of the card.
• New Procedures:
  • We have introduced a new Phone Sales Order form specifically for phone orders to enhance tracking and reporting capabilities.
  • Sales Orders now require deposits and manager approvals to protect both our customers and our company.
• Additional Tips:
  • Educate customers on the benefits of tokenizing their credit card information for future transactions. 
  • If the transaction seems suspicious involve your manager or request additional authorization from their credit card company to deter potential fraudsters.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively strengthen our defenses against credit card fraud and ensure a secure environment for everyone. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please reach out to the Help Desk for any assistance regarding credit card machines or security concerns. 

ADP Total Rewards Statements: Your 2023 Total Rewards Statements are now available in ADP Workforce Now. This statement is a powerful tool that outlines all the components of your compensation package in one easy-to-read document. The Total Rewards Statement offers a detailed breakdown that can help you better understand your total compensation.

• Base Earnings: Regular pay, overtime and vacation or other paid time off
• Additional Earnings:  Commission, bonus, or other earnings not a part of regular pay
• Employer Provided Benefits: Employer and employee contribution to elected benefits
• Statutory Tax: Employer paid portion of FICA, FUTA, Medicare and SUI
• Retirement: Employer contribution to retirement plans

• Login to ADP Workforce Now
• Navigate to Myself > Pay > Total Rewards
• View and Download: You can view your Total Rewards online or download it as a PDF for future reference.

We encourage each of you to take advantage of this valuable resource to gain a deeper understanding of the comprehensive benefits package provided by Outdoor Living Supply. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing your Total Rewards Statement, please reach out to the HR department for support.

Your dedication and contributions to OLS are greatly valued, and we believe that understanding your total rewards will further enhance your satisfaction and engagement.

Mid-Year - Check Your Check! Do you need to update your retirement or HSA contributions? Or update your Federal/State tax elections?

It’s a perfect time of year to review your pay stub and ADP information!

• Address
• Name
• Phone Number
• Email
• 401K / HSA Elections
• SSN

Everyone is encouraged to review their Federal and State elections and make appropriate changes as early in the year as possible.

OLS IntegrityLine: See Something? Say Something. Our company is founded on core values that include integrity, trust and respect. Should you witness illegal or unethical behavior that is difficult to discuss personally, you can safety report via our newly created IntegrityLine.

Reports can be submitted anonymously. Information sent through our IntegrityLine is completely secure and there is no risk of retaliation. 

Download the FaceUp app and enter code: iEyDOxZrCk to report.

Have employment, benefits or payroll questions? Please visit the Human Resources Intranet page or click here. 

Exciting Updates on New Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ and Berlin Gardens Availability! We are thrilled to announce that Trex is now available at Woodward Landscape Supply in Phoenixville, PA, with Berlin Gardens set to follow in the coming week. Additionally, we have exciting plans in motion to bring these quality products to OLS locations across the country:

• Parker Hardscapes in Reno, NV
• The Rock Garden in Truckee, CA
• Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry in Greensboro, NC
• Stone Garden in Wilmington, NC
• Willow Creek Landscape Supply in Rome, GA

Stay tuned for more updates as we expand our offerings to these OLS locations. Get ready to discover premium outdoor solutions right in your neighborhood!

Interested in adding outdoor furniture to your store? Or taking advantage of your OLS employee discount to add to your backyard? Contact Kristyn Chafe or Jim Ryman for more information. 

Have product questions? Please visit the Product & Sales Intranet page or click here.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with credit card machines or encountering any general IT issues, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Help Desk team for assistance. They are here to provide support and resolve any technical issues you may be facing. Simply give them a call, and they will swiftly address and troubleshoot any concerns you have, ensuring that you can continue your work smoothly and efficiently.

Contact Resultant:

• Email: help@resultant.com
• Phone: 317.565.8010
• Customer Portal: portal.resultant.com/support

Traveling internationally this summer and need to access your company/OLS PC and phone? Simply send an email to the help desk with your travel dates and the countries you'll be visiting, and they will set up access for you.

Boost your NetSuite skills with our training videos! Dive into our user-friendly learning experience on the OLS Intranet to enhance your expertise and make a valuable contribution to the company's success. 

Have IT questions? Contact the Outdoor Living Supply IT Helpdesk, Resultant, for troubleshooting. Please visit the IT Intranet page or click here.

• Ivan Bisbee joined us as the Corporate Controller.
• Greg Franklin has been welcomed as a Senior Accountant.
• Charles Milhollen is transitioning from The Rock Place to OLS Corporate, where he has been promoted to Senior Accountant.
• Becky Heins has transferred from IT to Finance and earned a promotion to Senior Operations and Integration Accountant.
• Kevin Bussell has come on board as our new Credit and Collections Manager.
• Blair Ellis has joined us as the Accounts Payable Supervisor.

These additions and advancements represent our ongoing commitment to strengthening our team and enhancing our capabilities across the board. Please join us in congratulating our new team members as they embark on their new roles.

Stay tuned for more updates and achievements as we continue to grow and evolve. 

We have launched the new Outdoor Living Supply YouTube channel, where Contractor Spotlights testimonials, OLS Academy, and exciting video content will be readily accessible. Experience inspiring stories from our valued contractors, gain valuable insights from OLS Academy tutorials, and stay updated on all the latest developments through our engaging video content. Whether you're looking for project inspiration, industry tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, our YouTube channel is your go-to destination for all things Outdoor Living Supply.

Subscribe now to never miss out on the exclusive content we have in store for you!

We are excited to share our Social Ambassador initiative! Over the course of 90-days, this exclusive opportunity allowed passionate employees to partner directly with our Marketing Department as on-the-ground advocates. As Social Ambassadors, they played a crucial role in highlighting our store's products, unique culture, activities, and community impact through social media, significantly enhancing our digital presence. 

Their dedication and creativity have not only showcased our offerings but also fostered deeper connections with our community online. We are incredibly proud of their contributions and impact they have made. 

We want to recognize these four Social Ambassadors for their outstanding performance:

• Gabrielle Thall - Woodward Landscape Supply, Phoenixville, PA
• Daniel Lyons - Norristown Brick, Norristown, PA
• Arlington Halliday - Stoneworld Supply, Mapleton, UT
• Bobby McCormack - Back Yard Living, Abington, MA

We invite you to share any outstanding projects currently underway or recently completed within your market. Simply enter project details and contractor information into our Project Profile Database. This database serves to identify noteworthy projects and products for potential inclusion in OLS’s marketing initiatives. Selected projects may be featured through coordinated efforts with store managers, our outside sales team, and the contractors involved, including video or photo shoots. Content may include contractor spotlights, drone footage, and high-resolution photos, which will be shared with the contractors themselves.

Please note that while we aim to showcase a variety of projects, not all submissions will be selected for feature. Our goal is to expand OLS’s digital asset library and enhance our relationships with current contractors through the Project Profile Database.

Access the Project Profile Database via the link provided: Project Profile Form, or log in to the OLS SharePoint Intranet, navigate to the marketing tab, quick links, and select the Project Profile Form.

For any inquiries, please reach out to Joel Vacek. Thank you for your participation!

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving data-driven decisions, the IT team has integrated a new feature in NetSuite to track transactions originating from our Marketing campaigns. This allows us to precisely measure the effectiveness of our marketing spend, ensuring that our investments are strategically aligned with driving sales and traffic. When processing Sales Orders, Invoices, Cash Sales, or Quotes in NetSuite, you will now notice a dropdown menu labeled "Lead Source" (where applicable). This dropdown enables you to associate a transaction directly with an active marketing campaign.

By leveraging this feature, we can gain deeper insights into which campaigns are driving the most business impact, allowing us to optimize our marketing strategies and allocate resources more effectively.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support as we work together to strengthen our market presence and achieve our business goals.

A big shoutout to all those who took part in our LinkedIn Employee Contest from May 15th to June 15th, aimed at growing our Outdoor Living Supply LinkedIn employee community! Each participant earned entries for a final drawing based on the points they accumulated by engaging in activities like following, sharing posts, and listing OLS as their current employer on their LinkedIn profiles. Your active participation truly made a difference!

Congratulations to our winner - Bobby McCormack from Back Yard Living in Abington, MA!

Special mentions go to Loa'a Pine from Geobunga in Honolulu, HI, Gabrielle Thall from Woodward Landscape Supply in Phoenixville, PA, and Tara Smith from Stoneworld Supply in Rexburg, ID for their engagement. Great job to all!

Don't forget to check out the Marketing Resources & Quick Links section on our Intranet page! Whether you need to place a Business Card Order, submit an In-Ground Display Request Form, request an Event or Vendor Commitment, you can find all the necessary forms right there. Our goal is to make the process seamless and efficient for you, so take advantage of these resources to streamline your tasks and initiatives. Access these forms with ease and get things done hassle-free.

Have marketing questions or ideas you want to discuss? Please visit the Marketing Intranet page or click here.

Happy work anniversary! We are so lucky to have you!

• July: 32 Years | Gregory Peterson, 12 Years | Terry Merlo, Mark Lapham, 11 Years | Ted Deller, 7 Years | Blake Dalton, Kolby Sawyer, 4 Years | Danny Henson, Jr., Alan Collens, Jessica Gum, 3 Years | Matthew Yancey, Jonathan McIntyre, Robert Bonds, Barbara French, Kathleen Granger, 2 Years | Logan Camden, Alvin Jones, Robert McCormack, David LaCroix, Gabrielle Thall, Michael Hicks, 1 Year | Joseph Benson, Serenity Crawford, Charles Milhollen, Alexis Solis, Jasson Hobbs, Marcial Figueroa Banegas, Marie Yvonne, William Wildman, and Alicia Cruz Piedra.

• August: 30 Years | Jeffrey Stong, 16 Years | Daniel Melvin, 12 Years | Christie Lee, 9 Years | William Burdette, 7 Years | Heather Reilley, 6 Years | Andrew Hargrove, 5 Years | Tony Bautista, 4 Years | Anthony Pagliaro, Paul Price, 3 Years | David Miller, Thomas Chesebro IV, Elizabeth Coleman, 2 Years | Jordana Allen, Harley Bonnell, Mitzie Cuevas, Christen Jarnagin, Cindy Sharp, Patrick Spain, Joshua Sinclair, Michael Wisminiti, 1 Year | Daniel Bishop, and Tayson Egbert.

• September: 42 Years | Glenn Woons, 27 Years | Brian Williams, 25 Years | David Carl, 24 Years | Matthew Gibbs, 23 Years | Brian Price, 16 Years | Lee Marbet, 13 Years | Bette Wetherington, 8 Years | Justin Hail, Devon Ingraham, 7 Years | Rafael Jimenez Estepan, 6 Years | Charlee Fotherlingham, Mark Wilson, 5 Years | Chester Wright, 4 Years | Michael Bloemsma, Jeremy McCoy, 3 Years | Robert Delgado, Rhode Rachel, Brandon Salinas Castellano, 2 Years | Kyle Capaldo, Brittany Grant, Donald Knight, 1 Year | Devin Chamberland, and William Lewis.

Wishing you a great birthday!

• July: Joseph Benson, Michael Rick, Deborah L Siderchuk, Daniel A Gordon, Nicolas Bay, Jose A Solis Rodriguez, Kolby Davis, Brian Francis Hollis, Gerard Antonio Machado, Dominick Charles Moore, Monica Michelle Rivera-Rios, Dean A Watson, Joseph Cody Peals, Donna Rae Bass, Craig Martin Barker, Rhode B Rachel, James Gregory Franklin, Javier Enrique Bowles-Torres, Rafael Jimenez Estepan, Noma Raye Bareng, Aaron Sean McGurty, Brandon Jackson, Kathleen A Granger, Lee Wilson, Mitzie Cuevas, Shane Allen Keeler, Alicia Cruz Piedra, Brittany R Pivero, Michael Hicks, David W Morris, Gabrielle A Thall, Felipe Gomez Mora, Juan Mora, Jack Clayton Bell, Kenneth E. Mathieu, Daniela Olvera Martinez, Andrew Lee Hargrove, Benjamin Harrison Carper, Daniel Authier, Christopher Steven Teachout, Barry Wayne Riddle, Ryan Cole Jones, and Pablo Salvatierra.

• August: David M Talkington, Nancy L. Forcier, Terry M Merlo, David LaCroix, Brooks Daniel Yadon, Eric Ochoa, James Issac Harris, Michael Wisminiti, Jacob Russell Pendleton, Mary Megan Neville, William Hayden Owens, Deven B Stincelli, Alexi A Garcia Zelaya, Daniel Melvin, Jessica Gum, Cindy Sharp, Arlington Burl Leatham, Mason Bingham, Neil Donlevy, Randolph Wayne Swire, Richard Lester Ashford Jr., Rylee Diamond, Drew Botts, Stephany S Bringgold, Matthew L. Steban, David Sullivan, Jimmie Hester, Patricia Vina Kelley, Deborah Fout, Howard W Lasker, Heather Reilley, William Wildman, Todd W Bliss, Mark R Wilson, Landon Smith Prentice, Ted E Deller, Emily Damasco, Tayson Robert Egbert, Dennis Berger, Samuel Chong, Emmanuel A Alvarado Tristan, Armando Marquez, Rebecca A Heins, Bette Wetherington, Hugo Steven Sequeira, Scott R Allen, Preston Shaw, and Jennavieve Marie Pitkin.

• September: Felipe Moncada Flores, Barbara A French, Rose E Wolfe, Michael Saunders, Janice Lee Trimbur, Lane R Reeves, Alexander O Porras, Russell Fillerup, Kimberly Ann Cowell, Mathiang Mathiang, Jason W Deveau, Gregory Peterson, Blake Dewayne Dalton, John R Wranitz, Tyras David Robbins, Charles Edward Long, Luis Jun Nunez Nazario, Alvin Jones, Viridian Sanchez-Cisneros, Robert Delgado, Tomas Aquino Vasquez, Domonique Gleason, Jake R Wilson, Victor M. Quiros, Patricia Ann Sylvester, Dale R Mintz Jr., Gary L Cook, Ablavi Alexandrine Ekoue, Damon Curtis Henderson, Adam Dierken, Juan C Calderon Lopez, and Corbin Alejandro Salazar.

Congratulations on your new role!

• Candice Sanchez | Director of Integration | Corporate - Operations
• Richard Corbin | Territory Sales Specialist | Corporate - Outside Sales
• Shawn Simoneau | Territory Sales Specialist | Corporate - Outside Sales
• Caleb Heard | Delivery Driver | Willow Creek Landscape Supply, Rome, GA
• Danielle Lenhart | Area Manager | Woodward Landscape Supply, Phoenixville, PA
• David Nava | Sales Specialist II | Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Roswell, GA
• Devin Chamberland | Sales Specialist I | Apache Stone, Phoenix, AZ
• Isaac Barreto | CDL Driver | Stoneworld Supply, Rexburg, ID
• Renee Remily | Import Specialist | Corporate - Product
• Rebecca Heins | Senior Operation and Integration Accountant | Corporate - Finance
• Charles Milhollen | Senior Accountant | Corporate Finance