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OLS INSIDER - Q4 2023 Newsletter

OLS InsiderTABLE OF CONTENTS Banner 2023 (1)

      A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN PRICE

      FORTITUDE HALL OF FAME

      MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

      OPERATIONS

      HUMAN RESOURCES

      PRODUCT & TRAINING

      TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

      MARKETING

      EVENTS

      ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS & PROMOTIONS

      A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN PRICE Banner 2023

      Hello everyone, 

      It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of 2023 and what a year it has been. We saw our industry reset to more pre-pandemic levels, which meant we had to pivot. We had to get out there again and really hustle to win key customers and projects. Our WOW (We Only Win) sales initiative celebrated and recognized our hustle - reminding us of the important role everyone plays in retaining and winning pro customers. 
       
      In 2023, we implemented a new ERP, NetSuite, which was an enormous undertaking. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of this critically important rollout. I know the process has had some bumps – which is normal with this type of widescale implementation. Thank you for your perseverance and rest assured it will be worth it.
       
      We also made some important strategic acquisitions and grew our footprint into new states and markets. We now have 3 locations in Utah and Idaho with the addition of Stoneworld Supply and 3 more locations in Arizona and Nevada with the acquisition of Apache Stone.  
       
      And we launched and grew market share around our proprietary product lines – like Golden Vale Synthetic Turf, Noble Bluestone and Dalani pebbles.
       
      In addition, we have been adding more outside salespeople to the team to help us go after the big fish and big projects.
       
      To sum it up – we made investments in the programs, technology and people needed to grow our business. And we will continue to invest. I will have more to share about our 2024 goals and initiatives soon. In the meantime, I would like to thank you for being part of Team OLS. I hope you are as “Charged Up” as I am about our potential in 2024. Remember it is our mission (We offer you a better way to grow) our values (FORTITUDE) that align us in purpose and allow us to build something uniquely amazing.
       
      I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season. I hope you can take some time to refresh and recharge.
       
      Now enjoy the 2023 OLS Year-in-Review video!
       
       
       
      BrianP
       

       

      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.

      ASK BP

      Fortitude Hall of Fame Banner 2023

       

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

      • Paul Kasmenn | Bulks Landscape Supply, Marietta, GA
      • Jordana Allen | Tahoe Sand & Gravel, Tahoe, CA
      • Victor Garcia | Nova Stone - Landscape & Masonry, Ashburn, VA
      • J. Falconer | OLS Corp
      • Tony Bautista | Nova Stone - Landscape & Masonry, Ashburn, VA
      • Nicholl Perez-Molina | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Kennesaw, GA
      • Mario Vega | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Duluth, GA
      • Jason Deveau | Stone Center - Landscape & Masonry, Kennesaw, GA
      • Shawn Lemke | OLS Corp
      • Clint Higginbotham | OLS Corp
      • Sandy Williams | Stoneworld Supply, Ogden, UT
      • Jared Waite | Nova Stone - Landscape & Masonry, Manassas, VA

      Congratulations!-Dec-11-2023-06-40-10-8921-PM

      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.*

      SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

      *Drawing to take place 12/2024.

      MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Banner 2023 (1)

      We welcomed a NEW ACQUISITION to our Outdoor Living Supply family of companies!

      Canva Design DAF2IzjDr48On October 30, 2023, we announced Outdoor Living Supply acquired Apache Stone, who is a full-service distributor of masonry, hardscape and landscape supplies. This acquisition expands OLS' footprint to the Southwest, adding three strategic locations in Nevada and Arizona. 

      Throughout its 43-year history, Apache Stone has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to product quality, operational expertise and customer service that has made it a leading distributor to industry professionals. The existing local management team will continue to lead the business, ensuring continuity and consistency for employees, customers and supplier partners. 

      EXPLORE RECENT PRESS RELEASES & NEWS UPDATES

      OPERATIONS Banner 2023

      We kindly ask you to familiarize yourself and share with your team the newly updated Return Policy and Terms of Sale for the Outdoor Living Supply companies. Staying informed about these changes is crucial to providing our valued customers with a smooth and hassle-free experience. 

      Click the link below to access the updated policies and stay up to date with the latest guidelines.

      RETURN POLICY

      TERMS OF SALE

      HUMAN RESOURCES Banner 2023 (1)Happy Holidays from Payroll and HR! 

      With year-end fast approaching. Please review your personal information in ADP by December 28 to ensure we have the most current and accurate data for you. 

      • Address 
      • Name 
      • Phone number 
      • Email 
      • SSN 

      The 2023 W-2 Forms will be mailed mid-January to employee home addresses (as listed in ADP) and will be available online at ADP by January 31, 2024.   

      Everyone is encouraged to review their Federal and State elections and make appropriate changes as early in the new year as possible. This will avoid too little or too much tax being withheld for the upcoming year. 

      If you were claiming exempt from federal withholding on your Form W-4 for 2023, this form expires on January 1, 2024. You must submit a new form in ADP by February 15, 2024. 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.  

      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 these hours.   

      2024 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

      NATIONAL PTO POLICY & BENEFITS


      OLS Retirement Savings – ADP 401(k): Invest in yourself and take advantage of your retirement savings plan benefit!  

      OLS provides a company match of 50% of your salary deferrals up to the first 6% of your eligible compensation. If you are contributing less than 6% of your eligible compensation you are missing out on the full employer match! 

      • Employees are eligible to enroll once you have completed 1 month of service. Employees can elect to defer between 1%-90% of their pay into their ADP retirement account. 
      • Our plan has an automatic enrollment feature, which ADP will notify you about. If an employee does not log in to ADP and select their own deferral rate, or decline enrollment, the employee will be automatically enrolled into the Plan with an elected pre-tax contribution of 3% of pay.  
      • Employees use the My.ADP.com website, the ADP Voice-Response System or the ADP Mobile Solutions App.  

      Don’t leave money on the table! To make sure you get the full company match, you need to defer 6% of your pay. 

      You can access your retirement savings account anytime, make changes and perform transactions through: 

      • ADP Mobile Solutions App 
      • My.ADP.com
      • Calling 1-800-695-7526

      Employment Verification – ADP: Are you looking to change your housing, purchase a vehicle, or apply for a loan?  You will need to provide confirmation of your employment. ADP Employment Verification is powered by The Work Number from Equifax. They provide secure and instant automated income and employment verifications.  Makes it easy for you!   

      Contact The Work Number at 866-604-6572 or www.TheWorkNumber.com

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

      PRODUCT & TRAINING Banner 2023 (2)

      The eagerly awaited Dalani decorative pebbles have been successfully ordered and are targeted to arrive at stores in January.

      In addition, we have some thrilling news to share that we have also developed a fantastic point of sale display, which will aid in showcasing the product. We are working diligently to ensure that the displays are ready by the end of February, and we will keep everyone informed about the expected delivery. 

      Canva Design DAF3WepCTVQ

       


      We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our Outdoor Living Supply Academy library! You can now access Dauer Manufacturing® training & education videos on our YouTube channel. Dive into the world of Dauer outdoor landscape lighting and uncover its countless advantages, exceptional design, and seamless installation. These resources will empower you and your team to excel in the selling process, ensuring that you have all the knowledge and tools needed to showcase the beauty and functionality of Dauer outdoor lighting.

      SUBSCRIBE TO OUTDOOR LIVING SUPPLY ACADEMY

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

      TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Banner 2023 (1)

      As we move forward into the new year, we have an important update regarding the Suite Commerce In Store (SCIS) Point of Sale (POS) module for NetSuite. After careful consideration and evaluation, we have made the decision to discontinue the availability of this module after December 29th.

      Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to strive for excellence and embrace technological advancements to drive our company forward.


      Canva Design DAF29zRv2uc-1We are excited to announce that we have recently updated the NetSuite training and NetSuite Intranet page. The updated training program offers a comprehensive and user-friendly learning experience. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of navigating the NetSuite platform to more advanced features and functionalities. This knowledge will not only benefit you individually but also contribute to the overall success of our company.

      Remember, your dedication to learning and improving your skills is greatly valued and appreciated. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and invest in your professional growth. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your NetSuite proficiency and become an invaluable asset to our team.

      Click the button below or visit the Intranet to access the updated NetSuite training materials. Happy learning!

      NETSUITE VIRTUAL GUIDE

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

      MARKETING Banner 2023 (1)

      BusinessCard-collageAre you running low on business cards and need to restock? Simply visit our Marketing Intranet page and click on the Business Card Order Form. It's a breeze to fill out and submit.

      Alternatively, you can click the button below to access the form directly. Once you've completed the form, just send it over to Barb French.

      Restocking your business cards has never been easier or more convenient!

      BUSINESS CARD ORDER FORM

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

      EVENTS Banner 2023 (1)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (1)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (1)LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (2)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (2)LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (3)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (3)LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (4)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (4)LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (5)LOGO LEFT, PHOTOS RIGHT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (5)LOGO RIGHT, PHOTOS LEFT OLS Insider Template - 2023 (6)

      ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS & PROMOTIONS Banner 2023 (1)

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

      • January: 31 Years | Mary Popin, 25 Years | Nina Brown, 7 Years | John Bown, 4 Years | Matthew Nero, 3 Years | Natasha Dobbs, 2 Years | Russell Fillerup, Stephany Bringgold, Pedro Losa, Ashley Alvarez, Gregory Meeks, Katherine Craig, Scott Allen, Brian Knotts & Sam Buckingham, 1 Year | Shawn Lemke, Deven Stincelli, Sarah Hagen, Jason McGrath, Isaac Barreto, Sarah Tolzmann & Pablo Salvatierra.

      • February: 24 Years | James Sparano, 23 Years | Victor Quiros, 21 Years | Patrick A. Lynn & Emily Damasco, 19 Years | Shawn Simoneau & Luis Santos, 18 Years | Scott Walker, 17 Years | Daniel Speight, 14 Years | Noma Bareng & Amy Corsi, 13 Years | James Ingraham, 8 Years | Lenny Mastrogiacomo, 7 Years | Luis Nunez Nazario & Mario Vega, 6 Years | Jack Bell & Rose Wolfe, 4 Years | Gary Friars & Martin Lipira, 3 Years | Daniela Olvera Martinez, Carol Weinstein, Anthony Nigro & Alexi Garcia Zelaya, 2 Years | Beth Leith, Pedro Rodriguez & Ryan Jones, 1 Year | Michael Flanagan, Howard Lasker, Nikhita Killari, Larry Gilbert, Felipe Moncada Flores, Preston Shaw, Sharron Honeycutt, Tomas Aquino Vasquez, Christopher Fajota & Michael Enfield. 

      • March: 32 Years | Daniel Gordon & Amy Trafton, 26 Years | William Demko, 21 Years | Charles Ballard & Manuel Calderon, 19 Years | Audrie Arseneault, 17 Years | Justin Santonastaso, 16 Years | Daniel Authier, Estevan Nava, Jason Nichols & DR Mintz, Jr., 11 Years | Juan Alvarado, Barry Shaw, Debora Fout & Danielle Lenhart, 10 Years | Garrett Ingraham & Anival Menjivar, 9 Years | Mary Mullen, Barry Riddle & Patricia Sylvester, 8 Years | Arthur Randlett, 7 Years | Matthew Kardos, Joshua Gilman & Brandon Jackson, 6 Years | Layla Dedrick & Jared Waite, 5 Years | Lynn Edwards, 4 Years | Aline Alzime & Don Spendlove, 3 Years | Mary Neville, Brady Beau, David Melvin, Rebecca Heins, Caleb Chew, Steven Nava, Sierra Phillips & Roberto Jimenez Estepan, 2 Years | Robert Marshall, Nicholas Woodward, Cameron Hall & George Ellison, 2 Years | Elizabeth Reese, Nathaniel White, Ronald White, Paul Kasmenn, Adria Cheney, Dane Kempf & Timothy Miller, 1 Year | Chistopher Shelton, Jeffrey Beggs, John Wranitz, Enrique Torres, Jonathon Langel & Abigail Wentworth.


      Wishing you a great birthday!

      • January: Gary Friars, Michael Flanagan, Paul Kasmenn, Jonathan Mayer, Paul Schofield, Zak Corsi, Elisabeth Kimmey, Roberto Jimenez Estepan, Ryan Shaw, Darryl Mearday, Michael Harding, Steven Boone, Candice Sanchez, Harry Brown, Kevin Hakun, Robert Mellor, Erin Stein, Adam Saucedo, Garrett Ingraham, Matthew Gibbs, Beth Leith, Luis Santos, Robert Berry, Robert Platt, Victoria MacLean, Jeffrey Beggs, Amy Trafton, Isaac Barreto, Kailex Welch, Harley Bonnell & Hannah Douglas.

      • February: Lenny Mastrogiacomo, Jason McGrath, Cindy Jones, Brandon Bowman, Layla Dedrick, Koalii Kamo-Toth, Benjamin Sousa, Jessica Short, Tyler Harrison, Nina Brown, Luis Munoz, Joshua Sinclair, Sandra Williams, Gary Horne, Justin Santonastaso, Thomas Batchelder, Renee Remily, Nathaniel Moore, Michael Bloemsma, John Bown, Sharron Honeycutt, Kolby Sawyer, Deryk Mudry, Miguel Cantrell, Cambrie Stanger, Derek Pengitore, Duke Lefever, Camberon Hall, Russell Lyons, Hannah Palmer & Jessica Cherry. 

      • March: Daniel Bishop, Robert McCormack, James Sparano, Christopher Main, Donald Knight, Kevin Young, Daniel Garcia, Patrick A. Lynn, Mark Lapham, Sarah Hagen, Kimberly Bruton, Justin Hail, Sarah Tolzmann, Brady Beau, Dina Brickey, Alvin Edilloran, Brandon Loomis, Carson Ryman, Philip McGee, Jared Waite, Melissa Wentworth, Jonathan McIntyre, Andrew Marcinek, Jordan Haines, Barry Shaw, Alan Collens, Sierra Phillips & Elizabeth Reese.


      Congratulations on your promotion!

      • Kathy Granger | Vice President of Marketing - OLS Corp
      • Mario Vega | Assistant Store Manager - Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Duluth, GA
      • Jason Deveau | Assistant Store Manager - Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Kennesaw, GA
      • Nicholl Perez-Molina | Customer Service Manager - Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Kennesaw, GA
      • Yanira Ramos | Customer Service Manager - Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Roswell, GA
      • Corbin Salazar | Assistant Store Manager - Stone Center | Landscape & Masonry, Roswell, GA
      • Jimmie Hester | Regional Director - Sales - OLS Corp