Her Story
About Paula
Paula Welch has built an impressive 25-year career in the landscaping industry, dedicating her professional journey to helping contractors and homeowners bring outdoor projects to life. She began her career with Kurtz Brothers as a customer service representative while raising her family as a single mother and steadily advanced through the organization, earning promotions to management and eventually transitioning into outside sales. Today, she serves as an Outside Sales Specialist, providing expert guidance on everything from mulch, topsoil, and planting materials to retaining walls, natural stone, and paver systems.
Known for her reliability, honesty, and exceptional follow-through, Paula has earned the trust and respect of contractors throughout Ohio. Her customers depend on her ability to coordinate timely deliveries, solve challenges, and ensure projects stay on track from start to finish. With decades of industry experience, she has established a reputation as a knowledgeable resource and trusted partner who understands both the technical and relationship-driven aspects of the landscaping business.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Paula is deeply committed to advancing the landscaping profession. She serves as Chair of the Awards Committee for the Ohio Landscape Association, helping recognize excellence within the industry. She also supports community-focused initiatives through Kurtz Brothers' partnerships with nonprofit organizations. In recognition of her professional achievements, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the industry, Paula was selected to be featured by Influential Women Network representing Lorain, Ohio, for 2026.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paula
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive to be better for my children. I didn't want to be just a statistic. As a single mom, I needed to prove that I could provide for my family and create a better life for us. That motivation pushed me to work hard, move up from customer service to management to outside sales, and earn the respect I have today in this industry.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The squeaky wheel gets greased. Speak up. You have to get yourself to where you need to be, but at the same time, don't back yourself in a corner. You need to advocate for yourself and make your voice heard, but do it in a way that doesn't limit your options or burn bridges.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident. Knowledge is power, and don't be afraid. I think sometimes as women, we feel that we can't be in certain industries because they're stereotyped, but the world is changing. Don't be afraid to get into doing something that you love to do, even if it's not traditionally a field for women. If you love it, go for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the economy and everything happening in the world right now. As far as opportunities, landscaping is a service industry, so every year we have an opportunity to do better. Every year people are doing landscaping projects, so there's always the opportunity to grow and serve more clients in the field that I'm in.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Character, loyalty, and honesty are the values I carry in my profession. My character means a lot to me. There are plenty of times where I have to tell people certain things can't get done, or we can't order something, and their job depends on me getting that project completed. Sometimes I do have to pivot, but I've found that sometimes you just have to be honest and say this is how it is, and move forward with it. Being truthful and reliable is what has earned me the respect I have.
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