Sawmill Business Podcast

Educating the next generation about forestry and sustainable wood practices is essential for the future of the industry, but misconceptions about trees and forest management continue to create barriers. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Allison DeFord, Executive Director of the North American Forest Foundation, to explore the foundation's mission to educate young people about responsible forestry and dispel common myths surrounding the industry. Allison shares her personal journey into forestry after years of involvement through her husband's career and how that experience shaped her passion for forest education and advocacy. You'll hear about the foundation's innovative educational programs, including K-5 teacher kits that help students understand the importance of trees and sustainable forest management, and an upcoming app designed to engage junior high students in forestry education. Allison discusses the ambitious goal of reaching one million students by 203

The new year is the perfect time to reflect on what's working in your business and what needs to change if you want to see better results. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger shares her approach to planning for 2026, focusing on personal growth and implementing strategic changes that lead to real business transformation. Drawing from her experience with Alger Coaching and running her own wood business, Jennifer reveals six key strategies that have helped her business thrive and can do the same for yours. You'll hear practical advice on leveraging social media for visibility and relationship building, the essential role of networking in creating business opportunities, and why telling the backstory of your products adds value and creates deeper connections with customers. Jennifer discusses the importance of establishing a chain of custody to build trust and differentiate your business, effective inventory management techniques that can significantly improve profitability, and how

Standardization in the hardwood industry isn't just about measurements and grades. It's the foundation that enables fair trade, quality control, and growth across the entire wood supply chain. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dallin Brooks, Executive Director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), to explore the history, role, and future of this essential industry organization. Dallin shares how the NHLA was founded to create standards that ensure quality and uniformity in wood products, and why those standards remain crucial for advocacy, quality control, and the success of hardwood businesses today. You'll hear about the significant challenges and opportunities facing the hardwood industry, including the impact of tariffs on domestic producers, the rise of urban wood as a mainstream complement to rural wood sourcing, and how thermal modification is expanding the outdoor applications of hardwoods. Dallin discusses the benefits of NHLA membership, f

Wood modification technology is changing the game for woodworkers, builders, and manufacturers who need materials that are more stable, durable, and environmentally friendly than traditional lumber. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Robert Lennon from ThermalWood Canada to explore the innovative world of thermal modification. Robert shares his unique journey from spending 33 years in the mining industry to becoming a leader in the wood business, focusing on a process that transforms wood at a molecular level to enhance its properties and performance. You'll hear how thermal modification makes wood more stable, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sustainable, while also improving its resistance to moisture, decay, and dimensional changes. Robert explains the diverse applications of thermally modified wood, from guitar necks and musical instruments to outdoor furniture and architectural projects, and discusses the expanding market opportunities for this technol

Urban trees don't have to become waste. With the right approach, they can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality wood products that reduce carbon footprints and strengthen local communities. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Hickman, founder of Urban Ashes, to explore the critical importance of urban wood utilization. Paul shares his fascinating journey from the scenic arts industry to creating sustainable products from urban wood, with a particular focus on ash trees affected by the devastating Emerald Ash Borer. His work demonstrates how trees that would otherwise end up in landfills can become valuable resources for woodworkers, builders, and communities. You'll hear about the Urban Wood Project and its impact on local communities, Paul's transition from manufacturing wood products to consulting and education, and why urban wood utilization is essential for reducing carbon footprints. Paul emphasizes the need for increased education and awareness a

Small-scale wood producers across California are facing a challenge: how do you compete in a market dominated by larger operations while showcasing the unique value of locally sourced, sustainable wood? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Steve Larosiliere, founder of the Woodpreneur community, to discuss key insights and developments from the Forest Products Week conference. Steve shares his journey and the exciting collaborative efforts taking shape in the wood industry, with a special focus on the California Wood Supply Group, an initiative aimed at unifying small-scale wood producers under a common brand and vision. You'll hear about the specific challenges small producers face in marketing and sales, and why storytelling has become a crucial tool for communicating the value and sustainability of wood products. Steve and Jennifer explore how collaboration can drive economic development in the wood industry, the importance of creating a unified brand that eleva

Frustration with an industry can be the spark that leads to building something better, especially when it's rooted in community, sustainability, and the stories behind every piece of wood. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dave Puncochar, founder of Good Wood Nashville, to explore his remarkable journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to urban wood producer. Dave shares the challenges and triumphs of launching his lumber business, driven by a desire to showcase the beauty and value of reclaimed and locally sourced wood that might otherwise go to waste. You'll hear about Good Wood Nashville's dual focus on both new and reclaimed lumber, their strong community connections that support local projects, and initiatives like Nashville Strong that helped the community during COVID-19. Dave discusses how his background in sales and teaching has shaped his business approach, the importance of building a strong online presence and customer relationships, and the hard lessons

What if you could track every piece of wood in your inventory from the moment it's cut to the day it's sold, all with a simple scan? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Andrew Bragg to explore how QR code technology is revolutionizing inventory management in the wood industry. Andrew shares insights on AncesTREE™, an innovative system that allows woodworkers, sawmills, and lumber dealers to track the complete history and details of their wood products (from tree to marketplace) transforming how businesses manage inventory, engage customers, and boost sales. You'll hear about the powerful benefits of real-time data access for better decision-making, how tracking the story behind each piece of wood creates meaningful customer engagement, and why efficient inventory systems can save time while increasing profitability. Andrew explains practical solutions like batch QR codes that simplify the tagging process, marketplace integration that boosts product visibility, and

Running a sawmill efficiently isn't just about having the right equipment. It's about optimizing every aspect of your operation, from layout to blade selection to seasonal maintenance. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Justin McMinds from Wood-Mizer Industrial to explore the ins and outs of sawmill optimization. Justin shares his unique journey from operating his own sawmill business, WoodMinds, to working with Wood-Mizer in Blades and Industrial Equipment Sales, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience to help sawmill operators maximize efficiency and profitability. You'll hear practical insights on creating efficient sawmill layouts that improve workflow, the game-changing benefits of advanced blades like bi-metal and carbide for cost savings, and essential strategies for winterizing equipment to maintain peak performance. Justin also dives into exciting topics like urban wood salvage and the unique opportunities it presents, optimizing quarter sawing technique

Building a cabin from real wood isn't just about construction—it's about craftsmanship, storytelling, and creating spaces that connect people to nature. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Shandel of Mendo Cabins to explore the art and business of building custom redwood cabins. Paul shares what sets Mendo Cabins apart, from their commitment to using locally sourced redwood to their unique business model that offers everything from fully built custom cabins to DIY cabin kits for the hands-on builder. You'll hear about the surprising realities of insulation in small wood structures, why storytelling has become a powerful marketing tool for connecting with customers, and how using authentic local materials adds both value and character to every project. Paul also discusses exciting new ventures, including expanding into sauna production, and the importance of organization and inventory management in scaling a woodworking business. This conversation dives into t

Running a business isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes the toughest challenges come from within your own team. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Bryan Alger, Business Consultant and Leadership Trainer, for a candid conversation about the struggles many business owners face but rarely talk about openly. Together, they dive into the difficult world of staffing issues, employee conflicts, and the critical importance of hiring people who are not just talented, but truly aligned with your company's vision and values. Jennifer and Bryan explore the realities of navigating team dynamics, including moments of self-doubt and the frustration that comes with trying to build a cohesive team. You'll hear honest reflections on what happens when great individual contributors don't work well together, and why finding people who are motivated, hungry, and believe in what you're building makes all the difference. This conversation goes beyond typical business advice to add

When a Forest Service background meets a passion for salvaging urban trees, you get furniture that tells a story and a business built on sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Christy Covington, founder of Tree to Table PDX, to explore her inspiring journey from conservation work to entrepreneurship. Christy shares how she transformed salvaged urban wood into heirloom-quality furniture, launched her woodworking business from her backyard, and turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into unexpected opportunities for growth. You'll hear about the innovative projects that put Tree to Table on the map—including the world's largest charcuterie board—and learn how collaboration with local businesses and mentoring young woodworkers became central to Christy's mission. This conversation dives deep into sustainable woodworking practices, the art of custom craftsmanship, and what it takes to build a business that honors both

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Trevor Thayer from Worldwide Burl, a former contractor who transitioned into the world of woodworking, specifically focusing on burls.  Trevor shares his journey from contracting to woodworking during the pandemic, the challenges he faced in sourcing and milling wood, and the innovative techniques he employs in his business. He discusses the importance of social media in building his brand, the obstacles of hiring in the industry, and the significance of woodworking education for the younger generation.  The conversation highlights the personal touch in customer service and his future aspirations for the woodworking community. Takeaways Trevor transitioned from contracting to woodworking during the pandemic.He started sourcing and milling burls to create unique wood products.Social media, especially Instagram, plays a crucial role in his business.Trevor emphasizes the importance of customer service and personal interaction.He face

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Colin Davis of Tahoe Slab Furniture, an innovative woodworking business focused on salvaging waste wood to create beautiful products.  Colin shares his journey from a background in physics and engineering to the world of woodworking, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency challenges. The conversation explores the importance of networking, building customer relationships, and the unique challenges faced in the wood industry.  Colin also discusses his experiences in Europe, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from failures along the way, highlighting the excitement and challenges of entrepreneurial ventures in woodworking. Takeaways Colin's journey into woodworking began with a desire to solve real-world problems.Tahoe Slab Furniture focuses on salvaging waste wood to create useful products.Sustainability is a core value, but energy efficiency remains a challenge.Milling equipment choices significantly impact business

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Kyle Jeske, the sales and purchasing manager of Richardson Hardwoods.  They discuss Kyle's journey into the lumber industry, the unique business model of Richardson Hardwoods, and the challenges and opportunities facing the lumber sector today.  Kyle shares insights on the importance of sustainability, the legacy of Richardson Industries, and the need for new talent in the industry.  The conversation also touches on networking, industry conferences, and the economic challenges that impact sales.  Kyle emphasizes the value of education in promoting sustainable forestry practices and the importance of building relationships in the business. Takeaways Kyle Jeske is a sales and purchasing manager at Richardson Hardwoods LLC.He has a background in business and marketing education.Kyle lived in Spain for several years, teaching English before entering the lumber industry.His Spanish skills may help in future market expansions.Richardso

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Patrick Chovan from Omega Lumber. They discuss the history and growth of Omega Lumber, the challenges and opportunities in the lumber industry, and the importance of sustainable forestry practices. Patrick shares insights into the company's operations, including their focus on industrial-grade lumber and the impact of tariffs on the export market. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry and the role of smaller producers in filling gaps left by larger mills. Takeaways Omega Lumber is celebrating its 50th year in business.The company operates five facilities and manages 5,000-10,000 acres of timberland.Patrick Chovan emphasizes the importance of sustainable forestry practices.The export market is challenging due to tariffs and market unpredictability.Omega Lumber focuses on industrial-grade lumber and specialty products.Patrick Chovan grew up in the logging industry and took over the company 10 years ago.The lum

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Alyssa Olson, a landscape architect and furniture designer, about the importance of urban, salvaged, and reclaimed wood.  They discuss the challenges of getting these materials specified in projects, the significance of building relationships within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community, and the role of sustainability in material choices.  Alyssa shares her journey in the field, the need for standards and specifications for reclaimed wood, and the importance of trust in sourcing materials.  The conversation highlights the future of urban wood and the collaborative efforts needed to promote its use in design and construction. Takeaways Urban wood is crucial for sustainability and local economies.Alyssa Olson has a background in architecture and landscape design.The status quo in material sourcing often hinders the use of reclaimed wood.A specification for reclaimed wood is currently lacking.Building relat

In this episode, you'll meet Clay Miller, fifth-generation lumber professional and head of sales and purchasing at Aurora Timberland, the hardwood distribution brand of Alexandria Moulding. Clay shares how he went from stacking lumber in his family's mill to struggling through his first months in sales—then finding success by selling authentically and building long-term relationships. He opens up about the collapse of his family business after a fire, his path back into the industry, and what it takes to run a customer-obsessed distribution operation across time zones. Clay also breaks down the state of the hardwood industry with striking clarity. He explains why production has fallen from roughly 16 billion board feet at the height of COVID demand to under 4 billion today, and what must happen—promotion, education, and capacity-building—to bring the market back. You'll hear how a five-word Instagram DM led Aurora Timberland into the Vietnam market, why he answers every inquiry, and his practical advic

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Anthony Saraceno, the operating partner at Real Antique Wood.  Anthony shares the journey of his family-owned business, which specializes in reclaimed wood products. He discusses the company's origins, the process of reclaiming and repurposing wood, and the importance of storytelling in their business.  Anthony also highlights the challenges and successes of running a small, tight-knit team and their plans for the future. Top 5 Takeaways: Family-Owned Business: Real Antique Wood is a family-operated business that has been thriving for 15 years, focusing on reclaimed wood products.Reclaimed Wood Process: The company sources wood from various structures, including barns and factories, and emphasizes the importance of preserving the history and provenance of each piece.Operational Challenges: Anthony discusses the challenges of kiln drying and the importance of streamlining processes to improve efficiency.Future Expansion: The company

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Jennifer Alger interviews Ken Breon from Lumber Capital Log Yard.  They discuss the journey of transforming a small family-run sawmill into a successful business, the dynamics of working as a family, the importance of technology and diversification in the lumber industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on their operations.  Ken shares insights on future growth strategies, the evolution of their YouTube channel, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Family dynamics play a crucial role in business success, requiring clear communication and defined roles.Investing in modern technology has significantly improved operational efficiency and safety.Diversification of products helps offset costs and creates additional revenue streams beyond traditional lumber.COVID-19 presented both challenges and unexpected growth opportunities for the business.Building an authentic YouTube presence requires genuine knowledge and passion for your industry. C