Why are you passionate about paper & forest products?

Question

In this article, readers will find valuable perspectives from leaders in the paper and forest products industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the ethics, craftsmanship, and sustainability shaping the future. The piece explores a range of topics from eco-friendly innovations to the cultural significance of paper products. With expert guidance, discover how industry practices are evolving to meet modern environmental challenges.

Jason Staley · Answer

My father was a second-generation lumber trader, and in our house, honesty, integrity, and keeping your word were non-negotiable. I learned that firsthand when I once ditched a friend my father didn't approve of. When I told him, "What's the big deal? You don't even like the guy," he fired back, "It doesn't matter--you gave him your word." That lesson stuck with me.
After high school, I explored other industries and did well, but when I was asked to return to the family business, I quickly realized I was built for the lumber industry. This business rewards honesty, humility, and authenticity--without them, you won't last. The people in this industry aren't just colleagues; they become lifelong friends. You can spot a lumber person in any crowd, from the loggers to the yard operators.
I also love the industry's dynamic nature. No book can fully explain the ever-changing market forces--natural disasters, weather, the economy, politics, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and even psychology all play a role. Every day is a puzzle to solve, and there's never a dull moment.
Lastly, I take pride in the industry's sustainability. North America and Europe have built a model where forestry supports the environment, ensuring that wood remains a renewable, responsible resource. And in a world of contracts and fine print, this is one of the last industries where a million-dollar deal can still be sealed with a handshake.

Brent Goschnick · Answer

My passion for paper and forest products is rooted in my background in cabinetry and joinery, where the beauty of wood is front and center. For over 23 years, I've worked to transform raw timber into custom, high-end cabinetry, emphasizing the artistry and function that these natural materials bring to a space. 
Running G&M Craftsman Cabinets, I focus on sourcing sustainable, high-quality wood from ethical suppliers, ensuring our products not only meet aesthetic standards but also align with modern environmental values. This dedication to sustainability is reflected in projects where we've crafted spaces that don't just look stunning but are built to last, standing as a testament to the endurance and elegance of forest products.
Additionally, we've adapted our operations over the years to include only eco-friendly practices and premium materials like sustainably harvested timber. Our approach has helped us push the boundaries of traditional cabinetry, offering bespoke solutions that emphasize both the natural beauty of wood and the responsibility we have for our natural resources.

Kyle Nix · Answer

I have a passion for paper and forest products because they play a vital role in landscaping and garden design, which are my life's work. As a landscaper in Indiana, I've seen the importance of using sustainable materials to improve natural environments. For example, I incorporate native plants into landscaping, which requires knowledge of sustainable forestry practices to maintain local biodiversity.
One successful project involved using mulch, a forest byproduct, to improve soil health and water retention in clients' gardens. This approach not only supports the ecosystem but also provides lasting benefits for plant growth. By sourcing mulch from sustainable forestry methods, I've been able to demonstrate the direct positive effects of responsible paper and forest product use.
Teaching my clients about the benefits of leaving garden debris, like leaves and sticks, in the fall is another way I'm connected to forest products. Embracing a "messier" clean-up approach protects beneficial insects and wildlife habitats, showing how simple strategies using forest-derived products support sustainable gardening. This hands-on experience informs my appreciation for the broader role of forest products in crafting eco-friendly and inspired outdoor spaces.

Jimmy Tompkins · Answer

At Brite Creations, when I think of paper and forest products, I see a parallel to our approach in landscape lighting. Just like these products can transform a home's exterior with sustainable resources, our lighting solutions improve outdoor spaces sustainably. For instance, by integrating eco-conscious, energy-efficient LEDs in our designs, we effectively reduce energy consumption while accentuating natural beauty.
A strong example is our work in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area where we incorporate materials that not only illuminate but also highlight the natural landscape. This approach mirrors the use of responsibly sourced wood products that protect and beautify spaces. My focus is on marrying aesthetics with environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term value.
In both lighting and paper/forest products, the goal is to boost functionality without compromising on nature. By prioritizing high-quality materials and innovative designs, we contribute to creating inviting spaces that respect the environment. This holistic approach is something I deeply value and strive to embody in every project we undertake.

Roy L. Kaufmann · Answer

I've spent most of my career in civil litigation, advocating for service members whose legal rights are often overlooked or misunderstood. You might wonder what that has to do with paper or forest products, but there's actually a deeper connection that shaped my respect for this industry.
Legal work, especially in the courtroom, still relies heavily on physical documentation. Contracts, filings, notices -- the paper trail is everything. But beyond the legal side, I've always appreciated how this industry supports so many different parts of our daily lives without most people even thinking about it. From shipping boxes to construction-grade wood, to the paper used in government and military records, it's one of those sectors that quietly keeps the world running.
What really drew me in though was learning how the paper and forest products world has been evolving. I've worked with service members who come from rural areas where forestry is a way of life -- and I've seen how economic shifts in that industry directly affect their families. That connection made it personal. I started paying closer attention to how these companies operate, how they're adapting to new challenges, and how that impacts workers and their communities. It's not just a supply chain issue -- it's people's livelihoods, small towns, and generations of knowledge passed down through work in the mills or in the woods.
So, while my day-to-day job is grounded in law, I care about this industry because it's tied to the lives and dignity of people I advocate for. I've seen what happens when industries like this are undervalued or misunderstood. And I think there's something worth protecting in it -- not just the resources, but the people behind it.

John Washer · Answer

Honestly, what keeps me hooked is the transformation. You take a raw plank of alder or birch that's been milled, dried, and shipped over 1,000 miles—and turn it into something someone will look at every single day in their home. That kind of permanence matters. We once milled down a 300-pound slab of walnut for a media center, and the homeowner cried when she saw the final installation. You don't get that kind of emotional reaction from a spreadsheet or a SaaS dashboard. I mean, there's just something grounded about this work.
To be fair, it's not always romantic. There's sawdust, backorders, warping, and the occasional forklift failure. But it keeps you honest. When you work with natural materials, you adapt—because nature doesn't care about your schedule. And that mindset has bled into how we run the whole company. It's probably why we've stayed steady for 36 years and counting.

Michelle Amelse · Answer

I'm passionate about paper and forest products because they are integral to our sanitation industry, which is all about enhancing hygiene and preserving resources. At Satellite Industries, I lead efforts to innovate our product lines, including consumables like facial tissues and toilet seat covers, which are made with soft, absorbent materials that offer comfort and maintain cleanliness in various environments.
Our portable restrooms play a crucial role in conserving environmental resources by saving approximately 125 million gallons of water daily, a fact that underscores the importance of sustainable practices in our industry. These products are more than just necessities; they contribute significantly to environmental conservation by reducing water and resource consumption.
For instance, our durable and recyclable toilet seat covers ensure a hygienic experience in public restrooms while emphasizing sustainability. By prioritizing these aspects, we not only meet immediate customer needs but also contribute to long-term ecological preservation, aligning our goals with global environmental standards.

Weam Namou · Answer

Born in Baghdad and raised in America, as a Chaldean (Neo-Babylonian), my connection to paper and the written word runs deep. My ancestors, who still speak Aramaic—the language of Jesus—were among the first to invent writing. The first recorded writer in history, Enheduanna, was a Mesopotamian princess, priestess, and poet who used her words to inspire and document her world. Writing began in my birth land of Iraq, and it has been a cornerstone of our culture for millennia.
Over the centuries, empires and adversaries have tried to erase us, yet we preserved our identity through the written word. Even as recently as 2014, extremists sought to destroy the artifacts and written records of my people. Despite these threats, our stories endure because of the resilience of writing as a medium. As an author who has written 20 books, I have relied heavily on the written records my ancestors left behind—records inscribed on clay tablets and later on paper—to understand their history, struggles, and triumphs. Writing is not just a legacy for me; it is a lifeline connecting me to my roots.
When ISIS destroyed my ancestral villages in northern Iraq, I was reminded of the fragility of memory and the importance of documentation. I knew I had to write, to preserve our stories and history, not only for my people but for the world. Paper became more than a tool; it became a sanctuary, a means of peace and resistance against forgetting. The simple act of putting pen to paper is a way to honor those who came before me and ensure that their voices are not silenced.
Beyond my personal connection, I am passionate about paper because of its timeless role in human history. From ancient clay tablets to handwritten manuscripts, paper has been a vessel for creativity, knowledge, and connection. As a writer and storyteller, I have experienced its transformative power firsthand. Writing on paper slows us down, fosters deep reflection, and creates a tangible record of our thoughts and dreams.
I am also deeply committed to sustainability. Forests are a vital part of our planet's ecosystem, and I support responsible forestry practices that ensure paper products are created in harmony with nature. Paper is a renewable resource, and when managed sustainably, it becomes a symbol of balance between creativity and conservation.
For me, pen and paper are tools of peace, memory, and resilience. They connect me to my heritage and to the universal human experience of storytelling.

Bill Vandeven · Answer

I have a deep passion for paper and forest products because they connect us directly to the Earth's bounty and sustainability. At Garden Patch, I harness this passion with our GrowBox products that emphasize natural, sustainable gardening practices. Through the self-watering, self-fertilizing design, I ensure that gardening is accessible and productive while respecting our environment. This aligns with my belief that forest products can be used innovatively to improve life sustainably.
A concrete example is the use of our patented Nutrient Patch™, developed with university-backed technology, which promotes healthy plant growth without the need for chemical fertilizers. This approach embodies the sustainable use of resources, much like the thoughtful management of forest products. With a 147% increase in production, our commitment to leveraging natural products offers gardeners cleaner, healthier produce while reducing reliance on harmful substances.
I'm also keen on fostering a community of gardeners who value organic and eco-friendly practices. Expanding our product line with organic options like Jobe's® Organic Nutrient Patch further demonstrates how forest products can support health-conscious living. My work isn't just about selling products; it's about educating and empowering people to make sustainable choices that benefit both their gardens and our planet.

Jen Stamulis · Answer

My passion for paper and forest products ties back to the powerful impact sustainable practices can have on brand growth and consumer trust. During my time at Elasticity, I've witnessed how brands like Coca-Cola leverage sustainable packaging not just to reduce environmental impact, but also to improve their market presence and appeal to a younger, eco-conscious audience. 
Using data from a McKinsey survey, we saw that over 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. This trend emphasizes that integrating sustainable materials like recycled paper products into a brand's offering doesn't just resonate with consumers ethically, but it also drives tangible revenue growth—a clear win for businesses focused on long-term profitability.
My work involves developing strategies that align with these consumer demands, helping brands like Nestlé Purina and others build multi-channel campaigns that showcase their commitment to sustainability. This approach nurtures consumer loyalty and positions the brand as a leader in corporate social responsibility—recognizing sustainability as both a moral imperative and a lucrative business strategy.

Tracie Crites · Answer

While my work primarily revolves around business strategy, I've always had a personal passion for sustainability, particularly in industries like paper and forest products.
What excites me about the paper and forest products industry is its potential for innovation in sustainability. As the world becomes more focused on reducing carbon footprints and managing natural resources responsibly, the paper industry has made incredible strides in recycling and using sustainably sourced materials. I've seen firsthand how companies in this sector have reduced their environmental impact, like the one that introduced a closed-loop system for recycling paper waste, leading to a 16.8% decrease in production waste.
Additionally, the forest products industry plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems through responsible forest management. Sustainable forestry practices help maintain biodiversity and combat climate change, which is something I'm deeply passionate about. In fact, studies show that well-managed forests can absorb up to 20% more carbon compared to those that are not sustainably managed.
The ability to marry environmental responsibility with industrial progress is what really drives my interest in this field. It's not just about the products we use every day; it's about ensuring that they are made in ways that support both the planet and local communities.

Landon Olson · Answer

As the founder of Replay Surfacing, my expertise lies in transforming waste into sustainable, high-quality surfaces, not paper and forest products per se. However, my passion is driven by a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. I recognize that paper and forest products play a crucial role in this by promoting the use of renewable resources.
I apply engineering principles to create durable products from recycled materials, like rubber surfacing for playgrounds and sports courts. This aligns with using paper products from sustainably managed forests to minimize ecological impact. It's about seeing environmental challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve industries.
For instance, at Replay Surfacing, we turn millions of pounds of scrap tires into functional surfaces, reducing landfill waste and making communities safer and more eco-friendly. Similarly, responsible forestry practices ensure paper production supports sustainability goals. It's all about valuing and innovating with renewable materials to meet future needs.

Why are you passionate about paper & forest products?