Meet Our Members: Terry Haddix

With 32 years in the lumber and building materials industry, Terry Haddix has built a career rooted in dedication, expertise and community. In this member spotlight, Terry reflects on her journey, shares her best advice for new members and offers a glimpse into what keeps her inspired.

Tell me about yourself. What is your background and how did you get involved with wholesale lumber?

I never intended to get into the wood business. I answered a blind ad in the classifieds — back when you still flipped through the paper to find a job — and the next thing I knew, 32 years had passed! I started in sales support and grew into roles in operations, logistics, inventory management and strategy across wholesale distribution and remanufacturing. I’ve been with Nova USA Wood since February 2025, focused on high-end tropical hardwoods, thermally modified products and leading our architecture and design (A&D) initiatives.

What motivates you to continue on this career path and be a part of the wholesale lumber industry?

It always comes back to the people, but also the problem-solving. I’ve spent most of my career in operations and logistics, and it’s exceptionally satisfying to make things work behind the scenes. And when it comes down to it, we build real things that matter to real people — and that’s cool.

In what ways have you seen the lumber industry evolve over the years?

The most meaningful shift has been the growing recognition that sustainable forestry is actually good for the planet. For decades, we’ve done the work — responsible harvesting and reforestation — but we weren’t telling the story in a way the public could hear.  I think that’s finally starting to change, and we’re bringing awareness to how wood stores carbon, supports biodiversity and contributes to healthier economies. If we can keep getting our message across, the next generation will see our industry as part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far? Are there any “wow” moments that particularly stand out to you?

Supporting others and seeing them grow and succeed has always been a big deal for me. It’s rewarding to be seen as a resource and a sounding board, especially in an industry that can be hard to break into. If I’ve helped someone find their footing or feel more confident in their role, I’ll take that as a win. I suppose a “wow” moment occurs every time I go to Traders Market — it feels like a really big family reunion!

Tell me about your involvement with NAWLA. How long have you been a member and what made you want to join?

I’ve been part of NAWLA for years, but I got more actively involved once I started teaching at Wood Basics. I’ve presented the transportation and logistics module several times, where we talk about the “boots on the ground” mechanics of moving wood, and how that connects to the bigger picture of customer success. It’s a natural fit with my experience, and I love being able to get into the nitty-gritty on a topic. Honestly, I joined NAWLA because that’s what all the cool kids were doing … but I stay because it’s a great place to learn, grow, connect and really participate. Through NAWLA, I have gained friends, mentors and mentees that I would never have had access to without the organization.

What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?

All the classics — don’t just show up, engage. Raise your hand. Ask questions. Volunteer for something. The more you give, the more you get. You get out of it exactly what you put in. Also, be nice to the staff. They’re the ones who really make magic happen.

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

Teaching at Wood Basics is always a highlight, but the moments that stay with me come when someone tells me I made a difference. Maybe I helped them work through a tough decision or gave advice that stuck. Knowing I’ve helped someone feel more confident, more capable or more connected  —  that makes me super happy. I’ve been lucky to have people invest in me throughout my career, and being able to pay that forward through NAWLA is pretty powerful stuff.

Anything else you would like to share?

As an industry, we don’t always do a great job of telling our story, and I think that’s a missed opportunity. Lumber touches nearly every part of life, and when it’s sourced responsibly, it’s one of the most sustainable materials we have.  If we want the public to understand that, we have to be the ones to say it — loud and proud. That’s why NAWLA matters. It brings people together, keeps us learning and gives us a space to share what we know, so we can stay sharp and keep moving forward.