Dustin Wood’s deep-rooted connection to the lumber industry stretches back nearly a century, thanks to his strong family ties. In this member spotlight, learn more about how technological advancements have transformed the lumber industry, Dustin’s most fulfilling moments, and his best advice.

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

My family has roots in lumber going back around 100 years – starting in logging at the turn of the last century, transitioning to sawmilling in the 1940s-1970s, and eventually evolving into the retail lumber business before exiting the industry in 1996 when I was a kid.

My lumber career started in 2005 – I was newly married, with twins on the way, and needed a better job. A friend of mine was a shift supervisor at a lumber remanufacturing facility and needed someone to stack culls off the end of a resaw line. I showed up without a resume (not recommended) but had a decent pair of boots and could keep up with the wood coming off the belt so I got the job.

I worked in a few different operational roles at that company, and in 2007 asked to move to the sales team to be more connected with the customer side of our industry. I was very fortunate that the owners of that company were willing to give a kid with no real sales experience the opportunity to hit the road and try to sell!

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

The people in the business at every level of my career –I have met colleagues, and competitors who have become true friends, managers who have become mentors, and have seen a shared understanding of the community that binds us as an industry. It’s a highly competitive, dynamic business that encourages personal development and collective success and compensates high performers well.

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

The lumber industry has been late to adopt the tech and data developments that have occurred during my career.  The first office I worked in shared a computer amongst seven salespeople and we would wait for pricelists to come through on the fax – it sounds like I started in 1987, not 2007. Now, the lumber industry is actively seeking out new opportunities to leverage technology and help with the growth of the business – both to get lumber produced, bought, and sold more efficiently and to make our industry more appealing to the next generation.

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

COVID and the Supercycle were wow moments for me. The lumber industry hit the news cycle and re-entered public discourse for the first time in decades, and I watched our business hit previously unheard-of heights. It was exciting and challenging to be in uncharted territory. I was impressed with the rapid pace lumber companies pivoted and learned to embrace technology in a way that provided support for their employees.

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

I have been a member of NAWLA since ­­­­2011. Initially, I only joined to attend Traders Market.  Throughout my career, my connections to other people in the industry have led me to serve on a variety of different committees and join a 10 group. Now I feel like I could be dropped in almost any US state and would be two calls away from connecting with someone I know through NAWLA.

What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?

Focus on finding people you connect with first, and the business will follow!

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

I was honored to be named as a Young Emerging Lumber Professional (YELP) member. Even though I’m no longer “Young and Emerging” and am still working on being a “Lumber Professional”. That’s my favorite NAWLA moment that is fit to print. The other ones are stories best told after a toast!

Anything else you would like to share?

I really believe the lumber industry is built differently. I am proud to be a part of it and excited to see what’s next.