Dave Vetsch is co-owner of Vetsch Hardwoods in Rochester, MN. The company, a distribution yard, distributes lumber, plywood and mouldings to southeastern Minnesota.
Vetsch Hardwoods buys about 500,000 board feet of lumber per year. The company carries Red Oak, Birch, Poplar, Hard and Soft Maple, Walnut (Select and Better) and other domestic species in mostly 4/4 thickness. Products and services include mouldings, custom surfacing and ripping of lumber.
Vetsch says he has worked for Vetsch Hardwoods “all my life. Dad started the business with pallet lumber, then changed to high-grade lumber in about 1990. Gradually, we added more inventory and equipment, including a moulder and a line of Murphy plywood.”
Vetsch’s first job in the forest products industry was cutting pallet lumber with his dad. Vetsch graduated from high school and attended college. He co-owns Vetsch Hardwoods with his brother, Peter Vetsch. In his free time, he enjoys camping and biking. Vetsch and his wife of 30 years, Jodi, have five sons and five daughters.
For more information, go to www.vetschhardwoods.com.
Mark Francis is the vice president of Cedar Creek Hardwoods in Fredericktown, MO. He is actively involved in purchasing, sales and production among other duties.
Cedar Creek Hardwoods is a manufacturer of S4S, laminated solid wood products, flooring, stairs, handrails, mouldings, various components and also is a distribution yard. The company purchases approximately one million board feet annually in Alder, Ash, Cherry, Hard and Soft Maple, Hickory, Poplar, Red and White Oak, Walnut, Yellow Birch and Sapele, as well as some softwoods (Eastern red cedar, Douglas fir, radiata pine and yellow pine). Most species are purchased in FAS and Select and Better, some in No. 1 Common and No. 2 Common, in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4. Cedar Creek offers value-added products and services, such as S2S/S3S, SLR/RTW, custom moulding, precision cut to length and belt/profile sanding.
Francis attended Fredericktown High School and has been with Cedar Creek Hardwoods for 19 years. He became a partner in the business 11 years ago. His previous experience of specializing in finish carpentry for many years has been invaluable to the company.
Cedar Creek Hardwoods is a member of the Missouri Forest Products Association (MFPA) and the Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM).
Francis has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for 18 years. In his spare time, he likes hunting, fishing, golf and woodworking.
For more information, visit www.cedarcreekhardwoods.com.
Noel C. Uzick Sr. is co-owner/operator of Cabinet Door Shop, a custom manufacturer based in Hot Springs, AR.
Cabinet Door Shop buys about 400,000 board feet of lumber annually. Species include Red and White Oak (Select & Better), Hard Maple (Select & Better, WH and Paint), Soft Maple (Select & Better, WH), Birch (Select & Better), Walnut (FAS), Cherry (Select & Better), white and knotty pine in 4/4 thickness, and clear cypress (No. 2). All material has a 6 to 8 percent moisture content and is surfaced to 15/16 thickness.
The company offers custom cabinet doors, wainscot, arched ways, mullion doors, one-piece routed doors and solid Maple dovetail drawers, along with door and drawer hardware.
Uzick has worked at Cabinet Door Shop for 37 years and has been in his present position for about 23 years. As co-owner/operator, he manages the production/management team; purchases lumber, machinery, tooling; oversees new designs, maintenance and mechanical issues. Uzick, who is a high school graduate, started in the forest products industry 41 years ago as a construction worker building custom homes.
He and his wife of 34 years, Robin, have two sons, and one daughter-in-law and one grandson. In his spare time, Uzick enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, boating, working and driving his hot rods and motorcycles, and tinkering in his garage.
Learn more at www.cabinetdoorshop.com.
