Hartzell Hardwoods: 150 Years Of Pride In Every Board
Since 1875, Hartzell Hardwoods, located in Piqua, OH, has stood as a pillar of innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability in the American hardwood industry. From humble beginnings to global reach, Hartzell’s journey is rooted in a story as rich and enduring as the Walnut lumber they’ve pioneered. This year, the company proudly celebrates 150 years of excellence, growth and family tradition.
It all began with John T. Hartzell, who bought a sawmill for just $20 with a vision to build something lasting. That spark of ingenuity turned into a booming business producing Walnut wagons, laying the foundation for what would become the original Walnut company. The second generation of Hartzells pushed the business into unexpected yet groundbreaking territory. Robert Hartzell, John’s son and a neighbor to none other than the Wright Brothers, found inspiration in flight. That connection launched Hartzell into the aviation industry, producing Walnut propellers critical to early aircraft. Robert’s innovations earned him a place in the Aviation Hall of Fame, and although Hartzell Propeller continues on today as a separate entity, the company’s legacy remains deeply rooted in those pioneering days.
Over the years, Hartzell Hardwoods expanded from a Walnut-exclusive operation into a leading producer of premium hardwoods, including Red and White Oak, Ash and Cherry. But Walnut has always been Hartzell Hardwoods’ specialty—and the firm has been a trailblazer in the industry from the start. Hartzell pioneered the Walnut steaming process, which transforms pale sapwood into the rich, uniform brown color prized in high-end woodworking. That innovation, now standard practice industry-wide, exemplifies the spirit of progress that’s driven the company for a century and a half.
Hartzell Hardwoods operates two strategic concentration yards in Ohio and Missouri, placing it in the heart of North America’s finest Walnut and Oak forests. Every step of the company’s process—drying, grading, and packaging—is done with precision, integrity, and care. From wood-fired kilns and shade-drying methods to their expert NHLA-certified graders and high-tech stacking and sorting equipment, the goal remains the same: to deliver the highest-yielding grades of hardwoods to customers in over 40 countries.
At the heart of Hartzell’s business is their people—employees who live and breathe the company’s motto: Pride in Every Board. Generations of hard-working craftspeople have helped define Hartzell’s culture of quality, reliability and innovation. From their “Great Place To Work” initiatives and volunteer efforts in local schools, to their partnerships with One Tree Planted, Real American Hardwood Coalition, and Miami County Parks, Hartzell is committed to giving back to the community and the planet.
Hartzell Hardwoods’ sustainability practices are deeply embedded in everything they do. The company partners only with mills that share the same commitment to responsible forestry and continue to support reforestation efforts worldwide. Harvesting mature trees helps forests regenerate, making room for new growth while capturing carbon and preserving biodiversity. As a sixth-generation family-owned business, Hartzell understands the duty to protect these natural resources for generations to come.
To celebrate this incredible milestone, the company’s doing it the Hartzell way—with creativity, purpose and a little fun. They’ve created a commemorative 150th anniversary logo, launched specialty merchandise, brewed a custom craft beer in collaboration with Crooked Handle Brewing, and are hosting golf outings, media features and a celebratory concert. One of the most meaningful touches? Special video interviews with descendants of the original Hartzell family, bridging past and present in a powerful tribute to our roots.
As premium hardwood experts specializing in the highest-yielding grades of Walnut and White Oak—including plain sawn and quartered cuts—Hartzell Hardwoods continues to lead the industry with innovation, sustainability and unmatched quality. According to Robert Kaebnick, president and CEO of Hartzell, “We’re so grateful for the last 150 years and look forward to building on our legacy—one board at a time.”
Here’s to the next 150.
Pride in Every Board. Always.
Visit hartzellhardwoods.com.
