Why Knot Spread The Hardwood Message?
Of all the important things I do at the NHLA, I love telling the hardwood story the most—and I believe it is one of the most important things I can do. Without me, the NHLA will still meet its core objectives.
Lumber Services and Grading Rules
Dana Spessert, our Chief Inspector, will continue handling the rules, along with the national inspectors and the different services they offer to help members with quality control and profitability. If you haven’t used NHLA services to improve your operations, reach out to Dana.
Networking Services and Membership Value
John Hester, Chief Development Officer, will continue to grow NHLA membership and create opportunities for members to connect at conventions and regional meetings. His team is committed to building networking opportunities and helping members grow their businesses. If you want to learn more about the benefits of being an NHLA member, don’t hesitate to contact John.
Information Services and Education Programs
Natalie Thelen, our Chief Marketing Officer, ensures we have students in our classes and that members stay informed about what NHLA is doing—while also working with other associations on promotion and advocacy.
I like telling stories, and the NHLA headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the best places to do that. Recently, I met with someone from the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. He said the same thing I’ve heard a hundred times since taking this job: “I’ve driven by here and never knew what the NHLA was.” And then the thing I’ve heard a thousand times: “I had no idea wood was that important to our lives.”
What made him a believer? A thirty-minute tour of the NHLA office and the Inspector Training School, with me providing the context. He saw each office—each decorated with a different species—while I explained something meaningful about each one.
In Elm, we talked about the impact of Dutch Elm disease and how forest health depends on harvesting and using wood, not simply watching trees grow and die. In the Hickory office, I shared how the state department conducted tests with .50-caliber bullets that were stopped by seven-ply hickory CLT, and how hardwood plays a role in trailer decking, ammo boxes, and other Department of Defense applications. In Hackberry, I explained its role in railway ties and how hardwoods support our shipping systems—from pallets to protective packaging. In Butternut, I explained that wood is 50 percent carbon, helping him understand why using wood is better for the environment than substitutes. We talked about rural jobs in Sap Gum and the importance of urban wood in Poplar. In the ITS classroom, we discussed the trades and how the value of wood impacts its use. In my Black Walnut office, we talked about biophilic design and the human-health benefits of wood flooring.
By the time we circled back to the lobby furniture and the hallway flooring, he was ready to help us tell our story. He wants to use the schoolroom for future chamber meetings and help us connect with other businesses. Each tour—and each connection—creates another believer. Thank you to the industry for providing the wood in our office and thank you to whoever created the classic timepiece in the school that showcases every graduating class from the last 77 years. Seeing the Greasers, Hippies, Rockers, Punks, Mullets, Grunge, and Pop eras in one timeline fascinates visitors every time.
Where did I meet this gentleman from the chamber? At a University of Memphis Department of Agriculture event, where I was invited by a professor who heard me speak at a USDA meeting on Oak. At that event, I also met a professor from the architecture department who asked me to speak to her class. It always starts with one story, one conversation—even if it’s “preaching to the choir”—because it spreads.
We have a message people love to hear and need to understand. So why knot spread the hardwood message to everyone you meet?
P.S. Call the NHLA anytime to share your needs or experiences. We want to hear from you. 901-377-1818.
visit online at: www.nhla.com
