Who’s Who in Softwoods
Robbins Lumber Inc: Producing 50 Million Board Feet And Selling Globally
Abraham Simpson
Abraham Simpson is a member of the lumber sales team at the Searsmont, ME-based, wholesale manufacturer, Robbins Lumber Inc.
Robbins Lumber’s products are sold globally, and their focus is on producing Eastern White Pine boards in various patterns in 4/4 and 5/4 thicknesses. They cut 8/4 when necessary and produce Standard grade, Premium and Finish grade in addition to D & Better Select grade.
Producing 50 million board feet annually, all their Eastern White Pine boards are kiln dried as they leave the mill and can be sold rough or sent to the planer mill.
Robbins operates several finished lumber warehouses stocking over four million feet of assorted grades, widths and common patterns.
In addition to common patterns, Simpson said that customers can take samples from 15- to 30-year-old buildings and Robbins Lumber can match the profiles. Robbins Lumber can also match the shade of color chip samples from paint companies and the color of a sample customers have brushed out themselves.
Simpson explained that customers “have free rein to choose any color from any manufacturer. We then have it formulated to run through our professional coating machinery. The finished, coated products we produce surpass the quality of the traditional brush or wipe methods.”
Simpson joined Robbins Lumber on September 3, 2024, where he began his current position and has been in the forest products industry for nearly six years. He got his start working in the yard at Ware-Butler Building Supply in Maine prior to joining sales. After his role in sales was successful, receiving incoming orders was added to his other tasks. Years later, he was promoted to assistant manager while maintaining his other duties.
He attended Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, before studying nursing at the University of Maine in Orono, ME.
Simpson enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, woodworking, playing with his dog, tending his chickens and being a salesman. He is engaged to Haylee Moore.
Robbins Lumber Inc. is a member of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, the North American Wholesale Lumber Association and the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine.
Call 207-342-6365, email asimpson@rlco.com or visit rlco.com for more details.
Brendan Henits – Sales Representative, West Bay Forest Products
Brendan Henits
Brendan Henits has been part of the West Bay Forest Products team for several months, and he’s “quickly become a valued member of the sales group,” stated a West Bay Forest Products representative. Based in Langley, BC, Henits works closely with customers to develop new business relationships, maintain existing partnerships, and provide tailored Western Red Cedar solutions that meet their specific needs.
Since joining West Bay, Henits has immersed himself in the Western Red Cedar market. From understanding grade dynamics to learning the nuances of supply and customer applications, he continues to “expand his knowledge and bring fresh energy to West Bay’s cedar-focused business. His hands-on approach and commitment to learning make him a strong resource for customers navigating today’s market,” noted a West Bay representative.
“Brendan’s background reflects a strong work ethic and team-first mindset, qualities that have translated well in the forest products industry. Whether he’s connecting with customers, identifying new opportunities, or supporting long-term programs, he approaches each conversation with professionalism and enthusiasm,” added the representative.
Outside of work, Brendan enjoys staying active. A lifelong athlete, he has played both hockey and baseball and continues to participate in men’s hockey and slow-pitch leagues. He also enjoys golf, tennis and spending time with friends and family.
“We’re excited to see Brendan continue to grow within West Bay and further develop his expertise in Western Red Cedar,” added a company spokesperson.
To connect with Henits, call 604-881-2839 or visit westbayforestproducts.com to learn more.
Idaho Timber: Selling Softwood Products In All Grades
Ryan Kotter
Ryan Kotter is a sales representative at Idaho Timber’s Boise, ID, production facility.
The Boise plant produces Hem Fir and Douglas Fir & Larch in 2×4 through 2×12, 8’-20’, all grades including premium, standard PET stud lengths, industrial stock, custom trim PET studs, and jobsite direct shipments.
Kotter has been with Idaho Timber for three years. He started on the green chain stacking lumber and then moved on to machine operator. He continued to advance up the line and became a production forklift driver, before moving into shipping and receiving. Kotter became supervisor over shipping and receiving, prior to his promotion to the trading floor. Kotter brings excitement and enthusiasm to the Boise trading floor building long term relationships with his customers.
Kotter has pursued his education from BYU-Pathways online and will complete his bachelor’s degree in business management in April of 2026. He looks to continue his education by receiving a master’s degree an emphasis on finance. He has yet to decide which institution he will attend.
Kotter’s marriage to Ally was scheduled for February 21, 2026. They reside in Nampa, ID. They enjoy playing pickleball, watching movies and watching sports together and will never say no to a spontaneous adventure.
For more information, call Kotter at 208-345-1202, email rkotter@idahotimber.com or visit idahotimber.com.
650 Million Board Feet Purchased Annually By Wood Treater
Will Taylor
Will Taylor is a softwood lumber purchaser for Culpeper Wood Preservers, a wood treating company based in Culpeper, VA, that provides services to the East Coast and Mid-Central United States.
The company handles Southern Yellow Pine in the following: 4×4, 4×6 and 6×6 in addition to 1x boards, 2x dimension, heavy timbers, poles, piling, posts and rough stock.
Taylor stated that Culpeper Wood has a “unique competitiveness every day in all aspects of the business such as purchasing, treating, sales, processing and ownership/management. Each day we challenge each other to be better for our customers and partners.”
Taylor has been with Culpeper Wood for two-and-a-half years, the same amount of time he has held his current position. This is also his first role in the forest products industry.
He graduated from Madison County High School in Madison County, VA, and majored in Sports and Recreation Management with a double minor in Business and Human Resource Development from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Taylor enjoys hunting, playing guitar and spending time with family and friends.
Culpeper Wood Preservers is a member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association and more.
Call 800-817-6215, email wtaylor@culpeperwood.com or go to culpeperwood.com for more information.
