The National Hardwood Lumber Association, headquartered in Memphis, TN, celebrated the graduation of Class 204 from the Inspector Training School (ITS) recently.
Geoff Webb, Dean of NHLA Inspector Training School, kicked off the celebration, saying, “It’s an honor to welcome this class into the ranks of lumber inspectors. This is just the start of your career, and it is essential to remember that the lumber inspector is a key employee and a vital part of the team at the sawmill, the concentration yard and the entire Hardwood lumber operation.”
Seated: Lucian Gratz, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Freddy Guevara
Nick Thompson, President and Co-Owner of Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, gave the graduates an energizing keynote address. As a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School (Class 166), he told students, “I’m emotional about this School; it has been a cornerstone of my life since childhood; graduating from Inspector Training School was a foundational point for my career and allowed me to preserve my family’s legacy.”
Thompson continued, “We sent our employee, Freddy Guevara, to the school. He graduates today. We paid for Freddy’s education because we know it’s essential to continue to develop quality talent, especially talent that is part of the next generation. Trust me, you will look back when you are my age and realize this was the best eight weeks you ever spent.”
Class President Jeremy R. Prosser of Ontario Hardwood Products spoke to his fellow students, saying, “This class has been a great experience for all of us; we all gained valuable knowledge to further our careers and have formed priceless memories at the school that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Graduates of the 204 class were:
•Billy Joe Blackburn IV, D & T Sawmill, LLC
•Lucian H. Gratz, Midwest Hardwood Company LLC
•Freddy Guevara, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Inc.
•Dylan J. Maggert, Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc.
•Jeremy R. Prosser, Ontario Hardwood Products, Ltd.
•Eric V. Osborne, Connor Sports
•Michael A. Janjigian, Independent
Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards.
Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows:
•Jeremy R. Prosser, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average
•Lucian H. Gratz, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
•Jeremy R. Prosser, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average
•Billy Joe Blackburn IV, Milt Cole Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship
Enrollment is now open for Class 205 in Memphis, TN, beginning on January 8, 2024. To enroll or learn more about the Program, please visit www.nhla.com.
The NHLA Inspector Training School has a proud and rich 70-year history, graduating more than 7,500 students since its conception. The Program teaches the rules and applications of the NHLA grading system and prepares students for a career in the Hardwood industry. This unique Program has earned worldwide respect, attracting students from throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia.
The world’s largest and oldest Hardwood industry association, NHLA represents companies and individuals that produce, use, and sell North American Hardwood lumber or provide equipment, supplies, or services to the Hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of Hardwood lumber. Since 1979, its headquarters have been in Memphis.
To learn more about NHLA, please visit www.nhla.com.
