Skana Forest Products: Humble Beginnings, Entrepreneurial Spirit
“We’re a family-run business. Everyone on our team is family ― that includes customers and suppliers. Our long-standing relationships are based on trust, consistency and genu-ine friendship. Skana wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible team we have.” – Kent Beveridge, President, Skana Forest Products
(From left, sitting) Scott Lindsay, (standing) Vienna Wong, Alex Lindsay, Gary Mak, Mike Norton, Will Trant, Riley Tough, Rod Heth, Tony Darling, Kevin May, Steve Gotch and Sophia Chen; (seated, from left) Christina Clements, Kent Beveridge, Chris Beveridge, Courtney Spencer; (not pictured) Louis Picard, Elliott “Slim” Picken and Blake Meckling.
Headquartered in Richmond, BC since 1987, Skana Forest Products had its unofficial beginnings nearly a decade earlier. Chris Beveridge, then a young man with ambitions in finance, took a different path — one that led into the wood products industry.
“I started at a small company, then moved on to a larger one — Balfour Guthrie,” Chris recalled. “Eventually, I joined Pacific Overland Timber, where I got involved in management, trading, and became a partner. They were looking for younger people to bring in new ideas, and I jumped at the opportunity. I learned a lot over the next 10 years.”
However, generational differences soon emerged within the leadership at Pacific Overland. Chris wanted to adopt the new computer technologies of the time, while others didn’t see the value.
“We signed a contract to bring in some computers — it cost around $50,000, which was a huge investment back then,” he said. “One of the partners was completely against it. I realized we needed to move forward, and thought — maybe it’s time I start my own company.”
Skana Forest Products’ wrapped Cedar.
So he did. Chris rented a small office, hired one or two traders, and brought on a young woman to help with administration. Armed with a card table, a fax machine, and a lot of grit, Skana was born.
“We spent $4,500 on a fax machine and another $4,500 on a Mac computer — over $9,000 just on equipment,” Chris remembered. “And we didn’t even have proper phones. I bought a RadioShack phone and a 50-foot extension cord. We had just one phone line to pass around for the first few weeks.”
Growth and Generational Leadership
Fast forward to 2023, Skana Forest Products has grown significantly. With additional offices in Montreal and Vernon, BC, the company now employs 19 people — five in support roles and 14 as traders.
Chris, now CEO, has passed the reins to his son, Kent Beveridge, who serves as president and represents the second generation of leadership.
Left to right: Gary Mak, Alex Lindsay, Riley Tough, Will Trant, Rod Heth, Tony Darling, Kevin May and Scott Lindsay; and (kneeling) Kent Beveridge.
“We’re not heavy on management,” Kent said. “Our sales manager, Will Trant, leads alongside a few senior traders.
We all rely on each other. My job is to support our traders to be the best they can be. If I do that well, we’re a stronger, better company — and that improves everyone’s life.”
Skana Forest Products’ 1×8 KD S4S Clear Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar.
Adapting with the Market
Originally a whitewood wholesaler, Skana has expanded into remanufacturing and distributing a wide range of wood products and species including Cedar, Fir, Pine, Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Hemlock and Spruce. The company works with partners like Valley Wood Reman in Lumby, BC, where Scott Lindsay leads the Cedar program — specializing in clear, tight knot, and higher-end Cedar products.
“In addition to our remanufacturing capabilities, we also ship across Canada, North America, and to markets in China, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and occasionally Mexico — though that’s not our main focus,” Kent explained.
A Company Rooted in Relationships
Relationships are the cornerstone of Skana’s business philosophy.
“We’re a family-run business,” Kent reiterated. “Everyone on our team is family — that includes customers and suppliers. Our long-standing relationships are based on trust, consistency and genuine friendship. Skana wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible team we have.”
Many team members have been with Skana for decades. Among them is trader Tony Darling, who brings over 30 years of experience.
“We have a very cohesive group,” Tony shared. “It’s been rewarding to be part of the company’s growth. Our job is to maintain the trust we’ve built with mills and customers over the years. One thing that sets us apart is our ability to handle specialty or hard-to-move items. That creates a diverse network of partnerships with unique needs.”
Skana Forest Products’ 1×8 KD S4S Clear Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar.
Sales Manager Will Trant, who’s been with Skana for 18 years, agrees.
“As the distributor role has evolved, Skana has stayed on the front lines — ensuring consistent supply to customers and providing reliable outlets for mills,” Will said. “Our relationships are reciprocal — our customers and suppliers value us just as much as we value them. It’s a truly symbiotic partnership built on repeat business and trust.”
Relationships that Go Beyond Business
That relationship-centric approach extends beyond the workplace. Corey Scott, sales manager at Kalesnikoff in Castlegar, BC, speaks to the personal side of doing business with Skana.
“My relationship with Skana started in 2012 at a NAWLA convention in Texas,” Corey recalled. “Since then, we’ve done business on everything from 1×4 mill run rough to dimensional lumber. But beyond that, it’s the personal connection — whether it’s hunting or just spending time together — that builds real trust.”
Skana Forest Products’ finger jointed edge glued Western Red Cedar bevel siding.
Industry Involvement and Giving Back
Skana’s leadership has always believed in participating in the broader industry. Just months ago, Kent moderated a panel at the Vancouver regional NAWLA meeting — continuing a tradition started by his father.
“I got involved with the BC Wholesale Lumber Association early on,” Chris said. “I always felt I got more out of it than I put in — the mentorship was invaluable.”
Skana Forest Products’ finger jointed edge glued Western Red Cedar T&G.
Kent shares that same philosophy: “We’re passionate about the industry. That’s why we’re heavily involved with associations like NAWLA, WRCLA and BCWLA. You get out of the lumber business what you put into it. I truly believe in giving back. When we participate in these organizations, we all become stronger.”
Skana also invests in its own team, hosting events like a company golf tournament, fishing derby, and regular team dinners. They support causes close to employees’ hearts, including children’s sports sponsorships and charitable donations.
Looking Ahead
So what does the future hold for Skana?
Chris Beveridge said it best: “We look for opportunities where everyone benefits. If the deal works for both sides, then it’s a good one. That’s why Skana continues to succeed — we’re facilitators of win-win partnerships.”
Tony Darling added, “No one can predict the future, but there will always be a lumber business. And based on our past and where we are now, I’m confident Skana will be a part of it for years to come.”
And Will Trant offered this final thought: “If you’re not currently working with us — give us a call!”
Skana Forest Products’ wrapped Cedar.
Skana Forest Products is a proud member of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Assoc., North American Wholesale Lumber Assoc., International Wood Products Assoc., British Columbia Wholesale Lumber Assoc. and Building Supply Industry Assoc.
Learn more at skana.com.
