Who’s Who In Hardwoods – November 2026
Swan Creek Cabinet Co. Handles A Variety Of Hardwoods
“Nestled in Boone, IA, Swan Creek Cabinet Co. has built its reputation on one thing: craftsmanship without compromise. Family owned for most of its history since its founding in 1987, the manufacturer produces custom cabinetry and architectural millwork for clients who expect a premier product,” shared Bronson Thompson, operations manager and lumber purchaser at Swan Creek.
The company is on track to purchase 240,000 board feet this year of Northern and Appalachian Red and White Oak, Cherry, Poplar, Hard and Soft Maple, Walnut, Birch, Alder and Hickory (No. 1 Common, Select & Better, FAS, 4/4 through 8/4, kiln-dried).
“What sets Swan Creek apart,” noted Thompson, “is how much happens under one roof —in-house designers shape each project from concept to final drawing; custom millwork is produced with in-house kniving, allowing the shop to match or create nearly any profile. Doors, drawer boxes, CNC solid wood and panel machining, finishing and full product assembly round out the capabilities — every piece handcrafted by a team that takes pride in its work.”
Swan Creek carries forward the legacy of longtime owner Mike Paul, a familiar name to National Hardwood Magazine readers, who shared the company’s story in a Who’s Who feature roughly a decade ago. When new ownership acquired Swan Creek in 2025, the goal was simple: honor what Paul built and grow it into a household name.
Thompson has been in the forest products industry for around six years and brings a background in finance and residential construction and remodeling to the operation.
While rooted in central Iowa, Swan Creek’s reach now extends to premier residential projects from the Rockies to the Midwest — including Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri — along with high-end commercial work such as law offices and dental suites.
Away from the shop, Thompson heads outdoors — bass fishing, snowboarding, kayaking and camping in Colorado, and rock climbing in Utah.
For more information visit swancreek.net.
Court Robinson Grows Robinson Lumber’s Buying Power With New Albany Investment
Vice President Court Robinson is a member of the fifth generation of the Robinson family to work at Robinson Lumber Company, the business founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1893. He serves as vice president, leading the company’s manufacturing business and its purchasing of green and kiln-dried American hardwoods.
Court led the company’s recent investment of more than $5 million at its New Albany, IN, yard, including new kilns and a new fleet of forklifts. Completed in October 2024, the project increased the yard’s kiln-drying capacity to 6.2 million board feet annually. With that added capacity, Court has increased the volume of hardwood lumber the company buys, supporting Robinson Lumber’s overall growth.
Headquartered in New Orleans, LA, Robinson Lumber is a manufacturer and wholesaler, purchasing over 72 million board feet annually across domestic and tropical hardwoods, as well as softwoods. At its New Albany yard, the company produces White Oak and Hickory lumber and dimension products, and offers value-added services including ripping, surfacing and pulled-to-width White Oak and Hickory.
Court joined the company 12 years ago and has been involved in the forest products industry his entire life.
Court graduated from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, LA. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA, and earned his MBA from Tulane University.
He has been married to his wife Kristen for 18 years, and they have three children together.
For more information, call 504-896-6126, email court@roblumco.com or visit roblumco.com.
Marc Shiels: Sole Owner Of Charles F. Shiels & Company Since 2010
Marc Shiels is president of Charles F. Shiels & Company, a lumber distributor in Cincinnati, OH, that was
founded in 1891.
The company purchases 2.5 million board feet of domestic and imported hardwoods and Cypress annually, kiln-dried 4/4 to 8/4 (some selected thick stock items to 16/4) in No. 1 Common & Better. Shiels & Company offers distribution of rough, dressed, ripped lumber and custom mouldings as well as re-sawing, planing, ripping and custom mouldings of all species. Delivery is available on company trucks.
Shiels started working summers for his family’s company in 1968 while attending high school and worked part-time for four years during college. His first job was “hand” unloading boxcars. Over the years, he gained experience in stacking, grading, air and kiln drying, planing, ripping, moulding, trimming, delivering, buying and selling lumber; designing their office, warehouses, dry kilns and material flow; inventory and financial management, equipment purchasing, yard and corporate management, hiring/firing, and customer relations.
A University of Cincinnati graduate, Shiels has been an owner of the company since 1985 and sole owner since 2010. He has been married to Leslie, a well-known artist, for over 43 years. In his spare time, Shiels enjoys bird and deer hunting, and volunteer work through the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Foundation.
Charles F. Shiels & Company is a member of the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., Architectural Woodwork Institute, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Ohio Forestry Association, and associate member of Western Wood Products Association.
Please see shielslumber.com for more information.
