Keith Byrge is a purchasing agent with La-Z-Boy Corporation, located in Dayton, TN. His responsibilities include purchasing for all the La-Z-Boy plants in the U.S. and in Mexico.
La-Z-Boy Corporation is a manufacturer of residential furniture, including recliners, reclining sofas and love seats, sleep sofas, modular furniture and leather upholstery, as well as stationary sofas, love seats and chairs.
The company currently purchases approximately 12 million board feet annually of Soft Maple in 5/4 and 4/4 thicknesses, No. 2 Common, No. 2 Common and Better and WHND.
Byrge’s family owned and operated a small sawmill and logging operation in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and he grew up working there. After graduating from Oakdale High School in Oakdale, TN, Byrge continued to work for his family’s company until he was hired by La-Z-Boy in May of 1992 to build arm frames. Ten years later, he became frame supervisor, then moved into the lumber area managing all facets of the rough mill along with Show Wood Finishing Operations, where the wood is stained.
When not at work, he enjoys coon hunting and rustic woodworking, along with attending church with his family. He has been married to his wife, Carla, since 1995 and together, they have one son, Eli, who is 24 years old.
For more information, visit www.la-z-boy.com or email Byrge at kbyrge@la-z-boy.com.
Russell Shamblen handles kiln-dried and green lumber purchasing at Premier Hardwood Products in Syracuse, NY.
Premier Hardwood Products currently consumes 30,000 board feet per day (approximately 7 million board feet annually) of kiln-dried Hardwood lumber in Hard Maple, Red and White Oak, and Hickory. The grades are No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3A Common, all in 4/4 thickness. The company manufactures Hardwood flooring.
Premier Hardwood Products is a member of National Wood Flooring Association, New England Lumbermen’s Association and Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club.
A 1980 graduate of West Virginia University, Shamblen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Technology. He has been employed in the wood products industry at various companies and locations for the past 42 years. He has been with Premier Hardwood Products for the past 17 years.
Shamblen, his wife Mary, and son William enjoy traveling, hiking, photography and being outdoors as much as possible.
To learn more about Premier Hardwood, visit www.premierhardwood.com.
Allen Shaver is president and owner of Shaver’s Sash & Door Ltd., of Regina, Saskatchewan. The company is a manufacturer of custom millwork, specializing in doors and sashes, moulding, spindles, rails, and heritage homes. Shaver purchases 130,000 board feet annually of Birch, Cherry, Hard Maple, Red Oak, Walnut, Tulipwood and a variety of exotic species requested by clients.
Founded in 1914, the firm is well known for its craftsmanship in new and renovated homes, as well as historical restorations. With three generations and 200 years combined experience, the team at Sash & Door have probably done it all or re-done it all at one time or another.
“Whether your home was built in the 19th or 21st century, remember our motto: Good as new is easy, but good as old takes talent,” Shaver said.
Born in Regina in 1960, Shaver began working at Sash & Door as a child. He joined the firm full-time in 1977, and worked every position from cleanup to presidency.
Married with two children, Shaver enjoys hockey, golf, fishing, and hunting.
To learn more visit www.sashdoor.com.
