Ashley Boeckholt is a seasoned lumber and forest product industry professional with a passion for innovation and industry growth. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. However, his journey in the lumber and building industry began long before his formal education.

Growing up in his family's lumber yard in Illinois, Ashley learned the ins and outs of the lumber and building industry from the grassroots level. This early exposure laid the foundation for his successful career in the sector.

After completing his education, Ashley embarked on a remarkable professional journey. He joined Bloch Lumber, where he had the privilege of being mentored by Ted Bloch, one of the original authors of the CME Lumber contract, which remains active to this day. At Bloch Lumber, Ashley played a pivotal role in creating and launching the first long-term forward markets for the lumber industry, showcasing his innovative mindset.

Subsequently, Ashley worked with Sherwood Lumber and later joined Koch Industries, where he held the position of Director in the Lumber Swaps and OTC Space. His expertise and contributions continued to shape the lumber industry.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Ashley Boeckholt's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found MaterialsXchange, one of the pioneering digital spot market lumber trading platforms. His involvement in this venture marked a significant milestone in advancing the industry's technological landscape.

Current Role:

Today, Ashley serves as a Director at Sitka USA, a company deeply entrenched in mill production, risk management, and the distribution of forest products across North America. His leadership contributes to Sitka USA's commitment to industry excellence.

Influence and Communication:

Ashley Boeckholt is not just a professional in the lumber industry; he's also a passionate advocate for industry knowledge growth. He achieves this by speaking at industry events, sharing insights in the media, and expanding his influence through social media platforms. His dedication to education and industry progress is unwavering.

Personal Interests:

Outside of his professional life, Ashley enjoys exploring the world with his wife, Mindy. They share adventures together and have a particular fondness for running daily along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan with their loyal Rhodesian Ridgeback companion, Jill.

Media Presence:

Ashley Boeckholt is the host of "The Lumber Word," a popular podcast under The Lumber Channel brand. This podcast reaches over 500 industry influencers weekly across various social platforms, making it a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest developments in the lumber industry.

Gregg's journey in the lumber industry began at an early age in his hometown of Boston, where he developed a deep appreciation for the trade. His roots in lumber run deep, with a grandfather who served as a lumber inspector. At just 12 years old, Gregg started his hands-on experience in the field, working at a lumberyard and gaining invaluable knowledge by unloading boxcars by hand.

Education and Early Career:

During his college years, Gregg continued his involvement in the lumber industry, managing a lumber distribution center in Western Massachusetts. After earning his degree from Southern New Hampshire University, Gregg made a move to Chicago, where he ventured into the financial aspect of the industry by working at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Career Progression:

Gregg's career took a significant turn when he joined Bloch Lumber as a sales trainee. Through dedication and hard work, he quickly ascended the ranks, eventually becoming a sales manager for the company. Gregg's commitment and expertise didn't go unnoticed, and he eventually became a partner and later assumed ownership of Bloch Lumber.

Entrepreneurship and Industry Leadership:

After successfully managing and eventually selling Bloch Lumber, Gregg explored various interests but ultimately returned to the lumber industry. He founded Sitka Forest Products USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Sitka Forest Products based in Montreal, Canada.

Gregg is highly regarded in the industry, particularly for his specialization in risk management. He is an expert in distribution strategies and inventory hedging, contributing significantly to the success of his ventures. His knowledge and insights have made him a sought-after speaker at industry events, a frequently quoted figure in national publications, and a respected member of a popular industry podcast for many years.

Personal Life:

Outside of his professional life, Gregg finds joy in his family. He and his wife, Julie, are proud parents to four children and seven grandchildren. They share a love for travel, embarking on long trips to Hawaii and exploring various destinations around the world.

Industry Involvement:

Gregg is not only a practitioner but also a dedicated industry advocate. He has actively participated in the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA), serving as a board member and, in 2007-2008, as the chairman of the board of directors. His commitment to the industry and its growth is unwavering.

Gregg's story is a testament to his passion for the lumber industry, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his dedication to the success of his ventures and the broader community.

Matt started in the lumber wholesale business in the summer of 1994 after 2.5 years as a purchasing agent for a Portland computer company.

Education and Early Career:

During the summer between his junior and senior year in High School, Matt went to Coast Guard boot camp in Cape May, NJ. Afterwards, he continued a 6 year enlistment in the Reserves as a boat crewmember and rescue swimmer. During college at Oregon State University, he was the founding President of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity during the spring term of his freshman year. His first job out of college was as a purchasing agent for a local Portland computer company, where he learned basic negotiating and business skills.

Career Progression:

Matt was hired in the summer of 1994 at Western International Forest Products, at the time a subsidiary of Forest City Trading in Portland. In 2002, he left for Rayonier as they were attempting to create an independent trading floor. In 2004, he took a job at Hampton Lumber where he remains today. He was hired to be their first “spruce guy”, and within a few years, Hampton bought 2 spruce mills in BC.

Entrepreneurship and Industry Leadership:

In addition to creating a successful business within Hampton, Matt started a movie theater Advertising company in the summer of 2008 which he still owns and operates today.

Personal Life:

Matt has been married for 28 years, and he and his wife Angie have 4 kids. Prior to deciding to have a family, Angie was a fashion designer for Jantzen. They met on a blind date at Oregon State, his first and last.

Industry Connection:

Matt’s family connection to the lumber industry started in the mid-1800s when his great-great-great grandfather started a sawmill in Heppner, Oregon. Matt’s father Mike was considered a legendary lumberman, having started at Georgia Pacific in 1963 as the “mail boy” and continuing to trade lumber till his passing in 2010.