In the December 2013 edition of Southern Stumpin’, Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott discusses bridging generational gaps in the Southern logging industry. Abbott writes, “I like a lot of old rock music, and I like a lot of old country, too. Alabama…the band…is among my favorite music groups, regardless of genre. Their musical style isn’t really traditional country most of the time, but the lyrical content, the heart and soul of it, is undeniably rooted in the traditional values and experiences of small-town, working class American life. Who doesn’t love “Mountain Music?” Now the three guys in Alabama are from the state of Alabama, like me, but their career really got going in the Carolinas, at a place called the Bowery in Myrtle Beach in the ’70s (back then I think they were called Wild Country, then later the Alabama Band, and finally just Alabama). They have so many great, classic songs.”

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Associate Editor Jessica Johnson travels to Nicholls, Georgia to spend some time with RSB Forestry, Inc. Casey Streat, 43, wasn’t born with logging in his blood. In fact, until May 2009 he wasn’t logging at all. He worked in the housing market, then the bottom fell out and he had to figure out what to do with himself. “In South Georgia, what else are you going to try?” Streat asks. “If it hadn’t been for my father-in-law I would not have done it. Glad I did it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? I don’t know,” he finishes with a laugh. Streat comes at logging from a business background, not an emotional one. “It’s a numbers game. Change them so they work, or else they will work you,” he advises. By constantly adjusting his business, this start up logger has survived. “I’m most proud we survived. You don’t see a lot of start up loggers staying in business,” he says with a smile.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott visits with Harmon Timber Harvesting, LLC, located in Warrenton, North Carolina. It’s not as easy to get started in logging as it used to be. Young loggers may not quite be an endangered species, but for those without the benefit of inheriting a business from family, the challenges of starting a company from scratch can be daunting. Still, there are plenty who accept that challenge. Clay Harmon, 33, proved up to the task when he struck out on his own with Clay Harmon Timber Harvesting in April 2012. Like most in the business, Harmon had a background in the woods. His grandfather, Richard Coleman, also of Warrenton, was a logger who had four daughters but no sons, and Harmon was the oldest grandson. “So basically since birth I’ve been in the woods,” he laughs. Coleman logged for Union Camp for about 40 years, and Harmon grew up around his crew.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Associate Editor Jessica Johnson has the opportunity to visit Jordan Logging, Inc. in Spurger, Texas. When you first see Jordan Logging Inc. owner Eddie Jordan, 59, you’d think he was a rough and tough Harley-riding Texan—which he totally is, of course. But there’s more than meets the eye. His ponytail? It’s for Locks of Love—a charity that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children with cancer. “Why waste money on a barber when I can grow it out and donate it,” the humble Jordan explains with a shrug. “A lot of people I know had cancer, or have cancer now, and I have plenty of hair. I figured I’d grow it out and donate it every so often. It isn’t doing anyone any good on the floor of the barbershop. Plus it makes me look cool on my Harley,” he says with a smile. You might think his docile personality could be a detriment to his job, but it’s what helps Jordan and his crew producing.

Heeds Doc’s Advice; News Gaffs & Such; Slaps In The Back Seat; Why Are You Here?; He Gives Up Sex For Golf; Trial; Dinky Dodges For 1984

As We See It – The Logging Capacity Issue: Labor; Ponsse Builds 9,000th Machine, Adds Products; Alamo Group To Buy Bandit Industries; Hackman Captures Prentice Championship; Ellis Martin Led Family Timber, Lumber Business; Hardwood Sawmill Planned For Gaffney; Plum Creek Purchases MeadWestvaco Land; Wallingford’s Partners With Clark Tracks Ltd.

At The Margins is designed to help loggers manage and/or operate their business better. Each month an expert provides information, tips or advice on how to maximize profitability, enhance efficiency or increase business knowledge. This month’s column is provided by Sarah Clausen, Global HR Director for John Deere Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division. The article is titled, “Tips For Retaining Employees.” Click here to view the full article.