The Woodpreneur Podcast

What does it take to bridge the gap between engineering precision and the living art of forestry? Vadim Kovalev, Wood World Industry Ambassador and founder of Koval Digital, shares how he traded blueprints for bark and became one of the forestry industry's most passionate storytellers. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Vadim to explore his unconventiona...

Educating the next generation about forestry and sustainable wood practices is essential for the future of the industry, but misconceptions about trees and forest management continue to create barriers. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Allison DeFord, Executive Director of the North American Forest Foundation, to explore the foundation's mission to edu...

The new year is the perfect time to reflect on what's working in your business and what needs to change if you want to see better results. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger shares her approach to planning for 2026, focusing on personal growth and implementing strategic changes that lead to real business transformation. Drawing from her experience with Alger Coaching a...

Standardization in the hardwood industry isn't just about measurements and grades. It's the foundation that enables fair trade, quality control, and growth across the entire wood supply chain. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dallin Brooks, Executive Director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), to explore the history, role, and future o...

Wood modification technology is changing the game for woodworkers, builders, and manufacturers who need materials that are more stable, durable, and environmentally friendly than traditional lumber. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Robert Lennon from ThermalWood Canada to explore the innovative world of thermal modification. Robert shares his unique journe...

Urban trees don't have to become waste. With the right approach, they can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality wood products that reduce carbon footprints and strengthen local communities. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Hickman, founder of Urban Ashes, to explore the critical importance of urban wood utilization. Paul shares his fascina...

Small-scale wood producers across California are facing a challenge: how do you compete in a market dominated by larger operations while showcasing the unique value of locally sourced, sustainable wood? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Steve Larosiliere, founder of the Woodpreneur community, to discuss key insights and developments from the Forest Pro...

Frustration with an industry can be the spark that leads to building something better, especially when it's rooted in community, sustainability, and the stories behind every piece of wood. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dave Puncochar, founder of Good Wood Nashville, to explore his remarkable journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to urban wood produc...

What if you could track every piece of wood in your inventory from the moment it's cut to the day it's sold, all with a simple scan? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Andrew Bragg to explore how QR code technology is revolutionizing inventory management in the wood industry. Andrew shares insights on AncesTREE™, an innovative system that allows woodwork...

Running a sawmill efficiently isn't just about having the right equipment. It's about optimizing every aspect of your operation, from layout to blade selection to seasonal maintenance. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Justin McMinds from Wood-Mizer Industrial to explore the ins and outs of sawmill optimization. Justin shares his unique journey from ope...

Building a cabin from real wood isn't just about construction—it's about craftsmanship, storytelling, and creating spaces that connect people to nature. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Shandel of Mendo Cabins to explore the art and business of building custom redwood cabins. Paul shares what sets Mendo Cabins apart, from their commitment to using...

Running a business isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes the toughest challenges come from within your own team. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Bryan Alger, Business Consultant and Leadership Trainer, for a candid conversation about the struggles many business owners face but rarely talk about openly. Together, they dive into the difficult world...

When a Forest Service background meets a passion for salvaging urban trees, you get furniture that tells a story and a business built on sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Christy Covington, founder of Tree to Table PDX, to explore her inspiring journey from conservation work to entrepreneurship. Christy shar...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Trevor Thayer from Worldwide Burl, a former contractor who transitioned into the world of woodworking, specifically focusing on burls.  Trevor shares his journey from contracting to woodworking during the pandemic, the challenges he faced in sourcing and milling wood, and the innovative techniques he employs in his busines...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Colin Davis of Tahoe Slab Furniture, an innovative woodworking business focused on salvaging waste wood to create beautiful products.  Colin shares his journey from a background in physics and engineering to the world of woodworking, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency challenges. The conversation explores the...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Kyle Jeske, the sales and purchasing manager of Richardson Hardwoods.  They discuss Kyle's journey into the lumber industry, the unique business model of Richardson Hardwoods, and the challenges and opportunities facing the lumber sector today.  Kyle shares insights on the importance of sustainability, the legacy of Richard...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Patrick Chovan from Omega Lumber. They discuss the history and growth of Omega Lumber, the challenges and opportunities in the lumber industry, and the importance of sustainable forestry practices. Patrick shares insights into the company's operations, including their focus on industrial-grade lumber and the impact of tarif...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Alyssa Olson, a landscape architect and furniture designer, about the importance of urban, salvaged, and reclaimed wood.  They discuss the challenges of getting these materials specified in projects, the significance of building relationships within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community, and the r...

In this episode, you'll meet Clay Miller, fifth-generation lumber professional and head of sales and purchasing at Aurora Timberland, the hardwood distribution brand of Alexandria Moulding. Clay shares how he went from stacking lumber in his family's mill to struggling through his first months in sales—then finding success by selling authentically and building long-term relationships. He opens up...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Anthony Saraceno, the operating partner at Real Antique Wood.  Anthony shares the journey of his family-owned business, which specializes in reclaimed wood products. He discusses the company's origins, the process of reclaiming and repurposing wood, and the importance of storytelling in their business.  Anthony also highlig...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Jennifer Alger interviews Ken Breon from Lumber Capital Log Yard.  They discuss the journey of transforming a small family-run sawmill into a successful business, the dynamics of working as a family, the importance of technology and diversification in the lumber industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on their operations.  Ken shares insights on future grow...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Jennifer Alger interviews Julie Stelman, co-founder of AncesTREE, discussing her journey from a background in forestry and education to creating an innovative inventory management system for the wood industry.  They explore the challenges faced in building AncesTREE, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the revolutionary marketplace that a...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Jennifer Alger and Steve Larosiliere discuss the transition of hosting duties, new ventures in the wood industry, and collaborative efforts to build a sustainable lumber ecosystem in Northern California. They explore the challenges and solutions in creating a cooperative network that benefits both sawyers and designers, emphasizing the importance of coll...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Zachary Wicks of Wood by Wicks to explore his journey from salvaging cedar trees to becoming a full-time wood entrepreneur. Discover how Zachary transitioned from remodeling homes to owning his own sawmill, and learn about his unique approach to sustainable forestry and custom milling. Zachary shares insights into the c...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, we delve into the inspiring work of The Watershed Research and Training Center, a beacon of community development and environmental stewardship. Discover how this organization empowers local communities through innovative training programs and sustainable practices. From restoring natural habitats to fostering economic resilience, The Watershed Research...