James W. Craig
Founder of Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
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In 1949, a simple typewritten page began a revolution in forestry.
Intentional or not, the founder of Forestry Suppliers, James W. Craig, – Jim as he liked to be known, did revolutionize the forestry industry some 60 years ago.
During a time very similar to today’s economy, Jim’s intent was to supplement his fledgling forestry consulting business which, like others in this new professional field, was suffering from a dramatic downturn in the timber and wood production markets. Sawmills had closed and pulp yards were scaling back on their output. The demand for a consulting forester was simply not enough to support Jim and his young family.
Needing to generate additional revenue, Jim turned to focus on what he knew best – the forestry industry and a true love for the outdoors – and began exhibiting and selling a handful of forestry-related products at nearby industry gatherings under a new company that he called, simply, “Jim Craig’s Supply Service”. The new company’s first sale, invoiced on February 21, 1949, was for a tree scale stick at a price of $1.60. As word spread throughout the industry grapevine, Jim’s new company began to flourish and, by 1951, had spread nationwide.
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