After 45 years in the plywood industry, including 19 with Columbia Forest Products, it is time that I move on to the retirement phase of my life.
I have seen many changes in the industry. When I started there were no such things as OSB, cell phones, computers, Wifi, credit cards, teleconferencing, formaldehyde emission regulations, FSC/PEFC, 24/7, globalisation, fax machines, supply chain management, MBO, balanced score cards, fuel surcharges, southern pine plywood, golden parachutes, TIMOs, business class flights, frequent flyer points, big box stores or hyper markets, CE markings, E1 glue and many more that I can’t remember.
The plywood business has been exciting, fulfilling, hard work, dedication and sometimes frustration. I have loved every minute of it since I started in Newark, New Jersey as a sales trainee for US Plywood. I have travelled the world and collected a wide variety of friends and unique experiences that will give me fond memories as I move to the retirement phase of my life.
I would be lying if I said that I will not miss the action. I am confident that my varied other interests that have taken a back seat to CFP will fill my reaming days. My work with CFP was very satisfying to my heart, mind and soul. I wish the same for you.
I can be contacted at WFDoran@aol.com
