In Episode 18 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Brian Luoma, former CEO of the Westervelt Company. With over 30 years of experience in the forest industry, Brian shares his insights on sustainable forestry, conservation, and the evolution of the softwood lumber market.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the future of the forest industry and the importance of sustainable practices in creating beautiful spaces.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:02] Brian Luoma's career journey.

[00:07:41] Sustainable forestry and conservation.

[00:08:37] Historical impact of paper bags.

[00:15:42] Demand creation in the lumber industry.

[00:19:01] Industry collaboration for wood promotion.

[00:22:02] Sustainable forest management awareness.

[00:26:58] Incremental demand for wood products.

[00:28:46] Podcast subscription benefits.

QUOTES

• "I can just say what's on my mind and give my own opinion and I don't have to worry so much about what affiliations you're going to think about that." -Brian Luoma
• "That shows you the continuity of a family-held company that's really committed to sustainability and longevity." -Brian Luoma
• "You could, you know, ride off into the sunset, but they're important to you and your contributions are going to be felt for years to come." -Russ Vaagen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

Brian Luoma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-luoma-38a50310/ 

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

Episode 17 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen explores the vital role of the wood industry in sustainable building, highlighting his partnership with WoodWorks to educate architects and engineers on mass timber and light-frame construction.

Tune in to learn more about the future of forestry and construction!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:04] Mass timber and light stick framing.

[00:08:18] Wood checkoff program benefits.

[00:10:16] Promoting renewable wood products.

[00:13:38] Mass timber projects and resources.

QUOTES

• "The higher the value of wood, the more wood we're going to be using; it's going to drive that whole market development."
• "We can build these amazing buildings, and we can do it with this renewable product that's very sustainable."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 16 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives into the world of mass timber schools, with a special focus on Washington State. Discover the benefits of using locally sourced wood in school construction, including its positive impact on student learning environments.

Tune in to learn about the potential of mass timber in shaping the future of educational spaces.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:51] Mass timber schools in Washington.

[00:05:36] Local supply and mass timber.

[00:10:04] Mass timber in school construction.

[00:13:20] Mass timber infrastructure development.

QUOTES

• "We have these forests that were put in trust to the state to manage those forests, cut the trees, sell the trees, the logs, material, and use those sales, those proceeds to fund school construction and schools in general in the state of Washington."
• "I want a fair competitive landscape that everyone can do well at, but we need to develop this mass timber infrastructure in the US in a big way because the market's growing."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen highlights the challenges U.S. companies face, including unfair competition due to Canadian government support and the complexities of the U.S. Forest Service's management of timber resources. 

Tune in for insights on how these developments impact the future of the forest industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:48] New tariffs on mass timber.

[00:07:26] Canadian wood's market advantage.

[00:10:43] Mass timber market challenges.

QUOTES

• "I want competitively priced mass timber. And I want everybody to be playing on a somewhat level playing field."
• "We have been getting unfairly treated because there's been a long dispute on lumber trade between the US and Canada."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Cooper Simson, the portfolio manager for Dan Martell's AI Venture Studio, Martell Ventures as he shares insights on evaluating AI-focused businesses, the importance of aligning interests with founders, and how Martell Ventures supports startups in scaling their operations. 

Tune in to learn more about Cooper's background and his role in shaping the future of the forest industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:16] AI-focused data centers with timber.

[00:06:40] Voice interaction in AI tools.

[00:09:44] AI's impact on business growth.

[00:12:12] Raising capital for growth.

[00:15:23] AI's impact on construction processes.

[00:21:15] Bridging the AI knowledge gap.

[00:23:58] AI tools for business improvement.

[00:26:46] AI's patient nature for learning.

QUOTES

• "I think that one thing that I think is, a real big opportunity is getting the people that are so smart about AI and how to implement it with people like myself and others that are like, doing really big things in an old way." -Russ Vaagen
•  "It'll be eye-opening because you'll be getting questions about your business that you've never had before." -Cooper Simson
• "The beautiful thing about AI is it's patient. It won't judge you." -Cooper Simson

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

Cooper Simson

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coop_doggydog/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 13 of Forest to Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of the post-COVID job market, the importance of aligning risk tolerance between business leaders and accountants, and the value of establishing strong systems and clear expectations within a team.

Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of staffing in the forest industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:35] Hiring challenges in accounting.

[00:04:44] Risk tolerance in accounting.

[00:10:40] Accounting expertise and cost efficiency.

QUOTES

• “If you're in a business, you need to take some risks.”
• "I think that our job as leaders isn't to hold people back, but you want to have really great people."
• “I've seen more mistakes happen when somebody has tried to skimp on maybe the level of the person and their capabilities and experience versus getting it done right the first time.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 12 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of wildfires on communities, the importance of forest management, and the role of various tree species in fire resilience. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures in the wildland-urban interface to protect homes and reduce the severity of wildfires.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the realities of wildfires and their effects on communities and the environment.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:12] Wildfires and their impact.

[00:06:08] Forest management and wildfire.

[00:09:20] Wildfire management infrastructure solutions.

QUOTES

• "The more we can focus on leaving the forest in a condition that will be very similar to what it would have been naturally and in a condition that can withstand wildfire, I think the more people that will be on board with it."
• “Debris is out there that can burn, and how can we positively affect that by removing that debris and turning it into products and economic opportunities and reducing the smoke, turning it into beautiful buildings? I think that's something if we do it right, everybody can get behind.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 11 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares his recent experience at the AIA National Convention in Boston, where he engaged with over 10,000 architects and discussed the exciting developments in mass timber construction.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of the forest industry and the role of mass timber in sustainable building practices.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to Forest to Frame Podcast

00:00:27 - Russ's Trip to the AIA National Convention

00:01:11 - Collaboration with Rockwool and Mass Timber Project

00:02:08 - Presentation at the Convention

00:02:52 - Award for Matz Place Foundation Project

00:04:31 - Importance of Designing for ALS Patients and Families

00:05:03 - Mass Timber's Growing Relevance in Architecture

00:05:35 - Department of Defense and Mass Timber Initiatives

00:06:20 - Reflections on Boston and the Conference Experience

00:07:23 - Future Projects: Matz Place 2.0 and 3.0

00:08:06 - Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

QUOTES

• "We're looking forward to collaborating with folks on that to do some more projects with the Department of Defense and government contracting in general, because we think it's a great place for mass timber to be used, especially when we're using it from federal forests."
• “It's gonna do more things to expand how we can build not only with mass timber, but also beyond just ADA and wheelchair accessible actually designed for the kind of life that somebody needs to live with whatever ailment they have.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 10 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the significant shifts that have occurred over the past few years, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and how rising inflation and interest rates have impacted the building industry.

Tune in for insights on how these trends are shaping the future of the forest industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:10] Real estate market shifts.

[00:08:05] Interest rates and project growth.

[00:09:32] Consistent growth in construction.

QUOTES

• "I'm hopeful that that inflationary pressure is coming off and that we can see interest rates come back down to a level that incites more activity and building in the marketplace."
• "I think that size is moving up, which maybe means that people are getting ready to do more projects."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/

In episode 9 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen delves into the recent discussions surrounding the potential sale of public lands, including Forest Service and BLM properties. He reflects on the widespread misconceptions about what public lands truly encompass, highlighting the diverse types of land acquired by the federal government over the years.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of our public lands and the importance of preserving these vital spaces.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:22] Public land management challenges.

[00:06:58] Forest Service wildfire management issues.

[00:09:50] Forest Service's wildfire management issues.

[00:12:19] Forest management and public land.

[00:18:11] Managing public lands effectively.

[00:19:47] Federal forest management perspectives.

QUOTES

• "Why don't we try to create abundance, create more opportunity for each, and do that while we're out there managing the forest?"
• “We've got a genuine opportunity to fix it. And I'm excited that we do. I just hope people start to realize that selling a million and a half acres sounds bad. That's nothing compared to managing the 640 million acres we have.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Russ Vaagen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/

WEBSITE

Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/