Voice from the Wilderness

By Ernie Bernie
(The Hardwood Philosopher – whose real identity remains a mystery.)  

The opinions and philosophies in the following column are those of the contributing writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the personnel and management of Casco Bay Lumber Co. (who are chicken).  They are presented to provide a platform for comments and discussion and reflection.

911 Business

Ernie Bernie says "911 business is now my main preoccupation."  Lumber buyers are running lean inventories, driven by the accounting end of their businesses.  Just in time deliveries -- at premium prices -- are the rule rather than the exception.  This quick time delivery, to fill unexpected inventory shortfalls, coupled with specific width, length and color requirements provide an opportunity to the shipper who maintains inventories and is quick on his feet to find appropriate stock to fill needs and help the buyer.

Ernie says "the 911 pressure drives me nuts -- but I'm good at it."

Ernie Bernie submitted this observation on his way to a weekend of fishing and beer to relax his frayed nerves.

 The Mechanical Rabbit Theory

1. The “Old Hardwood” business was slower.  Its people more industry based and knowledgeable with a sense of “industry community”.

2. The “New Hardwood” business is larger; attracting more business oriented people rather than industry oriented persons. Industry collegiality and creativity have suffered.

These changes have resulted in a “what have you done today” syndrome rather than a long-term outlook complicated by a lack of economic inflation which highlights mistakes far more quickly and vividly.

For better or worse the Hardwood Industry is different today that it was ten to twenty years ago when most of the players were trained in the mills and yards and promoted from within.

Are the “old guys” sentimental and selfish? Perhaps so.