National Hardwood Magazine - May 2023

German says it’s a message that “is difficult to sustain
without dedication and dedication can be difficult
to transfer from one generation to the next.” He values
NAFF’s work teaching children because, “It takes a lot
of education efforts from one generation to the next to
ensure that [a] false message doesn’t propagate again.”
Henry German
Industry Support
Support from dedicated individuals and organizations
like Nyle Dry Kilns and DMSi Software helps make this
mission a reality. On the topic of industry-related education,
we had the opportunity to gather thoughts from
Henry German, President of eLIMBS, a DMSi Company,
and Jeremy Howard, President of Nyle Dry Kilns (and a
current NAFF Board Member).
Learning On The Job
Neither Henry German nor Jeremy Howard set out
looking for a career in the wood products industry. Instead,
the job came first and deep industry knowledge
was developed through their work experiences.
The Sky Is The Limit
Henry was introduced to the industry when he joined
DMSi, the family business that provides business, accounting,
operations and inventory management software
to lumber yards and the building materials industry.
Now, 10 years later, with diverse experience behind
him, he is a champion of teaching kids the truth about
sustainable forestry.
When Jeremy joined Nyle Systems, a producer of
Hardwood and softwood kilns and heat treating systems,
he was trained as a software engineer. He began
his career at Nyle Systems in 2004 as a programmer/
developer, hired to run equipment that dries lumber.
Through a succession of various roles over the years,
Jeremy worked with lots of great people and gained vast
industry experience. Along the way, he says he’s done
pretty much everything and “had the opportunity to see
the equipment and the whole process.”
Strong Support For Teaching Kids
Both German and Howard are strong supporters of the
NAFF’s work educating kids. Henry points out that it’s a
natural human reaction to feel that cutting down trees is
negative and sustainable forestry is a difficult concept
for kids to grasp. “Especially as a child you don’t have
the context to understand how complex of an idea that is
and it’s just easier to think, trees growing is good which
means cutting them down is bad.” He feels kids need
“the proper context to understand the whole picture.”
www.RealAmericanHardwood.org
Jeremy Howard
Building The Industry Through Education
Jeremy supports NAFF’s education program and
says, “there is great benefit in sharing education early
with kids—to give them an understanding.” They need to
learn “how is the table made or how are buildings constructed
-- the way kids are taught about concrete, plastic,
and steel.” He adds that his own kids “are intrigued
to find out how things are made.”
Nyle has a strong focus on education, especially at the
college level, and Jeremy is excited to see younger engineers
joining the industry. More and more young people
have knowledge about wood being renewable, and
he says the “development of CLT to build skyscrapers
has excited younger people” because it helps the environment
and allows them to create something that lasts.
He notes that the wood products industry has many
roles for people with all types of skills from manufacturing
to finance, sales to welding. He feels the future looks
bright, especially as more young people choose careers
in the forest products industry, equipped with greater understanding.
Keeping the industry strong and vibrant requires a
continuing influx of new talent. Our chosen role involves
cultivating an interest in the field through teaching
youngsters all about wood. We want to help them understand
how wood products are made and how wood is
a wise and sustainable choice for many everyday items,
from shampoo and toothpaste to furniture, decking and
building materials.
Join Us
Accomplishments have been great since we embarked
on this adventure. It’s a journey, one we’re happy
to share with those interested in partnering with us:
Donations: Purchase kits at any time. Partner with us
as a matching sponsor for our Back-to-School Kit Drive
in August, or for Giving Tuesday, November 28.
Corporate Sponsorship of the Junior High App:
Become a $10K or higher sponsor (total estimated cost
is $250,000). We expect the app to be in constant use
for five years before needing an update, giving sponsors
broad exposure and an active role in expanding awareness
and education across a wide population of young
people.
Please turn to page 67
MAY 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 33