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PROCUREMENT PROCESS

Lumber is a lot like wine—different types of grapes grow in different kinds of geographical areas. The same general concept applies to timber. Our buyers know precisely where on the Eastern Seaboard to seek out and find where it grows the best. We also source from other areas of the Appalachian forest. Our NHLA-Trained Purchasing Team has long-established relationships with various sawmills all over the entire Eastern United States. This helps ensure that we buy the best possible lumber that’s available.

CONTACT US

Meet Our Procurement Team

Kenneth D. Stephens
Ken has more than 46 years of experience in the lumber industry, including 12 years as a business owner and two years leading the Robert C. Byrd Hardwood Technical Center in West Virginia. For the past 20 years, he has specialized in purchasing at Associated Hardwoods, Inc., combining industry knowledge with long-standing supplier relationships.
Kenneth D. Stephens
Lumber Procurement Specialist
Expert in sourcing green lumber, kiln-dried, and exotics.
David M. Lupsha
Dave joined Associated Hardwoods, Inc. in 2000 after gaining hands-on sawmill experience. A 1987 graduate of the National Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association Lumber Inspection School, he applies his expertise in lumber inspection and quality to support the company’s long-term success.
David M. Lupsha
Plywood Procurement Specialist
Specializes in procuring quality plywood.
Kevin Bennett Thompson
Bennett, a graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Wood Science and Forestry, has worked in the lumber industry since 2013. He joined Associated Hardwoods, Inc. in 2022 and focuses on lumber procurement in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Kevin Bennett Thompson
Lumber Procurement Specialist
Green lumber buyer focused in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, and Iowa.
Edson De Araujo
Edson has over 27 years of experience in the plywood, MDF, and engineered wood products industry, starting in importing and distribution and expanding into value-added manufacturing through his own UV finishing operation. He has worked extensively with furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturers and represented leading plywood mills across the Americas and Asia, bringing deep expertise in global sourcing, product development, and market expansion.
Edson De Araujo
Lumber Procurement Specialist
Expert in plywood, MDF, and engineered wood products sourcing and manufacturing.
Dax Redden
Dax been part of the hardwood lumber industry since 1998, when he graduated from NHLA Inspection School and began building a career. Over the years, he's had the opportunity to work in nearly every aspect of the business, including lumber inspection, management, purchasing, and sales. He comes with a well-rounded understanding of the industry and, more importantly, the value of building strong relationships with customers and suppliers. He takes pride in being honest, dependable, and committed to partnering with suppliers to find the right solutions.
Dax Redden
Lumber Procurement Specialist
Specializes in lumber procurement and sales.