Meet the Team

jefft@carlsonforestproducts.com

Jeff joined Carlson Forest Products in 2020 as Vice President with over 21 years of experience as a lumber trader.  Graduating from Stephen F Austin State University with a B.S. in Agri-Business, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Marines in 1987. Jeff served his country with distinction as an active duty and reserve Marine for 28 years in Honduras, Japan, and several locations across the country.  In 2003 he was recalled to active duty to command in the invasion of Iraq.  

Jeff began his lumber career in 1998 with Cascade Empire where he and Derek first joined forces in the Southern Yellow Pine group. During his career he also worked at MFP of Oregon, Buckeye Pacific, and Sherwood Lumber, holding the title of department head at Cascade, Buckeye and Sherwood. In 2020 Jeff took a leap of faith and made one of the best decisions of his life, joining Derek at CFP.  Through it all, faith in God, great friends and an amazing family have blessed and sustained him.  

Jeff has three great children including two sons, Davis and Shack, who have followed his footsteps in the lumber industry.  He enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking, trail running and hunting. He has been able to fulfill his love for the agriculture and ranching industries in his spare time, raising cattle and hay and operating a commercial hazelnut orchard. God is indeed good!   

josh@carlsonforestproducts.com

Josh grew up in the hardwood lumber industry. Throughout his teenage years he gained experience and familiarity as a grader, dry kiln and planer operator. This fueled his passion to pursue Lumber Technology at Haywood Community College, where he graduated with an Associate degree in 1998. 

Josh worked at Industrial Wood Products for 17 years, rising to the position of production manager where he oversaw all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the remanufacturing facility.  He then served in the same capacity in the scaffold plank department including sales manager. After a brief time in steel scaffolding with Stepup Scaffolding, Josh returned to the lumber industry as a trader with Carlson Forest Products in 2021.  

In his free time Josh enjoys saltwater fly fishing, hunting in Montana, and riding and building vintage Harley Davidsons. Josh is dominate force in the wood scaffold plank industry. 

kerry@carlsonforestproducts.com

Kerry Kennedy joined Carlson Forest Products in  October of ’22.  He has been in the lumber business for over 40 years.   

Starting at the retail sales level while still in college, Kerry graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Economics. His career path started in wholesale distribution with Slaughter Brothers, then as a lumber trader with Dixie Plywood and Western International, part of the FCTG trading group. 

Before joining CFP, Kerry was a buyer for Probuild and Montalbano Lumber/Ritter  Lumber. He is back where he belongs, being a trader of Southern Pine Lumber, Southern Pine Plywood, and OSB.

Kerry has been married for over 40 years to Cathy. They have 5 children and 13 grandchildren.  

tyler@carlsonforestproducts.com

Tyler joined Carlson Forest Products in February 2023. Tyler began his career in the lumber industry in 2017 and he has gained extensive knowledge of the field. Prior to his career as a lumber trader, Tyler worked in several paper mills, focusing on chemical work, as well as owning a steakhouse. He is excited to bring his expertise to Carlson Forest Products, where he will contribute to the company's success and growth. With his dedication and commitment to quality work, Tyler is a valuable asset to the team.

When he’s not working, Tyler spends most of his time with his wife and daughter, hiking, and exploring new places together. 

kaleb@carlsonforestproducts.com

Kaleb joined the Carlson Forest Products family in February 2023. He began his career with Forest City Trading Group in 2018. Focusing mainly on the Southern Yellow Pine market, he specializes in dimensional lumber of all grades. Over the past several years, Kaleb has added industrial hardwood to the list of products he supplies.

Outside of work, Kaleb enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and working on his cattle farm.

cory@carlsonforestproducts.com

Cory Burks joined Carlson Forest Products in February 2023, bringing extensive experience in commodities trading and supply chain management. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Cory’s career path has led through manufacturing, industrial safety, management and sales roles. For the past five years, he has focused on lumber trading and specializes in Southern Yellow Pine, Pallet Parts and Industrial Lumber. 

When he’s out of the office, Cory enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter on the golf course. 

Austin@Carlsonforestproducts.com

Austin joined Carlson Forest Products in February 2024. He began his career in 2020. When he was 17 years old, he trained throughout his senior year of high school. Shortly after that he started trading lumber. During that time, he instantly found a passion for trading and creating new relationships. Austin specializes in Spruce and Western Species, but he has experience with many other species and commodity products. 

When Austin isn't in the office you can find him cherishing moments with his wife (Mayla) and 15 month old daughter (Reverie).