USA - The Wood-Mizer Way 99 Spring/Summer 2017 | Page 14

In addition to running a small business
with his daughter, J.T. also serves as the floor
leader for the Washington State House
of Representatives, a role providing him
with significant influence as he advocates
for both his district and for all of rural
Washington. “I represent small towns
and a rural district,” shared J.T. “People
from my generation grew up
in a place where they could
work near where they
live. No more. The rural
economy has almost
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The Wood-Mizer Way Spring/Summer 2017
died in Western Washington and most
people here are commuters. I’ve always
told people that I would always consider
a bill’s impact on the rural economy first.
Being involved in a very small business
has strengthened that commitment.
Being able to work directly with
my kids and see them as decision-
makers at a young age has been
tremendous. Whether they
stay with it or not, it is still an
experience that will enrich
their entire lives.”
J.T. has experienced the business world
from both sides, as CFO of a multi-million
dollar company and as a small business
operator, sawmilling and offloading slabs
and boards with his daughter and business
partner. He sees a bright future for the
small business end of the lumber industry
because of the tremendous environmental
benefits mill owners provide the community,
the economic benefits available to an often
stressed rural economy, and the increasing
awareness of local products as the preferred
choice for many.