USA - The Wood-Mizer Way 89 Spring/Summer 2012 | Page 2
FROM THE CEO
Thirty years. That’s how long it has been since
I quit my job and went to work for my father, Don
Laskowski, to help start Wood-Mizer. As I sit to
write this note for the 89th issue of The Wood-Mizer
Way magazine, it sinks in that thirty years is a long
time. In many respects it also seems like yesterday.
This letter is more personal than most of my
others because in looking back, sawmills are only
a part of my 30 year history with Wood-Mizer.
Welcome to the 2012 Spring/Summer edition of
The Wood-Mizer Way.
Looking back at the pictures from the last 30
years, I realize how young and inexperienced we all were in those early years. Back then,
all we had was the dream of building something of value from nothing. We had no idea
what we were getting into, what we would create, and the impact the company would make
on so many people. We weren’t smart enough to know that the odds were stacked against
us. I’m glad we weren’t.
If wisdom played a part in building Wood-Mizer, it wasn’t wisdom about business,
finance, marketing, logging, or sawmills. The wisdom came from a simple commitment
to do “the right thing for the right reasons,” as my father always put it. That meant
paying our bills when doing so meant risking the loss of his home, making things right
even when it hurt the bottom line, and most importantly, meant setting aside part of
what we earned in the form of a tithe to help others.
This issue of The Wood-Mizer Way features stories of how our equipment continues
to make a difference in the lives of many around the world. It also announces our
commitment to celebrate our 30th Anniversary by demonstrating our equipment this
year in every state of the union. We welcome the opportunity to personally meet many
of you at one of over 200 field demonstrations that will be held this year.
Today, Wood-Mizer is 100% owned by the employees of the company. I work for
them. I’m also committed to maintaining the foundation that the company is built upon.
That foundation includes treating every customer as our only customer, seeing that their
needs are met, and that their dreams are realized. It also means making sure our quality
and value are unmatched, that our commitment to being the best is realized every day,
and that we continue my father’s commitment to operate our company and our lives in
a way that will please Christ.
I have been asked by other business CEOs why I sometimes mention my faith in a
business letter. My answer is always the same: I don’t choose to hide my belief that I’m
accountable to God for what I do in the limited time I walk this earth. It is a common
belief shared by many of Wood-Mizer’s managers and employees.
I am the CEO of Wood-Mizer because it is what I believe I am meant to do and
how I can positively impact the most lives. I hope and pray that the next CEO of WoodMizer shares that same perspective. If he does, I’m sure Wood-Mizer will remain strong
and you will be reading his letter thirty years from now. Enjoy the newsletter. Be safe.
8180 W. 10th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46214
EDITOR
Deanna Bunten
317.808.0849 – [email protected]
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jacob Mooney
[email protected]
ART DIRECTOR
Janine Axsom
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Larry Andresen
Jordan Baize
Meg Bull
Dan Cassens
Glenn Chapman
Mickey Cofer
Jacob Mooney
Jesse Pryor
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERs
Amanda Cornelius
Carla Sanders
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Wood-Mizer welcomes your tips, stories, and
comments. Please understand, due to the high
volume of mail received, we may not be able to
respond personally to each letter. Submissions
become the property of Wood-Mizer and may
be edited for publication.
REPRINTS AND PERMISSIONS
To order reprints of the magazine or request
permission to republish an article, call
317.271.1542
or email [email protected].
contact us
8180 W 10th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46214
www.woodmizer.com
317.271.1542 • 800.553.0182
wood-mizer corporate
Jeff Laskowski, CEO
Mark Thompson, CFO
Richard Vivers, COO
Subscription Changes
Melissa Moore – [email protected]
Jeff Laskowski, CEO
Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
ISSUE 89 SPRING/SUMMER 2012
US $3.00
on the cover:
The leading magazine for the portable sawmill industry
Wood-Mizer celebrates
30 years of selling sawmills.
celebrating 30 years
SPECIAL TIMELINE ISSUE
woodmizer.com
ollow 30 years of Wood-Mizer’soval
4c/white product development and company
growth at the bottom of each page in the magazine. From 1982 to 2012, you’ll
get to see how the company that made your sawmill became what it is today.
Wood-Mizer supports environmentally-friendly business
practices and sustainable forestry initiatives in the forest and in
its printed communications.
1982
LT30 sawmill released:
The first portable band sawmill
2
grayscale
The Wood-Mizer Way Spring/Summer 2012
white oval/type
knock out white/1c
First LT30 sawmill sold to Joe Bistrovich.
Don Laskowski delivers the sawmill to Joe in New York.