By Wood-Mizer, USA
June 20, 2025
In this episode of the Wood Life Podcast, Logan Wells shares his journey from high school woodworking enthusiast to leader in wood technology education at North Central Technical College, offering a roadmap for building a successful, sustainable, and profitable career in the lumber sector.
How does a high school FFA advisor's simple suggestion lead to a career transforming an entire industry's workforce? For Logan Wells, it started with a mother's safety concerns about sawmill work, which led him and his father to a Wood-Mizer demo event—and sparked a passion that would eventually bring him to North Central Technical College (NTC). Now, Logan oversees programs with over $1 million in equipment, teaches everything from quarter sawing to kiln drying science, and is part of an $8 million workforce innovation grant designed to attract the next generation to forestry and milling.
We explore why technical education is outpacing traditional four-year degrees in the lumber industry, how understanding log anatomy and sawing techniques can turn thousands in lost value into profit, and why the seemingly "mysterious" process of kiln drying is actually just good science. From learning species-specific applications (high-end RV veneer to playground materials) to the critical importance of maintenance skills that make you indispensable to employers, Logan's insights prove that success in lumber comes from mastering both craft and business. Whether you're a seasoned sawyer, hobbyist, or considering a career change, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating the evolving landscape of wood products.
Key Takeaways:
1. Mentorship Opens Unexpected Doors: Logan's high school FFA advisor steered him toward woodworking, industry leaders like Scott Bovey and Dan Carson provided technical knowledge and connections, proving that the right mentors can shape entire careers.
2. Technical Education is Job-Ready Training: NTC's programs—designed with industry input and featuring $1 million+ in commercial-grade equipment—offer two-year degrees, one-year diplomas, and specialized certificates that prepare graduates for immediate employment.
3. Sawing Technique Determines Profitability: Understanding log anatomy, choosing between quarter sawing, live sawing, and grade sawing for each log, and learning to read grain patterns can save thousands in mistakes and maximize value.
4. Kiln Drying is Science, Not Mystery: Logan's "Intro to Drying" class covers four kiln types and the fundamentals of moisture content, airflow, and temperature control—making quality lumber production accessible through education rather than guesswork.
5. Business Skills Matter as Much as Sawing: Track input costs and yield, explore byproduct markets (sawdust, bark, offcuts for animal bedding or specialty products), and understand the full supply chain to ensure profitability and sustainability.
6. Maintenance Skills Make You Indispensable: Learning not just to operate but also to maintain and sharpen equipment is a high-demand skillset that employers desperately need—and short courses under $500 can provide this knowledge.
7. Invest in Education Before Equipment: Taking a targeted course can save thousands in lost value and mistakes, proving that knowledge investment pays dividends before you ever upgrade your sawmill or add new machinery.
If you're in the lumber industry or considering a career in wood products, share this with your network, leave a review, and subscribe for more stories from the Wood Life Podcast.
"Education isn't just about degrees—it's about understanding the science behind the sawdust, and that knowledge turns loss into profit."
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