Hardwood Floors August/September 2025

WOOD TALK

GUTCHESS LUMBER COMPANY BRIAN CONKLIN

Brian Conklin is the executive vice president of

Gutchess Lumber Company, where he also sits on the board of directors and chairs the product management committee. Headquartered in Cortland, New York, the fifth-generation and employee owned organization operates seven facilities across New York and Pennsylvania. The company has been manufacturing northern hardwood lumber since 1904. Conklin has been with Gutchess Lumber for 16 years and is host of “The Hardwood Advantage” podcast, which explores the environmental benefits of hardwood and the latest industry trends. Conklin recently was featured on the NWFA Wood Talk podcast, so Hardwood Floors magazine caught up with him to ask a few more questions. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I have been to 23 different countries. How did you get started in the industry? Right out of high school I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I applied for a job at the local lumber yard, and it turned into a 30+ year career. Who has influenced your career the most and why? It’s impossible to name only one person as so many people have had an influence on me in major ways. My parents were extremely supportive and always told me, “Whatever you do just do your best.” Wayne Wilson hired me and encouraged me that there were career opportunities in the industry. I learned so much from Jack Matson about sales and marketing. Tom Caldwell helped Brian Conklin

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIAN CONKLIN / GUTCHESS LUMBER COMPANY

me get out of my own way and see the big picture. Matt Gutchess gave me opportunities to advance my career. I could go on and on. What energizes you to stay in the hardwood industry? We are producing a product that will help fight climate change. I don’t know of a single other manufacturing process that sequesters carbon. What are you listening to right now? I love podcasts by Darren Hardy, Tony Robbins, or others that focus on

Do you have a morning routine that sets you up for success? I spend 65 minutes in the gym six days a week. What keeps you busy outside of work? Spending time with my family and in the outdoors, where I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing. I have the most amazing wife in the world and two daughters that I can’t imagine life without.

self-improvement with advice on how to be a better leader, husband, father, friend, and colleague.

You can listen to a technical-focused discussion between Brian Conklin and NWFA’s Brett Miller, as well as other hardwood flooring experts by visiting HARDWOODFLOORSMAG.COM/NWFA-WOOD-TALK-PODCAST.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

79