Meet the FSR: Josh Conrad

For this edition of our newsletter, Columbia Forest Products is proud to introduce customers and employees to our Mid-Atlantic Territory Sales Representative: Josh Conrad.

Starting at Columbia

“Around this time 25 years ago, I took a random phone call from Columbia Forest Products regarding an open Inside Sales position in Klamath Falls, OR — my original hometown,” explains Josh. “I somewhat grudgingly accepted with the intent of ‘looking for a real job’ while depositing a few paychecks. Little did I know, I was embarking on a long journey with the incredible people in and around CFP,” Josh continues.

Josh spent seven years working in Inside Sales at Klamath Falls before relocating to Arizona for a Territory Manager role. From there, his journey continued to Medford, OR where he took on a Sales Manager position.

Coming to Greensboro

After years of moving for various roles, Josh and his family made their biggest relocation in 2024 — moving across the country to the East Coast. Today, he proudly serves as the Mid-Atlantic Territory Sales Representative, based in Greensboro, NC, at Columbia Forest Products’ corporate headquarters.

“Moving has provided new adventures for our family and opportunities to better understand our manufacturing facilities and customer base beyond the Western U.S.,” Josh says.

Reflections on Columbia

“Throughout my whole career, I have enjoyed working with the incredible people at CFP, including our tremendous customers,” Josh explains. “We collectively strive each day for excellence and to distinguish ourselves in the world of hardwood plywood. The values instilled by the Honzel Family, including our ESOP, have created a tremendous culture of shared success, teamwork and camaraderie,” Josh reflects.

Josh acknowledges that the industry has become increasingly unpredictable and faces challenges such as imports, product substitution, workforce retention, natural disasters and environmental concerns. However, he remains optimistic.

“I am blessed to come in each day and work with intelligent, dedicated and loyal friends to solve whatever the latest challenge might entail,” he explains.

As a sales representative, Josh takes pride in Columbia Forest Products’ ability to meet market demands. With extensive operations throughout North America, vertical integration in both plywood and veneer and a consistent, resilient supply chain — even during events like Hurricane Helene in 2024 — he firmly believes in the strength and reliability of CFP’s offerings.

“Put simply, we produce the highest-quality product in the industry,” Josh says. “Additionally, due to our scope of operations, our products remain consistently and reliably available despite natural disasters, pandemics, port closures and more. Thankfully, we are well-prepared to continue this legacy as the premier manufacturer of hardwood plywood for years to come.” 

Family Life

Outside of work, Josh cherishes time with his family.

“My absolute favorite thing to do is hang out with my best friends, my girls — Rachel, my wife, Charlie and Stella, my daughters, and Winnie, our new puppy,” Josh says. 

He also stays active in religious activities and, with humor, admits to a particular struggle:

“I often plead to the Lord to help me with my abysmal golf game,” Josh jokes. “I apologize to all co-workers and customers whose eyeballs have been seared by watching me play. That said, I still love it and will not quit despite the persistent requests!” 

As he settles into his new role in North Carolina, Josh expresses his gratitude for the friendships he has built over the years and the new ones he is forming.

“I am so appreciative to have landed at Columbia Forest Products,” Josh concludes. ”I am thankful for the well-established friendships and the new ones forming as we start anew in North Carolina.”

We are excited to have Josh in his new role and look forward to his continued success at Columbia Forest Products!