2024 Georgia Logger of the Year: Rob Strother
A Legacy of Excellence
Fall 2024
By John Casey | Photos by Zach Clifton
Pictured: Rob Strother works alongside his son, Ben
2024 Georgia Logger of the Year: Rob Strother
Rob Strother’s journey into the world of logging began at an early age, long before he was old enough to wield an axe or operate heavy machinery. As a child, Strother played with logging toys, dreaming of the day he would join the family business.
He watched his father and grandfather work tirelessly, their commitment to the land and their craft shaping the family’s legacy. Now, as the third-generation owner of Strother Timber Company in Washington, Georgia, Strother has not only upheld that legacy but has elevated it to new heights. This year, his dedication to sustainable forestry practices and his leadership in the industry have earned him the distinguished title of Georgia Logger of the Year.
“I buy all the wood, put out fires, and run the equipment when I need to,” said Strother. “I’ve always known this was what I was going to do.”
His passion for logging, instilled by his father and grandfather, grew with each passing year, transforming into a lifelong vocation rooted in tradition and values passed down through the generations.
The significance of the Logger of the Year award is not lost on Strother. To him, logging is far more than just a job — it’s a way of life, a calling that has shaped his identity and that of his family for decades.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Georgia Forestry Association,” said Strother. “It means a lot to me, my family and my employees.”
He watched his father and grandfather work tirelessly, their commitment to the land and their craft shaping the family’s legacy. Now, as the third-generation owner of Strother Timber Company in Washington, Georgia, Strother has not only upheld that legacy but has elevated it to new heights. This year, his dedication to sustainable forestry practices and his leadership in the industry have earned him the distinguished title of Georgia Logger of the Year.
“I buy all the wood, put out fires, and run the equipment when I need to,” said Strother. “I’ve always known this was what I was going to do.”
His passion for logging, instilled by his father and grandfather, grew with each passing year, transforming into a lifelong vocation rooted in tradition and values passed down through the generations.
The significance of the Logger of the Year award is not lost on Strother. To him, logging is far more than just a job — it’s a way of life, a calling that has shaped his identity and that of his family for decades.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Georgia Forestry Association,” said Strother. “It means a lot to me, my family and my employees.”
A Critical Link in the Supply Chain
In the complex world of forestry, loggers like Strother serve a vital role. They are the crucial link connecting landowners and mills, ensuring that the timber nurtured over decades reaches its full potential and contributes to Georgia’s thriving market. “Loggers serve as a critical link in our forestry supply chain,” said Andres Villegas, incoming vice chairman for the Georgia Forestry Foundation and vice president of public affairs and communications with Rayonier. “They link landowners and mills to help bring value to the timber that they’ve grown over a long period of time. Really kind of that linchpin operator that’s out there connecting the entire supply chain.”
Strother’s meticulous approach to logging has earned him widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
“We do a lot of thinning with Rob, and the tree selection is always really good,” said Richard DuBois, senior forester at Green Diamond Management Company. “He takes his time and just does a real quality job.”
Strother’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in his work but also in the high regard he commands among his clients. Landowners who benefit from his services praise his meticulous approach and the pristine condition of the sites he leaves behind. “It’s been by far the best job I’ve ever had,” said Forest Kellogg, a landowner served by Strother Timber Company.
“We’ve got better equipment nowadays, and Rob knows how to use it. He chips everything he can, leaving the site clean and ready for the next phase.” The clean, well-maintained tracks left behind by Strother and his team are a point of pride.
In the complex world of forestry, loggers like Strother serve a vital role. They are the crucial link connecting landowners and mills, ensuring that the timber nurtured over decades reaches its full potential and contributes to Georgia’s thriving market. “Loggers serve as a critical link in our forestry supply chain,” said Andres Villegas, incoming vice chairman for the Georgia Forestry Foundation and vice president of public affairs and communications with Rayonier. “They link landowners and mills to help bring value to the timber that they’ve grown over a long period of time. Really kind of that linchpin operator that’s out there connecting the entire supply chain.”
Strother’s meticulous approach to logging has earned him widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
“We do a lot of thinning with Rob, and the tree selection is always really good,” said Richard DuBois, senior forester at Green Diamond Management Company. “He takes his time and just does a real quality job.”
Strother’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in his work but also in the high regard he commands among his clients. Landowners who benefit from his services praise his meticulous approach and the pristine condition of the sites he leaves behind. “It’s been by far the best job I’ve ever had,” said Forest Kellogg, a landowner served by Strother Timber Company.
“We’ve got better equipment nowadays, and Rob knows how to use it. He chips everything he can, leaving the site clean and ready for the next phase.” The clean, well-maintained tracks left behind by Strother and his team are a point of pride.
“I get compliments all the time on how clean our tracks look when we’re done,” said Strother. “It just shows how much people appreciate the work we do.”
For Strother, the logging industry is not only about managing forests but also about nurturing relationships — especially the one he shares with his son, Ben Strother, who works alongside him.
“It really means a lot to me to work with my son every day,” said Strother. “The logging industry is tough, but a lot of people depend on us, and I’m blessed to be able to do this work with my family.”
The future of Strother Timber Company is in good hands. Like the generations before him, Ben Strother has fostered a deep respect for the industry, the family business and his father.
“It’s an honor to work for my dad,” he said. “He’s close to everyone who works for him and goes out of his way to help them. I’m proud of him for winning this award.” As the forestry community comes together to celebrate Rob Strother’s achievements, the message is clear: his dedication, honesty and hard work have made him a standout in the industry. His story is one of tradition, hard work and a deep respect for the land.
As Georgia’s Logger of the Year, he embodies the values that have sustained the forestry industry for generations and set a high standard for the future. In every tree he fells and every track he leaves behind, Strother continues to honor the legacy of those who came before him, while forging a path that will inspire future generations of loggers. ■
John Casey is a strategic communications professional who supports clients through the art of storytelling. In his downtime, John can be found hunting and fishing on his family’s centennial farm in Northwest Georgia.
For Strother, the logging industry is not only about managing forests but also about nurturing relationships — especially the one he shares with his son, Ben Strother, who works alongside him.
“It really means a lot to me to work with my son every day,” said Strother. “The logging industry is tough, but a lot of people depend on us, and I’m blessed to be able to do this work with my family.”
The future of Strother Timber Company is in good hands. Like the generations before him, Ben Strother has fostered a deep respect for the industry, the family business and his father.
“It’s an honor to work for my dad,” he said. “He’s close to everyone who works for him and goes out of his way to help them. I’m proud of him for winning this award.” As the forestry community comes together to celebrate Rob Strother’s achievements, the message is clear: his dedication, honesty and hard work have made him a standout in the industry. His story is one of tradition, hard work and a deep respect for the land.
As Georgia’s Logger of the Year, he embodies the values that have sustained the forestry industry for generations and set a high standard for the future. In every tree he fells and every track he leaves behind, Strother continues to honor the legacy of those who came before him, while forging a path that will inspire future generations of loggers. ■
John Casey is a strategic communications professional who supports clients through the art of storytelling. In his downtime, John can be found hunting and fishing on his family’s centennial farm in Northwest Georgia.
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Georgia Forestry Magazine is published by HL Strategy, an integrated marketing and communications firm focused on our nation's biggest challenges and opportunities. Learn more at hlstrategy.com
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