The Forest Resources Association (FRA) represents the entire wood supply chain, and it is our members who truly make FRA such a distinctive and effective organization. From loggers and truckers to mills, landowners, and allied businesses, FRA’s strength lies in the diversity, dedication, and expertise of its membership. Since our members define who we are, it’s important to highlight their stories and contributions. This week, I am excited to share some insight into one of our Associate members, Glockner Commercial Services.

Glockner Commercial Services, a division of Glockner Enterprises, is a family-owned business based in southern Ohio. Over the years, Glockner Enterprises has expanded, particularly in its insurance division, developing specialized services tailored to the forest products industry. Today, Glockner Commercial Services provides insurance coverage to logging and trucking operations, hardwood sawmills, and other forest industry businesses throughout a six-state region in Appalachia. Their focus on this sector reflects both a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to serving the unique needs of forestry professionals.

As is often said, behind many successful companies there are great employees, and Glockner Commercial Services is a strong example of that. One of the first people I had the opportunity to get to know was Ralph Cartee, V.P. of Insurance. From the beginning, Ralph demonstrated a genuine interest in making sure loggers and truckers had access to quality insurance coverage at an affordable price. During a particularly challenging time for the industry, Ralph played a significant role in helping Ohio loggers/truckers secure the insurance they needed to keep operating. His efforts made a meaningful impact and reinforced Glockner’s reputation as a trusted partner within the forest products community.

Two years ago, Glockner Commercial Services strengthened its team even further by hiring a local logger to support business development and finance. Many in the industry will recognize the name Ryan Redoutey of Redoutey Logging. Ryan is not your average logger. He’s been involved in his family’s business for more than 25 years and holds an associate degree in Timber Harvesting from Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio. His education and hands-on experience are matched by an exceptional level of industry involvement and leadership.

Ryan has served as past chair of the Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter, a past Game of Logging instructor, and is currently the chairman of the Logging Standards Council (LSC) for the Ohio Forestry Association. He has served as both a past and present board member of the Ohio Forestry Association, including a term as President. In addition, Ryan represents Ohio on the American Loggers Council, serves on the board of the Southern Loggers Cooperative, and is a member of the FRA Appalachian Region Steering Committee, reflecting his longstanding leadership and service to the forestry community, including work with the Ohio Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) State Implementation Committee and the Forest Stewardship Committee.

Today, Ryan serves as the general manager for Glockner Commercial Services. His responsibilities include commercial finance, insurance, and regulatory compliance, including select responsibilities related to heavy truck and trailer sales. Ryan enjoys working with companies to assess their risk profiles and develop practical plans that meet their operational and financial needs. Interestingly, Ryan notes that many of the challenges are the same whether you are running a logging operation or a commercial business, with one of the biggest hurdles being finding the people to fill open positions. This was an eye-opener for him – he thought loggers were the only ones struggling to fill vacancies, but he has since learned otherwise. While he values his current role, Ryan admits he still misses being in the woods and the camaraderie of working alongside fellow loggers.

Ryan was familiar with FRA long before his recent career move. He recalls retired FRA staff member Rick Meyer visiting their logging job and showing a genuine interest in the work they were doing and the challenges they faced. Redoutey Logging was recognized as the 2009 FRA National Outstanding Logger, becoming Ohio’s first recipient of that national award. Today, Ryan continues to appreciate FRA’s work at the national level, particularly its efforts to support policies that strengthen the forest industry. He also finds value in FRA’s regional meetings, which provide informative programs and significant networking opportunities.

Glockner Commercial Services exemplifies the type of Associate member that strengthens FRA and supports the broader forest products industry. Their commitment, expertise, and connection to the people who do the work every day make them a valued partner and an important part of the FRA community.