courtesy photo
The crew at Hester’s Log and Lumber. Hester’s Log and Lumber is owned by Forrest and Lindsey Hester.
Note – The Chamber questionnaire was completed by owner, Lindsey Hester.
BRIEF INFO ABOUT OWNERS:
Forrest has lived here almost his whole life. I moved here to marry Forrest in late 2009. We have four kids between us- Kolby (17), Lexi (15), Gus (3), Lucille (2).
HISTORY OF YOUR BUSINESS:
Kent and Cindy Hester bought the sawmill in 1986. They were very patient in their hard work to build the company based on customer demand and material available. They have grown steadily throughout the years and made it through the recession without any layoffs.
Forrest and I bought the sawmill when Kent & Cindy decided it was time to retire. It has been a very smooth transition! Forrest has worked alongside the same group of guys since he was 15! They love each other whether they will admit or not! I have done some technology updates here and there and am striving to keep a balance between helping run the business and family life.
ANYTHING NEW GOING ON OR SPECIAL PROMOTIONS?
We deliver firewood free into the town of Kremmling and have plenty of it!
TELL US SOMETHING WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
We have 12 full time employees and have very low employee turnover. Our longest employee has been here 25 years – and has helped recruit our very best employees (Jose Castillo shout out!) We love and value them very much. They are extremely hard working, talented and intelligent – they are the best sawyers, can work on all of the equipment, help organize orders, and dependable!
We cut all Colorado timber – primarily the beetle kill lodge pole pine. The beetle kill lodge pole pine, if cut standing, is still structurally sound wood that is very stable and beautiful! So it has become a very niche market in itself. We use every part of the log here – what is not cut for customer orders we make into sawdust/planer shavings, firewood, or wood chips.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOING BUSINESS IN KREMMLING:
I LOVE that I can run all my errands in about 30 minutes! I love that our kids are close. I love how familiar everything feels. It really helps to keep life simple and productive in this crazy world! Forrest probably would say he likes being close to hunting and that we do not have to pay a lot to transport logs (still able to buys logs harvested within 60 miles).
HOW DO YOU ENJOY KREMMLING AREA WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING:
Oh geez, that time is dedicated to kids, home projects, cooking, and working out. We really don’t leave the house much and love it.
