Trading Team
Whatever your lumber needs are, our team of lumber traders are educated and knowledgeable experts regarding not only our products that we sell, but the ever changing market. When you trade with a member of Richmond International Forest Products, you are trading with a quality trader who will go above and beyond to take care of you and your business' needs.
David Cox
President
RIFP President David Cox started with the company in October 1989, and previously managed a hardwood sawmill for Union Camp Corporation prior to that. What he loves the most about our industry is the fact that it is a “Your word is your bond” type of business. You have to have honesty and integrity in order to be successful. His customers appreciate that and the fact that he always brings his “believe it and you can achieve it” attitude to work every day. When he isn’t talking lumber trading, David can usually be found outside with either a golf club or a bow in his hands.
Alec Moore
Lumber Trader
Alec joined the RIFP team in 2016, and was drawn to the strong family culture and atmosphere. His customers can always expect him to bring his even keel mindset to everything he does along with stellar customer service. When he isn’t trading lumber, Alec can be found outside hunting, fishing, or golfing.
Gaurav Kakkar
Lumber Trader Import
Gaurav has been with the RIFP family since 2018, and was drawn to the culture of the company and the fast-paced, entrepreneurial nature of the industry. His customers appreciate his ability to plan and schedule accordingly. When he isn’t trading lumber, Gaurav can be found planning his next trip and researching photography ideas.
Dan Harmon
Lumber Trader
Dan came to RIFP in September 2012 after working in the construction industry straight out of college, where he specialized in residential construction building single family homes, and then moved on to commercial construction. He grew up in the construction industry working for his father, so lumber trading felt like the logical next step. He appreciates that it’s one of the only industries left that bases your business on your word and handshake. Dan’s customers can depend on him to be detailed, organized, dedicated and trustworthy whether you need him day or night. When he isn’t trading lumber, Dan can usually be found on the golf course or trying new breweries or restaurants in the Richmond area with his wife.
Ben Ralston
Lumber Trader
Ben joined the RIFP team in 2010 after growing up in the construction industry. Being surrounded by the wood and construction industry made trading feel like the natural choice. Ben loves the relationships and handshake contracts his job allows him to have, and is determined to do the right thing for his customer. Not only does he provide valuable insight into a global market, but wants to be an extension of his customers and run their business as his own. He can also be found outdoors pursuing his other true passion – turkey hunting, or spending time with his wife and dogs.
Dave Bernier
Lumber Trader
Dave joined RIFP in 1997, and prior to that he worked for 84 Lumber out of college before moving to the Georgia Pacific team where he sold wood to our president, David Cox. He can always be counted on to bring his confident attitude and will to succeed in everything he does. His customers always appreciate the relationships he shares over the years, and that he is always in their corner and will always make it right if there is ever a problem. When he isn’t trading lumber, you can find Dave spending quality time with his family, and going to soccer and basketball games to support his kids.
Hayden Mater
Lumber Trader
Hayden started his career with RIFP in 2016 after actively searching for an internship which ultimately turned into his career. Hayden loves being a trader because no day is ever stale, and drives him to come out on top. This drive also fuels his ultimate goal to become an asset to his mills and customers as an extra set of eyes and ears in the market. When he isn’t talking about Douglas Fir or other products, he can be found at the beach, salt water fishing, building motorcycles, mountain biking or speed racing cars with his father.
Kyle Simmons
Lumber Trader
Kyle has been with the RIFP team since February 2013. He was drawn to the industry because his father was in the custom built home business, and was drawn to our team because of his love of the atmosphere of our trading office. His customers can trust that every day he will bring a “can-do” attitude to work every day, and will work his hardest to say yes as much as possible to his customers and mills every day. When he isn’t trading lumber, Kyle can be found on the golf course, or playing or going to live music in the Richmond area.
Megan Schnizler
Lumber Trader
Megan has been with the RIFP team since 2015 after working for a paper company in Savannah, GA and then moving back to Richmond, VA to work as a project supervisor for a national home building company. Her customers appreciate her natural ability for problem solving, whether it’s a logistics issue or looking at product substitutions and options, she loves to help them in a way that brings them the most value in addition to getting to know them personally. When she isn’t trading lumber, Megan can be found spending quality time with her husband and daughter outdoors hiking as much as possible.
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George Seeley
Lumber Trader Domestic Manager
George has been with the RIFP team since 2011, but has been in the industry since 1987 and wouldn’t trade the last 30+ years for anything. He enjoys working with both customers and mills alike and finding solutions for both, and has formed lifelong friends on both the mill and customer side through the process. George’s customers love that he always brings a positive attitude and integrity to work every day, and that he not only learns their business but figures out how he can make them more profitable. When he isn't trading lumber, George can be found spending time with family and friends, or outdoors with a fishing pole or golf club in hand.
Linda Hull
Lumber Trader
Linda has been with RIFP since 1995, and stayed because of the business. She not only appreciated that it was a very relationship driven sales business, but that it also allows her to bring her authenticity to the table with every trade she does. When Linda isn’t talking lumber trading you can find her on the golf course playing to her 5 handicap, or making homemade pasta every week in her kitchen.
Lowndes Peple
Lumber Trader Import
Lowndes joined the RIFP team in 2014 after a family member who worked at RIFP suggested he come take a look. He knew instantly this was the industry he wanted to be a part of and hasn’t looked back since. His customers appreciate that he brings his ability to understand global supply chains and the logistical components that are required in the import plywood markets. When he isn’t trading lumber, Lowndes can be found spending quality time with his wife and sons fishing and enjoying the Chesapeake Bay.
Mike O'Donnell
Lumber Trader
Mike has been with RIFP since 1995, but started in the industry in 1981 while he was in high school. Every day he brings an open mind to work, and his customers appreciate not only his stellar customer service, but his market advice and offerings. When he isn’t trading lumber, Mike can be found outdoors golfing, grilling, or working in his yard and garden.
Mark Hill
Lumber Trader Import
Mark has been with the RIFP team since 2015, and was drawn because of the limitless opportunities the industry provides. His customers appreciate his creative solutions he provides, and “outside the box” solutions that gives them a competitive edge in an ever changing market. When he isn’t trading lumber, Mark can be found on the baseball field, or spending quality time with his wife and baby boy.
Merchant Garnett
Lumber Trader
Merchant started his career with RIFP in June 2012 as his first job in the lumber industry. He realized quickly how small and unique our industry is, and has enjoyed the relationships he has been able to develop through it and looks forward to creating more. His customers appreciate that he is above all else transparent in his transactions, and will always act with their best interest in mind. When he isn’t in the office, Merchant can be found spending quality time with his friends, family, and two bird dogs, Moses and Popeye at their family farm, or near the water in Virginia.
Scott Crenshaw
Lumber Trader
Scott has been with RIFP since 1995, but started with Georgia Pacific in 1993 in their structural panels division. He was drawn to us because he was fascinated by the day in day out trades we would make, and how much we truly loved our jobs. His customers always appreciate not only his loyalty and the fact that he is a fantastic market resource, but his fun and positive attitude. When he isn’t trading lumber, Scott can be found enjoying the beautiful weather in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Paul McDaniel
Lumber Trader
Paul has been with RIFP since 2006 because of the good people and good work environment. The independence that allows hard workers to be successful is one of his favorite parts of the industry. His customers can rest easy knowing that he will always have not only market knowledge, but their best interests in mind. When he isn’t trading lumber, Paul can be found out on his boat or tailgating at the latest Virginia Tech game.
Richard Morelle
Lumber Trader
Richard has been with RIFP since 2018, and fell into the industry by chance after meeting a trader on the golf course. He immediately fell in love with the comradery, the drive to succeed and the competition. Richard’s customers can count on him to bring them not only the best customer service, but to anticipate their every need whether it’s a buying a decision or market insight. When he isn’t trading lumber, Richard can be found spending quality time with his wife.
Ken Nelson
Lumber Trader Import Manager
Ken joined the RIFP family in 2006, however he began his lumber trading career in 2003. He loves international business, travel, and building relationships with his customers. His customers love his passion for his business, and that he builds long term relationships with his customers, suppliers, and everyone on his team. When he isn’t trading lumber, Ken can be found enjoying the outdoors, whether it is hunting, boating, fishing, or playing golf.
Ryan Chunn
Lumber Trader
Ryan has been with the RIFP team since 2013 after a friend and fellow RIFP trader brought him into the business. He loves that every day is different, and the healthy competition among traders. His customers appreciate that he works hard for them, while providing material and market information so customers can make informed decisions. When he isn’t in the office, Ryan can be found outdoors camping, snowboarding, mountain biking, and spending quality time with his family.
Adam Moring
Lumber Trader
Adam has been with the RIFP team since 2014, and loves the relationships that he gets to form with both suppliers and customers. He can be counted on every day to work 24/7 to bring his customers the best value in the form of market information, customer information and sourcing product. When he isn’t trading lumber, Adam can be found spending quality time with his friends and family, or shooting guns, fly fishing, and going to the beach.
Sam Jacobson
Lumber Trader
Sam has been with RIFP since January 2020 because of our team and company culture. His customers can always count on him to bring a “get it done” attitude, and the fact that he will do everything within his power to help his customers grow and improve their business. When he isn’t trading lumber, you can find Sam on the golf course, fishing, playing music or going over the latest freight rates.
Tom Phillips
Lumber Trader Import
Tom has been a member of the RIFP since 1996, however he was a buyer for a national buying group for a few years and national distribution prior to that. He brings his skills and knowledge from those experiences with him to our Import department. It’s easy to see that Tom loves this business, and it’s because every day is so different while still retaining some sense of routine to it. When he isn’t trading lumber, Tom can be found spending quality time with his wife and daughter, and traveling to new places when they find the time.
Matt Bales
Lumber Trader
Matt began his lumber trading career with RIFP in 2018, and has loved the culture and opportunities it provides. His customers appreciate that he consistently keeps offers in front of them, shares valuable market information, and stays proactive on current orders to ensure they are receiving the best customer service possible. When he isn’t trading lumber, Matt can be found on the golf course.
Robbie Thornton
Lumber Trader
Robbie started with RIFP in March 2020, and immediately loved the industry for the relationships it allows you to develop with customers and colleagues. He appreciates how unique this job is, and in turn his customers appreciate his willingness to work with them to help make good buying decisions for their needs. When he isn’t trading lumber, you can find Robbie on the golf course or hiking, unless there is snow on the ground then you can count on him to be on the mountain boarding his way down.
Alex Anthony
Lumber Trader Import
Alex has been with RIFP since 1993, and has appreciated the mutually supportive environment it provides. Alex’s customers can rest assured knowing that he is honest and well informed, and is a reliable and useful partner to them for their business. When he isn’t trading lumber, Alex can be found catching the latest wave and enjoying the ocean.
Mike Hoyle
Lumber Trader
Mike joined the RIFP team in 2019 after his time in the Navy, and selling solid hardwood flooring while pursuing his degree. The variety of people that you meet in forest product and building industries drew him in along with his love of the aesthetic appeal of wood products in general. Mike’s customers will be at ease knowing that every morning not only is his goal to make their jobs easier, but that he will come to them with creative, alternative solutions if he cannot obtain what they ask of him. When Mike isn’t trading lumber or problem solving, you can find him where the music is or grilling meat.
Justin Manuel
Lumber Trader
Justin has been with the RIFP team since February 2020, and was drawn to the industry because of the ability to build relationship with customers, and helping them find solutions to help run their business. His customers appreciate not only his stellar customer service, but his hard work and dedication to their needs. When he isn’t in the office, Justin can be found outside fishing or golfing.
Luke Brugel
Lumber Trader
Luke has been with RIFP since 2020 and was immediately draw in to the work hard- play hard culture of our team. Luke’s customers appreciate that he is willing to not only learn but adjust to how they want to do things and work just as hard for them to be successful. When he isn’t trading lumber, Luke can usually be found on the golf course, working out, or watching sports.
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Pierce Kauth
Lumber Trader
Pierce started his journey with RIFP in 2020 after an internship with the company in 2019. Growing up he always helped his father with various construction projects, so joining a relatable industry just felt natural. His customers can expect him to always bring a good understanding of the market and their position, while trying to show them material he’d consider buying himself were he in their shoes. When he isn’t trading lumber, Pierce can be found outside golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, snowboarding, wakeboarding, or renovating a property.
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Michael Dunn
Trader Trainee
Michael started with RIFP in 2021, and was drawn to how business is conducted through honesty and integrity, and the in office competition. He can always be counted on to bring great customer service, valuable market info, and the drive to work his hardest every day. When Michael isn't in the office you can usually find him mountain biking at Pocahontas State Park, fishing for bass, or getting harassed at home by his dog, Leche.
Kristen Rigsby
Trader Trainee
Kristen started with RIFP in 2015 and has worked in admin for the past several years, but has recently decided to change to the trading floor in 2022. She loves the close family atmosphere and the care & compassion of the company. When she is not at work, Kristen can be found spending time with her husband and children, outside enjoying the sunshine, or trying new recipes in the kitchen.
Taylor Doyle
Trader Trainee
Taylor joined RIFP in 2021 and was immediately drawn to the industry because of the freedom that comes with it and the ability to create your business how you see it. Every day we can count on Taylor to bring his love of problem solving and willingness to learn. When he isn’t in the office, you can usually find him working on his car or exploring the beautiful city of Richmond.
Joshua Hutchinson
Trader Trainee
Joshua joined RIFP fresh out of Virginia Tech in 2022, and immediately loved the ability to develop long lasting partnerships and friendships with customers. Every day we can count on him to bring his love of hard work to everything he does. When Joshua is not in the office you can find him fishing, golfing, or watching or playing hockey.
Dylan Forlines
Trader Trainee
Dylan joined RIFP at the beginning of 2023 and was immediately drawn to the familial closeness of our team after working in the transportation industry for 5 years. Every day we can count on Dylan to bring a positive attitude and a go getter mind set to any challenges that arise. When he is not in the office you can usually find him spending time with family, sitting by the bay or playing/watching sports.
Brian Shepley
Lumber Trader
Brian joined RIFP in 2005 after studying wood science and forest products marketing at Virginia Tech, and starting in lumber sales for a sawmill 2 years prior. His partners always appreciate the information and knowledge he provides to help them manage their business efficiently and profitably. When he isn’t trading lumber, Brian can be found in the woods or on the water spending quality time with friends and family.
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Conor Jones
Lumber Trader Import
Conor joined RIFP back in 2004 fresh out of college from UNC-Chapel Hill. He loves collaborating with others on projects, and is motivated by his desire to provide value for his mill and customer partners. His customers appreciate that he is driven to help their business succeed, and strives to provide quality products, competitive prices and loyal service. When he isn’t trading lumber, Conor can be found spending quality time with his family, going on outdoor adventures, golfing, playing soccer, and dreaming about the next travel adventure.
Clayton Williams
Lumber Trader
Clayton started his journey with RIFP in 2009, but began his career in 2004 in the Truss industry. His customers can always count on him to bring hard work, honesty, and top tier customer service to everything he does. When he isn’t trading lumber, Clayton can be found spending quality time with his family.
Dane Forlines
Lumber Trader Import
Dane joined the RIFP team in 2017 because of the atmosphere and people, and how we make our team special. His customers appreciate that every day he shows up and wants to be an extension to his customers’ business however he can. When he isn’t trading lumber, Dane can be found outside playing golf, hunting and fishing, enjoying quality time with his family and friends, or watching the latest sports game while enjoying a cold beverage.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
We always need a few good folks to work with our team. Please take a look at our current openings and send your current resume/CV if you think you would make a great fit.
(804)747-0111