Our Story
It spans Generations,
At Schmitz Timber, our family-owned company is built upon a rich heritage of sustainable forestry practices passed down through the years. We believe in thinking beyond the present and embracing a long-term vision for environmental stewardship.
With a deep-rooted love for what we do, we approach every project with unwavering dedication and take immense pride in our work. From meticulously planning each harvest to implementing innovative solutions, we strive to strike a harmonious balance between economic value and preserving our natural resources. As caretakers of the land, we are committed to ensuring a sustainable future, one tree at a time.
“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
~Rabindranath Tagore
Johnny Schmitz
Horse Logging
Silver Falls Timber Company
The First Generation,
In the early days of Schmitz Timber, it was Johnny Schmitz who laid the foundation of our family's logging legacy. Faced with challenging times on the farm, Johnny turned to the woods and harnessed the power of his team of horses to venture into the world of logging. With their hooves pounding on the forest floor, he navigated the rugged terrain and hauled timber using early logging trucks. Logging primarily for the Silver Falls Timber Company, Johnny's unwavering determination and resourcefulness paved the way for the growth of our business. His pioneering spirit and deep respect for the forest continue to inspire us as we carry on his legacy.
Norbert Schmitz
Gene & Doug Schmitz
Loading Old Growth
The Second Generation,
As the business entered its second generation, Norbert Schmitz stepped up to the helm and propelled our company's growth to new heights. Building upon the foundation laid by his father Johnny, Norbert embraced the evolving logging industry and introduced mechanization into our operations. With the advent of log loaders, diesel cats, and skidders, our team gained greater efficiency and productivity in harvesting timber. Norbert's vision and leadership were complemented by the invaluable support of his brothers, Gene and Doug, who played integral roles in expanding the business. Together, they embraced the challenges and opportunities of the logging world, further solidifying our position as a trusted name in the industry.
Greg Schmitz
Drone For Flying Yarder Layouts
Mary Purdy
The Third Generation,
As the third generation took the lead, Greg and Mary partnered to drive the company into a new era of technology and stability.
While Greg focused on the timber, Mary Schmitz became the essential backbone of the operation. Managing the "behind-the-scenes" complexities of a modern logging business, Mary’s dedication ensured the company stayed on solid ground. From navigating the books to raising the fourth generation of loggers, her work has been the steady hand that allows Schmitz Timber to thrive through the industry's toughest seasons.
On the slopes, Greg revolutionized our operations by bridging tradition with technology. He pioneered the use of drones alongside our skyline yarders, providing aerial precision that made our work safer and more environmentally conscious. Greg’s commitment to the industry also extended to the board of the Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL), where he spent years advocating for the sustainable practices that protect the future of Oregon’s forestry.
Together, Greg and Mary have balanced innovation with a deep-rooted commitment to family, ensuring Schmitz Timber remains as resilient as the forests we manage.
Joseph & Thomas Schmitz
Forest Fuel Reduction
Out in the Rigging
The Forth Generation,
The legacy continues with Joseph and Thomas, who are proving that the future of Schmitz Timber depends on both modern science and old-school sweat equity.
Joseph is bridging the gap between the classroom and the cut-block. While pursuing a Master’s in Forest Management at OSU, he’s drawing on his time with the Forest Service & Denver Mountain Parks to get small forest contractors back where they belong: working on public lands. His focus on silviculture and forest health is about keeping the woods productive and the industry alive.
Thomas is staying close to the lines, mastering the rigging and the technical "know-how" that can’t be learned from a book. He’s soaking up the generational skill and mechanical wisdom passed down by our veteran crew, ensuring the high-lead traditions of this company stay sharp and safe for the next fifty years.
From research to the rigging, the fourth generation is geared up and ready to work. Together, Joseph and Thomas represent the dual nature of Schmitz Timber: a commitment to the rigorous science of forest health and a dedication to the hard-earned skills of the trade. They are not just following in their father's and grandfather's footsteps—they are carving a new path for a sustainable, vibrant timber industry.