New Faces ~ New Ideas ~ New Technology Panel
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"Axman- Pros & Cons - "Cutting to the Truth"
Presented by Mike Pihl, Owner, Mike Pihl Logging Company, Inc.

Even from an early age Mike Pihl liked getting up early in the morning. The habit has served him well over time and lends itself well to his entrepreneurial spirit.

Mike, with his twin brother and four sisters were raised in Banks, Oregon. An ambitious kid, Mike took to heart working the summer harvests and bucking hay for the local farmers.

Just out of high school, Mike took the opportunity to log in Alaska. While in Alaska he lived in a floating camp on a barge in Sitka. Mike learned a lot about logging in the 3 years in Alaska. He saved every dollars, which got him closer to his dream of one day starting his own business.

In the fall of 1982, Mike decided to take the money he saved and form his own company. His brother Matt joined him in establishing Pihl Borthers Logging. The companies first purchase was a Skagit SJ5 swing yarder. They ran a lean crew with Mike running the yarder and Matt in the brush. Eventually they were able to hire three other men, at which time they were able to rent a Prentice 600D wheel loader. The company grew at a steady pace for the next four years.

In 1986, Matt left the company to pursue other business opportunities, dissolving the partnership. At this time Mike Pihl Logging, Inc. was formed. The company expansion has continued over the years. In recent years Mike has invested in land parcels for both logging and for development. Always looking to the future and the next opportunity for growth.

Mike Pihl Logging, Inc., now employs over 40 people, most are Vernonia area residents. His daughter, Lindsay is the company office manager and her husband, Kelly Baska is a supervisor in the logging division.

Mike, one of Axman, featured loggers shares some of his experiences with the History Channel and provides a first hand take on what it's like to be thrust in the spotlight, as well as some unexpected benefits such as (job application from those that have never considered a career in the woods, marketing pro/cons, and etc) that have trickled down to all loggers because of the program.

Although first criticized by Northwest professional loggers as a reality show that wasn't hitting the mark about real loggers, Axman became the most watched series on the History Channel while it was airing (March-June 2008). With a loyal audience of over 2 million weekly viewers, the Industry has discovered just how popular our profession really is and how the public has rarely had such an unique opportunity to see first hand some of the challenges logger face everyday.

Oregon Logging Conference
P.O. Box 10669, Eugene, Oregon 97440 USA
USA Phone: 1-800-595-9191, International Phone: (541) 686-9191
Email: oregonlogging1@aol.com