New Horizons Hardwoods
 
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OUR STORY


   

InAn Environmentally Responsible Exotic Hardwood     Company

 Forest Preservation | Replanting | Approved Harvesting Practices

In 1987, Jim Gordon, went to Ecuador in order to assist in developing the commercial fish processing industry.  Jim not only helped to develop an industry, but more importantly, he developed relationships, friendships and communities.  During his time there, he helped to build clinics and schools; hired teachers and sponsored youth soccer teams.  He built a company and a life.  While there, he built commercial fishing boats using the exotic woods from the forests of Ecuador.  He discovered that the properties in these woods result in a finished product that is far superior to many other species in the world.  The natural oils in the woods make them resistant to mold and mildew as well as making them undesireable to insects.  Their density makes them very durable and their beauty makes them very desireable to humans.

In 2003, Jim came back to the U.S., but missed Ecuador; the country, the people and the lifestyle.  His passion for this beautiful, tropical place lured him back and he opened New Horizons Hardwoods to be able to continue to help the people of Ecuador to improve their lives and their economy. 

Our number one goal is preserving the forests of the Amazon .  Our staff in South  America works closely with the local Governments to ensure the harvest of only woods that are approved under U.S. and South American government authorization, replanting three-fold as we cut to assure a renewable product.  As a 20-year resident of Latin America and a lifetime resident of the U.S., the owners of our company understand and appreciate the delicate balance of ecological responsibility with the management of the forests and vegetation in this beautiful region of the world.  The South American government realizes that the preservation of this region is pertinent to the future of our planet. 

At New Horizons Hardwoods,we take our position as an environmentally responsible company very seriously. By promoting forest preservation, and responsible lumbering practices,  we insure that ours is a renewable product, leaving as small an environmental footprint as possible.  For this reason, we use the latest technology for Reduced Impact Logging (RIL).

Because of the density and hardness of these woods, they are truly made to last a lifetime.  Our finished flooring contains no harmful VOC's or other harsh, earth damaging chemicals and are reusable and recyclable for generations to come.  We offer only solid 3/4 inch flooring in variable widths and lengths, therefore there are no formaldahydes in our products.

"Wood is the only sustainable, renewable and carbon-neutral raw material available to mankind."  (Timber Trade Federation)

Our Mission Statement:

To provide a unique, affordable, quality product to our customers, while providing exceptional customer service.  We will utilize our resources to  continue to support and contribute to the economic development of communities in Ecuaodr.  Our mission is to help  maintain these forests as well as to bring economic stability to this area of the world.


OUR FAMILY


Saint Joseph the Worker

 

The most important member of our family.  St. Joseph, the Worker.  We dedicate this business to St. Joseph, the Carpenter, the Teacher, the Head of the Family. 


Laura Beaver - Co-Owner / President

Laura is a native of Colorado who spent 24 years in the commercial banking and finance industry in Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT and Springfield, MO.  She retired from banking in 2007 as Vice President of Treasury Management Services.  She opened New Horizons Hardwoods with Jim Gordon in 2007. 


Jim Gordon - Co-owner / Vice President of Operations

Jim is originally from Massachusettes, but resided in South America for 15 years developing the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. During his residence in South America, Jim helped provide funding to build schools and clinics, hired teachers for the schools and sponsored youth soccer teams.  He also harvested and exported teak.  He currently lives in Springfield, MO, but travels often to South America, overseeing the harvesting and milling of the woods.


Raul San Lucas - Head of Operations in South America -

Raul has worked  with our owner since 1992 in other exporting businesses.  He is a native of South America where he currently lives with his wife and two children.  He handles all of our negotiations for lumber purchases and oversees the milling of the wood for quality purposes.