Import Plywood

We believe in developing long run partnerships by helping connect the dots between global suppliers and our North American customer base.  Our team takes great pride in responsibly sourcing sustainable and environmentally friendly wood products from dozens of countries all over the world.  We take pleasure in providing solutions that help our mills and customers succeed in a complex and ever changing industry.   Our goal is to make the complicated international wood products trade easy for our mill and customer base.  

Ken Nelson

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.

Conor Jones

Lumber Trader

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.

Lowndes Peple

Lumber Trader

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.

Mark Hill

Lumber Trader

Mark has been with the RIFP team since 2015, and was drawn him 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. 

Gaurav Kakkar

Lumber Trader

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.

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.

Tom Phillips

Lumber Trader

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.

Alex Anthony

Lumber Trader

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.

Dane Forlines

Lumber Trader

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. 

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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