Welco's Management Team
Brad Johansen, President & CEO
email : brad@welcolumber.com
After graduating from University in 1982, I immediately went to work with Weldwood Forest Products in their SPF sales department in Vancouver, BC. I joined Welco Lumber in January of 1984, only four months after the company was formed. Almost immediately, I began to develop our SPF Specialty program servicing customers on the Westcoast of the U.S.. This program has eventually evolved into what is today our very successful "Silva Star" Specialty program which Glenn Mattice and his team manage today.
In 1985, I had the opportunity to become a partner in the company and served as Vice-President until April of 2002 when I was honored and thrilled to become the President and CEO. Welco has always supported various industry organizations where I have served as President of the B.C. Wholesale Lumber Association and I am currently 2nd Vice-Chairman of NAWLA. I will serve as chairman of NAWLA in 2004-2005.
When not spending my time with a great team at Welco Lumber, I enjoy my home time with my wife Alison and our two young girls: Brooke and Alexis. On weekends, when we're not snow skiing as a family, I am a driver to every possible figure skating competition my kids can find.
Brian Elcock, Vancouver Lumber Sales / Secretary Treasurer
email: brian@welcolumber.com
I've been involved in the lumber industry both directly and indirectly for the last thirty-five years. I joined Welco Lumber during 1984 and became a shareholder s hortly thereafter. Over the years I've traded spf @f/l both dimension and msr along the Rocky Mountain chain. I enjoy working in such a fast-paced competitive industry where your customers become both good friends and business partners.
Glenn Mattice, Vice President Specialty Products
Vancouver Lumber Sales, Senior Trader
email: gmattice@welcolumber.com
As Vice President of Specialty Products, I am responsible for the development and marketing for all Specialty lines. Welco Lumber has a very diverse mix of Specialty products to offer our customers including; Timbers, Crane Matts, Fascia and Decking, Fancy Plywoods and Exotic Flooring. Welco is constantly striving to source and supply the best quality products for our programs, please contact me directly for further information.
Coming from a forest family, I have a strong base in the lumber industry. I started selling lumber with West Fraser Building Supplies in 1987 and joined Welco to sell Fascia in 1990. Today, I sell several markets including fascia and specialty products, mobile home and manufactured home customers, and distribution yards for framing products throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. I'm very involved with the Mello Reload in California for Silva Star products and our Ferndale Reman plant in Ferndale, Washington, I also sell Winton's Zip and Contractor's Choice stock from our Sumas, WA yard.
Known as "Sparky" around the office, I am the details guy at Welco. I'm involved in almost every aspect of Welco Lumber and the overall management. With my wife Sue, we have two cute little girls Amanda and Kayla. We love skiing, boating, camping and hanging with Riley our 105 lb. Cane Corso Mastiff.
Kip Fotheringham, Vice President of
Commodity Products,
Vancouver Lumber Sales, Senior Trader
email: kip@welcolumber.com
As Vice President of Commodity Products, I am responsible for the development and marketing for all of our commodity products. This includes our exclusive mill sales partnerships, our reload system, our customer contracts and Welco's forward sales program. Welco is constantly looking to source quality products for our programs; please contact myself for further information.
After university I spent two years traveling in Africa. Upon my return I decided to put my education to good use and joined the lumber business. I enjoy the fast pace and competitive nature of the lumber business. I am married with three wonderful kids known as “Lock, Shock and Awe". In my spare time I am an avid golfer, skier and hockey player.
Aaron Anderson – Welco Mill Sales
Vancouver, BC Office
email: aaron@welcolumber.com
I started in the lumber business in 1968; the hardest job I ever had - pulling lumber off the green chain in a local Vancouver mill. I suited sales far better than slivers so I moved into lumber marketing in 1970. During that time, I have worked with several lumber marketing teams including Weyerhaeuser, Lignum, Riverside and Pope & Talbot.
I am happy to be working with the Welco team and look forward to many years of continued success.
Yuri Lewis, CGA MBA - Vice President, Finance
Email: yurilewis@welcolumber.com
I have spent the last thirteen out of some twenty-plus years in the wholesale lumber industry with Welco Lumber Corp. The constant changes in the industry, the opportunity to mix with old friends and make new ones, and a desire to pursue lessons in every walk of life keeps my interest keen and each day fresh and challenging.
I am proud to be a part of the management team at Welco and remain committed to both our individual and collective success. Having recently completed an intensive two-year part-time Executive MBA program, I have a renewed appreciation for downtime. Much of this time will be spent with our new pug puppy, my rusty golf clubs, and Dalton's first grandchild.
Sharon Fortier (aka Jonesy) - Credit Manager
Email: jonesy@welcolumber.com
I'm a proud member of the Welco team since joining in February 1997. I have been in the lumber industry for more than 20 years: the past 14 years in the credit and collection field. What I love most is working with Welco Lumber's clients and traders, ensuring that their credit needs are met. There is no other job like it - or any other job I would rather do.
When I am not at the office, administering the credit & collection operations, I will be found camping or enjoying the great outdoors with my husband and occasionally with our three grown children.