Since joining the Beck Group in 2005, Jon has managed or played a significant role in benchmarking studies for several different segments of the forest products industry, including OSB, lumber, particleboard, MDF, utility poles and plywood. Jon also has directed consumer preference and market research projects. The most recent market-related projects included new product development and researching consumer purchase behavior. Other project work has included researching, organizing and managing several areas related to the construction and start-up of a large hardwood sawmill in the West, as well as managing the compilation and development of key data and statistics to support expert witness testimony as part of a major industry lawsuit.

Before joining The Beck Group, Jon worked at Oregon State University as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Wood Products & Engineering Department.  He was involved in a joint venture project with the Forest Service on a “needs assessment” of Alaska’s forest products industry.  He also traveled to Malaysia for the Softwood Export Council (SEC) to gather data to determine the feasibility of exporting softwoods to Malaysia.  As part of the research for his thesis, Jon worked on a study, co-sponsored by Forintek, entitled Consumer Perceptions of Wood-Plastic Composite versus Wood Decking Material.  This study included the compilation of data from both Canadian and U.S. consumers.  This research has been published in several U.S. and Canadian forest products journals.

Mr. Thomas’s experiences also included developing and managing a recycling business in his home state of Ohio.  Commercial waste material, such as polyurethane, plastics, paper, pallets, metal, and glass, were processed and used as raw material by other manufacturers.  The company remains successful under the management of his family.

 

EDUCATION

B.S. Outdoor Resource Management, University of Toledo (1997)

Master of Science in Forestry, Oregon State University (2004)
Major: Forest Products Marketing