Founded in 1951, DR Johnson Lumber Company is a family-owned business with deep roots in the lumber industry and a strong commitment to its community, customers, and employees.
With over seven decades of history, the company’s foundation was laid by Don R. Johnson, a man with a passion for timber and a vision for building something that would last generations. Today, the company is run by his daughter, Jodi Westbrooks, and her husband, Shawn, along with other family members, continuing the legacy that Don began with hard work and dedication.
Don R. Johnson (DR), the founder of DR Johnson Lumber Company, grew up in Veneta, Oregon, where he spent his summers working for his father’s mill. It was during this time that DR developed a deep passion for the timber industry, laying the groundwork for the family legacy that continues to this day. After graduating from Elmira High School in Eugene, Oregon in 1945, DR joined the Merchant Marines during World War II. Upon his return to Oregon after the war, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnne Hale, and together they built a life dedicated to their family and business.
In 1951, DR and JoAnne settled in Riddle, Oregon, where they immediately began building a sawmill that would become DR Johnson Lumber Company. Over the years, the company expanded its operations, and in 1967, DR founded Riddle Laminators, now known as DR Johnson Wood Innovations. The company also added Prairie Wood Products, a stud mill, to its portfolio.
DR’s vision for the company was always about longevity, and he built the business with the intent that it would be passed down through the generations. Today, his family continues to honor that vision.
“DR had a great passion for taking care of his family and helping the younger generations get a good start in their lives, as well as helping the communities his mills were in,” says Karlie Westbrooks, DR’s granddaughter. “When founding DR Johnson Lumber Co., he intended for it to be passed down in the family for years to come.”
Certainly, the company has built a reputation for providing high-quality timber products. One of its standout offerings is its engineered wood products, particularly Glue-Laminated Beams (Glulam). These beams can span up to 109 feet long, with depths reaching 60 inches and widths of 18 inches. Glulam beams are known for their strength, versatility, and sustainability, making them a popular choice for a wide range of construction projects, from residential homes to large commercial buildings.
The company’s sawmill specializes in premium, solid-sawn timbers, primarily using Green Douglas Fir. This timber is highly sought after in the lumber market due to its strength and durability. DR Johnson also sorts out a #1 grade, 100 percent Free of Heart and Free of Wane product for its four-inch and six-inch timbers, offering customers a superior product that’s both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
“We’re really focused on delivering a top-tier product,” says Karlie. “Our timbers are custom-made to order, and every piece is hands-on. Because we’re a smaller operation, we’re able to give each project the attention it deserves.”
One of the key factors that sets DR Johnson Lumber Company apart from its competitors is its strong, family-oriented team. Many family members currently work in the business, and this deep-rooted family involvement has created a work environment where everyone is passionate about the company’s success.
Like many businesses in the timber industry, DR Johnson Lumber Company has faced its share of challenges, particularly in recent years. The lumber market has been volatile, with high interest rates, inflation, and changes in forest practices impacting mills across the country. As a result, many Oregon mills closed indefinitely in 2024, putting pressure on the remaining operations to stay afloat. Despite these trends, DR Johnson remains focused on serving its niche market with a steadfast commitment to offering top-tier products, trusting that its emphasis on quality will always be a priority for customers.
While the company primarily serves customers on the West Coast—including Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona—DR Johnson Lumber Company has also shipped to the East Coast for certain projects. The company’s goal for the future is to continue expanding its reach, largely by developing new relationships with customers on the East Coast. DR Johnson has always cultivated strong, long-standing relationships with its customers, deeply valuing their loyalty over the years. At the same time, the company is enthusiastic about the potential for growth and reaching new markets. Confident in the unique value it offers, the team is eager to bring high-quality products and personalized service to a broader audience.
Indeed, DR Johnson’s commitment to customer service is a key aspect that distinguishes the company from larger competitors. As a smaller plant, DR Johnson can offer a more personalized approach. Each project receives the focused attention of the entire team, ensuring that customers feel valued and supported throughout the process. DR Johnson is not just in the business of producing high-quality lumber, but also in fostering long-term relationships with customers, making them feel like part of the family.
As the company looks to the future, the focus remains on growth and carrying on the legacy of its founder. The team is committed to improving the business, developing a larger customer base, and continuing to provide high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
“We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re committed to seeing this company succeed for generations to come,” says Karlie. “It’s not just about making a profit; it’s about carrying on my grandfather’s legacy and keeping jobs in the community.”
The company’s plans for the future also include adapting to industry changes and staying competitive in an ever-evolving market. With many mills closing and new policies impacting the industry, DR Johnson’s leadership is focused on staying agile and finding ways to navigate the challenges ahead.
“We know the market is going to continue to change, but we’re confident in our ability to adapt and grow,” Karlie says. “We have the best team we could ask for, and we’re committed to providing the same level of care and quality that’s been the hallmark of this company for over 70 years.”
DR Johnson Lumber Company is more than just a business; it’s a legacy. From its humble beginnings in Riddle, Oregon to its current position as a respected name in the timber industry, the company has been built on a foundation of family, hard work, and a commitment to quality. As the company looks to the future, its team is dedicated to carrying on that legacy, growing the business, and continuing to provide the high-quality timber products that its customers have come to expect.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” Karlie says. “We know there are challenges, but we also know there are opportunities. And with the passion and dedication of our team, we’re confident that DR Johnson Lumber Company will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
