Shows
Forest to FrameBig Changes at Vaagen Timbers In Episode 21 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares some significant updates regarding the future of Bog and Timbers. Facing a challenging market for mass timber and construction, Russ discusses the decision to sell Vaagen Timbers to Vaagen Brothers Lumber. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of the forest industry and the steps being taken to adapt to current market challenges.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:48] Business transition in mass timber.[00:06:11] Restoring forests at scale.[00:09:42] Writing a book.QU...
2025-11-0410 minForest to FrameA New Era for American Forests with Hilary Franz In Episode 20 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Hilary Franz, former Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands and now CEO of American Forests, as she shares her journey from managing millions of acres of public lands to leading one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations.Tune in to learn more about Hilary’s insights and the future of forest restoration efforts.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:41] Public lands management in Washington.[00:06:04] Sustainable forest management benefits schools.[00:08:30] Government efficiency and accountability.[00:12:54] Overcoming fear of fa...
2025-10-0754 minForest to FrameWhat's Wrong with Our Firefighting In Episode 19 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding wildfires and firefighting in the Intermountain West. As we transition into the fall season, the impact of wildfires continues to linger, affecting air quality and community health.Tune in for an insightful look at the impacts of wildfires and the ongoing efforts of firefighting crews in the region.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:02] Wildfire and firefighting challenges.[00:04:43] Wildfire management and private land.[00:09:08] Firefighting practices and accountability.[00:12:57] Forest restoration and w...
2025-09-3018 minForest to FrameForests, Commerce, and Conservation In Episode 18 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Brian Luoma, former CEO of the Westervelt Company. With over 30 years of experience in the forest industry, Brian shares his insights on sustainable forestry, conservation, and the evolution of the softwood lumber market.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the future of the forest industry and the importance of sustainable practices in creating beautiful spaces.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:02] Brian Luoma's career journey.[00:07:41] Sustainable forestry and conservation.[00:08:37] Historical impact of paper bags.
2025-09-2329 minForest to FrameSoftwood Lumber PromotionEpisode 17 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen explores the vital role of the wood industry in sustainable building, highlighting his partnership with WoodWorks to educate architects and engineers on mass timber and light-frame construction.Tune in to learn more about the future of forestry and construction!TIMESTAMPS[00:01:04] Mass timber and light stick framing.[00:08:18] Wood checkoff program benefits.[00:10:16] Promoting renewable wood products.[00:13:38] Mass timber projects and resources.QUOTES"The higher the value of...
2025-09-0915 minForest to FrameMass Timber SchoolsIn episode 16 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives into the world of mass timber schools, with a special focus on Washington State. Discover the benefits of using locally sourced wood in school construction, including its positive impact on student learning environments.Tune in to learn about the potential of mass timber in shaping the future of educational spaces.TIMESTAMPS[00:00:51] Mass timber schools in Washington.[00:05:36] Local supply and mass timber.[00:10:04] Mass timber in school construction.[00:13:20] Mass timber infrastructure development.
2025-08-2614 minForest to FrameCanadian TarrifsIn episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen highlights the challenges U.S. companies face, including unfair competition due to Canadian government support and the complexities of the U.S. Forest Service's management of timber resources. Tune in for insights on how these developments impact the future of the forest industry.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:48] New tariffs on mass timber.[00:07:26] Canadian wood's market advantage.[00:10:43] Mass timber market challenges.QUOTES"I want competitively priced mass timber. And I w...
2025-08-1913 minForest to FrameAI with Cooper Simson of Martell VenturesIn episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Cooper Simson, the portfolio manager for Dan Martell's AI Venture Studio, Martell Ventures as he shares insights on evaluating AI-focused businesses, the importance of aligning interests with founders, and how Martell Ventures supports startups in scaling their operations. Tune in to learn more about Cooper's background and his role in shaping the future of the forest industry.TIMESTAMPS[00:03:16] AI-focused data centers with timber.[00:06:40] Voice interaction in AI tools.[00:09:44] AI's impact on business growth.
2025-07-2928 minForest to FrameFinding the Right AccountantIn episode 13 of Forest to Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of the post-COVID job market, the importance of aligning risk tolerance between business leaders and accountants, and the value of establishing strong systems and clear expectations within a team.Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of staffing in the forest industry.TIMESTAMPS[00:02:35] Hiring challenges in accounting.[00:04:44] Risk tolerance in accounting.[00:10:40] Accounting expertise and cost efficiency.QUOTES“If you're in a bu...
2025-07-2212 minForest to FrameIt's Wildfire Season AgainIn episode 12 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of wildfires on communities, the importance of forest management, and the role of various tree species in fire resilience. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures in the wildland-urban interface to protect homes and reduce the severity of wildfires.Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the realities of wildfires and their effects on communities and the environment.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:12] Wildfires and their impact.[00:06:08] Forest management and wildfire.[00:09:20] Wildfire management infrastructure solutions.
2025-07-1511 minForest to FrameAIA National ConventionIn episode 11 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares his recent experience at the AIA National Convention in Boston, where he engaged with over 10,000 architects and discussed the exciting developments in mass timber construction.Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of the forest industry and the role of mass timber in sustainable building practices.TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Introduction to Forest to Frame Podcast00:00:27 - Russ's Trip to the AIA National Convention00:01:11 - Collaboration with Rockwool and Mass Timber Project
2025-07-0108 minForest to FrameMass Timber and the EconomyIn episode 10 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the significant shifts that have occurred over the past few years, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and how rising inflation and interest rates have impacted the building industry.Tune in for insights on how these trends are shaping the future of the forest industry.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:10] Real estate market shifts.[00:08:05] Interest rates and project growth.[00:09:32] Consistent growth in construction.QUOTES"I'm hopeful that that inflationary...
2025-06-2411 minForest to FramePublic Land SalesIn episode 9 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen delves into the recent discussions surrounding the potential sale of public lands, including Forest Service and BLM properties. He reflects on the widespread misconceptions about what public lands truly encompass, highlighting the diverse types of land acquired by the federal government over the years.Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of our public lands and the importance of preserving these vital spaces.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:22] Public land management challenges.[00:06:58] Forest Service wildfire management issues.
2025-06-0320 minForest to FrameMass Timber PlanningIn episode 8 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the innovative advancements at Vaagen Timbers, particularly focusing on their unique software, Timber Sequence Pro. Discover how this technology is revolutionizing the mass timber industry by enhancing project constructability and streamlining the loading process for construction sites.Tune in to discover how these advancements are shaping the future of the forest industry.TIMESTAMPS[00:02:35] Timber Sequence Pro software solution.[00:05:53] Design assist contract benefits.[00:10:00] Innovative mass timber solutions.QUOTES
2025-05-2711 minForest to FrameA to Z Forest Restoration ProjectsIn episode 7 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the importance of large-scale contracts, improved dispute resolution systems, and the need for community involvement in forest restoration efforts. With a focus on creating healthy forests and sustainable practices, this episode highlights the potential for similar projects across the country.Tune in to understand how the A to Z project is paving the way for a brighter future in forest management and the role of mass timber in building sustainable communities.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:10] A to Z project success.
2025-05-2019 minForest to FrameGreen Energy with BiomassIn episode 6 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy and presents a compelling case for its role as a green energy source.Tune into the future of biomass energy and its role in creating sustainable power solutions.TIMESTAMPS[00:00:39] Biomass power generation opportunities.[00:07:12] Biomass for energy generation.[00:09:39] Biomass energy and its benefits.[00:12:38] Biomass energy and environmental impact.QUOTES“We are under-utilizing the ma...
2025-05-1314 minForest to FrameGlulamIn episode 5 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen provides insights into the manufacturing process of glulam, highlighting its finger-jointed construction that allows for the combination of shorter lumber pieces into longer beams and columns. Tune in as we explore the beauty and functionality of glulam in creating sustainable building solutions.TIMESTAMPS[00:00:34] Glulam beams in mass timber.[00:07:50] Wood repair techniques in construction.[00:09:18] Glulam in mass timber construction.QUOTES“We are trying to minimize any filler or repairs that need to be made. So we...
2025-05-0611 minForest to FrameLumber DryingIn episode 4 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen emphasizes the importance of using high-quality lumber with the correct moisture levels, explaining the significance of the KDHT (Kiln-Dried and Heat Treated) designation. Tune in for insights that bridge the gap between forestry and construction!TIMESTAMPS[00:01:07] Lumber moisture content importance.[00:05:28] Cross-laminated timber benefits.[00:12:19] Lumber drying quality differences.[00:13:02] Cost-saving construction techniques.QUOTES"The beauty of cross-laminated timber is that you are putting the layers in long ways, and then you put another layer i...
2025-04-2913 minForest to FrameWhat is Mass TimberIn episode 3 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen explains the various methods of timber harvesting, the benefits of mass timber in construction, and how it allows for a more visible connection between the source of the wood and the final product.Tune in to learn how these practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to beautiful spaces in our communities.TIMESTAMPS[00:00:34] Mass timber and forest management.[00:06:09] Mass timber construction benefits.[00:10:41] Mass timber efficiency and benefits.
2025-04-2213 minForest to FrameThe History of Forest to FrameIn this first episode of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen, the CEO at Vaagen Timbers, LLC, highlights the importance of managing forest lands for both economic benefit and health, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the future of forests and mass timber. Tune in to explore how restoring forests can create beautiful spaces and the impact of community-driven forestry practices.TIMESTAMPS[00:02:42] Economic benefits of forest management.[00:06:27] Sustainable forest management practices.[00:10:29] Forest health and mass timber.
2025-04-0815 minForest to FrameWhat is Forest Restoration?In episode 2 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the historical context of wildfires in the Intermountain West, the consequences of fire suppression, and the importance of managing forest health. Tune in to learn about the essential balance between restoration efforts and wildfire management to create sustainable forest environments.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:10] Forest restoration and wildfire management.[00:06:36] Forest restoration benefits and practices.QUOTES“Leave the biggest and best trees behind. Leave a forest that looks like, or may...
2025-04-0808 minForest to Frame[PREVIEW] of Forest To FrameWhat if the key to restoring our forests also held the future of sustainable building? What if preventing wildfires, protecting recreation, and supporting local economies could all be part of the same solution?Welcome to Forest to Frame, the podcast that explores the connection between forest restoration and modern timber construction. I’m Russ Vaagen, and in this series, we’ll dive into how science, collaboration, and cutting-edge sawmilling technology are transforming the way we manage forests—and how we build with wood.Every year, millions of acres of forests are at risk from catastrophic wildfi...
2025-04-0201 min
BUILDING HEROesThe future of wood construction with Vaggen TimbersIn 2017, Russ founded Vaagen Timbers to produce state-of-the-art Mass Timber products for the buildings of the future. After a groundbreaking in May of 2018, Vaagen Timbers was open and certified in July of 2019. The company has delivered projects all over the US and even projects in Europe. Russ has spent countless hours working on forest collaboration to thin and restore overstocked forest stands and believes strongly that mass timber provides the best value and exposure to how we can restore our forests and build low-carbon footprint buildings in the future.“Using an eco-friendly and integrated approach, Vaagen Timbers ai...
2024-04-0138 min
Mass Timber Group Show: Sustainable Building ExpertsSaving Forests with Mass Timber | Russ Vaagen CEO of Vaagen Timbers | #3What if the key to revolutionizing the construction industry lies hidden within sustainable forest management practices? Join us for this insightful conversation with Russ Vaagen, a five-generation family member of the forest industry and 2020 AWB Entrepreneur of the Year, as we explore the incredible potential of Mass Timber and sustainable building methods.In this enlightening episode, we discuss the fascinating history of Russ's family in the wood products industry and how they have adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the timber industry. We also delve into the world of Mass Timber production world of Vaagen Timbers, forest...
2023-06-121h 15
Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)Congressional Climate Camp #4: Federal Policies for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Win-WinsCongressional Climate Camps
Find out more about the briefings in this series below:
Jan. 29
Budget, Appropriations, and Stimulus
Feb. 26
Federal Policies for High Emitting Sectors
Mar. 26
Lessons Learned from Past Congresses and Current Attitudes on Climate
Apr. 30
Federal Policy for Mitigation and Adaptation Win-Wins
May 21
Understanding Budget Reconciliation
Overview of the Climate Camp series
A live webcast will be streamed at 02:00 PM EDT at www.eesi.org/livecast
Ready to make a difference in climate policy? But not sure where to start? We have you covered. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to join us for our...
2021-04-302h 00
Electric Election Roadtrip PodcastElectric Election Roadtrip EP 07: Vaagen TimbersToday we are joined by Russ Vaagen, Founder & CEO of Vaagen Timbers to talk about how cross-laminated timber can help us create stronger, better buildings with sustainably harvested lumber.
This is episode 7 of 30 on our 45 day odyssey to bring you local stories about the many environmental solutions taking place across the country in the lead up to Election Day.
Watch here or subscribe via the podcast platform of your choice by searching Electric Election Roadtrip!
2020-09-3024 min
Talking TimberVaagen Timber talks about mass timber - part 2Part 2 - Russ Vaagen continues his talk about the evolution of Vaagen Timbers and the amazing story the industry and mass timber have to tell.
2020-06-1633 min
Talking TimberVaagen Timbers talks about mass timberPart 1 - Russ Vaagen talks about the evolution of Vaagen Timbers and the amazing story the industry and mass timber have to tell.
2020-06-0937 min