A business philosophy based in SERVICE
“My dad started Wyco Wood Co. years ago. I started sawing with him in about 1990 and we’ve been sawing together ever since. Back then, a friend cleared trees for a utility company and supplied me with really beautiful logs. Dad and I started out with chainsaw mills but they’re hard work. We needed a solution for faster and better sawing.
I wanted a bandsaw mill and found a used TimberKing 1600. I liked it so much I wanted a bigger one with hydraulics and a diesel engine so I got a brand new TimberKing 1620. The hydraulics are great but the diesel engine was the best upgrade. Diesel’s quieter, more robust, and has longer life than gas engines.
TimberKing earns 10 Stars
TimberKing mills are the hardest-working and simplest mills I’ve found. They’re rugged, durable, straightforward, and priced fairly. Their 4-post head, fully welded steel frame, and hydraulics are great. And I can service it myself. On a 5-star scale, I give TimberKing 10 stars.
I’ve had very few mechanical problems. Because I live nearby, when I need parts, I can drive over and get them the same day. When I have questions, I just call Matt or Jason. Unbelievable service.
Started as hobby sawing but then…
My dad and I starting sawing and selling slabs and I never thought our ‘hobby sawing’ would grow into a real business. But it’s been like the movie, ‘Field of Dreams’ — if you build it, they will come.
We have a website but beyond that, we haven’t really done any marketing. Things have grown organically. Treating people with respect and working hard for a fair price has been the biggest catalyst to success in this business. We reinvest everything we make back into our business and it keeps growing!
Making money…but that’s not the point
I love being busy and I have a lot going on besides sawing. (Editor’s note: see “About Nathan,” below) Dad and I saw together maybe two days a week. But even so, this has evolved and transformed into a very healthy and unique business. Making money has never been the driver for us. Sure, it’s great to earn a few dollars but that’s not the point.
Business philosophy of service to others
I look at our work as service to others. For example, we’ve sawn trees planted by customers’ ancestors into lumber that has deep sentimental value. We’ve helped local parks, golf courses, and homeowners beautify their properties by removing unwanted trees and sawing them into lumber.
We ‘up-cycle’ – we keep wood out of landfills and turn it into valuable lumber and wood products including shelving for local schools and government offices. And we saw-out industrial shipping materials like dunning, blocking, and wedges for local manufacturers.
Rich personal rewards, too
But, of course, I get personal rewards out of all this work, too. I enjoy helping others. I really enjoy what I do. I get to spend time with my dad. I stay busy and productive. I work outside, I work hard, and I sleep well! Too, I’m very focused and ‘in the moment’ while sawing. Sawing helps me clear my head from day-to-day problems.
How to succeed in a TimberKing sawing business
Must love sawing
Part-time sawing is fun and very rewarding. Supporting yourself full-time with sawing takes hard work and a 
lot of faith. You have to identify whether people need and want what you’ll saw. You have to be flexible and have a place to stack logs. Being mobile – towing your mill to the job – brings work your way. Treat people right and they’ll refer others. But above all, you have to love sawing!”
— Nathan Nowak, Wyco Wood Co., TimberKing 1620 Owner, Kansas City
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About Nathan
Nathan Nowak is a full time, second-generation firefighter with a Captain’s rank. While in college, he was in the US Air Force Reserves. Enlisting later, he moved up to Sergeant. He served as an officer in the US Coast Guard and currently does military training as a Lieutenant. Meanwhile, he’s pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Service Administration. He’s raising two kids. And he has a TimberKing sawmill business!