Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Brassard.
Joshua, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was a little boy, I loved spending time with my grandfather and helping him with his small gentleman’s farm in Westborough, MA. When I was about 10 years old (1986), I wanted a four wheeler and my parents would not buy me one. My grandfather allowed me to cut and split wood on his property and sell it to neighbors so I could start making some money. I would cut/split the wood with a handsaw and ax and my grandfather would help me deliver it in his pickup truck. I saved up enough money and bought a four wheeler. I enjoyed splitting wood so much I continued. My next purchase was a dump truck which would help make delivering the firewood easier for my grandfather and I. I was 14 years old when I purchased my first dump truck. For my birthday and Christmas I would get chainsaws, oils, and other tools to help me with my firewood business. When my grandfather’s log supply was almost gone, I started cutting trees for family and friends to get the logs to split into firewood. At 17 years old, I purchased my first Kubota Tractor to help with the tree cutting and firewood. My business kept growing. When my grandfather passed in 2004, I purchased his house in Westboro so that I could continue to run my business from the property. In 2008, I realized that I needed more space so I purchased a land clearing and sawmill business that was going out of business in Hopkinton, MA. I continue to cut trees and sell firewood and now I also saw lumber.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a very rough/bumpy road. Due to my young age when I started cutting trees and selling firewood, I had a hard time with customers trusting me. I had a hard time finding work, sometimes I would help out other tree companies or do work for free just to get the wood. I was also taken advantage of many times due to my age.
I did not fall into an already established business from a family member, I started from the ground up, I had to build my business on my own. Every dollar I made, I put right back into the business.
The cost of equipment is very expensive. I had a hard time finding banks that would loan me money due to my age, but finally I found someone who gave me a chance and saw my potential. She helped me out getting the loans I needed to expand my business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about J B Sawmill and Landclearing, Inc. – what should we know?
I do land clearing (cut trees), sell firewood and woodchips and saw and sell pine and oak lumber.
I am most proud of where I am today. It was not an easy road, but I did not give up. I have found good help/employees that are there for me and want to see my business strive.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hard work. Strong back. Driven.
Contact Info:
- Address: J B Sawmill and Landclearing, Inc.
36 Fruit Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748 - Website: jbsawmill.com
- Phone: 508-435-6877
- Email: info@jbsawmill.com
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