Features
Spotlight on excellence: Igor Lafaeff

In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Igor Lafaeff of Winnipeg’s Burrows Lumber.

When Igor immigrated to Canada eight years ago from Brazil, he had no knowledge of the wood industry and could only speak basic English.

“But he came with ambition and a great work ethic, as well as some business skills and an entrepreneurial bent,” says business partner Chris Dirks.

Dirks describes Igor’s journey as a good example of the immigrant success story. Indeed, the 37-year-old’s climb to success is very inspiring, first joining Burrows Lumber as a sales assistant and in no time becoming a proficient lumber trader. In 2022, he became an equal partner in the business.

From a new immigrant who barely spoke English, the co-owner of Burrows Lumber now combines lumber trading with running the company’s day-to-day operations.

In 2023 Igor and his wife became Canadian citizens.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Robert Moen.