Features
Spotlight on excellence: Robert Moen

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 Robert Moen, general manager of Moen Lumber Sales in Edmonton, Alta.

Robert started his journey into the forest industry at a very young age. He started going with his grandfather to the family-owned lumber and remanufacturing yard every weekend to help with routine maintenance .

At the age of 14, he attended the Alberta Forest Products Association’s lumber grading program. Upon turning 16 and as soon as he got his driver’s license, Robert worked at the family’s mill after school and on weekends, doing everything from feeding the saws, piling lumber, machine maintenance and general repairs to equipment. After high school, Robert got his millwright certification and started working full time at Moen Lumber doing machine maintenance and repairs. As his grandfather transitioned out of the business, Robert took over managing the company.

The 39-year-old says although there has been some changes and challenges in the industry throughout the years – from remanufacturing, building pallets to reloading – he plans on keeping the business going for many many years.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Benjamin Patton.