Bruce lead team Kevin Kirby, Barry Lenard, Robert Kimbrough and Benjy Herrin.
There’s something special about the culture at our lumber mill in Bruce, Mississippi — and it starts with the leadership team.
Led by unit manager Benjy Herrin, the team includes Robert Kimbrough, greenside superintendent; Barry Lenard, maintenance superintendent; and Kevin Kirby, dryside superintendent. Together, they’ve helped foster a people-first environment that consistently develops future leaders and empowers individuals at every level of the organization.
In 2024, Benjy was recognized with his third Wood Products Awards for Excellence in People.
“I’m flattered, but the real recognition is for our entire Bruce leadership team,” Benjy says. “We’ve built something strong here together, and we have a long history of growing people who go on to do great things across the company.”
The Bruce team gathered for a team photo celebrating the mill’s 50th anniversary in 2023. “Some operators are focused on meeting expectations, which is okay,” Robert says. “But others want to see how well their machine can run, and they bring ideas. Those are your future leaders.”
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
Benjy joined Weyerhaeuser in 1999 at Bruce, where he has spent most of his career other than a few years at our Greenville mill. He became mill manager in 2017, bringing with him a deep commitment to accountability, culture and people.
“We try to get better every single day,” Benjy says. “We make mistakes and learn from them. We’re open with each other, and we have a team of leaders who are willing to have tough conversations, give each other feedback and keep pushing.”
Robert, who joined Weyerhaeuser in 2014, felt that energy immediately.
“Benjy’s got this ability to bring people along with him,” Robert says. “You can feel his passion. He’s a great coach — someone who cares deeply, sets high expectations and leads by example.”
Barry brings decades of experience in maintenance and operations. He’s known for his quiet confidence, deep technical expertise and unwavering reliability.
“Barry’s the kind of guy you can always count on,” Benjy says. “He stays calm under pressure, and his team respects him because they know he’s been in their shoes.”
Kevin joined Bruce in 2022 and felt right at home, even earning a 2023 Wood Products Excellence in People award. Though new to the lumber industry, he was immediately struck by the team’s commitment to developing people.
“The people focus really stands out here,” he says. “We’re not just running a mill. We’re helping folks grow into their potential. That’s what makes it fun.”
“You feel it when you walk into Bruce,” says Robert, pictured here working with Sawyer Upchurch, a leadership development professional. “The culture here is something special. I left to work at another mill for a year but quickly decided to come back. I missed the people and the culture.”
COMPLEMENTARY PERSONALITIES TO SERVE ONE MISSION
Part of the team’s strength is how differently they approach problems — and how well those differences mesh.
“This team doesn’t just lead with skill, they lead with heart,” Kevin says. “That’s what makes Bruce different.”
What might seem like conflicting styles — sometimes more direct and technical, other times more personal and people-focused — is actually their strength.
“We’ll fight like brothers and sisters and kick ideas around,” Robert says. “And at the end of the day we’ve always got each other’s backs.”
That closeness isn’t just professional. When one of them recently lost a family member, seven employees drove nine hours to attend the funeral.
“That tells you everything,” Kevin says.
Barry Lenard and his maintenance leadership team. Left to right: Chris Pettit, Brandon Columns, Dustin Swords, Catlin Doler, Teresa Reedy, Barry Lenard, Mike Hunt, Jason White, Richie Logan, Matt Swords, Meredith Arnold, Eric Stewart.
COACHING AND CULTIVATING TALENT
That commitment to one another extends to all employees at the mill as well. Benjy points to examples such as Jacob James, a second-shift production supervisor who has grown into a key leader on the dry side.
“Jacob is sharp, and he’s really taken off,” Benjy says. “Seeing folks like him step up is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
A willingness to listen and adapt is a key part of that emphasis on growth. Robert says the team is constantly looking for ways to improve communication and support frontline leaders.
“Whether it’s daily huddles, one-on-ones or just checking in during a shift, we make sure people feel heard,” Robert says.
The Bruce lead team participates in offsite reliability training. Pictured are Ken Edgeworth, Jacob James, Kevin Kirby, Chris Holley and Barry Lenard.
SAFETY AT THE CENTER
This commitment shows up in hiring, coaching and daily routines. Retired operators often return to help train new employees, especially in technical roles where proper training ensures both safety and success.
Leaders reinforce accountability at every level: management owns contractor and team safety, and every individual is responsible for their own decisions.
“If you can’t achieve good safety results, you can’t be a leader,” Kevin says. “Safety first, volume second.”
In fact, on Nov. 1, Bruce hit the extraordinary milestone of 20 years without a lost time accident — representing millions of hours of working safely.
“This milestone speaks volumes about the culture of safety the team has built and maintained over the years,” said Ryan Beaver, vice president of softwood lumber, in an email to the team recognizing their accomplishment. “It’s a testament to the teamwork, vigilance and pride that define the Bruce team.”
Benjy credits the entire team, including administrative leaders, hourly supervisors and operators, for creating an environment where people can thrive.
“We’re not perfect, but we’re all in,” Benjy says, “We want to see each other succeed. We care about our people, and that shows up in how we work, how we lead and how we treat each other.”
