Tim and his family at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park in Montana.
When it comes to supporting people, Tim Sagraves doesn’t just talk the talk. He shows up. As mill manager of our Sutton OSB plant in Heaters, West Virginia, Tim’s commitment to people-first leadership is having a major impact on retention, job satisfaction and team morale.
“Tim always comes top of mind when I think of caring leadership,” Jon Rashleigh, vice president of Panels, said when recognizing Tim with a 2024 Wood Products Award for Excellence in People last spring. “He’s always out there for his team, doing things to support them.”
That kind of steady, thoughtful support has transformed how the site functions — and how it feels.
Tim, his wife Cindy, and their sons Jared and Tyler in Victoria, British Columbia.
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
Tim’s leadership philosophy centers on trust, transparency and inclusion.
“I believe people do their best work when they feel seen, valued and involved in shaping the direction of our mill,” he says. “I want to give them a seat at the table when it comes to planning and decision-making. That not only builds ownership, but also job satisfaction.”
That team involvement is especially evident in scheduling and operational planning. Tim also encourages continuous improvement ideas from every level of the organization, and he takes the time to recognize great work, whether through public praise or a simple thank-you.
“If someone makes a difference, I want them to know I saw it, and that I support them in continuing that work,” he says. “I’ve been at Sutton for 29 years, and in that time, I’ve had many mentors put their trust in me and help me grow. I pay it forward however I can.”
Tim with Chris Corder, Sutton’s safety manager.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO RETENTION
Employee retention has been a major focus at the site, especially with high numbers of retirements in recent years. Tim and his leadership team take a proactive approach, identifying future gaps and hiring new team members early so they can train and grow into their roles.
He’s also improved the mill’s employee-driven work system, reinforcing a strong One Team culture where everyone works toward shared goals. He credits this environment, paired with active mentoring and coaching, for significantly improved turnover rates.
“It’s not just about filling roles,” Tim says. “It’s about building a culture where people want to stay, and where they feel proud to come to work every day.”
Tim and Cindy at Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta.
LEADERSHIP THAT INSPIRES
Sutton employees say Tim’s leadership style resonates with them because it’s genuine. He leads by example and brings a calm, consistent presence to the mill — one that helps others feel confident, even during challenges.
“When you know your manager has your back, it changes how you approach your day,” one team member says. “Tim doesn’t just lead the mill, he leads people.”
Tim also recognizes the importance of developing the next generation of leaders, investing time in coaching and mentoring so his team can build both technical skills and confidence.
“Every day is a chance to build something better,” Tim says. “For me, that starts with people.”
ADVICE FROM TIM
Tim keeps his leadership grounded in a few core principles:
- Be present. “You’ve got to get out there and be visible. Let your team know you care.”
- Say thank you. “Recognition matters, even if someone pretends it doesn’t.”
- Invest in people. “Don’t wait until there’s a gap — start building your bench early. We looked at upcoming retirements and said: Let’s get ahead of it. Let’s start building the next generation now.”
- Encourage ideas. “The people on the floor know what works. Listen to them.”
