From the Field: Marty Westeen

Seeing the Bigger Picture

When most people picture a hardwood inspector, they imagine someone walking through a sawmill with a clipboard, measuring boards and calling out grades. While that’s certainly part of the job, Marty Westeen says there’s much more happening behind the scenes.

A typical day starts early.

“I’m usually up well before the workday begins,” Marty says. “Most days are eight to ten hours, and you’re constantly moving between the mill floor, paperwork, and conversations with people.”

That balance of physical work and communication is one of the biggest misconceptions about the profession. Yes, inspectors spend plenty of time on their feet, but the mental side of the job is just as demanding.

“People think it’s all physical,” he explains. “In reality, it takes a lot of concentration. You’re constantly switching your thinking—from grading Hickory to Walnut, for example. Every species has its own characteristics and grading rules, so you have to stay mentally engaged all day.”

After spending the last two years with NHLA, Marty has witnessed meaningful improvements throughout the industry. As more mills embrace lumber inspection and grading standards, he’s seen firsthand how those efforts benefit entire operations.

“There have been a lot of improvements,” he says.

“Employees become more knowledgeable, they’re more invested in what they’re doing, and that creates better efficiency throughout the mill. When people understand the process, they take ownership of it.”

Those relationships often extend beyond inspection itself. While visiting mills, Marty has encouraged several members to participate in NHLA’s latest Benchmark Study, recognizing that the industry’s strongest insights come directly from the businesses willing to share their experiences. The conversations he has in the field not only help mills improve today, but also contribute to data that can help shape better business decisions across the hardwood industry tomorrow. For Marty, one of the most rewarding parts of his work is earning that trust.

“Building credibility is important,” he says. “Once people know you’re there to help, they’re much more open to learning and improving.”

That mindset is what keeps him motivated, even when challenges arise.

“I try to find something every day that helps someone else,” Marty says. “If I can do something that’s good for others, that’s what makes the work worthwhile.”

It’s a reminder that inspection isn’t simply about enforcing rules or assigning grades. At its best, it’s about sharing knowledge, building confidence, connecting members with valuable NHLA initiatives, and helping mills improve—one conversation, one board, and one day at a time.

INTERESTED IN THE BENCHMARK STUDY?

NHLA’s 2026 Benchmark Study is now underway. By participating, companies receive valuable industry insights while helping build one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the North American hardwood industry.

To learn more or enroll, contact Sailesh Adhikari at s.adhikari@nhla.com.