From the Field: Simon Larocque

Patience, Judgment, and Service in Canada

For Simon Larocque, NHLA’s National Inspector for the Canadian region, the day starts early.

A typical morning begins around 6:00 a.m. From there, the workday unfolds in hardwood mills across the region, where stacks of lumber move steadily through production, and each board must be evaluated carefully.

While the work may look straightforward from the outside, Simon says the job requires two things many people might not immediately expect: patience and judgment.

Inspecting hardwood lumber isn’t simply about spotting defects or measuring boards. It requires careful observation, experience, and the ability to make consistent decisions that uphold the industry’s grading standards. In fast-moving mill environments, that can be challenging.

“Patience,” Simon says, is one of the most important, and some-times most difficult parts of the job.

Taking the time to look closely at each piece of lumber and apply the rules fairly is essential to maintaining confidence in the grading system. That responsibility extends not only to mills and buyers but to the entire hardwood marketplace.

Simon remembers one moment in particular that captures the essence of the job. About five years ago, he trained a young inspector and helped him change the way he looked at a board.

By walking through the inspection process step by step, Simon helped him see beyond the surface and understand how grading decisions are made. For Simon, that moment reflected one of the most rewarding aspects of the work, passing knowledge along and strengthening the people who will carry standards forward.

Even on the toughest days, what keeps him motivated is simple.

“The satisfaction of giving a good service,” he says.

That sense of service is at the heart of the inspector’s role. NHLA inspectors are not there to favor buyers or sellers, but to ensure the rules are applied consistently and fairly.

“The nice thing about working for NHLA,” Simon explains, “is that we just have to be fair with everyone in the industry. We have no interest in favoring anyone.”

That neutrality is what protects quality, fairness, and trust throughout the hardwood market. Every inspection reinforces the standards that mills, buyers, and manufacturers rely on every day.

When asked what he hopes people better understand about the work of an NHLA inspector, Simon points to something simple but important: commitment.

“Our commitment and our loyalty to this industry, and especially to NHLA.”

It’s a responsibility that begins early each morning and continues board by board, inspection by inspection, ensuring that the hardwood industry continues to operate with the consistency and integrity it depends on.

Learn more about our National Inspectors by visiting us here!