Heartwood Brands: Creative Solutions Rooted in the Hardwood Industry

When Ben Peach made the decision to focus his creative agency exclusively on the hardwood lumber industry, it wasn’t just about identifying a niche, it was about coming home. “This industry is full of great people,” Ben says, “and that’s what drew me in. Sure, I saw the need for creative services tailored to this space, but I made the shift because I genuinely enjoy working with the people who make this industry so special.”

Today, Ben is the Founder and Creative Director of Heartwood Brands, a creative agency that provides branding, website design and development, and video production services tailored specifically to the forest products industry, with a deep specialization in the hardwood market. What sets Heartwood Brands apart isn’t just what they do, but how well they understand their clients’ businesses.

Ben’s connection to the industry runs deep. His journey began in 2009 as a college intern for hardwood inventory management software provider eLIMBS, which DMSi has since acquired. After graduating and a stint working in Washington, D.C., he returned to eLIMBS in 2014 and spent the next five years working as a developer and systems implementer. In that role, he gained first-hand experience in dozens of log yards, sawmills, concentration yards, and distribution operations across North America.

This time on the ground gave Ben a rare combination of technical skill and practical industry insight. “Most creative agencies have to learn the basics of what their clients do with each new project,” he explains. “But at Heartwood Brands, we already speak our clients’ language. We know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods, realize the intricacies of production processes from standing timber to finished wood products, and most importantly, we understand the industry’s pain points.”

Ben left eLIMBS in 2019 to launch a full-service creative agency called Amador Creative, which served various clients across industries ranging from defense contractors and minor league sports teams to insurance agencies and tech startups. While the work was diverse and fulfilling, Ben always knew the agency’s long-term success would depend on finding a clear focus. With deep roots and strong relationships in the hardwood industry, the choice was obvious.

In 2023, Amador Creative officially rebranded as Heartwood Brands, solidifying their commitment to serving the forest products industry. Since then, the agency has grown quickly, working with a wide range of NHLA member companies, helping them tell their stories, elevate their brands, and stand out in the marketplace.

Heartwood Brands is a valuable partner because of their rare blend of industry expertise and creative execution. Heartwood Brands doesn’t require lengthy onboarding or explanations, unlike generalist agencies or freelance consultants. They already understand the production process, vendor safety protocols, and nuances of the trade. Whether filming on-site at a sawmill, building a new website, or designing a print ad for a trade magazine, they bring a level of industry fluency that means clients never have to start from square one, or spend time explaining what should already be understood.

That hands-on experience makes a big difference, as noted by Laura Hindes, Director of Marketing Solutions for NHLA member, DMSi:

“We were fortunate to partner with Heartwood Brands on a video project showcasing a customer success story. Their team’s deep industry knowledge proved invaluable— they knew which shots to get, the style of what we wanted, and were comfortable working in an environment with heavy machinery running, and you need to know what you’re doing. They took the lead with minimal oversight while still being open to our direction where we wanted to lead. The result was a high-quality video that not only met our expectations but authentically resonated with our brand and audience.”

Whether developing a compelling brand identity, creating a responsive website that drives leads, or producing a cinematic video that tells a company’s story, Heartwood Brands is committed to elevating how the hardwood industry presents itself to the world. Their work helps mills better serve existing customers, attract new ones, recruit talent, and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

As active NHLA members, the Heartwood Brands team regularly attends industry events and works closely with member companies. “NHLA has been instrumental in helping us connect with the right people and stay engaged with the issues that matter to our clients,” says Ben. “We see our membership as more than just a badge. It’s a community we’re committed to and proud to be a part of.”

Looking ahead, Heartwood Brands is excited to continue partnering with mills, manufacturers, distributors, and industry organizations to help them tell better stories and build stronger brands. “At the end of the day,” Ben says, “our job is to make our clients look good. And when we get to do that for good people doing honest, hard work, that’s a win.”

For more information about Heartwood Brands, visit www.HeartwoodBrands.com.