Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott visits with Michael Redfern & Sons Logging, located in Cedar Hill, Tennessee. Tradition is the hallmark for the Michael Redfern and Sons family operation. Owner Michael Redfern, 56, has been running the company since his dad died 30 years ago. “I worked with him every day as soon as I was old enough to walk around behind him,” he recalls. He was following in his dad’s footsteps in more ways than one, as his father had done the same with his grandfather. Now the fourth generation is keeping up the same family tradition. Both of Michael’s sons, Justin, 30, and Jonathan, 29 (they call him Jono, pronounced John-O), have been in the woods with him since they finished high school. “They wanted to help me and they just kept helping me,” Michael says. “We do things the old fashioned way because that’s the only way we know how to do it,” he adds. Working in upland hardwood that is not easily accessed, the Redferns shun newer equipment for both practical and financial reasons.

Featured Story: “Family Tradition”

Written By: David Abbott
Company: Michael Redfern & Sons Logging
Location: Cedar Hill, Tennessee
SLT Issue: March 2014

Check out other featured articles in the March 2014 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times magazine.
Southern Loggin’ Times March issue mentions second generation loggers Chris and Reggie Goodman, who always look on the bright side. Dennis Wall likes to do things his way, the old-fashioned way, with a few new twists. The Redfern family is happy to keep things going the way they’ve always been. Also, a group of four in south Georgia hopes to bring back the turpentine business.