Robert Ricker, 35, owner of RLR Timber, Inc., might not be quite what one would expect. One of a scarce breed of young loggers in today’s industry, Ricker, with his dog Roscoe always at his side, runs a crew of five, and describes most of his machines as antiques. His total equipment investment is around $75 thousand. “I wish I had a dime for every hour on my dozer,” he notes with a laugh.

Featured Story: “Old School, New Blood”

Written By: Jessica Johnson
Company: RLR Timber, Inc.
Location: Strong, Arkansas
SLT Issue: December 2012

Check out other featured articles in the December 2012 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times magazine.
Southern Loggin’ Times December issue spotlights West Virginia logger Hardy Rumberg, who is one of a handful of fully mechanized logging contractors in the state. Because of the rarity and small company size, he gets no break on workers’ comp rates, but he has saved on other insurance rates. Also, young logger Robert Ricker builds his operation the old fashioned way. Flint Equipment Co. never loses sight of what is important, and McShan Lumber has not missed a beat with its recent equipment upgrades and its solid export market.