Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott has the opportunity to spend some time with Augusta, West Virginia’s Mark W. Smith Logging. Fourth generation logger Mark Smith, 50, owner of Mark W. Smith Logging, has been cutting hardwood in the hills of West Virginia for most of his adult life. He makes a comfortable living from it without a single employee. Instead, Smith partners with his son-in-law, Shawn Clower, 38. They are two independent contractors working together as a team. “He’s got his license and I have mine,” Smith says. He and Clower have had this arrangement for the last six years. Prior to that, Smith worked with his father, Wallace Smith, 75, now retired. “Workers’ comp in West Virginia is something like $46 on every $100; if I pay you $100, I have to send $46 to the state, and you just can’t afford it,” Smith explains.

Featured Story: “Strong Partnership”

Written By: David Abbott
Company: Mark W. Smith Logging
Location: Augusta, West Virginia
SLT Issue: November 2014

Check out other featured articles in the November 2014 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times magazine.
Southern Loggin’ Times magazine’s November 2014 issue features Zwolle, Louisiana’s R&R Fuel Suppliers, Inc., Zwolle, Louisiana’s TZ, Inc., Manor, Georgia’s B&M Wood Products, Inc., and Augusta, West Virginia’s Mark W. Smith Logging. Other articles highlight the latest industry news and new machines, equipment and technology.