Given all that is happening with the current pandemic, this is a very topical interview and one which might be of particular interest to business owners trying to navigate their way through a catastrophic economic event. In 2008, Bison alumni Tom McIlvain was the head of a large company with an industry heritage dating back to the time of The Revolutionary War, which supplied high-end hardwoods to many industries including the building industry, furniture industry and even the wood used in Gibson guitars. When the economy exploded in 2008 almost overnight, Tom was forced to make important leadership decisions in order to save the company including changing the company's business model, cutting staff by over 75% and not taking a salary. In addition to this important business lesson, Tom shares some interesting facts about the hardwood industry including it's sustainability, the types of woods you might want to look at if you are buying or renovating a house and even his secrets to happiness. You won't want to miss this incredibly relevant interview during these current turbulent economic times. Enjoy .. and stay safe, Bison!

Edited by: Nick Anderson

Song by: Joseph McDade

Tom's recommended reading from the episode: 'Confronting Reality: Doing What Matters to Get Things Right' by Larry Bossidy, ISBN 978-1400050840

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