October 1, 2023

Canadian Forest Industries -Top 20 Under 40 Honoree – 2023

Meet the innovators, disruptors, and defers shaping the Canadian wood industry.

Richmond Plywood CFO, Bhavjit Thandi, recognized as Top 20 Under 40 in Canada for 2023. The Canadian Forest Industries Top 20 Under 40 recognizes the achievements of the newest generation of forest industry workers in Canada. Strong work ethics, leadership by example, and efforts to grow the quality of our industry are all acknowledged.

Life begins at 40, or so they say. But who has the time to wait around for that magic number when there’s a whole world of young talent out there just itching to make their mark? In this issue, we’re celebrating the go-getters, the early bloomers, the ones who started sowing the seeds of their success long before the big 4-0 came knocking.

Let’s face it, the past few years haven’t exactly been a walk in the park. A global pandemic that just won’t quit, economic rollercoasters, and more curveballs than a baseball game on steroids. And if that’s not bad enough, Kimberly-Clark announced it is pulling out its Kleenex facial tissue brand from the Canadian market –what a blow! Yet, despite all these challenges, the forest sector has seen a new generation of leaders rising through the ranks. They’ve weathered the storm, navigated the choppy waters, and come out on top. Bravo!

These young professionals are the trailblazers of our industry. They’re not just waiting for opportunities; they’re creating them. They’re not following the crowd; they’re shaping the crowd. It’s like watching a forest grow, one sapling at a time. And let me tell you, it’s awe-inspiring.

Now, you might think that picking the cream of the crop from this talented bunch was a piece of cake. Well, think again. This year, we were inundated with submissions from every corner of the country – a record amount of nominations almost double that of last year’s. It was a good kind of headache to have, but a headache nonetheless. So, what did we do? We decided to double the fun and go from our usual Top 10 to make it Top 20 Under 40 this year. And you know what? I have a dream. A dream of one day calling it the Top 40 Under 40. Can you help me make that dream come true? Nominate your young achievers, and if they don’t make the cut this year, nominate them again next year. Persistence pays off, folks!

But here’s the secret sauce: when you nominate someone, don’t just toss in a few buzzwords and call it a day. No, no, no. Tell us their story in all its vibrant, technicolour glory. We want to feel like we’re right there with them, cheering them on as they conquer the world. So spill the beans, share the anecdotes, and paint us a picture that’s so vivid we can practically smell the pine trees.

Now, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. It’s time to meet the stars of this year’s Top 20 Under 40. These folks are the innovators, the disruptors, the defiers of convention. They’re the ones who’ve turned challenges into opportunities, who’ve taken risks and come out on top. In short, they’re the ones who make you want to stand up and applaud.

But most of all, this issue will make you realize that the future of our industry is in very capable hands.

As we celebrate the 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 awards, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism. The forest sector has faced its fair share of challenges, but as long as we have these young leaders blazing a trail, the future looks bright. So, here’s to the next generation of movers and shakers in our industry. May they continue to grow, thrive, and inspire us all. Cheers to the Top 20 Under 40!