We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ – Winston Churchill

About Me Andrew GotoMy passion of for the love of wood began over 30 years ago driven by my father, a known forester in the so-called Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) who worked in both softwood (coniferous) and hardwood (deciduous) forests. It was in the days of no mobile phones or snap chat, for me boarding school holiday meant climbing & falling off trees that created all the fun and gave me the adrenaline and love for wood.

I underwent studies in Wood and Forest Products Technology. I had the opportunity to relocate to the UK to further my Postgraduate Qualifications in Wood Science and Forest Products in Wales, during this time I was nominated for a Career Development Award for the Timber Trade.

I have worked up the career ladder from Apprentice to a Senior Manager in Hardwood and Softwood Organisations. This included for some of the UK’s largest distributors and manufacturers importing and distributing throughout the UK and beyond. My most recent employment was to oversee timber cladding working jointly with the Specifiers, Architects, Construction Companies (Quantity Surveyors and Estimators and Buyers), Timber Merchants and Joinery firms all promoting sustainable and legal timber. I have had many helpers, mentors, throughout my career and it is time to give back by sharing and offering timber knowledge likewise.

I value the importance of the dynamic Timber Trade Organisations and Professional Associations. I am a member of TRADA – (Timber Research and Development Association), the Confederation of Forest Industries CONFOR. The Wood Technology Society- (Institute of Materials, Minerals and mining- IOM3 the division previously known as the Institute of Wood Science – IWSc)

I sit on the Technical Committee of the BSI British Standards Institute (Technical committee B/543) which is responsible for the review and development of Timber related British Standards, i.e. Roundwood to end finished products, e.g. cladding, flooring, joists/beams machined sections on aspects related to functionality, quality durability etc.

Timber is a hobby I thrive by helping and supporting people in various situations using wood offering free consultations or guidance and sharing experiences in simple language. This has earned me the nickname timberbossman which I have adopted for my website, Linkedin and Twitter profiles. If you need a general chat, feel free to contact me or follow my blogs and tips;

I hope you find my website useful and thanks for sharing www.andrewgoto.com.

 

All views are in my own capacity and non-commercial. We welcome any contributions and suggestions please email info@andrewgoto.com.