Our Story
Before Bennett Hardwoods
Before founding Bennett Hardwoods, Tyler Bennett Sr. spent his life in the lumber industry. He founded Bennett Daniels Lumber Company with Bob Daniels in 1961, a well-known name in American hardwoods. After selling the company to Weyerhaeuser in 1986, Tyler soon realized that corporate life didn’t fit his hands-on approach or family values.
He wanted to build something that reflected his own philosophy:
”Work hard, do it right, and take care of your people”
Building the Foundation
Tyler broke ground on a new facility in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, with a vision of creating opportunity for his children and the local community.
By 1989, production was underway with five kilns, a trimmer, a stacker, and a planer—the core of what would become Bennett Hardwoods.
Growth and Expansion
The 1990s were a decade of steady growth and reinvestment.
New warehouses, air-drying sheds, additions to the trimmer
building, and six more kilns were added as demand grew.
In 1998, Bennett installed a wood waste boiler - a major step
toward energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
Sustained Excellence
For decades, Sean and Katrine Bennett helped lead the business alongside their father.
Bennett Hardwoods remained true to its roots—a local, family-driven company built on relationships, trust, and craftsmanship.
Family at the Core
For decades, Sean and Katrine Bennett helped lead the business alongside their father.
Bennett Hardwoods remained true to its roots—a local, family-driven company built on relationships, trust, and craftsmanship.
Continuing the Legacy
In the 2020s, the Bennett family passed the torch to Ryan, Adrian, and Jon of Vast Ventures - a team that shared their values and vision. The transition brought new investment, technology, and energy, ensuring the Bennett name continues to grow.
Through partnership with Root River Hardwoods, the business gained direct access to sustainable forest resources and expanded capabilities across logging, sawmilling, and kiln-dried processing—bringing the Bennett tradition full circle.
Today and Beyond
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Bennett Hardwoods continues to operate with the same
pride and principles that built it:
- Stewardship of our forests and community
- Stewardship of our forests and community.
- Family values that guide how we treat people - employees,
vendors, and customers alike.
The legacy continues - stronger than ever, and ready for the next
generation.