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Tom Thompson Gains TPI Certification
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by Chris Taberna  |
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Chris Taberna is an advertising specialist who, with his wife Jannelle, runs TNT Productions, a small marketing and promotional business in Stevensville, Montana. Chris has a keen eye for video and photography, and has produced a wide variety of video brochures and television commercials. TNT Productions publishes a monthly building newsletter for the Missoula and Bitterroot Valley markets.
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Employee involvement in the company is an important factor driving quality and customer satisfaction. One recent example of this vital connection came in the form of newly certified TPI (Timber Products Inspection) lumber grader, M.L. (Tom) Thompson. Tom, a Glu-Lam-Log employee for nearly 2 years, felt a need for more certified lumber graders at the production plant. Until now, Bob Smith, co-owner in charge of production, and Brett Olsen, laminating supervisor, were the only TPI certified lumber graders at the plant.
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“The more people we have in the company that are certified graders, the more flexible we can be with our work force,” interjects Bob. “If someone is sick or goes on vacation we still have a qualified person here to grade and stamp our products for quality assurance.” Going that extra mile has been at the core of Glu-Lam-Log’s philosophy since Bob and Phil teamed up over 10 years ago. Now, this ideal is catching on through self-motivated employees like Tom, who are willing take pride in their work and to step up to the plate to prove it.
The TPI Quality Assurance Program was implemented at Glu-Lam-Log, Inc. in April of 1995. TPI, Timber Products Inspection, Inc., is an independent lumber grading and testing agency primarily for the Northwest United States. As third party testers for mills, log home producers, truss plants and various other wood product manufacturers, TPI’s certification meets the requirements for all major building codes in the United States.
“The reason for the certification process is to assure our customers that they are getting a quality product that meets or exceeds building industry standards,” says Bob. “We go through a lot of extra effort that isn’t required by the industry we serve. The tests that are conducted on our laminated logs are the same as those used for structural laminated beams. Our product far exceeds the requirements for house logs.”
“Having Tom certified is a great asset to the company,” concludes Bob. “For Tom it was another feather in his cap. Something to add to his resume. It makes him more valuable to the company, and he’ll be rewarded for his initiative. The fact is, he’s now a more valuable employee.”
Tom has lived on and off in the Bitterroot Valley since 1979. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1992 and is currently living in Hamilton, Montana with his two children.
Congratulations Tom!