“Work hard, work smart and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need to,” was Rob Anderson’s advice to his son Sam as he started his career with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) a few years ago.

Trees are something this father and son duo have in common!  Early in their careers, both were involved with JDI’s Tree Planting Program, working with tree care.

Rob was a forestry summer student back in the late 1980’s working in the Sussex, New Brunswick District. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton with a BScF (resource management). 

"Unfortunately, there weren't many forestry jobs open in New Brunswick at the time, which forced me and my family to move to British Columbia in 1991 where we stayed for 15 years", says Rob. "In 2006, I applied for a position with Irving Woodlands, got the job and the rest is history."

Rob is now the Woodlot Services Manager for the Woodlands Division and is thankful JDI brought him home. 

Sam worked with the Woodlands Division as a summer student for four summers, originally working in road construction before getting involved with the Tree Planting Program. Just like his dad, Sam graduated from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton receiving his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, as well as his diploma in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship. Sam was offered a full-time position as a Projects Group Manager with Irving Equipment in January 2020.

“My favorite part about JDI is the fast-paced environment and getting to do and learn new things every day! Although dad and I don’t work directly together, we are lucky to be able to have great conversations about the internal operations of JDI. We often bounce ideas off each other on how our two divisions can work together”, says Sam.

Being lovers of the outdoors, you can catch Rob and Sam together chopping and cutting firewood, hunting together every fall, hiking, building projects and spending time on their family woodlot.

Fun fact! Rob and Sam are alumni of the UNB Woodsmen team. Both went on to compete professionally in the Stihl Timber sports and Echo Lumberjack Series!

The Andersons are only two, among many generations of families who work within JDI. Continue to follow along for more JDI generations stories! 

#JDIGenerations #WoodsInYourLife