Meet one of our employees, Jon Hester! Jon has been a craftsman at Excelsior Wood Products for about two and a half years. One of Jon’s roles at Excelsior is to make briquettes, which are primarily used during the winter for fireplaces. Outside of his work at Excelsior, Jon is a musician and Zumba instructor. Keep reading to learn more about Jon!

What is your favorite thing about working at Excelsior?

Just coming to work with everyone. Out of all the jobs that I have had, Excelsior has the least toxic work environment. Everyone is always persistent about helping and supporting each other. 

Are there any specific projects that have stuck with you? 

Putting together side paneling. This was a very involved process that required most of Excelsior’s workers, but I found that it was a great way to get to know each other more personally.

What is something that your colleagues might not know about you?

Outside of working for Excelsior Wood Products, I work as a Zumba instructor. I am always practicing and taking up any opportunity to dance!

What are some of your other hobbies?

Some other hobbies that I enjoy are making music, specifically playing the guitar and singing. I also love to cook, but I especially like to bake. I started doing a plant-based lifestyle a little over 5 years ago. Lately, I’ve been getting into gluten-free baking. My goal is to squash the stereotype that gluten-free is just cardboard, so I strive to make really tasty plant-based and gluten-free dishes!

What is a motto that you live by?

Whenever I teach a fitness class I always have my students recite this: “I am strong, I am courageous, I am notorious, and I am loved.” This a beautiful message to not only love yourself but love life in general.  

Are you looking for an exciting place to work? Are you as passionate about wood as we are? Then you’ve found the right place! We’re currently looking for shop workers, delivery drivers, a receptionist, and more. Apply today!